At a Glance
- County
- Oxfordshire
- Population
- Approximately 150
- Nearest Station
- Charlbury (approximately 15 minutes by car)
- London Journey Time
- Around 75-85 minutes to Paddington from Charlbury
- Average Property Price
- £££££
- Our Rating
- ★★★★★
Best For
- Country-house buyers
- Commuters
- Food lovers
- Those seeking a beautiful estate village
Why We Love Great Tew
Great Tew is one of Oxfordshire's most distinctive villages, with warm ironstone cottages, deep thatched roofs and an unusually unspoilt setting.
It feels carefully preserved without losing its life as a real community.
The combination of beauty, a celebrated pub and access to Charlbury station makes it especially attractive to London buyers.
The Village Atmosphere
Great Tew feels secluded, handsome and quietly exclusive. You'll find:
- Thatched ironstone cottages
- Ancient trees
- Estate farmland
- A much-loved village pub
- Quiet lanes and footpaths
It is small and remarkably pretty, with a strong sense of place.
Transport & Connectivity
Rail
The main station options are:
- Charlbury for direct trains to Oxford and London Paddington
- Kingham for services towards Oxford and Worcester
Charlbury makes Great Tew viable for occasional London commuting, although a car is essential.
Road
Driving Times:
- Chipping Norton10 mins
- Charlbury15 mins
- Oxford35 mins
- Central Londonapprox. 1 hour 45 mins
Food & Drink
The Falkland Arms
A much-loved thatched pub with low beams, open fires and a proper village atmosphere.
Quince and Clover
A nearby favourite for seasonal food, coffee and carefully sourced produce.
Schools
State
- Great Tew Primary School
- Chipping Norton School
Independent
- Kitebrook Preparatory School
- Bloxham School
- Tudor Hall
The area offers strong choices, but school runs and catchments need careful planning.
Things To Do
The estate and surrounding countryside offer excellent routes, including:
- Great Tew estate paths
- Great Tew to Little Tew
- Circular walks towards Chipping Norton
The landscape is intimate and wooded, with a different character from the more open wolds.
Nearby Attractions
- Soho Farmhouse
- Chipping Norton
- Blenheim Palace
- Charlbury
- Daylesford Organic
The Property Market
Great Tew is dominated by estate-owned cottages and a limited number of private homes, so opportunities to buy are rare.
Buyers here tend to be seeking:
- Thatched cottages
- Ironstone period houses
- Homes on the village edge
- Larger houses in the surrounding countryside
Rarity, beauty and proximity to west Oxfordshire's best-known destinations keep prices exceptionally strong.
Pros
- ✅One of Oxfordshire's prettiest villages
- ✅Excellent pub
- ✅Charlbury station within reach
- ✅Strong schools nearby
- ✅Beautiful walks from the door
Cons
- ❌Very limited property supply
- ❌Premium prices
- ❌Few everyday amenities
- ❌Tourist traffic at busy times
Our Verdict
Great Tew delivers the romantic Cotswold village ideal almost perfectly.
It is expensive and elusive, but for beauty, atmosphere and access to west Oxfordshire life, it is difficult to beat.
| Beauty | 10/10 |
| Community | 8/10 |
| Commuting | 8/10 |
| Schools | 8/10 |
| Food & Drink | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 6/10 |
| Overall | 8.7/10 |
