Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-a-gourmet-grilling">Get a gourmet grilling</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="909" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Jolly-trolly-1-1000x909.jpg" alt="Peterley Manor Farm Father's Day" class="wp-image-162758" /></figure>



<p>Head up to the Muddy award-winning <a href="https://peterleymanorfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peterley Manor Farm</a> near Great Missenden for a hot take on Father’s Day. They’re hosting a fire-themed event, called Dad vs Fire, on 16 June and it looks set to be smokin’ with pop-up flame-grilled food joints plus live music and comedy. We’re sure you’ve already got your Father’s Day gift sorted *frantically checks to-do list*. But for anyone needing a last-minute option, there’s a range of stalls selling Dad gifts – with a BBQ vibe, naturally. The local ales and lagers served up at the Mad Squirrel Bar should hit the spot too.&nbsp;<a href="https://peterleymanorfarm.co.uk/dad-fire/">Tickets are £12.50 or £5 for children aged 5 to 15</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-and-roll">Rock &#8230; and roll</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_441110911_813851163979405_5971936930164856342_n_1080-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chiltern Open Air Museum classic car" class="wp-image-162605" /></figure>



<p>Is your guy a fan of country music of the bluegrass/hillbilly variety? (<em>Creedence Clearwater</em> is a staple in the Muddy household). There’s a toe-tapping afternoon at the <a href="https://www.coam.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiltern Open Air Museum</a>, where the Hemley Hillbillies are rattling out their greatest hits on Father’s Day. If that’s not enough for a great afternoon out, we don’t know what is. But for added entertainment, the museum is also putting on an exhibition of classic cars for your petrolhead’s perusal, c/o members of the MG Classic Car Club.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coam.org.uk/events/fathersday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check it out here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-book-a-cotswolds-date-night">Book a Cotswolds date night</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_443497682_1164485474971633_1038291816529196473_n_1080-1000x995.jpg" alt="Nicholas Balfe Bull at Burford chef" class="wp-image-162609" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nicholas Balfe</figcaption></figure>



<p>Uber PR man Matthew Freud has been cooking up a storm in the Cotswolds as the new patron of <a href="https://www.bullburford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bull at Burford</a> – and we’re sure tickets to the second evening feast at his gastro-honeypot wouldn’t look too shabby as a Father’s Day offering. The guest chef at the Bull’s Chefs Table #2 is Nicholas Balfe of Holm in Somerset (he also has Moro, St John and River Cottage to his credits), and there’ll be cocktails and music thrown in too. Tickets are £80pp – but be quick. At the time of writing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.designmynight.com/uk/whats-on/date-night/chefs-table-19th-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">there are just ten left</a>. Go go go!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-check-in-for-sunday-lunch-spa">Check in for Sunday lunch + spa</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/danesfield-spa-667x500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-96971" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/danesfield-spa-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/danesfield-spa-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/danesfield-spa-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/danesfield-spa.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>Live in Bucks? Danesfield House Hotel in Marlow could be a good bet for a slap-up Father’s Day lunch. Its <a href="https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk/concierge/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three-course traditional Sunday lunch on 16 June</a> is £60pp for adults (£20 for the three-course kids menu) and Dads get a bottle of beer from Marlow’s Rebellion Brewery on the house. Finish the afternoon with a stroll around the grounds where the Clooneys tied the knot and&nbsp;take&nbsp;a look at Danesfield’s RAF history wall. Too much effort? Then <a href="https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk/spa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">head to the spa for some metrosexual grooming</a>. Muddy hears there&#8217;s a special Father&#8217;s Day offer (valid from 14 to 23 June), with a choice of either a 50-min Comfort Zone facial or a 25-min Aroma Blend massage. Gift vouchers available too. We&#8217;re sure he&#8217;ll return the favour on Mother&#8217;s Day&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-the-gardening-bug">Get the gardening bug</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="992" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_437773645_878346100714752_7658743896243354151_n_1080-1000x992.jpg" alt="Raymond Blanc gardening school Le Manoir " class="wp-image-162633" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">@belmondlemanoir</figcaption></figure>



