With so many beautiful sites to visit, days out in Oxfordshire are becoming increasingly popular with all sorts of visitors. Around 41.7 million tourists are estimated to have visited the UK in 2018. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the aesthetics of Oxfordshire. Many want to see the architecture in the historic university buildings. After spotting famous landmarks, they’ll seek a picturesque picnic spot overlooking the Thames for a relaxing afternoon out.
We’ve published details on London staycations before. But what about getting just out of the big city? Here are four of the best destinations for enjoying days out in Oxfordshire…
Where to go on days out in Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Built between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is the only non-royal house in England to be called a ‘palace’. Blenheim is an imposing building, certainly worthy of its title. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Blenheim is now home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. It’s best known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Several tours and exhibitions dedicated to the home life and work of the former Prime Minister are hosted here.
The palace staterooms, gardens, butterfly house and miniature railway provide further fun for all ages. Special events like cycling and supercar exhibitions are also held throughout the year within the estate’s 2,000 acres of parkland.
Broughton Castle near Banbury is a fortified manor house set within an idyllic parkland location. The core of this impressive building was initially crafted from locally sourced Horton ironstone in 1306 with additions being made in the 1550s.
Inside the castle, you will find fully furnished living quarters in addition to the impressive great hall.
Outside, the colourful castle gardens have been stylistically designed with benches conveniently placed for relaxation.
Located at the junction of three streams and with a surrounding moat, the stunning grounds of Broughton Castle make an ideal spot for a family picnic. Alternatively, take advantage of the on-site tearoom and gift shop.
Oxford
A summary of beautiful locations wouldn’t be complete without featuring the city of Oxford itself.
Famed for its ornate university buildings, the colleges here provide an architectural feast for the eyes.
Christchurch is arguably the most popular college to visit. This castle-like building comes with its own cathedral and has featured on-screen in films such as Harry Potter.
The striking red brickwork of Lady Margaret College is another draw for visitors, along with the neo-classical style Radcliffe Camera building.
Famed for its annual Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames is an otherwise quaint riverside town.
Overlooked by the woodland of the Chiltern Hills, the streets of Henley are home to a number of independent shops including chocolatiers and quirky boutiques.
Head down to the river and view the 18th century stone bridge or enjoy the view over a refreshing drink at The Angel on the Bridge pub.
Questions, suggestions or comments? Let us know below.
Hey there! Sarah here. Since we first talked about our journey with house and pet sitting in London, a lot has changed. With 2024 in full swing, and as Cooper and I expand our horizons beyond just London, we’ve seen an increasing interest in house sitting jobs UK.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, a digital nomad, or someone looking for a cosy staycation, there’s something here for everyone.
House Sitting Jobs UK: The 2024 Landscape
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of house sitting across the UK, it’s thrilling to see how the scene has adapted. This is especially for those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle or remote working trends. In today’s connected world, the opportunities for UK house sitting are more diverse and exciting than ever.
House sitting jobs UK
Local Stays: The Heart of House Sitting
For starters, let’s talk about local stays. No matter where you are in the UK, from the bustling streets of London to the serene countryside, local house sits are a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. When Cooper and I first dived into TrustedHousesitters, we focused on local sits around London. This was more than just a stepping stone; it was a gateway to building a trove of delightful experiences.
Local sits offer a unique chance to explore new neighbourhoods, providing a refreshing change of scenery without straying too far from home. And let’s not forget, it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, even if it’s just for a weekend. For those of you on TrustedHousesitters, remember, setting up an alert with your availability and preferred location is key.
Embracing Short Term House Sitting Adventures in the UK
Now, onto the short-term sits. These are perfect for those spontaneous getaways or making the most out of holiday seasons like Easter, summer, and Christmas. We’re talking about roughly two weeks of immersing yourself in a new environment. And guess what? You don’t even have to worry about accommodation costs!
Keep your eyes peeled for those daily alerts from TrustedHousesitters. And here’s a little tip from us: if you see a sit with over ten applicants, why not see it as an opportunity to discover somewhere new instead? Our mantra for 2024 is all about going with the flow and embracing new experiences and destinations.
