The Old Parsonage has been at the centre of Oxford life for over 350 years. It stands in the middle of town on land owned by University College and was once home to Oscar Wilde. It is one of the loveliest places to stay in town, its beautiful interiors touching every corner. Chief among its virtues are its shaded dining terrace, its exceptional art collection, and its first-floor library (curated by Philip Blackwell), which opens onto a small roof terrace. Inside, flames flicker in an ancient fireplace, newspapers wait by mullioned windows, fresh flowers scent the air. The restaurant doubles as an art gallery, its charcoal walls crammed with portraits, a theatrical setting for a good meal, perhaps Devon crab, blanquette de veau, lemon tart with crème fraîche. Bedrooms come in pale greys with the best beds, the crispest linen, pretty throws and padded bedheads. Bigger rooms have sofas, some overlook the back garden, all have robes and spoiling oils and in beautiful marble bathrooms. The ‘city of dreaming spires’ is on your doorstep, there are bikes to borrow on which to explore.
