Southern Oxfordshire is a superb backdrop for the filming of Midsomer Murders. The quintessentially English countryside, picturesque villages

September sees colourful Asters in the Herbaceous Border at Waterperry Gardens

and country pubs make the perfect setting for the show’s plot twists and whodunit storylines. And with lots of beautiful attractions, it’s not surprising that fans of the show love coming here. As well as the plot storylines, there are plenty of places to visit and events to sleuth out too.

Like Waterperry Gardens for instance. This horticultural wonder is perennially popular and hosts many seasonal exhibitions. Here’s a quick look at what you can find there this summer.

Running until the 06 September 2015 is the Fairy Tail Trails exhibition. Explore the ornamental gardens using directions and fairy tale themed clues to find the characters and secrets for your adventure. There’s also a prize for every child at the end of the journey. Tickets are only £3 and you get a compass supplied. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On the 09 September, you can visit to be part of Bulb Day. Start the planting season in style with a charity day filled with talks and events. There will be garden tours by the nursery managers and some short demonstrations too.

Also in September there are two Michaelmas Daisy Weekends (19/20 and 26/27) when the herbaceous border bursts back into late summer bloom with the daisies (Asters) as the stars of the show. Experts will be on hand to answer any questions.

And throughout the summer there is a sculpture exhibition in the walled garden. Much of the work is by friends of the steward of Waterperry Estate, who happens to be a very fine sculptor. Entrance fees are the same as usual to the gardens.

Between 1932 and 1971, Waterperry was e renowned horticultural college, with an emphasis on food production rather than ornamental gardens.  If you’re not familiar with Waterperry, it is one of Southern Oxfordshire’s major attractions and well worth a visit for some inspiriation for your own garden experiments. Located near Thame, to get there, follow signs from the M40 at junction 8a. It’s just off the main road so it’s great for access from around the country.