Ascott-under-Wychwood

Get to know Ascott-under-Wychwood through its historic sites and surrounding landscape. Holy Trinity, two distinct castle sites and the memorial to the Ascott Martyrs sit alongside walking routes and a recurring dance tradition.

Landscape and paths

Ascott-under-Wychwood lies in the Evenlode Valley, on the south bank of the River Evenlode and within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Ascott Nine-Miler offers excellent views. The paths are generally in good condition, although mud can sometimes be expected. As conditions can vary by season, it is worth checking the state of the paths before setting out.

Cycling is also among the established route themes in the area. Ascott-under-Wychwood is connected to Cycle Route 3, “Cotswold Line Explorer: Charlbury.” This moderate cycle ride covers 26 kilometres, or 16 miles, through the area of the ancient Wychwood Forest. This gives travellers different types of routes to choose from: the Ascott Nine-Miler with its views, and the longer cycle ride, rated moderate, through the ancient forest area.

Holy Trinity and the Ascott Martyrs

Holy Trinity is a late 12th-century parish church and a Grade II* listed building. An impressive avenue of lime trees leads to the church; in spring, wild crocuses cover the ground along the avenue. Its construction date and listed status are complemented by a seasonal natural feature that shapes the approach to the church.

A memorial bench and tree on the village green commemorate the Ascott Martyrs, the women of Ascott. They were imprisoned in 1873 for supporting striking agricultural workers and preventing replacement workers from entering through picketing. The memorial keeps a specific part of the area’s social history in view: support for the strikers and the consequences of resisting the use of replacement workers.

Two different castle sites

Ascott d’Oyley motte-and-bailey castle is a scheduled ancient monument. Roger d’Oyley had it built without permission sometime between about 1129 and 1150. The site is an earthwork, not a surviving castle building. The motte of d’Oyley Castle is on private land.

Distinct from it is Ascott Earl motte-and-bailey castle, also a scheduled ancient monument. It dates from the early 12th century. Earth mounds mark the site and can be seen from the public footpath by the river bridge. The two castles therefore differ both in their recorded dates and in the visitor information to bear in mind: d’Oyley is on private land, while the earth mounds at Ascott Earl are visible from the named public footpath.

A recurring dance tradition

Every two years, the Oxford University Morris Men visit Tiddy Hall to perform the Ascott Morris dances. If you are planning your trip around the performance, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Wallingford, Banbury, Clifton Hampden, Wantage, Charney Bassett, Chinnor, Adderbury, Ambrosden

For the wider travel overview: Oxfordshire.