Long Term: Dive Deep into the Local Vibe
Speaking of new experiences, let’s chat about long-term house sits. As Cooper and I dive deeper into our slow travel ethos, we’ve come to appreciate the value of long-term stays, which we define as over two weeks. These opportunities are not just about having a place to stay; they’re about truly living in a new location and establishing a routine. It’s also about nurturing our digital business in a fresh environment.
In our adventures, we’ve found a rich variety of long-term house sitting jobs UK, from quaint country homes to lively city apartments. Some require a car, but our preference is always for those where we can walk everywhere, just like our memorable stay in Northampton. If you’re considering a long-term sit, it’s vital to ensure the place suits your lifestyle and needs, from transport to local amenities.
House Sitting With or Without Furry Friends
Now, let’s talk about one of the best parts of house sitting – the animals! Cooper and I have an undying love for dogs. But, whether it’s cats, horses, or even reptiles, there’s something incredibly rewarding about caring for pets.
On platforms like TrustedHousesitters, you can filter your search based on the type of animals you’re comfortable with or opt for sits without pets. Just remember, only commit to what you’re experienced in or willing to wholeheartedly embrace.
A Closer Look at Each Type of House Sitting Job in the UK
Local Stays: Ideal for those who prefer staying close to home or exploring new areas within their region. These jobs often involve shorter commitments and can range from weekend stays to a couple of weeks. They are perfect for building a strong local network and understanding different neighbourhoods’ unique characteristics.
Short-Term Assignments: These are typically tied to holiday seasons or specific events. They’re great for experiencing different parts of the UK without the long-term commitment. Short-term sits are often sought after by homeowners going on vacation, offering a perfect way for sitters to enjoy a ‘holiday feel’ in a new location.
Long-Term Opportunities: Suited for those looking to deeply immerse themselves in a new community or live like a local for an extended period. These assignments can last from a month to even six months. They offer stability and the chance to truly integrate into a local setting, perfect for remote workers or digital nomads.
With or Without Pets: Deciding whether to take assignments with pets can significantly change your house sitting experience. Pet sitting can be deeply rewarding and a chance to bond with animals, while no-pet sits might offer more freedom to explore.
The Impact of House Sitting on Travel and Lifestyle
Sustainable Travel: House sitting promotes a form of travel that’s more sustainable and community-oriented. By living in someone’s home and caring for it, you’re participating in a sharing economy that values resources and local experiences over traditional tourism.
Cultural Immersion and Community Building: Long-term house sits, in particular, allow for a deeper cultural immersion than typical travel. They offer a unique opportunity to become part of a community, understand local customs, and make lasting friendships.
Personal Growth and Flexibility: The diverse experiences gained through different house sitting jobs can lead to significant personal growth. It fosters adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of various lifestyles and perspectives.
Affordable Travel and Lifestyle: Particularly for digital nomads and remote workers, house sitting provides an affordable way to see the world. It reduces living expenses, allowing for a more flexible and potentially more fulfilling lifestyle.
The Community Spirit in House Sitting
In our journey so far, we’ve met some incredible people – both homeowners and fellow sitters. Everyone seems to share the same ethos: a love for animals, a passion for travel, and a kindred spirit of adventure. This community aspect has been a highlight for us, creating connections and friendships that last beyond the duration of a sit.
Final Thoughts: Your Adventure Awaits in 2024
As we continue our journey exploring all the house sitting jobs UK has to offer, we hope this post has inspired you. Whether it’s discovering hidden gems in your own backyard or venturing further afield, the world of house sitting is full of possibilities.
We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, questions, or even your own house sitting stories. Drop us a line below, and let’s share our experiences.
Tourism Thailand has announced wildlife conservation and care for animals like elephants and dogs is improving. This is music to the ears of animal advocates.
Organisations and individuals have made great strides to improve the state of Thailand wildlife.
On this, the media release stated:
“… a priority for authorities is preserving Thailand’s remaining forest cover and returning some developed areas back to a wild state.”
Elephants and Thailand wildlife
We haven’t travelled to Thailand, but friends have. They adore the place for its beauty, wildlife and friendly locals. Our fellow travellers share that visitors must be vigilant when researching an ‘elephant sanctuary’ to visit. If you’re here, you should know NOT to visit anywhere that offers elephant rides.
