Murder Mystery Weekend - Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September 2010

A 3 star hotel in an idyllic 17th Century setting with hidden staircases, original wooden beams & stone fireplaces offering 69 en suite rooms. Ideal for exploring the Cotswolds, Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, Woodstock & Warwick. Hotel easily accessible via Junction 11 off the M40. Free car parking.

Swift Restaurant Overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens, this restaurant has magnificent oak panelling, an old closed fireplace and iron chandeliers which all work towards creating the most charming atmosphere.

Berkeley Restaurant With a fine collection of artwork and prints adorning its walls, this smaller Restaurant provides a more intimate affair. Ideal for those special candlelit celebrations or perhaps a family get-together.

Horton Bar An open fireplace, lead-lighting and oak panelled walls give the Horton Bar a more rustic feel. Relax in the comfortable loungers and armchairs while enjoying a quiet drink!

2nd September 1687 King James II visited Banbury and stayed in the current bedroom of the suite now numbered 52 or the Fathers Dyneing Room, the separate sitting room of 52 was actually a secret meeting room back in 1687.

There are also known links with William Shakespeare and Benjamin Franklin.

The hotel has a great connection to Jonathon Swift, the author of "Gulliver's Travels" published in 1726. Swift was staying here when writing the book and took the name of his hero from a tombstone, which stood, on the north side of the church. The name Gulliver may still clearly be seen on a plaque in the churchyard in memory of the original as time has taken its toll to this stone.

The Ghost:
Room 52 has a sitting room; this room during the 17th century was a secret meeting place for a group of local catholic clergy. The sitting room was served by a secret passage that started in a cupboard in the room, leading down to room 20.

This then led down to the Harness room from there the escapee could make their way to the well entrance behind the building. This well leads down to a tunnel system via a small cast iron ladder set into its wall; the tunnel system is known to have led to a church, St Mary's or St John's and the cross. It is also rumoured to go much further perhaps as far out as far as Broughton Castle.

The priests and innkeeper had an alert system to announce the arrival of any persecutors of the catholic faith; a bell was rung by means of a pulley in the hall entrance. The priests would then head for the tunnels.

It is alleged that 4 days after the royal visit, on the 6th September 1687, during a meeting, kept secret due to religious intolerances of the day, a cruel trick was played.

John Heuston, a member of staff of the Inn returning worse for wear from a lengthy session at the famous Cattle Mart, pulled the emergency cord. This prank set the priests into action, but the combination of narrow space, darkness and fear caused one priest to suffer a terror attack. This priest Father Bernard literally was so scared he stopped his heart, ending up dead at the base of the stairs.

It is believed that Father Bernard took to walking the passageways for the last 300 years in search of the prankster. It is fateful that Heuston in turn died a violent death by stabbing. This is thought to have occurred when co-workers and patrons of the Inn found out about the awful prank gone wrong.

The secret staircase within the building was blocked at each level over 100 years ago; the tunnel system under the town has suffered collapses at certain points over the years with only two known entrances still uncovered. The well in the garden and under the church.

* Restaurant : 2
* Bar : 1
* Number of meeting rooms : 5
* Private outdoor parking
* WiFi Internet access
* Room(s) : 69
* Non-smoking rooms : 64
* Total number of suites : 7
* Reduced mobility rooms : 1
* Number of free children in parent's room : 1
* Pets accepted

The facilities available in each bedroom include:

* Audible smoke alarms
* Dead bolt in rooms
* 220/240 V AC
* Hair dryer in bedroom
* Radio in room
* Telephone
* WiFi wireless Internet access
* RJ 11 outlet
* Security peephole
* Smoke alarm in room
* Tea/coffee making facilities
* Iron & ironing board
* Mini bar on request

The following attractions are all nearby:

Banbury Museum
A museum devoted to the history of the town with exhibitions of work by local artists. Open April to September - tel 01295 259855. Located in Castle Quay Shopping Centre.

The Village of Aynho
Very attractive village with many of the south facing wall of the cottages having ancient apricot trees clinging to them. In bygone days the Lord of the Manor used to claim the fruit as part of the rent.

