Witney

Witney lies west of Oxford on the River Windrush. It has been famous for its woollen blankets since the Middle Ages, although the town dates back to AD 969. There is, however, some evidence of older settlements in the area.

What To Do And See

Witney offers a number interesting points worth a visit. There's a traditional market dating back to the Middle Ages on Thursdays, and there also is a market on Saturdays.

St Mary the Virgin parish church was originally Norman and still has some features reflecting this period.

The unique working museum, Cogges Manor Farm, depicts rural life in Victorian times and is set in an historic manor house and Cotswold stone farm buildings.

The Witney and District Museum, situated in the centre of the town, includes much information on the history of Witney and the surrounding area, and highlighting the changes that have taken place over the last 1000 years covering industries such as Witney Blankets, glove making and beer brewing.

Alternatively just a short walk from the town centre are Witney Lake and Meadows, a beautiful haven for wildlife where you can get away from it all with a walk around a beautiful lake and through splendid f

Interesting Tidbits

West End, one of Witneys best preserved streets, gave rise to the song "Just an old fashioned house in an old fashioned street".

The 17th century buttercross in the market square is where people from neighbouring towns used to gather to buy butter and eggs.

Surrounding Area

A short drive from Witney, in the town of Woodstock, is Blenheim Palace, home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. East of Witney lies North Leigh Roman Villa, a part exposed floor plan of a large Roman consisting of over 60 rooms including some interesting mosaics.

Also not far away is the historic university city of Oxford with its spectacular architecture. Or why not visit Burford with its magnificent High Street, one of the finest in the Cotswolds, sloping down to a bridge crossing the River Windrush. The town has hardly changed since Georgian times, when it was an important coach stop between Oxford and the West Country.

General Information


  • How to get there

    Witney lies north of the A40 between Oxford and Burford. From either town follow the A40 for approximately 20 km (~13miles) from Oxford, or 12 km (~7miles) from Burford. Then take the A415 into town.

  • Further Information

    Witney Website: http://www.witney.net

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