Car Hire Carterton

Carterton sits near the edge of the Cotswolds in west Oxfordshire, surrounded by countryside and full of open-air adventure. With easy road access via the A40 and A4095, it’s a convenient stop for travellers seeking fresh air, family outings and scenic views. It’s not so crowded since it has around 15,000 residents, so you can relax from an urban rush. Pack for variety—weather can shift quickly, so layers and comfortable shoes go a long way. Spring and early summer bring mild temperatures and longer days, ideal for exploring its wildlife parks and historic landmarks. We met families from Kidlington enjoying a calm break in the fields and trails nearby. Many people from Wantage stop here to enjoy nature reserves, animal encounters and peaceful green spaces.

Attractions In Carterton

Carterton’s charm lies in how naturally it blends rural calm with moments of excitement. You’ll find animal parks with rare species, wide green spaces perfect for picnics and local trails that quietly lead you through pockets of history.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Set in Bradwell Grove just outside Carterton, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is a top-rated attraction with over 14,000 glowing reviews. We loved how accessible the layout was, with wide paths and mobility scooter options that made exploring easy for all ages. The variety of animals is impressive, and the gardens are beautifully maintained with colourful flowerbeds throughout. Families enjoy the shaded play area, and the miniature train ride is always a hit with children. The food queue was a bit long during lunch, but the nearby gift shop more than made up for it with its quality selection. Popular with day-trippers from Witney, it’s a must-see destination for anyone heading to Carterton.

Willow Meadow

Tucked away in Carterton, Willow Meadow is one of those quiet spots that slowly wins you over. It’s popular with photographers, not just for the wildflowers and natural growth but also for its vantage point to spot passing planes. Walkers with dogs often strike up conversations along the path, giving the space a warm, local feel. You’ll likely see a mix of casual strollers, birdwatchers and people pausing for a moment of calm. While it’s not a developed park, the open space and informal layout make it a refreshing break from more structured attractions. There’s something personal and peaceful about it—the kind of place you return to without planning.

Kilkenny Lane Country Park

Kilkenny Lane Country Park is packed with things to climb, jump, and swing on—ideal for energetic kids and patient parents. There’s a big sandpit with toys for digging, several different kinds of swings, tunnels, trampolines and a ropes course in the centre that challenges older children. Picnic benches are scattered throughout, and a sheltered eating area is useful when the weather turns. The walking paths are smooth and well maintained, and even though we didn’t cover all of them, the ones we did felt safe and clean. It’s a common side trip for those already exploring Faringdon, looking for somewhere to let the kids run wild for a while.

Carterton Recreation Ground

Carterton Recreation Ground is a well-used green space that manages to feel both central and calm. There’s a large open field ideal for dog walking or casual football matches, while the play park caters to a range of ages with high swings, a trampoline and even a zip wire. We noticed plenty of benches dotted around, making it a solid spot for parents to relax while kids run off some energy. Its location next to Aldi and the nearby shopping centre makes it convenient for anyone wanting to combine errands with fresh air. The bandstand adds a nice touch, giving the whole place a bit of character. It’s a place that’s useful and enjoyable in equal measure.

Norton Way Memorial

This peaceful little park tucked off Norton Way is easy to miss but well worth finding. It’s immaculately maintained, with neat hedges and benches that make it a quiet favourite for locals looking to unwind. While not large or flashy, the space has a certain respectful calm that makes it feel more meaningful. Across the road, the sports club offers a bit of informal parking for anyone stopping by, making it easily accessible by car. We liked how grounded it felt—nothing staged or overdone, just a quiet patch of grass that’s clearly cared for. Whether you’re out for a reflective walk or simply need a quiet breather, it’s one of Carterton’s understated gems.

Crocodiles of the World

You wouldn’t expect to find a world-class reptile experience in a small place like Brize Norton, but Crocodiles of the World exceeds expectations. The croc keeper experience offers an unforgettable, close-up encounter with these creatures, guided by staff who are both passionate and incredibly knowledgeable. It’s often recommended by folks based in Eynsham as a must-do for families with a taste for the extraordinary. The zoo’s enclosures are spacious, clean and clearly designed with the animals’ wellbeing in mind. With thousands of glowing reviews and the sense that something special is happening behind every tank, it’s not just a wildlife visit—it’s a day you’ll be talking about for weeks.