Encouraging responsible travel
Elephants have been mistreated here for a long time. Yet the elephant is Thailand’s national symbol. Thoughtless visitors have fuelled the demand for elephant rides and entertainment. This in much the same way as donkeys are used in Santorini Greece for riding up to see the sunset.
Thankfully, ‘aware’ travellers and tourism destination operators are spreading more positive messages about animal welfare and doing the right thing.
Land regeneration and poaching
Elephants need large wild areas to thrive. That’s why there is a renewed focus on regenerating the land for them. To counter poaching, the government plans a database of every domesticated elephant’s genetic information.
The plan is to stop poachers from taking wild baby elephants and claiming them as offspring of domesticated elephants. The government is also scrutinising elephant camps for any mistreatment.
Elephant conservation efforts
The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) has been caring for elephants in a forested area south of Chiang Mai since 1993. Conservation is the key, and TECC operates an onsite elephant hospital and manages a mobile clinic. The TECC teaches visitors to appreciate elephants and has pioneered conservation and research in Thailand.
Phang Nga Elephant Park is a family-run eco-business north of Phuket. Here, visitors interact with elephants in a respectful way. No dancing and circus tricks!
“Public awareness about elephants is the aim. Through human-elephant interaction people learn to respect and practice responsible elephant tourism.”
The Soi Dog Foundation started in Phuket in 2003 to help the street dogs and cats on the island. The group is active on social media and while some images are hard to see, the awareness is critical to their efforts.
Soi provides a humane and sustainable solution to the stray population and has expanded nationwide. Work includes rescue, sheltering, medical treatment and vaccination of strays.
Keeping waterways clean
The UN reports that our global marine environment is in serious trouble. In an effort to reverse the damage, Thailand is also pushing to reduce plastic waste and conserve corals.
Organisations like the Marine Conservation Project, invite volunteers to help in their conservation efforts.
Challenges remain, but things are looking up. It’s up to us to remain vigilant. Support, share, blog about the topic, and importantly, travel responsibly wherever you are.
Got advice, an opinion or stories on this subject? Let us know in the comments.
Working, travelling, and staying fit: how to manage wellbeing for self employed? It is possible, but you need to be mindful of it.
For digital nomads with wanderlust in their veins, health sometimes takes the backseat as we try to wrangle our lifestyle and stay on top of our career goals. There are constant challenges – where to stay and work, and how to make money!
Wellbeing for self employed: the simple trick
Being exposed to different climates and environments can take its toll if we aren’t careful. Wellbeing for self employed and digital nomads means keeping fit. But, this can be hard because we usually don’t stick to one place long enough to invest in a gym membership.
What can we do if we want a toned, healthy body that we’re proud of?
It’s simple, we can walk.
Walking burns a ton of calories
According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, we need least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. If you break this up into small chunks, it means you can exercise for 30 minutes five times a week and get the full benefits. But you need moderate to high-intensity kind of aerobics to pull it off.
Walking offers just the kind of cardio you need — easy to do, and even easier to modify depending on your time and level of physical fitness. If you keep a leisurely pace, you can burn around 70 calories per mile. The more you increase your speed, the more you can burn. If you walk at a brisk pace, you can burn anywhere from 300-400 calories an hour.
Here’s a calculator that can help you count the calories. If you want more accurate results, you can always use a pedometer or a Fitbit bracelet that will measure everything.
If you’re quite out of shape right now, walking is a great idea because it allows you to start things at your own pace. You can then slowly increase intensity as you grow stronger and get more stamina. You might even be forced into walking as you globe-trot if you choose a style of travel like house and pet sitting.
Walking has a lot of health benefits
Walking doesn’t just burn calories, it also speeds up your metabolism. Even your passive metabolic rate can rise. This means that when you’re resting, you’re still using more energy than before, and your body starts melting fat quicker.
Hiking destinations are perfect for digital nomads
Want a surefire way to make yourself stick to an exercise regimen and finally get in shape? Take a hiking trip.