Aynhoe House and Park
Facing the main road at centre of the village - The grand Elizabethan mansion over the centuries has been transformed into the imposing Georgian House we see to day. Part of the house is open to the public and the park is open May to September, Wednesdays and Thursdays, tel 01869 810636.

Broughton Castle and Church
The Ancestral seat of Lord and Lady Saye and Seale is "About the most beautiful castle in all England ... for sheer loveliness of the combination of water, woods and picturesque buildings." Sir Charles Oman in 1898.

Located 3 miles south west of Banbury. It is of great interest, owned by the Fiennes family since 1451. The castle was modified in the 16th century with most of the battlements being removed and has remained unchanged since that time to the present day. The castle is surrounded by a wide moat and is one of the most romantically situated castles in the country. It is regularly used as the back drop to TV and Film productions, including Pride and Prejudice, most recently used in Made of Honor (released date mid-2008), staring Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy) and Michelle Monaghan..

This is a lovely local piece of heritage, the castle has always had close links to the town and we hope it continues to.

Upton House
This National Trust property is located 7 miles North West of Banbury - A fine William and Mary mansion built of local Hornton stone stands at the end of a long grass-bordered driveway, Along with a wonderful House there is a great expanse of quality gardens for you to pleasantly stroll around.

Admission by timed ticket on Bank Holidays, but visitors may then stay until 5 if they wish. Open Good Fri: house 12-5, garden, restaurant & shop 11-5. House open 12-1 by guided tour only. 3 March-31 Oct. Ground floor only in house 3 Nov-16 Dec. Last admission 30mins before closing

Stratford Upon Avon and Shakespeare's Home
Stratford- upon-Avon is a location for a day trip that can not be missed stop with its wonderful atmosphere. There are many things to do from shopping and the butterfly farm to horse racing and the RSC theatre. For those with a passion for history there are many places to visit including: Shakespeare's birthplace and exhibition at Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Mary Arden's house (mother) is at Wilmcote, 3 miles from Stratford. Ann Hatheway's (wife) cottage is at Shottery, 1 mile from Stratford. Susanna's (daughter) house is Hall's Croft located in the old part of Stratford. Nash's House (grand-daughter) and New Place (next door) where Shakespeare spent his last years are located on Chapel Street. Shakespeare is laid to rest in the Holy Trinity church in Stratford. All named locations open all year.

Warwick Castle
Ancestral home of the Earls of Warwick and the 'King Maker'. Warwick Castle is the finest medieval castle in England dating back to the days of William the Conqueror and it brings to life 1000 years of history. Allow a full day for visiting. Located in the centre of the City of Warwick.

Whether you just want a stroll around the grounds, or a guided tour of the keep. Warwick Castle contains something for everyone. Children will be lost in the past with Knights and Fare Maidens, so will a few of the not so young.

Keep an eye out for traitors at the King Maker, or ready for Battle with the Kings Men. Throughout the year special events are held in the grounds, see displays of swordsmanship, jousting, and birds of prey. Learn archery or how to dress a knight and care for his armor with the castle knaves.

Blenheim Palace
Home of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This magnificent palace is located on the outskirts of the small town of Woodstock on the A44 road approximately 20 minutes from Oxford. Designated a World Heritage site - one of the great buildings of the World with a superb art collection. Extensive 'Capability' Brown landscaped Park. The Marlborough Maze - the worlds largest symbolic hedge maze. Allow at least a good half day for visiting. History of Blenheim Palace.

Although the Grounds and Gardens of Blenheim Palace are spectacular and deserve a full exploration, do not neglect to see the palace itself. The Great Hall is of lofty proportions, boosting great tapestries and art. The state rooms bear wonderful furniture whilst the long Library is most impressive. Take in the Churchill exhibit, visit the indoor cinema, or just join one of the guided tours.

Silverstone Race Track
Silverstone is within 45 minutes of the hotel, Silverstone is an international attraction for all racing enthusiasts. Silverstone with its Superb track and facilities boasts the ability to host various events including: The GT Championship, Bennett's British Super bikes, Corona World Super bikes, Ferrari Race Days, Formula 1 Testing and The British Grand Prix, The Silverstone Classic and various car appreciation days/fairs.

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