Murcott: Landscape, Paths and History

Murcott lies between the River Ray and Otmoor. Alice's Meadow, local paths and historic buildings offer different ways to explore the village and its surroundings on a trip.

Location and landscape

Alice's Meadow lies north of Otmoor, between Fencott and Murcott. The Parish Council plans to preserve the meadow for its owners and the local community, so they can spend time there. The village's position between river and moor, and the meadow's own location, therefore offer two distinct points of interest in the landscape.

Walking and cycling routes

Numerous footpaths and bridleways run through the parish of Fencott and Murcott. One section described in detail concerns Fencott and Murcott Footpath No. 12: Oxfordshire County Council confirmed its extension along Pigeon House Lane to the public highway. The section of the path in Murcott runs for 127 metres along Pigeonhouse Lane, from a point near Pigeon House Farm to the existing footpath north of Dunrowan. This distinguishes the parish's wider network of paths from this more precisely defined section.

Another way to find your bearings is the BLR05 Southern Circuit from Bicester Village. The route reaches Murcott via a short field section and a surfaced gravel track, then continues through the village to Fencott. While the footpath description gives its specific length and endpoints, the cycling route shows how it continues through Murcott to Fencott. These details help distinguish the different route connections.

Historic traces and buildings

In nearby Ot Moor, two sections of the Roman road from Alchester to Dorchester are among the best-preserved parts of the road. For long stretches, it survives as a low earthwork. In many places, the surviving roadway stands up to 0.6 metres high and is flanked on both sides by roadside quarry ditches. Its described form in the landscape helps identify the historic road line.

Two listed buildings in Murcott represent different periods: 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 and welcomes guests as a restaurant in Murcott. Murcott Primitive Methodist Chapel was built on the eastern edge of the hamlet. In 1895, the rector decided to build a mission room in the centre of the hamlet.

Plan your journey

Murcott has no railway station. Travel by train via Islip or Bicester; from either, a short taxi ride takes you on to the village. If you are travelling by train, factor this onward journey into your plans. These rail options and the taxi ride provide a practical guide to planning your journey to Murcott.

Discover more destinations: Middle Aston, Steventon, Kidlington, Horspath, Long Wittenham, Garford, Witney, Thame

For the main travel guide: Oxfordshire.