Oxford News
Deep Purple rock legend’s mansion and gardens open to public
The Springs Resort & Golf Club in North Stoke near Wallingford reopened three years ago following a multi-million pound refurbishment.
Formerly owned by legendary Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan, the resort – part of the Talacre-based Darwin Escapes portfolio – is one of the major employers in the region with more than 70 staff and 500 members.
READ MORE: New Deep Purple album features dynamics of 1970s
The rock star’s guitar-shaped swimming pool is no more, but manager Ben Scholes said in 2024 renovations and new facilities – including the 1893 spa and Ridgeway Restaurant – have proved incredibly popular with visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Originally from Flintshire, Mr Scholes said earlier the historic former 19th century manor house is one of the local area’s “hidden gems”.
“We are of course recognised for our first-class golfing facilities and are incredibly proud to have one of the best courses in the South-East, but following a period of significant investment the Springs has grown to become a high-quality holiday destination,” he added.
“Our restaurant is exceptionally busy throughout the week and the spa complex, which also features a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, has attracted many visitors to the resort.
“And with more living space now on-site – the 19 luxury self-contained Alder Lodges, in addition to bespoke rooms in our boutique hotel – we are able to accommodate more guests than ever before.”
Mr Scholes added: “This in turn has led to us creating jobs, doing more to support the local economy and provide part-time and seasonal jobs in this picturesque rural area.
“The Springs is one of Oxfordshire’s hidden gems, but our reputation is now spreading across the UK, which will have a positive knock-on effect for the region.”
Sir Michael Caine and renowned contralto Dame Clara Butt are among the other famous faces to have visited North Stoke.
“The major USP we have is this beautiful part of the world, and as a result we are now getting more bookings for weddings, corporate events and hospitality packages,” said Mr Scholes.
“Even to the locals we are considered remote, so for us to now be bringing in people from across England and other parts of the country is heartening.”
He added: “People come here to get away from it all, on the banks of the River Thames surrounded by wildlife and nature.
“We are thrilled with how things have progressed since the redevelopment and how well our new facilities and luxury offering has been received nationwide and here in the community, but we won’t rest on our laurels – this is just the beginning.”
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan bought the mock Tudor building in 1973 for £100,000 and invested £443,000 of his own money into its restoration.
It was sold in 1995 to Svenia and Paul Franklin who ran the hotel until they left in 2014.
Last month the Deep Purple frontman said the new album Splat! is returning to the “dynamics, the balance and the fun” of the music the band made in the early 1970s.
The group, formed in 1968, will release their 24th studio album on July 3.
The band has teamed up with renowned producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with Kiss, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper for the new music, described as “the heaviest Deep Purple album in many years”.
Ian Gillan said: “Gillan said: “Where we are now with this incarnation of Deep Purple feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of Deep Purple as it was in the 70s.”
He added: “I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with Highway Star, Smoke On The Water, Lazy – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73. Deep Purple is in a great place right now.”
This temporary closure was announced shortly after 4.30pm this afternoon (Wednesday, June 24) by Chiltern Railways.
READ MORE: Nine swimming pools and splash areas to beat the heat
We apologise that due to a points failure between Warwick and Banbury the line towards London is blocked.
We will provide further information as it becomes available.
Please check your journey prior to travel via: https://t.co/vWimDIg2w9 pic.twitter.com/MMXCpvWbl3
— Chiltern Railways (@chilternrailway) June 24, 2026
The line between Oxfordshire’s Banbury and Warwick, heading to the capital, is blocked due to a fault, meaning multiple connections have been delayed this afternoon.
A statement from Chiltern Railways on X said: “We apologise that due to a points failure between Warwick and Banbury, the line towards London is blocked.
“We will provide further information as it becomes available.”
St Helen and St Katharine school, the girls’ day school in Faringdon Road, has announced it is investing in a newly expanded junior department, which is to be known as St Helen and St Katharine Prep.
From September 2027, the school will extend its junior provision to include Years 3 and 4, enabling girls to begin their time in classes from the age of seven.
READ MORE: Abingdon girls’ school ranked highly for sports
To reflect this expanded provision, the junior department will become St Helen and St Katharine Prep, encompassing Years 3 to 6.
This “significant moment” for the school has been carefully considered by governors and senior leaders.
Headteacher Sarah Rollings said: “For more than 30 years, our junior department has provided an exceptional start to a St Helen and St Katharine education for girls in Years 5 and 6.
“From the outset, they will benefit from the rich and distinctive St Helen’s experience, combining academic ambition, outstanding pastoral care, exceptional opportunities beyond the classroom, and a strong sense of belonging that inspires girls to thrive.”
From September 2027, students in SHSK Prep will be educated in a dedicated new home, created through the redevelopment of the former Sixth Form Centre, next to the playground.
Designed specifically for Key Stage 2 students, it will provide an environment tailored to their needs while keeping them closely connected to the wider life of the school.
Students from Years 3 to 6 will benefit from the expertise of primary-trained staff, while also accessing additional specialist teaching in areas such as sport, music and art.
Chair of governors Sara Benbow said: “Throughout its history, St Helen and St Katharine has evolved to meet the needs of successive generations of young women while remaining true to its founding purpose.
“At a time when girls’ education remains as important as ever, the creation of St Helen and St Katharine Prep represents the next step in that journey, reinforcing and extending the reach of our mission.”
The school said in a statement it is “excited about what lies ahead”, and looks forward to enabling even more girls and young women to benefit from the education, opportunities and values that have defined St Helen and St Katharine for more than a century.
At the end of last year, the school was ranked just outside the top 50 nationally as well as the ‘top school in Abingdon’ in The Times Parent Power 2026 guide, which assesses schools nationwide based on academic performance.
Last year, School Sport Magazine highlighted St Helen’s sports teams and sporting achievements, placing it 20th overall in the country.
Thames Valley Police has announced this evening that the order is currently in force covering Bonn Square, Queen Street, and New Inn Hall Street.
This order will remain in place until 3.45pm on Friday (June 26), with police now having enhanced powers to direct individuals causing issues to leave the area.
The force says that the action follows numerous reports of anti-social behaviour and crime in the area over the past two days.
READ MORE: Man, 32, killed in fatal motorcycle crash in Oxfordshire
Incidents have led to arrests and include public order offences, possession of weapons, and an assault.
Much of the disruption has been linked to street drinking, which tends to increase during periods of warmer, sunny weather.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Anyone failing to comply may be committing an offence and could be arrested.
“We are committed to keeping the city centre safe for everyone—residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“If you witness any suspicious or concerning behaviour, please report it by calling 999 in an emergency and 101 for non-emergencies.”
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