Carterton may be known primarily as the home of RAF Brize Norton, but there’s so much more to this charming Oxfordshire town than meets the eye. After thousands of journeys through every street, lane, and pathway, I’ve uncovered some remarkable spots that deserve recognition. Whether you’re a longtime resident looking for something new to explore or a visitor wanting to experience the authentic Carterton, these hidden gems will surprise and delight you.
The Secret Gardens and Green Spaces
Kilkenny Lane Country Park – Beyond the Main Trails
Most people stick to the well-marked paths at Kilkenny Lane Country Park, but as someone who regularly drops off families here, I’ve learned about some lesser-known areas that offer exceptional experiences. The southern meadow section, accessible via a small gate near the car park’s far end, opens up to wildflower fields that are absolutely stunning in late spring and early summer.
What makes this spot truly special is the old stone bridge that crosses a small stream—it’s barely mentioned in any guides, but it’s perfect for photography or quiet reflection. I’ve had passengers specifically request returns to this exact spot after discovering it during previous visits. The area around the bridge is also where you’ll find some of the park’s most diverse wildlife, including kingfishers early in the morning.
Local Driver Tip: The best time to visit is Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when it’s quietest. I often pick up nature photographers here who’ve discovered that the lighting is exceptional around 8-9 AM.
The Community Orchard Behind Upavon Way
This is probably Carterton’s best-kept secret. Hidden behind a row of houses on Upavon Way lies a community orchard that most people simply don’t know exists. Established by local volunteers over a decade ago, it features heritage apple and pear trees, plus a small wildflower meadow that comes alive with butterflies in summer.
The orchard has a tiny wooden pavilion where community events sometimes take place, and there are benches scattered throughout where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. What’s remarkable is how different it feels from the busy town center just a few hundred meters away—it’s like stepping into rural Oxfordshire without leaving Carterton.
Getting There: Park on Upavon Way and look for the small wooden gate between houses 47 and 49. It’s easy to miss, which is why it remains such a peaceful spot.
Historical Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight
The Old RAF Carterton Memorial Garden
While many know about RAF Brize Norton, fewer people are aware of the original RAF Carterton site that operated during World War II. The memorial garden, tucked away behind what is now a residential area off Swinbrook Road, contains original concrete structures from the wartime airfield and a small memorial to the pilots who flew from here.
I’ve had the privilege of driving several World War II veterans and their families to this spot over the years. The stories they’ve shared about this place are incredible—from emergency landings to clandestine operations. There’s a preserved section of original runway that’s now part of a walking path, and if you know where to look, you can still see the old aircraft dispersal points now overgrown with vegetation.
Historical Note: The memorial garden hosts a small remembrance service every September. It’s organized by local volunteers and attracts veterans from across the country.
St. John’s Church – The Hidden Crypt
Everyone knows St. John’s Church on Alvescot Road, but few realize it has a fascinating medieval crypt that’s occasionally open for guided tours. Built in the 12th century, the crypt contains original stone carvings and tells the story of the area long before it became modern Carterton.
What’s particularly interesting is the collection of agricultural tools displayed there, showing how this area was primarily farming land for centuries. I’ve dropped off several local history groups here, and the church volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable about both the building and the area’s development.
Visiting Tip: Contact the church office to arrange crypt visits. They’re usually available on the second Saturday of each month or by special arrangement.
Culinary Discoveries Off the Beaten Path
The Honey Pot Farm Shop
Located on a small lane off the Bampton Road, this family-run farm shop is easy to miss but absolutely worth finding. They produce their own honey from beehives on the property, along with seasonal vegetables, homemade preserves, and what I consider to be the best fresh bread in Carterton.
What makes this place special isn’t just the quality of products—it’s the pick-your-own fruit section during summer months and the small café area in their converted barn where they serve the most incredible cream teas using their own produce. The family has been farming this land for four generations, and their knowledge of seasonal produce is remarkable.
Regular Customer Secret: Ask about their unofficial delivery service. For elderly or less mobile customers, they often arrange home deliveries, especially during winter months.
The Black Horse’s Secret Garden
While The Black Horse pub on Burford Road is well-known, most people never discover the hidden beer garden behind the main building. Accessed through a narrow passage beside the pub, this Victorian walled garden was once part of a grand house that stood on the site.
The garden features original fruit trees, climbing roses, and several secluded seating areas where you can enjoy a meal away from the main pub crowds. During summer evenings, they often have acoustic music sessions here that create a magical atmosphere. I’ve dropped off couples for romantic dinners who specifically request the garden tables.
Insider Knowledge: The garden has its own wood-fired pizza oven that operates Thursday through Sunday evenings during warmer months. The pizzas are exceptional and made with herbs grown in the garden itself.
Recreational Havens for Families
The Secret Playground at Carterton Community College
This might sound unusual, but the adventure playground at Carterton Community College is accessible to the public during certain hours and school holidays. It’s a state-of-the-art facility that puts many public playgrounds to shame, with equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
What makes it particularly valuable is the sensory garden adjacent to the playground, designed specifically for children with additional needs. It’s beautifully maintained and offers a calm space for families who need a quieter environment. I regularly transport families here, particularly those traveling from surrounding villages who’ve heard about this facility through word of mouth.
Access Information: The playground is open to the public after 4 PM on weekdays and all day during school holidays. Check with the school office for current access arrangements.
Shill Brook Nature Reserve – The Hidden Paths
While Shill Brook Nature Reserve is known to locals, most visitors only explore the main circular path. However, there are several unofficial paths that lead to some remarkable spots along the brook itself. These paths, maintained by local volunteers, provide access to areas where you can often spot herons, water voles, and during spring, some spectacular wildflower displays.