<p>There comes a point in every man’s life where his perfect afternoon involves putting on a pair of Crocs and pruning the roses. We’re all for this (the lawn doesn’t mow itself), so why not cultivate this gentle midlife hobby by buying him a voucher for a class at the <a href="https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons/gardening-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raymond Blanc Gardening School</a> at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. He’ll come away with ideas for your own little veg patch or allotment, having been happily fed and watered at the Hartley Botanic Glasshouse. Next stop, <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/insider-guide-to-chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Chelsea</a>!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-the-fun-be-gin">Let the fun be gin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Sky-Wave-Gin-LBB-SkyWave85.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140127" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Sky-Wave-Gin-LBB-SkyWave85.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Sky-Wave-Gin-LBB-SkyWave85-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Sky-Wave-Gin-LBB-SkyWave85-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Sky-Wave-Gin-LBB-SkyWave85-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another Muddy fave is indie gin-maker <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/sky-wave-gin-bicester-bar-boutique-distillery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Wave</a> (they&#8217;re rustling up a few cocktails at our Bucks &amp; Oxon Muddy Awards drinks at Waddesdon this month, don&#8217;t you know). Yes, you could just <em>buy</em> a bottle of their award-winning gin for Father&#8217;s Day &#8211; or you could go the whole nine yards and take a tour round their distillery at a former WW2 RAF base at Bicester Heritage (£25pp, check out the upcoming dates <a href="https://www.skywavegin.com/services/distillery-experiences#book" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). Short of time, or just <em>really</em> want a decent G&amp;T? <a href="https://www.skywavegin.com/product/sky-wave-distillery-experience-gift-card" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy a gift card</a> to get some credit in the (bottle) bank. Chin chin!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-give-the-game-fair-a-shot">Give the Game Fair a shot</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="450" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Blenheim-Palace-Game-Fair--e1717084611674.jpg" alt="Blenheim game fair" class="wp-image-161355" /></figure>



<p>For a hunting, shooting, fishing kinda weekend, get the green wellies on and surprise him with tickets to the Game Fair, <a href="https://thegamefair.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">held at Blenheim Palace from 24 to 26 July</a>. There are countryside pursuits galore (try your hand at archery, clay pigeon shooting and polo) or drop by the artisan food stalls for a venison burger and a craft gin or three. Muddy previews the whole countryside caboodle <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/7-reasons-to-visit-the-game-fair-at-blenheim-palace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>, from the Shetland Pony Grand National(!) to the lure of cuddly celebrity chef James Martin, who&#8217;ll be holding court in the VIP area (and no doubt whipping up a game pie). Did someone say weekend break?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-like-a-duck-to-water">Make like a duck to water</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/29th-April-30-1000x750.jpg" alt="Willen Lake paddleboarding " class="wp-image-162799" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willen Lake</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’ve ever harboured thoughts of throwing the men in your life into the nearest body of water, then here’s your chance – all in the name of love, of course. Willen Lake in Milton Keynes is home to all kinds of watersports, but if your guy wants to try something new, <a href="https://www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book him a 90-minute lesson with a kayaking or paddleboarding tutor</a>. Best of all, it’s suitable for kids over 8 too, so you can dump the whole family in the lake (literally) and then swan off for an ice-cream.&nbsp;Or learn to paddleboard at <a href="https://www.moisupschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MOI’s SUP school near Oxford</a>. It’s adults-only, so you’ll look like a pro by the time you get the kids on board too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-off-the-dj-for-henley">Dust off the DJ for Henley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_446122378_1475544056414278_8178758485550756945_n_1080.jpg" alt="Henley Festival " class="wp-image-162662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_446122378_1475544056414278_8178758485550756945_n_1080.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_446122378_1475544056414278_8178758485550756945_n_1080-800x546.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_446122378_1475544056414278_8178758485550756945_n_1080-400x273.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Couldn’t bag Glasto tickets this year? The <a href="https://henley-festival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley Festival</a> is a major crowd pleaser around these parts, and perfect if your guy likes to dust off the DJ every now and again and mingle with the Henley glitterati. Book him tickets to see ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger (the headliner on Weds) and he’ll be the cat that got the cream. Other big names over this year’s five-day fest are Nigel Kennedy, Gladys Knight and the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. As you&#8217;d expect, tickets are selling out fast&nbsp;<a href="https://boxoffice.henley-festival.co.uk/">so get in there sharpish</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grape-expectations">Grape expectations</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_378605785_840840544047563_8297280897899512946_n_1080-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162670" /></figure>



