The church of St. Mary Magdalene, rebuilt in the 19th century has a Norman doorway, early English windows and a musical clock which plays tunes on the hour. The Town Hall is 18th century and there are numerous attractive period buildings including the 17th century Fletcher's house now home to the County Museum. Chaucer's house in Park Street was once home to Chaucer the poet.
Blenheim Palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. It was largely paid for by the nation in gratitude for his victory over the French and Bavarians at Blenheim in 1704. The deer park surrounding the house was landscaped by “Capability” Brown. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim in 1874 and is buried in nearby Bladon churchyard.
Stratford Upon Avon
Situated 45 miles and a 50-minute drive from Islip. Stratford Upon Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK.
Warwick
Situated 40 miles and a 45-minute drive from Islip. The town of Warwick was founded on the banks of the River Avon in 914 AD by Ethelfleda, sister of Edward the Elder, as a defence against the Danish invaders, on a site overlooking earlier riverside settlements.
Within a relatively small area there are many buildings of historic interest of which Warwick Castle is the most important. This is one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles in the country. It has been inhabited continuously since the Middle Ages and was the home of the Earls of Warwick until recently.
Henley
Best known for its Royal Regatta held every July since 1839. For about a mile at Henley the river is straight providing an ideal course for what has become a major international event. It became ‘Royal' in 1851 when Prince Albert became Patron of the Regatta. As well as a sporting event it is a major social event retaining much of the ‘garden party' feel of Edwardian times.
Many buildings in Henley are designated ‘of special architectural interest' including a 14th century chantry house, connected to the church and the Speakers house, the home of William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons (1629-1640) who was a signatory to the warrant for the execution of Charles I. The main street has many Georgian frontages built on to older buildings. There are many coaching Inns including the Red Lion, which, so legend has it, has accommodated Charles I, Boswell and George III.