TWO Oxfordshire villages have made it into the top 40 best villages in Britain, according to The Times newspaper.

The Sibfords, six miles west of Banbury, topped the list in the south and Great Tew near Chipping Norton came third.

The former, a cluster of villages made up of Sibford Gower, Sibford Ferris and Burdrop, on the north edge of the Cotswolds, was praised for its picturesque properties, village shop and gastropub the Wkyham Arms.

It's doctor's surgery - as one of the best in Oxfordshire - also received a mention as well as independent schools Bloxham and Tudor House.

The average house price in the village, according to Rightmove is £670,750 and those looking to move to the area could buy a farmhouse, complete with paddocks and stables on the markey at £1.29m.

Great Tew, just nine miles from The Sibfords and also in the Cotswolds, impressed the list's compilers with its "proper countryside" feel.

Cornbury Music Festival and the 100-acre members club Soho Farmhouse were adjudged to have set the West Oxfordshire apart and made it the place to be.

The illustrious list of celebrities, including the actor Sir Patrick Stewart, comedy producer John Lloyd and the fashion designer Patrick Grant - who have all lived in the village - were also mentioned.

According to The Times houses rarely come on the market in the village, though and a nearby farmhouse currently for sale will set you back £1.6m.