Minster Lovell Ruins Circular Walk

This circular walk explores the pretty Oxfordshire village of Minster Lovell with its old hall, thatched stone cottages and riverside footpaths. The highlight of the walk is a visit to Minster Lovell Hall built in 1440.... Here you will find the ruins of the hall surrounded by an extensive estate and bordered by the River Windrush. The atmospheric ruins include an ornamented entrance porch, south west tower and dovecote. 
After exploring the hall you can continue along the river to the nearby village of Crawley. Here you will find two Bronze Age bowl barrows near Blindwell Wood and a 19th century church. There are also two pubs where you can enjoy refreshments at the half way point of the walk (more details below). From Crawley another public footpath will then bring you back to Minster Lovell through the countryside.
To extend your walking in this area simply head east and visit the pretty town of Burford where there are more nice riverside paths and historic buildings. The village is also located just west of Witney so you could start the walk from the town and follow the river to the old hall. You could also try our Witney Circular Walk which takes you along the river to Witney Lake and Meadows.
Postcode: OX29 0RR
Pubs and More Info
The Old Swan is a quintessential English country inn dating back to the 15th century. Outside there's a lovely outdoor terrace and picturesque gardens to relax in on warmer days. The pub is dog friendly.
It's sister inn The Minster Mill is also nearby and includes a delightful garden right next to the River Windrush. It's an idyllic place to enjoy a drink on a summer day. Postcode for sat navs is OX29 0RN.
In Crawley there's the Lamb Inn which dates back to the 17th century. There’s a splendid interior with a huge fireplace in the bar, low beamed ceilings and some well sourced art and artefacts. Outside are beautiful terraces spread over 3 levels with pizza ovens, BBQ, an outdoor restaurant (heated and covered for alfresco dining in the warmer months), a suntrap of a beer garden and an outdoor bar. You can find them at postcode OX29 9TW.

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Nearby Routes

Burford Circular Walk Witney Circular Walk

Photos

Minster Lovell Hall ruins. The hall was built by William Lovell around 144. Today the extensive ruins are now in the care of English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.

15th-century dovecote at Minster Lovell

Cottages in the village

Mill grounds, Minster Lovell. The River Windrush downstream of the mill that was built 1806.

Cows in meadow by Minster Lovell ruin

View of the River Windrush as it passes the hall.

The Old Swan Hotel

Crawley village

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