Discover Standlake: walking trail, motor racing and architectural history

Different interests may lead you to choose Standlake as a destination. The Windrush Path Mosaic Trail offers a flat walking route, while Standlake Arena hosts year-round stock car and banger racing. St Giles in Standlake has a 14th-century octagonal tower; Gaunt House and The Black Horse have their own historic associations. Fishing is another interest in its own right. You can weigh up whether walking, motorsport, fishing opportunities or historic architecture is your main priority.

Walking the Windrush Path Mosaic Trail

The Windrush Path Mosaic Trail follows an approximately two-mile walking route from Standlake via Shifford Lane and Standlake Common to the Thames at Newbridge. The route is flat and crosses bridges and stiles. The approximate length gives you an idea of the distance; the named places make the route more specific. These route details help you factor its character, as well as its distance, into your plans.

Racing on the oval track

Standlake Arena is a 0.25-mile (0.4 km) oval track where stock car and banger races take place year-round. For motorsport enthusiasts, the track shape, length and types of racing are clearly specified. Unlike the trail, the focus here is racing, not the route. If a particular race will determine your travel plans, check the specific date in advance. At the arena, the focus is on the track and the races held there; for the trail, it is the route and approximate length.

Fishing on lakes and the Windrush

For fishing, Newland Angling Club currently offers four lakes where fishing is available year-round; the club also has a stretch of the Windrush. Two aspects are useful to distinguish when planning: year-round fishing applies to the four lakes, and the river stretch is an additional type of water. Alongside walking and motorsport, this gives you specific information about fishing opportunities to consider according to your interests.

Historic architecture and details

St Giles in Standlake is a Grade II* listed building. The church has a 14th-century octagonal tower with a small spire. Octagonal means the tower has eight sides; the small spire adds to this distinctive architectural feature. The date refers to the tower, while the Grade II* listing applies to the building. This distinguishes a specific architectural feature from the building’s listed status.

Gaunt House stands on a medieval site surrounded by a moat. Here, the historical association is with the site, whereas St Giles is distinguished by its tower. The Black Horse building in Standlake is Grade II listed and dates back to the 16th century. The Black Horse also serves food and real ales. The historical periods differ: the tower dates to the 14th century, the Gaunt House site is described as medieval, and The Black Horse building dates back to the 16th century.

Discover more destinations: Letcombe Regis, Kingston Blount, Dorchester, Faringdon, Thame, Hook Norton, Milcombe, Great Milton

For the wider travel guide: Oxfordshire.