Park and Stride Green Hedgehog Trail

This gentle walking trail winds through a quiet part of Carterton, offering just enough structure for a family stroll while still feeling pleasantly informal. Marked with small signs and subtle wildlife motifs, it invites walkers of all ages to enjoy a calm wander at their own pace. We liked how it blended light physical activity with a small environmental message—encouraging care for the local habitat while staying accessible to less experienced hikers. It’s not overly long or intense, which makes it perfect for those with young kids or anyone just wanting a quick walk after lunch. It’s one of those community-driven spots that manages to feel both local and welcoming at the same time.

Pink and Purple Fox Trail

Quirky and charming, the Pink and Purple Fox Trail adds a splash of colour to Carterton’s walking routes. This short circular path is dotted with fox-themed signposts and playful markers that make it especially appealing to younger walkers. Tucked within easy reach of Coleshill, this trail sees plenty of day-trippers using it for a laid-back outdoor loop. It’s not demanding, but that’s part of its charm—just enough space to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and follow a whimsical set of signs through residential green space. For families or those after a casual, themed walk with a bit of character, it fits the bill perfectly.

Farm Water Tower

This distinctive structure on the outskirts of Carterton once played a vital role in the area’s daily life. Originally built to supply water to nearby farms and homes, the tower is a lasting reminder of how infrastructure quietly supported the town’s growth through the 20th century. Its solid concrete silhouette still stands tall over the surrounding landscape, a familiar shape to those driving the backroads. Although no longer in active use, it holds interest for those fascinated by rural heritage and industrial history. There’s no grand museum or signage, but that almost adds to its appeal—a quiet sentinel of Carterton’s practical past that still earns a second glance.

Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote

This quiet riverside ruin is one of the most striking medieval landmarks in west Oxfordshire. The remains of the 15th-century manor and its dovecote sit beside the River Windrush, surrounded by grassland perfect for picnics or letting children explore. It’s a favourite for people in Chipping Norton who want a calm spot with a touch of history, away from crowded sites. The location is safely tucked away from the road, with just enough space for games and riverside paddling. While there are no facilities, the site is kept clean and offers just the right mix of nature and heritage to make the trip worthwhile.

The Great House

The Great House on Witney Street in Burford is a striking historic cottage that blends rustic charm with refined comfort. With its generous lounge, open fire and sociable kitchen, it’s a property that reflects the character of the Cotswolds. The garden and deck provide a quiet space to relax, while nearby pubs and winding high street lanes tie the location into Burford’s long-standing heritage. While it may be privately owned or not always open to the public, it remains a beloved point of interest in the town. Its presence alone adds weight to the area’s reputation for well-preserved historical homes and architectural warmth that feels lived-in rather than curated.

Former RAF Broadwell

Once a key airbase during World War II, the former RAF Broadwell site near Kencot played a strategic role in Allied logistics and paratrooper operations. Though much of the original infrastructure is gone, the flat, open land still hints at its past with scattered remnants and echoes of long runways. It served as a critical hub for troop transport and supply flights during the Normandy campaign, making it a lesser-known but historically important part of Oxfordshire’s wartime story. Today, it’s a quiet patch of countryside with a few fading structures—a far cry from its once-bustling past, but no less significant for history buffs seeking traces of Britain’s military legacy.

Asthall Manor

Asthall Manor is a privately owned historic house in the Windrush Valley that occasionally opens its gardens to the public for short seasonal windows. This relaxed, informal setting feels more like a storybook scene than a manicured estate, with garden paths winding through cottage-style planting and shaded lawn spaces. The entry fees often support local charities, adding a feel-good element to every visit. Visitors appreciate the natural flow of the gardens, the friendliness of staff and the emphasis on ecological care. It’s not always open, but when it is, the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious—simple pleasures like a garden bench, a quiet breeze and even a glass of homemade lemonade tend to linger in memory.

Burford Tolsey Museum

Set above the old market house on Burford’s high street, the Tolsey Museum is compact but packed with character. Inside the timber-framed building, you’ll find an assembly of historical objects and memorabilia that trace the town’s local trades and past generations. Its Tudor-style structure alone draws the eye, but it’s what’s inside that keeps people talking. This makes for a handy rest stop for drivers between Botley and the centre of Burford, especially for those who appreciate a well-curated space without overwhelming scale. Free to enter and open afternoons, it’s ideal for visitors looking to explore Carterton’s surroundings through a more intimate lens.