<p>Fathers who know their Chablis from their Chardonnay should have <a href="https://dawshillvineyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daws Hill</a> in Radnage on their radar. Not only does the vineyard sell some truly excellent English sparkling wine, they offer regular tours and tastings, too. You can <a href="https://dawshillvineyard.co.uk/tours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">go for one of their events</a> (there are two tours and tastings on Sat 15 June), book a private tour, or go the whole hog and stay for lunch. If you’re feeling really generous, you can let him have all the fun and offer to be designated driver.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuck-in-to-an-alfresco-feast">Tuck in to an alfresco feast</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Snapinsta.app_438128018_18231441961258284_1669575829823214713_n_1080-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Nomadic supper club" class="wp-image-162689" /></figure>



<p>Outdoorsy types will be falling over their Green Egg BBQs with glee when you present them with a voucher for one of <a href="https://experiencenomadic.com/feasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nomadic’s outdoor supper clubs</a>. The experiences vary by season but will generally include a guided foraging tour and a flame-cooked feast. Check out its summer availability <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/nomadicdinners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;and our ultimate Muddy guide to this summer’s&nbsp;alfresco feast events <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/outdoor-supper-clubs-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire-wild-dining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-in-the-fast-lane">Get in the fast lane</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/435729335_18423647839053175_897871887317894535_n-e1715160684169-1000x500.jpg" alt="Silverstone Grand Prix" class="wp-image-161225" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/435729335_18423647839053175_897871887317894535_n-e1715160684169-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/435729335_18423647839053175_897871887317894535_n-e1715160684169-800x400.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/435729335_18423647839053175_897871887317894535_n-e1715160684169-400x200.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/435729335_18423647839053175_897871887317894535_n-e1715160684169.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">@silverstonecircuit</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’ve got a serious petrolhead in the family, go full speed to Silverstone for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix?utm_campaign=F1&amp;utm_medium=PPC&amp;utm_source=Tickets-OG&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS39o4nsH41QWj6jzz1SgLLUAW41TYUR-u4ghV2_FO-cf_WEoiY7qHiAaArK8EALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1® Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024</a>. This year’s Grand Prix is from 4 – 7 July and Muddy has the inside track (as ever). Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitality.silverstone.co.uk/en/f1/racing-green-promo-hospitality/?utm_source=Muddy+Stilettos&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=Maddy+Stilettos+Racing+Green">our first dibs on a VIP package for the Sunday</a>&nbsp;that’ll bag you the best seats, with food and refreshments included. Champagne at the ready.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hop-aboard-a-steam-train">Hop aboard a steam train </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="831" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Ridgeway-run-BRC.jpg" alt="Ridgeway run vehicle display at bucks railways centre" class="wp-image-162885" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Ridgeway-run-BRC.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Ridgeway-run-BRC-800x665.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Ridgeway-run-BRC-400x332.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dad more of a train guy? <a href="https://bucksrailcentre.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/45826?catID=43542">Bucks Railway Centre</a> is always a winner with its steam train rides, miniature railway and The Railway Museum. And if you pop by on Father&#8217;s Day, the Ridgeway Run rally is on again. Last year saw a whopping 80 vintage vehicles mosey their way from Henley to the Bucks Railway Centre getting lots of appreciative glances, waves and cheers along the way before parking up to get admired and ogled for the afternoon while their owners share their love of all things vintage car.</p>



<p><strong><em>More ideas to treat Dad</em></strong>&#8230;</p>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-pub-gardens-oxfordshire-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best pubs with gardens in Bucks &amp; Oxon</a><br><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/best-afternoon-teas-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Where to go for afternoon tea in Bucks &amp; Oxon</a><br><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/independent-cinemas-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Movie night! Indie cinemas in Bucks &amp; Oxon</a></p>



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Top of the Pops! 13 great Father’s Day experiences in Bucks and Oxon

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