Attractions and Places To See around Middle Aston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Middle Aston offer a blend of rural tranquility and historical interest in Oxfordshire. This small hamlet is surrounded by countryside, providing access to natural features like the Oxford Canal and various wildlife trust reserves. The area also features historical sites, including medieval churches and grand country houses, making it suitable for those interested in both outdoor exploration and cultural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Middle Aston
- The most popular attractions is Holy Cross Church, Shipton-on-Cherwell, a religious building with medieval architecture. It features a 14th-century porch and an arch-braced roof.
- Another must-see spot is Oxford Canal Towpath Between Tackley and Lower Heyford, a trail offering tranquility and birdwatching opportunities. This section of the towpath is known for its peaceful environment and scenic views.
- Visitors also love Tusmore House, a man-made monument recognized for its classical architecture. This grand 18th-century scale house features a solid stone portico and scagliola columns.
- Middle Aston is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural landscapes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic canal paths.
- The attractions around Middle Aston are appreciated by the komoot community, with 19 upvotes and 2 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Church of St Giles, Hampton Gay
Highlight • Religious Site
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Holy Cross Church, Shipton-on-Cherwell
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Diamond Jubilee Obelisk, Tusmore Park
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tusmore House
Highlight • Monument
The house is on the scale of the great houses of the 18th century. Its portico of solid stone rivals that of the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
The quality of the scagliola columns in the central rotunda has been compared with the finest craftsmanship of the imperial palaces of St Petersburg.
The owner and architects refused to be drawn on costs but the house has been valued at £35 million.
telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1475634/The-English-country-house-rises-once-more.html
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Oxford Canal Towpath Between Tackley and Lower Heyford
Highlight • Bridge
Aside from the occasional train rattling along the nearby tracks and the chugging of passing canal barges, this section is characterised by peace, serenity and birdsong. The canal and River Cherwell both provide a habitat for a number of bird species.
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Tips from the Community
This church, which is dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin "Santa Croce"), takes its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross goes back in large part to Saint Helena, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who recognized Christianity as a religion after his victory at the "Milvian Bridge" in front of Rome and ended the long period of persecution with the "Edict of Toleration" of Milan in 312). In the early fourth century, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel / Palestine) and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The church celebrates the feast of the discovery, public presentation and veneration of the Holy Cross - called the "Exaltation of the Cross" - on September 14th.
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A beautiful park with an obelisk as the centrefold, built in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
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Church. Medieval; rebuilt and west tower added in 1831 by William Turner; minor restoration by J. Buckeridge, 1869. Squared and coursed limestone with ashlar dressings; stone-coped gabled stone slate roof. Nave, chancel and west tower. Gothic Revival style. One-bay chancel has offset corner buttresses, 3-light Decorated-style east window and 2-light side windows. Two-bay south side of nave has hood mould over chamfered pointed-arched blocked doorway, and label moulds over 2-light ogee-headed cinquefoiled windows; to north side are similar windows flanking early C14 reset Decorated porch, which has hood mould with rosettes and unusually primitive head corbels over hollow-chamfered pointed-arched doorway with rosettes; Cl9 pointed-arched inner doorway. Three-stage west tower has hood moulds over cinquefoiled windows and battlemented parapet with corner gargoyles. Interior: arch-braced roof throughout, with moulded beams, wind braces and king posts, set on plain corbels adorned with arms of past vicars and lords of the manor. Chancel has mid C19 Minton tile floor, and early C14 reset cinquefoiled tomb recess. Double-chamfered chancel arch has traceried Decorated-style panels flanking brattished Perpendicular-style traceried wood screen made in 1896. Nave has wood traceried pulpit set on stone base, C18 parish chest, C11 tub font reset on late C19 piers and C19 west door. Late C19 stained glass throughout. Memorials: in chancel are wall tablets to John Rathbone, d.1613, set in coloured moulded architrave, Stephen Pomfrett, d.1713, with carved stall and hourglass set above roundel , and Gothic-style memorial to William Turner. Also in chancel is medieval child's coffin. Ledger stone in nave to Edward Egleton, d,1722. Pictures of church before restoration show that chancel had north chapel (whence tomb recess was moved) and that present C14 porch lay to south. William Turner was an Oxford watercolourist and his uncle William Turner of The Manor (q.v.) provided the money for restoration. (Buildings of England: Oxfordshire: pp757-8; Information from VCH National Monuments Record; Bodleian Library, Topographical Drawings)
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Church. Medieval; rebuilt 1767-72 for Reverend Thomas Hinds; restored 1860 by Reverend F.C. Hingeston. Squared and coursed limestone with ashlar quoins; coursed limestone rubble with north wall and west tower. Gabled stone slate roof. Nave, chancel and west tower. East window of graduated C13-style lancets. Two-bay side walls have classical moulded cornice and pointed lancets; hood mould over mid C19 pointed arched chamfered doorway with plank door. Medieval 2-storey west tower; mid C19 Norman-style west doorway with nailhead decoration; C18 semi-circular arched belfry windows with key and impost blocks; crenellated parapet; pyramidal-roof has large ball finial and wrought-iron weathervane. Interior: mid C18 panelled pulpit; mid C19 pews; mid C18 gallery with panelled font set on slender octagonal shaft. Mid C18 plaster ceiling, with moulded cornice and square panels and central roundel. Monuments: south wall has white marble architectural monument with shield set in broken pediment and fluted Ionic pilasters to Thomas Hindes, d.1718, and wife Elizabeth, d.1761; two C20 wall tablets set in architectural frame. North side: architectural wall monument to Reverend Thomas Hindes, d.1768, with shield set in broken pediment and fluted pilasters; large fine architectural coloured monument to Vincent Barry, d.1615, his wife and daughter Lady Katherine, d.1663. 3 shields surmount inscription flanked by putti; Corinthian columns flank figures kneeling at prayer desks, with children below, set in segmental-arched recess with rosettes. Church stands in isolated position in fields, with deserted medieval village to south. (Buildings of England: Oxfordshire: p630; VCH: Oxfordshire: Vol VI, pp158-9; National Monuments Record)
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After Tackley and Kirtlington, there is a 3-mile (4.8 km) stretch of the Oxford Canal with no settlements until you reach the Heyfords. The walk along the towpath here is much loved by the folk of Oxford, who use train the stations at Tackley and Lower Heyford and walk between the two. Aside from the occasional train rattling along the nearby tracks and the chugging of passing canal barges, this section is characterised by peace, serenity and birdsong. The canal and River Cherwell both provide a habitat for a number of bird species.