For a digital nomad, this can be a great experience that provides the perfect opportunity to blog about something extremely interesting. It also means you’re taking a big step for your health and you won’t be making any more excuses.
There are plenty of options to choose from, like the short and fun Inca Trail, to the memorable Camino de Santiago that can take up to a month to finish. The Camino is renowned for being a deeply transformative experience that lets you experience Spain the way you never have before. It’s very good for people who plan to work the entire time because you’ll generally have internet access for most of the hike.
If you really aren’t a fan of hiking, city breaks are the next best alternative. Sightseeing often means you have to cover a lot of ground on foot. Since you are too busy looking at said sights, you will not even notice how many miles you are covering.
If the main reason you’re not in good shape is that you find the whole idea of exercise kind of dull, then walking is a great choice for you.
Why?
It’s easy to multitask as you stroll. Put headphones on and listen to your favourite soundtrack, audiobook, or podcast, or take your camera with you and get some work done for your blog. You can take some stunning photos while you explore the city you’re currently in.
This option is perfect for a digital nomad or the self-employed who need unique and interesting ways to capture a journey, whether it’s in your backyard or further afield.
If your life is too hectic, organising a specific time when you can go and take a walk each day can help immensely. If you want, you can use a walking exercise as a rest from work. Determine a schedule that lets you work a few hours non-stop, but then take a half an hour hike to clear your head, get your focus back, and get inspired again.
Enjoy the ease of walking! This simple aerobic exercise can help you get in shape, and if you’re a digital nomad who craves to be inspired, it also offers you the opportunity to further indulge your wanderlust by exploring every destination on foot.
About the author:
Rebecca Brown is a translator by day, and a traveller mostly at night. She is an expert on living with jet lag – and packing in tiny suitcases. You can read more of her exploits at RoughDraft.
As I write, I’m house sitting in London. I’m in the loveliest of places we could never afford in the north of the city. A few minutes up the road is Alexandra Palace!
I’m gazing upon the prettiest of gardens that you’d not imagine to be in central London. Rain is coming down hard outside, and all is quiet. Well, except for Alexa pumping out choice House tunes, perfect for a Friday after lunch.
There’s a sleeping dog next to me. His name is Blue, and he’s a short-haired lurcher. Blue’s family are on the other side of the country for a special wedding, and chose us for their London house and dog sit this weekend.
House sitting London: how did we get here?
Let’s rewind to the beginning of the year for a bit of context. Cooper and I decided to pursue a different direction which you’ll be reading a lot about from August 2019. Some hints were given on the blog when we started posting about digital nomad tips and tricks.
In fact, we are taking off on an epic nomad, dog-loving adventure – house and pet sitting across the UK and Europe while we work on this blog and other freelance projects.
We joined TrustedHousesitters, which requires its users to have reviews based on things like reliability and trustworthiness. (We’ll share more about these house sitting services in future posts.)
In order to increase our reviews before we travel long-term, we chose to apply for house sitting London gigs.
House sitting in London (that is, locally to where we live), meant we could:
improve our rating on the house sitting service for London and beyond, and increase our chances of being chosen for sits
gain more house sitting experience that we can take on the road
spend time with dogs (most importantly!)
In March our house sitting London journey began. I meant to write more about it because it’s not so much the places we stay that’s appealing, but the dogs we meet. Time has escaped me up until now. Still, better late than never
Dog sitting: the best part about house sitting!
We chose to embark upon this new style of travel, starting with our house sitting London experience, because it is certainly a cost-effective way of securing accommodation.
But the bonus for us – if not the driving motivator – is the fact we get to spend time with dogs I say to people that we’re turning from ‘crazy dog people’ into ‘craziER dog people’. We’re totally going to own it.
For dog-lovers, this lifestyle is the ultimate, especially if you’re not in a position to have a dog yourself, and you’re keen to travel as we are.
House and dog sitting has given us the chance to experience different types of dogs and their personalities.
For the love of dogs
Our first dog sit
Our ‘first’ were Polly and Darcy, two cheeky Westies. Darcy is an old soul and a gentleman of 11 years young. Polly is two years old, and the ring-leader in all things barking and chasing. Gosh we loved them. We’re heading back for a second sit for these little pooches soon which is pawesome.
