If you’re looking for a unique, family-friendly self catering stay near Oxford, The Old Parsonage in Iffley is a hidden gem. This beautiful 16th-century Landmark Trust property is full of charm, character, and history – and it’s the perfect base for exploring the city while feeling a world away. I’ve been lucky enough to stay at Landmark Trust properties around the UK, and this one completely stole my heart. We visited as a family while exploring Oxford, and it was one of the most memorable places we’ve ever stayed.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our Disclosure Policy.
Table of Contents
What is the Landmark Trust?
The Landmark Trust is a brilliant charity that rescues and restores historic buildings across Britain, from towers and castles to cottages and chapels, and makes them available for the public to stay in. Their properties are packed with character and every stay helps fund their vital conservation work.
Browsing their website is a slippery slope – it’s full of gorgeous, quirky places to stay, and that’s exactly how I stumbled upon The Old Parsonage, Iffley.
Why stay at The Old Parsonage in Iffley – Landmark Trust Oxford
This Landmark Trust Oxford property is located just a few miles outside the city centre, giving you easy access to everything Oxford has to offer, while still feeling peaceful and removed. With its gently sloping garden leading down to the Thames and an ancient mulberry tree in the grounds, it’s a magical setting.
The house itself is steeped in history, with parts dating back to the 12th century. It has all the features you’d hope for in a period property – creaking floorboards, stained glass windows, large fireplaces, and even old portraits hanging on the walls.
Inside the cottage – Landmark Trust Oxford
The Old Parsonage sleeps up to six guests in three beautifully furnished bedrooms, each with its own character. There are two bathrooms and a cosy, atmospheric lounge and dining room.
Despite its age, the property feels welcoming and not at all spooky – in fact, we found it incredibly homely. The kitchen and bathrooms have been sympathetically modernised, so you still get your creature comforts alongside all the historic charm.
Towels, blankets and kitchen equipment are all provided, and everything is of a really high standard. There’s even a fireplace you’re encouraged to use – we spent a chilly evening toasting ourselves by the fire and playing board games, which turned out to be one of our favourite memories of the trip.
No Wi-Fi? No problem
One thing to note is that, in true Landmark Trust fashion, there’s no television or internet at The Old Parsonage. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about this at first – especially with kids in tow – but it turned out to be an unexpected blessing.
We spent our evenings talking, reading, playing games and just relaxing. It’s the kind of digital detox we didn’t know we needed.
Is The Old Parsonage child-friendly?
Absolutely. Although it’s a property full of history and character, it’s not overly precious. We found it very family-friendly – a house that feels truly loved and lived in, rather than like a museum piece.
Our children loved exploring the rooms and playing in the garden. The house gave us space to relax as a family while also feeling like we were somewhere really special.
Things to do nearby
Oxford is right on the doorstep – perfect for day trips to the museums, colleges, and lovely bookshops. We’ve written a separate post on things to do in Oxford with kids (and even one on things to do in Oxford in the rain), so do check that out if you’re planning a visit.
Back at the cottage, you can enjoy riverside walks, nearby pubs, and quiet evenings in front of the fire.
What to know before booking Landmark Trust Oxford
- Sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms
- No Wi-Fi or TV
- Garden with river views
- Fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms
- Parking available on site
- Minimum stay required (usually 3+ nights)
FAQs about staying at The Old Parsonage, Iffley
Is The Old Parsonage close to Oxford city centre?
Yes – it’s just a few miles away, making it ideal for sightseeing while enjoying a quiet place to return to. You will ideally need a car though.
Does the Landmark Trust provide towels and bedding?
Yes, everything is provided – and it’s all top quality.
Is there Wi-Fi or a television?
No – but you might just find you don’t miss them at all.
Is it suitable for families with children?
Definitely. It’s a relaxed and welcoming space that feels safe and spacious.
Final thoughts
The Old Parsonage, Iffley is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s the perfect mix of history, comfort and location. Whether you’re visiting Oxford for a weekend or planning a longer family getaway, this Landmark Trust cottage offers something truly special.
We left feeling rested, connected, and dreaming of which Landmark property to try next.
Ready to book your stay?
Find out more on the Landmark Trust website. And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best things to do in Oxford with kids.
Wow! That looks like it would be a fantastic place to stay! I want to go 🙂
Ha ha, I want to go back!! 😉 It really was an amazing place to stay. Thank you for commenting.