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Sturdy footwear needed, but accessible in all weathers.
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Tusmore House in Oxfordshire, built for Wafic Said, the Syrian-born millionaire, has been declared the best new building in the classical tradition at the annual Georgian Group awards. The house is on the scale of the great houses of the 18th century. Its portico of solid stone rivals that of the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The quality of the scagliola columns in the central rotunda has been compared with the finest craftsmanship of the imperial palaces of St Petersburg. The owner and architects refused to be drawn on costs but the house has been valued at £35 million. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1475634/The-English-country-house-rises-once-more.html
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IT IS the kind of gesture to make even a monarch blush. One of Britain’s richest and most controversial businessmen has built a lavish monument to the Queen in his back garden. Wafic Said, the Syrian-born billionaire, has erected a 92ft stone obelisk in the grounds of his 3,000-acre Oxfordshire country estate, Tusmore Park, and dedicated it to the Queen’s diamond jubilee. The monument, which took two years to complete and weighs 300 tons, is the biggest obelisk to be built in Britain since the 18th century. It is topped with a 5ft metal cap covered in gold that catches the sun’s rays and the “clouds scudding by”, according to its architect Andrew Lockwood, a partner at Whitfield Lockwood Architects, Co Durham. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tycoons-300-ton-homage-to-queen-8kkpklnvnvz
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Middle Aston?
Middle Aston and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the medieval Holy Cross Church, Shipton-on-Cherwell, known for its 14th-century porch and arch-braced roof. Another significant religious building is the Church of St Giles, Hampton Gay, which features medieval origins and later restorations. For grander architecture, explore Tusmore House, an 18th-century scale house recognized for its classical design, and the nearby Diamond Jubilee Obelisk, Tusmore Park.
Are there opportunities for nature walks and outdoor activities near Middle Aston?
Absolutely. The area offers tranquil natural settings, particularly along the Oxford Canal Towpath Between Tackley and Lower Heyford, which is perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching. The surrounding Oxfordshire countryside also features several Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust sites, such as Ardley Wood Quarry and Woodsides Meadow, offering chances to experience local flora and fauna.
What kind of walking trails are available around Middle Aston?
You'll find a variety of walking trails suitable for different preferences. Many routes follow the scenic Oxford Canal, offering flat and accessible paths. For more structured options, you can explore numerous hiking routes, including easy trails like the 'Lower Heyford Village – Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford loop from Upper Heyford' or moderate ones such as the 'Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford – Lower Heyford Village loop from Steeple Aston'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Middle Aston guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Middle Aston area?
While Middle Aston itself is a small hamlet, the broader region offers family-friendly options. The Diamond Jubilee Obelisk, Tusmore Park is listed as family-friendly. For outdoor family adventures, the Oxford Canal towpath provides easy walking opportunities. Additionally, many of the nearby wildlife trust reserves are suitable for family outings to observe nature.
What are the best times to visit Middle Aston for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities around Middle Aston, with pleasant weather for walking and exploring the canal towpath and wildlife reserves. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. The canal towpath is generally accessible in all weathers, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
Can I find cycling routes near Middle Aston?
Yes, the area around Middle Aston is suitable for road cycling. You can find several routes, including easy options like the 'Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford – St. Mary's Church loop from Heyford' or the 'Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford – Heyford Station Canal Moorings loop from Heyford'. For more cycling options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Middle Aston guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Middle Aston?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and scenic views offered by the Oxford Canal Towpath Between Tackley and Lower Heyford, noting its peaceful environment and opportunities for birdwatching. The historical significance and architectural details of sites like Holy Cross Church, Shipton-on-Cherwell and Tusmore House are also highly valued by the community.
Are there any notable natural features or wildlife areas to visit?
Beyond the Oxford Canal, the region boasts several Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust sites. These include Ardley Wood Quarry, known for its geological interest, and Woodsides Meadow, a vibrant wildflower meadow. Glyme Valley and Oxey Mead, an ancient floodplain meadow, also contribute to the area's natural beauty and provide habitats for various bird species.
What are some hidden gems or less-known attractions in the vicinity?
While not widely publicized, the various Wildlife Trust reserves like Blenheim Farm, a peaceful haven surrounded by hedgerows, and Hook Norton Cutting, with its Jurassic fossil interest, offer unique experiences away from more crowded spots. The isolated setting of the Church of St Giles, Hampton Gay, in fields alongside a deserted medieval village, also provides a sense of discovery.
Are there options for running trails around Middle Aston?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate routes like the 'Bridge Over the Oxford Canal – Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford loop from Steeple Aston' or the 'Heyford Bridleway – Spokes Coffee and Bike Shop loop from Upper Heyford'. For more running options, check out the Running Trails around Middle Aston guide.
What major attractions are within a short drive of Middle Aston?
For those willing to venture a bit further, world-renowned attractions are easily accessible. These include Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and the historic city of Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum, and the Bodleian Library.
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