Kidlington, Oxfordshire

Just 5 miles north of Oxford and 18 miles south of Banbury, Kidlington has increased greatly in size in recent years growing to become the largest village in England (c. 14,000 residents), with the modern settlement built around an historic greystone village. The name Kidlington was derived from the “tun” (Anglo-Saxon for village or settlement) of the Kidlings or sons of Cydel - hence Cudelinga tun.  By the Doomsday Book (1086), Kidlington is mentioned as having a Mill and a Manor House and the fine parish church of St Mary the Virgin (dating from 1220) is notable for its medieval glass, ancient woodwork and impressive spire, known as ‘our lady’s needle’.

One of the finest buildings in the village is the Old Rectory, which has paired diagonal chimney stacks and 16th century stone mullion windows. Today, the village is a lively community, with a modern shopping centre, library, many pubs, restaurants and cafes and its own Sports Centre. Oxford Airport, which operates private jet and helicopter services is also sited on the outskirts of Kidlington, with all the additional amenities and attractions of Oxford just a few minutes away.