The wooden viewing platform halfway along the hidden eastern path offers the best views of the reserve and is perfect for wildlife photography. I’ve transported several photography groups here who’ve shared that this location provides some of the best nature photography opportunities in West Oxfordshire.
Safety Note: These paths can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is essential. I always advise passengers to bring wellington boots if they’re visiting after wet weather.
Shopping and Craft Discoveries
The Artisan Workshop Trail
Few people realize that Carterton has developed a small but thriving artisan community. Several workshops are tucked away in converted farm buildings and residential areas, creating what locals call the “workshop trail.” These include a pottery studio on Mill Lane, a traditional blacksmith operating from premises behind Alvescot Road, and a woodworking workshop that creates bespoke furniture.
The pottery studio offers drop-in sessions where you can try your hand at wheel throwing, and the finished pieces make unique souvenirs of your visit to Carterton. The blacksmith still creates traditional ironwork and offers demonstrations by appointment. The woodworker specializes in oak furniture and restoration work.
Artisan Tour Tip: Contact each workshop directly as opening hours vary. Some offer combined workshop visits and refreshments, making for a unique day out.
The Vintage Market at the Old Fire Station
Once a month, the former fire station building on Black Bourton Road hosts a vintage and antiques market that attracts dealers and customers from across Oxfordshire. It’s not widely advertised, but it’s become a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds.
The market specializes in mid-20th-century items, military memorabilia (appropriate given the town’s RAF connection), and vintage farming equipment. What makes it special is the knowledge of the regular dealers who can tell fascinating stories about the items they’re selling and the area’s history.
Market Schedule: Usually the third Saturday of each month, 9 AM to 3 PM. Follow their Facebook page for updates and special themed events.
Seasonal Spectacles and Events
The Rapeseed Fields Circuit
During late spring and early summer, the rapeseed fields surrounding Carterton create some of the most spectacular scenery in Oxfordshire. As a driver, I’ve learned the perfect viewing circuit that takes you through narrow country lanes surrounded by brilliant yellow fields stretching to the horizon.
The route starts from Carterton town center, heads toward Alvescot village, loops through Clanfield, and returns via Broadwell. The entire circuit takes about 45 minutes by car, but I often suggest stopping at several gateway points where passengers can walk into the fields for photography.
Best Viewing Period: Typically late April through mid-May, depending on weather conditions. Early morning light (around 7-8 AM) provides the most dramatic photography conditions.
The Annual Scarecrow Trail
Every October, several streets in Carterton participate in an informal scarecrow trail where residents create elaborate scarecrow displays in their gardens and front yards. While not officially organized, it’s become a beloved tradition that transforms ordinary residential streets into outdoor art galleries.
The best streets for scarecrow viewing are typically Windrush Way, Broadshires Way, and parts of Alvescot Road. Each year, the creativity and humor displayed in these homemade scarecrows is remarkable. I’ve transported families from surrounding villages specifically to see the scarecrow displays.
Trail Tips: Peak viewing is usually the last two weeks of October. Some houses provide maps showing other participating addresses.
Transportation Tips from a Local Driver
Having shared these hidden gems, here are some practical tips for visiting them:
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) offer the quietest experience at most locations
- Late afternoon (4-6 PM) provides excellent lighting for photography
- School holidays mean some locations may be busier, but facilities like the community college playground are fully accessible
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (March-May): Perfect for the nature reserves and rapeseed field circuit
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for gardens, outdoor dining, and farm shop visits
- Autumn (September-November): Best time for the scarecrow trail and historical sites
- Winter (December-February): Indoor attractions like the church crypt and artisan workshops are perfect
Getting Around
Many of these locations are not easily accessible by public transport, which is where professional taxi services become invaluable. As a local driver, I can create custom tours combining several hidden gems in a single trip, provide local commentary during journeys, and ensure you don’t miss the small details that make these places special.
The Personal Touch That Makes the Difference
What truly makes these places special isn’t just their hidden nature—it’s the stories and connections that come with local knowledge. Every location I’ve mentioned has personal stories attached: the elderly gentleman who helped create the community orchard, the pub landlord who restored the secret garden, the families who maintain the memorial garden as a labor of love.
These stories, passed down through conversations with regular passengers and local residents, transform simple locations into meaningful places with real human connections. This is what you gain from choosing local services—not just transport from point A to point B, but insights into the community that guidebooks and GPS systems simply can’t provide.
Planning Your Hidden Gems Adventure
Whether you’re planning a half-day exploration or want to discover these gems over several visits, I recommend combining locations based on proximity and your interests:
Nature and History Circuit: Kilkenny Lane Country Park → Community Orchard → RAF Memorial Garden Culinary Discovery Tour: Honey Pot Farm Shop → Black Horse Secret Garden → Artisan Workshops Family Adventure Day: Secret Playground → Shill Brook Hidden Paths → Seasonal activities (scarecrow trail or rapeseed fields)
Each circuit can be customized based on your specific interests, mobility requirements, and time available. The beauty of having local driver knowledge is the ability to adapt routes based on weather, seasonal changes, and current accessibility.
Ready to discover Carterton’s hidden gems? Contact Alis Taxi Service to plan your personalized tour of these remarkable local treasures. As your local driver and guide, I’ll ensure you experience not just the locations, but the stories and connections that make Carterton truly special.
Have you discovered any hidden gems in Carterton that I’ve missed? I’d love to hear about them and share them with fellow travelers. After all, the best discoveries often come from the community itself.