THE JOURNAL
Take a short drive in the Audi A8 to this seat of learning, and check into Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The idea that “to travel is better than to arrive” was an inspiration for this series – created to celebrate the launch of the new Audi A8 – where we devise the perfect weekend getaways. But we must admit that we enjoy arriving, too. So, if you’re planning to escape London to Oxfordshire (and we advise you do so… find out more below), we would also suggest setting your final destination as Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The drive
Le Manoir is located in a beautiful, rural setting just outside of Oxford in the village of Great Milton. About 30 minutes from the punting, church bells and iconic university that we associate with Oxford, Le Manoir is well served by the M40 from London. The journey should take about a one-and-a-half-hour drive. But, with the highly intuitive and innovative technology of the new Audi A8, and the sporty, direct steering at your disposal (which would really come into its own once you leave the motorway) – that could well be less.
Where to stay
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a 15th-century manor serving haute cuisine courtesy of Mr Raymond Blanc. The hotel, set on a 27-acre estate, has 32 bedrooms, each designed individually with their own character and detail – from an Asian boudoir, to the all-white “Blanc On Blanc”. The estate itself is home to one of the most impressive kitchen gardens in the country, as well as Provençal rows, a Japanese garden, and kitsch sculptures.
What to eat
We’re sure you’re aware of the French chef, but if you were in any doubt of his credentials, or that of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Le Manoir, everyone from Mr Heston Blumenthal to Mr Marco Pierre White has passed through its doors and gone on to great things. Choose between the a la Carte menu or, if you’re feeling less flush, the 5 course lunch menu. Highlights include grilled mackerel and roasted quail.
What to do
One of the first things that springs to mind when one thinks of Oxford is the historic university and, given it is a mere 20 minute drive from Le Manoir, it would be a shame not to take your new Audi A8 for a spin to one or more of its 38 colleges. Should you want to know what it feels like to live like a world-beating scholar, you can book rooms at many of them. While you’re in Oxford, you should grab a bite at some of its fine pubs – several of which got a mention in the new Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide. Pint Shop on George Street is probably your best bet. If you’d rather stay closer to home – or, should we say, hotel – once you’ve explored Le Manoir’s grounds, the neighbouring 12th-century church is certainly worth paying a visit to.