For a taste of English eccentricity and charm in an attractive town near Oxford, I recommend The Old Trout. The building is an historic landmark, built circa 1550 and featuring a thatched roof, lovely garden and cozy dining room. The innkeeper was very pleasant, as were his dogs, 1 Great Dane and a terrier. The English breakfast was exceptional (including the black puddings) and the dinner menu was well executed too. Prices were also reasonable, considering the poor exchange rate with the US dollar and the location near Oxford.

However, I must qualify my recommendation on several points. First, when we arrived there was no one around and the front door was locked. Eventually we found our way in the back garden gate and found our keys on a table in the sun room. No warm welcome and no help finding rooms or bringing in luggage. The single room my aunt took was small but comfortable, with a tiny private bath. However, the "suite" that I shared with my... more