Oooh this place looks lovely and Oxford is an amazing place – one of my faves in the UK. I love the Landmark Trust properties – always really cute and quirky. Great photos 😉
Laura x
Thank you! It really was the most fantastic place, definitely quirky and really beautiful. Thank you for your comments.
We love the Landmark Trust but haven’t stayed with them since having a little one. We used to go to the island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel with them – a wild and fantastic holiday that I would definitely recommend if you are looking for an adventure. The Parsonage looks more my thing now, it looks so cosy and a chance to step back in time.
I am desperate to go to Lundy! I’ve been wanting to go for years so I must make that happen soon! The Old Parsonage is gorgeous, very cosy and full of character and really great to take children too…definitely recommended. Thank you for your comments.
I have’t heard of The Landmark Trust before. This looks like an amazing place to stay.
Oh definitely look them up, they have some fantastic places to stay! Thank you for your comments.
How stunning! I didn’t really know much about the Landmark Trust, definitely off to check it out! We holiday in this country and I’m always looking for new and interesting places to go/stay.
If you like interesting places you’ll love the Landmark Trust…they have SO many places that have so much history and are so quirky you won’t know where to start!! Thank you for your comments 🙂
What beautiful scenes inside and out. Haven’t visited Oxford for ages. Will make a note to do so soon.
Thank you! It’s a beautiful place so lovely to photograph. Thank you for your comments.
Amazing! This is just my kind of place. I hadn’t heard of the Landmark Trust so that is one for me to remember if we are going away in future. Love your pictures of the house and all the wood panelling.
Thank you so much for your comments. Definitely look up Landmark Trust if you’re hoping to get away for a few days – they have so many amazing places 🙂
this looks like a lovely place! i’d love to go one day.
It really was gorgeous…I want to go back! Hope you get to visit! Thank you for your comments.
Such a gorgeous grand house and what a great idea! Can’t wait to take a look, I’d love the idea of staying in a light house. F would be sooo excited
Yes a lighthouse would be brilliant wouldn’t it?! Thank you for your comments…enjoy looking!!
looks super grand! I would also feel a bit anxious with the lack of internet (isn’t that awful??) but imagine it would force me to relax! x
yes, the lack of internet was a real worry but it was actually amazing to have to unplug from it all for awhile! We really got into our board game!!! 🙂 x
I love this sort of thing! I always get frustrated looking around National Trust type properties as I always want to see the whole of the house or imagine what it was like to live in that era, so this sounds like the perfect way to experience that!
Looks very peaceful and relaxing!
Yes that’s so true…it’s amazing to be able to feel so at home somewhere like this. Thank you for your comments!
Sounds like a lovely place to stay, and really interesting to be steeped in such history.
I love history so much so this was the perfect stay for us…definitely recommended!
That looks fab! Would love to stay.
It’s a great place to stay, perfect weekend getaway!
What I beautiful location. I love that is is child friendly as I dislike going to places that incite curiosity in children but do not allow them to explore it. Thank you for sharing x
Yes that’s so true, we really felt at home here. Definitely recommended, it was a great stay. Thank you for your comments.
It looks like a beautiful location, relaxing place to stay
It’s a gorgeous location – I want to go back in Summer now!! Thank you for your comments!
I love it ALL but what I really love is the cute little note. It’s always those personal touches that are the finishing special touches.
Great post – would go there RIGHT NOW if only I could afford it.
Liska xx
I so agree…it’s things like that the make it feel really special. Thank you so much for your comments!
What a beautiful place to relax and chill-out for a day or two…
Yes, the perfect place to chill out away from everything! Thank you for your comments.
oh hadn’t heard of the landmark trust before!
This looks like a beautiful place to stay.
It’s a really special place. Have a look at their website if you get the chance – it’s jam-packed with amazing places to stay! Thank you for your comments.
Looks wonderful – off to have a look around their website now!
Thank you for your comments, I hope you find something you’ll love…I’m sure you will!
Looks wonderful – off to have a look around their website now. It would make an ideal get away for a more grown up break.
It would definitely work as a grown up break but it’s VERY family friendly too…we all felt right at home here and didn’t want to leave! Thank you for your comments.
Great post! I would love to go there!
Thank you! It’s a great place to stay.