This pair have such funny characteristics – one being the race out to the backyard every couple of hours to ‘check for a fox’ (that was there once). Polly will rouse Darcy from slumber to pursue this task, and next thing their little paws are racing along the wooden floor boards and the dance at the back door begins until Cooper or I let them outside.
They were great off the lead at the parklands up the road, and showed me that most dogs are happy to come back even if they’re not yours!
During TV time, we were surprised to learn the lengths of their affection, as Darcy jumped up onto the sofa and then up again onto the back of it, to sit leaning into our shoulders. Polly would make herself comfortable between Cooper and I on the couch. One big happy (temporary) family.
It was sad to leave them, if I’m honest.
Catering to unique needs
But then came George and Milly. Yes, we fell in love with these two as well, but for different reasons. George is an old soul who certainly still loves adventures but his back legs have had enough and so Cooper learnt to walk George on a harness. We’d take he and his younger adopted mate, Milly, over to beautiful Hampstead Heath for a walk around the path that they’re familiar with. People would stop to make way for George, and the dog-lovers would give us a smile as if to say, ‘how lovely, bless his little cottons socks’.
Milly had a tough time when she was a baby, being mistreated by her original owners. Don’t get us started. She won the lottery with the mums she ended up with though, two inspiring women who it was an absolute privilege to meet!
This sit helped us grow as dog carers. When Milly and George’s parents left for their travels, there was an hour or two where we needed to get acquainted. Usually we’d take a dog on a walk to help them settle with us as new humans in their space. I was on my own for the first few hours of this sit and couldn’t walk George. It was Milly, George and me, sussing each other out. Milly seemed a little anxious without her mums, and I was a bit anxious worrying that the dogs seemed worried.
Cooper arrived though, we went on an adventure to the park, had some food and everyone settled. By the end of this weekend sit, we got an understanding of George’s barks and sounds telling us what he wanted. Milly would demand to be massaged on her head by pawing our legs and insisting we ‘continue’. How amazing to communicate with dogs like this.
Anxiety, walks and weather
Now I’m with Blue, waiting for Cooper to get in from his day at work. Blue was super happy to welcome me into his home. However, about an hour into the sit, he disappeared. I thought I’d lost him! He was hiding in the laundry room in the dark.
Fortunately I figured out it wasn’t due to me, but rather, his mum had said he is fearful of storms. There was one overhead, so we waited it out together. Blue isn’t fond of rain, or the heat, but I discovered Blue likes hugs and treats, which will do us until things are better outside and we can find adventure together.
He also likes sleeping. And he’s been doing just that while I write this piece.
Five dogs in, and I’m in love with each one – all with their different sizes, quirks, personalities, sounds, interests, affectionate traits and backgrounds.
House sitting – what’s next?
In mid-August we’re heading off on our own adventure, and we’re going to share it with you here! We’ve been asked by so many people how we got into house sitting – it seems like something you’d only see in a movie. We’re going to test it out though, and share everything with you, so you can do it too.
This lifestyle is ideal for us right now because we:
Love dogs
Want to travel and see new places and don’t really mind where we end up
Intend to work on our digital business so we just need to be somewhere there’s good WiFi
Enjoy meeting new people, learning new stories and cultures, and this seems like a perfect opportunity to do all that!
We hope you’ll join us for more stories as the months go by. If you’re interested to find out more about how to travel the world house-sitting, drop us a line in the comments.
As mentioned, Cooper and I have signed up to TrustedHousesitters – click the link if you’d like to know more or join the service too!
Welcome! We are Sarah + Cooper, Aussie expats living in the UK with our Westie dog, London. We like to inspire on how to travel for longer and to live and work from anywhere. Our most popular content here is about seeing the world with your pet, remote working & digital nomadism, and house + pet sitting. Create a global life of your dreams at any age! Subscribe to find out more :)
TLL SHOP!
Grab our NEW 2024 guides:
Master House Sitting with Our Must-Have 101 Essentials eGuide! Buy It Here
And, 7 Essential Strategies for Maximizing Your Use of ChatGPT eBookBuy it here
Also, Visit Our Amazon Storefront! Shop Here!
