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Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne The museum is housed in a converted
cornmill with displays on three floors illustrating the stories,
artefacts and history of the canals. The towpath leading to the
museum makes a pleasant walk, with a flight of seven locks to the
south and the famous one and three quarter mile long Blisworth Tunnel
to the north. Tel: 01604 862229 / www.stokebruernecanalmuseum.org.uk.
Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave near Banbury First mentioned in the Domesday
Book, Sulgrave Manor was sold in 1539 to an early ancestor of George
Washington. The house has many attractions including outstanding
kitchen furniture and an 18th century brewhouse. Tel: 01295 760205
/ www.sulgravemanor.org.uk.
Hazelborough Wood Part of the original Whittlewood Forest, the area
has an immense variety of tree species and wildlife with a 2km Forest
Trail.
Salcey Forest 1250 acres of woodland, which was once an ancient
hunting ground. Picnic area, nature reserves, waymarked trails and
information.
Canons Ashby House A tranquil 16th century Elizabethan manor house
which has survived unaltered since 1710. Its many features include
beautiful gardens and a grand church - all that remains of the 12th
century Augustinian priory from which the house takes its name.
Tel: 01327 860044 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-canonsashbyhouse
Old Farm Dairy Craft Centre, Upper Stowe The centre displays country
crafts such as wood turning and wrought-iron and cabinet making.
The farm has many rare breeds of farm animals and farm products
are on sale. Tel: 01327 340525 / www.old-dairy-farm-centre.co.uk.
Stowe Park Stowe, with its great house and park, is one of the supreme
creations of the Georgian era. The first formal layout was adorned
with many buildings by Vanbrugh, Kent and Gibbs. In the 1730s Kent
designed the Elysian Fields in a more naturalistic style which led
to the evolution of the landscaped garden. The house remains a public
school, whilst the grounds are now owned and administered by the
National Trust. Tel: 01280 822850 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-stowegardens.
Milton Keynes/Northampton Easy access to the main line rail stations
in both towns. Northampton has a great variety of interesting shops,
museums and leisure facilities. Milton Keynes is renowned for its
under-cover shopping centre; it also has many interesting local
attractions to visit.
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