top tips when visiting The Springs
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
The Springs Resort & Spa is the perfect mixture of a city break and a countryside escape.
You can do it all at The Springs from making use of the 1893 Spa, enjoying a game of golf or just a planning a break away to explore the local area. But if this is your first-time exploring Oxfordshire you may not know much about things to do in the area, closest shops to the resort or even what to do before you check in? So, we’ve put this blog together full of all our top tips when visiting The Springs, read through this before you head off and you will have plenty to keep you busy. If you have any questions head over to The Springs FAQs page.
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what to do before checking in?
You can check into The Springs from 4pm but we would suggest heading down there as early as you can to stop off in Oxford city centre for the day first. The Springs is only 27 minutes away from Oxford, so it makes the perfect day out before you check into the resort. When you are in the city centre there is so much to see and do from walking the famous streets, exploring the many museums, or enjoying browsing the shops! With visiting Oxford before checking in you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city before heading to the peaceful resort ready for your holiday.
what are the top things in the area?
Whilst you are staying in The Springs you will want to make the most of being in Oxfordshire, so we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in the area that are just a short drive away from the resort. There are a range of things listed below so you will find something to suit your group for a fun day out.
1. Wallingford Castle
7 min drive from resort
Wallingford Castle was a major medieval castle right in the centre of Wallingford. It’s open to the public and free to enter just head to the main gate off Castle Street on Bear Lane. The castle was demolished in 1972 and was then declared a scheduled monument along with being a Grade I listed building.
2. Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary
12 min drive from resort
The Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary is a registered charity that cares for ill-treated and abused donkeys and other animals. They have various events throughout the year including donkey shows and their annual country show. They are open from 11am–4pm and there is no entrance fee, but they appreciate donations.
3. Ridgeway Adventures
13 min drive from resort
The Ridgeway Adventures is the perfect day out of you want to do something a little bit different. You can do anything from axe throwing to archery, airsoft to completing a laser maze. It’s a great thrilling experience which everyone will love having a go at. The experiences are only suitable for people over 8 years old.
4. Oxford Wet n Wild
14 min drive from resort
Located at Queenford Lakes Watersports Centre, Oxford Wet n Wild is the perfect day out for adults and children of all ages. From an inflatable obstacle course to hiring paddleboards and kayaks you will be able to enjoy lots of fun on the water. There is also a lakeside Café where you can tuck into a range of food and drinks.
5. Oxford Botanic Garden
31 min drive from resort
Known for being the oldest botanic garden in the UK and home to over 5000 plant species, Oxford Botanic Garden is a great experience if you are in the city. The botanic garden is only a 20 minute walk from the city centre and is open every day 10am-4pm and they recommend you book tickets in advance although you can buy them on the door.
closest shops for essentials?
At The Springs we have hotel rooms and self-catering lodges, the lodges are equipped with fully fitted kitchens so you can enjoy making your own meals. Whether you are needing to buy ingredients for a recipe or just snacks for the evening it’s important to know about the closest shops to The Springs for the essentials.
- Waitrose & Partners – 7 min drive from resort
- Lidl – 7 min drive from resort
- Londis Stores – 10 min drive from resort
- Tesco Superstore – 15 min drive from resort
- ALDI – 15 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
During your time at The Springs, you will probably want to enjoy a meal out or two so we’ve done the research and put together a list of five different places that you can enjoy around the local area of The Springs, all under 35 minutes away in the car.
1. Waterfront Cafe
6 min drive from resort
As the name suggests, the Waterfront Café is located on the banks of the River Thames in Benson. Here you can enjoy a casual vibe with simple but delicious offerings on the menu. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat especially in the summer months if you can get a table outside. They also don’t take bookings so you just need to turn up and they will find you a table.
2. Ox Shed Cafe
6 min drive from resort
Another place that doesn’t take bookings on weekends is the Ox Shed Café. It’s a neighbourhood café that is the perfect stop off for anyone, whether you are just looking for a warm drink and a piece of cake or some lunch in between your plans for the day. There is so much on offer at this café, and it isn’t far from the River Thames.
3. The Old Post Office
7 min drive from resort
The Old Post Office is a Grade II listed building which first re-opened its doors as Oakman Inn in 2009. The restaurant features plenty of the original elements including the traditional red post box. They offer everything from breakfast, bottomless brunch and various lunch and dinner options. So you will be sure to find something for everyone on the menu.
4. The Crooked Billet
15 min drive from resort
Since 1989 The Crooked Billet has been run by Paul Clerehugh who is a self-taught chef. The Gastro Pub has become an extremely popular place to enjoy a meal with their menu that offers modern British and bistro favourites. If you are wanting to enjoy a meal here it is recommended that you book in advance.
5. Coppa Club Sonning
31 min drive from resort
This 17th century converted inn right on the waters edge has become the perfect place for a bite to eat and a drink in the summer months. As well as indoor seating there are also plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view outside. They offer plenty on the menu from breakfast options to takeaway dishes and delicious puddings.