Murcott – between Otmoor, footpaths and village history

Murcott combines the tranquil landscape between the River Ray and Otmoor with notable traces of village and regional history. Anyone planning a trip to Oxfordshire will find various points of interest here: paths for walking or cycling, a historic landscape, listed buildings and a rail journey that continues via Islip or Bicester.

Between the River Ray, Otmoor and Alice’s Meadow

Murcott lies between the River Ray and Otmoor. North of Otmoor, Alice’s Meadow is located between Fencott and Murcott. The Parish Council plans to preserve this meadow for the owners and the local community so that they can spend time there. For travel planning, this connection with the landscape is just as interesting as the numerous footpaths and bridleways that run through the parish of Fencott and Murcott.

In nearby Ot Moor, two sections of the Roman road from Alchester to Dorchester are among the best-preserved sections of this road. Over much of its length, it survives as a low earthwork. The surviving carriageway stands up to 0.6 metres high in many places and is flanked on both sides by side ditches from excavation. These visible features make the historic landscape particularly vivid on an outing, without restricting you to a single museum or exhibition.

Footpaths and routes for active days

Fencott and Murcott Footpath No. 12 provides a specific connection to the local path network. Oxfordshire County Council confirmed the extension of the path along Pigeon House Lane to the public road. Another section in Murcott runs for 127 metres along Pigeonhouse Lane, from a point near Pigeon House Farm to the existing footpath north of Dunrowan. If you enjoy combining exercise with exploring the landscape, these details can provide useful guidance when choosing your activities and the area in which to stay.

Cyclists can also include Murcott in their plans. The BLR05 Southern Circuit from Bicester Village reaches the village via a short field section and a surfaced gravel track. After Murcott, the route continues through the village to Fencott.

Village history, chapel and inn

Murcott has several historical points of interest. Woodbine Cottage is a Grade II listed cottage dating from the early 18th century. The Nut Tree Inn is a Grade II listed inn dating from around the early 17th century. At the same time, The Nut Tree Inn is a restaurant and inn in Murcott that welcomes guests. For your trip, this place may therefore be of interest not only for its historical classification but also as a tangible part of the village character.

The Murcott Primitive Methodist Chapel was built on the eastern edge of the hamlet of Murcott. Another historical reference dates back to 1895: at that time, the rector decided to establish a mission room in the centre of the hamlet of Murcott. Such individual local histories give a walk an additional dimension in time and show how religious and community institutions became established in the village.

Getting there and choosing a holiday apartment

Murcott has no railway station. Islip or Bicester are options for travelling by train; from there, a short taxi ride continues to the village. You should take this connection into account when planning your trip, especially if you are travelling without your own car. A holiday apartment in Murcott is particularly suitable for a trip planned around considering the local paths, historic landscape and village history as different parts of your stay. Anyone focusing on cycling can also include the route of the BLR05 Southern Circuit from Bicester Village.

Discover more places

If you would like to extend your search to other places, here are the next destinations: Hailey, Deddington, Steventon, Waterstock, Clifton Hampden, Forest Hill, Faringdon and Ambrosden.

For the higher-level travel overview: Oxfordshire.