Oxford is about 40 minutes up the M40.

The hotel is very modern and you will find much to do in the area. It is situated next door to a park & ride for easy access to the city centre.

Visit Harry Potter's Hogwarts Dining Room at Christchurch College http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/harry_po...ocations.shtml , or if that does not appeal how about a visit to Blenheim Palace http://www.blenheimpalace.com/ in beautiful Woodstock, a 15 minute drive from the Holiday Inn.

To satisfy your hunger visit Little Clarindon Street in Oxford where you will find a variety of upmarket restaurants (if you do not mind the company of students & professors).

One word of warning.... we currenty (24 July) have floods on the outskirts of the city http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/o...re/6911321.stm

Although not in the home counties perhaps this could be a location for consideration.

Regards
Midnight