Old Swan, Witney
About the Hotel
The Old Swan is a historic 15th-century inn located in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell. Nestled in 65 acres of idyllic grounds, it features beautiful gardens and has been awarded 5 stars from Visit England. This quintessentially English inn blends traditional charm with modern amenities, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Location
Situated just 24 km from Oxford and 17.5 km from Blenheim Palace, the Old Swan is easily accessible via car or public transport. The nearest train stations are Charlbury, approximately 11.5 km away, and Oxford, about 24 km distant. With private on-site parking available, guests can explore the surrounding Cotswold countryside at their convenience.
Rooms
The Old Swan comprises 15 charming guest rooms and suites, each designed with unique historic features combined with modern comforts. Many rooms offer splendid views of the scenic hotel gardens, while others boast four-poster beds and contemporary bathrooms equipped with L'Occitane skincare products. Crisp white linen and dreamy beds ensure a restful experience for all guests.
Eat & Drink
The hotel's dining areas are intimate, featuring oak beams and cozy snugs, perfect for enjoying meals throughout the day. Upscale gastropub fare is highlighted on the menu, crafted from seasonal produce sourced locally. There are also options for private dining, accommodating up to 100 guests and offering tailored menus to suit dietary requirements.
Leisure & Business
Guests can enjoy access to The Garden Spa at the sister hotel, Minster Mill, where spa treatments are available along with facilities like an indoor pool and sauna. The hotel offers 15 fully equipped meeting rooms rich in rustic charm, making it suitable for both leisure and business activities. Outdoor games and activities such as fishing, croquet, and nature walks are readily available on the premises.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Fireplace
- Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Tennis court
- Table tennis
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Board games
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The rooms were smaller than expected from the 'superior double' description and situated next to the kitchen, which brought cooking smells and staff chatter into the room. On the bright side, it felt like being at a 5-star hotel, but the lack of privacy due to the adjacent rear entrance was a downside.
The hotel is set in a charming location with lovely walks along the river and enjoyable games areas. The rooms, though on the smaller side and in need of some care, were clean and had comfortable beds. The service was friendly and polite, with the added bonus of a delightful spa. The dining experience, despite being slightly disorganized, offered superb food in a beautiful location. While the location was ideal for exploring nearby villages, it fell slightly short in maintaining a luxury standard.