Welcome to Witney: Why This Town is Worth a Visit
If you’re staying near the Cotswold Lakes and fancy a change from the usual local walking trails and watersports, then the town of Witney is a great place to visit. It’s a proper Oxfordshire market town with some really decent history behind it, a good mix of local shops, pubs and cafés, and just enough going on to fill up more than a few hours. Check out our Witney Guide and we promise you’ll get the lowdown!
It’s not as flashy as perhaps some other towns in the Cotswolds and that, for us, is a great part of its allure. You can grab a coffee, stroll through its old Georgian streets, browse the shops and markets and maybe even visit a museum or two. It’s a low-key but rewarding kind of place. No stress, no rush – just a solid trip out that feels a bit more ‘real’ than perhaps some of the tourist-heavy spots nearby.
Where is Witney and How do I Get There?
Witney sits in West Oxfordshire, around 12 miles west of Oxford, a couple of minutes off the A40. It’s not officially in the Cotswolds, but it’s close enough that many visitors include it when exploring the area or even when staying in the Cotswold Lakes.
If you’re coming from the Lakes, it’s a simple 25-mile drive through the Cotswolds, taking around 45 minutes depending on traffic. There’s no train station in Witney (the old railway line was shut back in the ’60s), so driving to the town is your best bet. The roads in are decent, the views are pretty and once there the town is fairly easy to get around.
Where to Park in Witney
For a town with a population of around 27,000 inhabitants you’ll generally find an abundance of off-street car parks. These are managed by West Oxfordshire District Council and (very pleasantly) are free to use:
- Marriotts Walk Multi Storey, close to Marks and Spencer, offers 8 levels of parking with 440 short stay spaces (4 hour limit), 150 long stay spaces (9 hour limit), 28 disabled (blue badge) spaces as well as 5 parent and child spaces. Open 7 days a week.
- Woodford Way Long Stay (up to 12 hours per day) offering 246 spaces, 1 disabled space, 16 electrical vehicle charging bays (2 rapid and 14 standard charge points) and 1 motorcycle bay.
- The Woolgate Short Stay Car Park, near Waitrose, offers 740 Standard spaces, 34 Disabled spaces, 12 EV charging spaces with 4 rapid 75kw charge points and 8 standard 7kw charge points, 12 parent and child spaces as well as motorcycle parking.
Other council-run car parks include Windrush Leisure Centre (short stay), Burwell Drive and Gordon Way – both are long stay but located further away from the town centre. Sainsburys have a large car park but we’d recommend avoiding unless you’re using it to shop there!
Disabled parking in the town is always free and there is no time limit for blue badge holders.
Street Parking
- On-street bays around Church Green, Corn Street and Market Square can offer some short-stay parking, usually with 2 to 4‑hour limits Monday–Saturday, 8 am–6 pm; residents’ permits apply after that so make sure you’ve moved your car when these come into effect!
We’d strongly recommend avoiding on street parking and look to use the car parks available instead.
Things to See and Do in Witney
For a small town, we think Witney punches way above its weight and you’ll always find things to do – check out some of our recommendations below:
Explore the Town Centre and Church Green
Wander past Georgian shop fronts and take in the friendly buzz at Church Green, one of Witney’s most picturesque spots. This wide, open green has been at the heart of the town since medieval times and was once used for sheep grazing and trading. The elegant row of 18th-century townhouses that still frame it speaks to Witney’s prosperity during the height of its blanket trade. Great for people-watching and watching townsfolk go about their day!
The Church of St Mary
St Mary’s Church (next to Church Green oddly enough!) replaced an earlier Saxon church and has been part of Witney’s landscape since the 12th century. Even today, it’s still a striking building with its tall stone tower and delicate windows. Step inside and you’ll spot several old gravestones bearing wool symbols – a quiet, respectful nod to the town’s long-standing connection with cloth-making.
Address: Church Green, Witney, OX28 4AW
Website: https://www.witneyparish.org.uk
Telephone: 01993 779 492
Opening Hours: The Church is open Monday to Friday & Sunday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm
Bishop’s Palace
Just beyond the church (in the grounds of Mount House and somewhat easily missed) you’ll find the remains of the old Bishop’s Palace . More of a manor house with gardens than a palace, the ruins give the visitor a fascinating glimpse into Witney’s medieval importance. Queen Emma granted the land to the Bishops of Winchester way back in 1044 and they went on to build a substantial residence though this sadly is long gone. Archaeological digs in the 1980s uncovered the foundations of what was once a moated palace (with a private apartment – called a Solar Tower – for the Bishop of the day!) and you can still see the layout of the stonework all under a protective canopy.
Address: Mount House, Church Green, Witney, OX28 4AZ
Website: https://www.witneyparish.org.uk
Telephone: 01993 779 492
Opening Hours: The Church is open Monday to Friday & Sunday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Bishop’s Palace is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Witney Blanket Hall
Built in 1721, the Hall was once the official place where every blanket woven in the town had to be taken to be weighed, measured and approved. This was serious business, only blankets that met strict standards could be sold under the Witney name – some were even supplied to American Indians in the Wild West!
The Hall is a beautiful old building that was commissioned by the Company of Blanket Weavers after they were granted a Royal Charter by Queen Anne in 1711. You’ll spot the one-handed clock above the door – it’s not broken, it’s just a quirky original feature – and the building itself is an elegant reminder of how important this trade was to the town.
Today, it’s been beautifully restored and is free to enter and explore, including access to the old warehouse and the Great Room upstairs. There’s even a small museum display that helps bring the story of the blankets – and the town itself – to life. Outside, the beautiful garden leads down to the riverside, with a peaceful seating area that’s especially lovely in the summer.
Upstairs you’ll find the licenced Pieshop café – something of a local secret (and for us this was a real find!). It’s a nice, quiet spot with friendly staff and quality food. The whole place is a hidden treasure, especially as it’s not that obvious from outside what’s on offer. If you’re curious to learn more, tours are available so it’s best to call 01993 706408 to arrange one in advance.
If you’re keen to find out even more about Witney Blankets (and hey, who doesn’t?) then do visit this website: Witney Blanket Story
Address: 100 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HL
Website: https://www.blankethall.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 706408
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Cogges Manor Farm Museum
Just east of the town centre, you’ll discover Cogges Manor Farm, a rural heritage museum with a lot more than first meets the eye. The site dates to the 13th century, when a stone manor house was built beside a moat and a mill. The farm/manor house was expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries and has been thoughtfully restored in recent years, preserving its charm while making it welcoming for modern visitors.
These days it’s a living heritage site that gives a glimpse into rural life across the centuries. Around the grounds, you’ll find heritage breeds like sheep, goats, turkeys and assorted poultry roaming freely, plus barns, walled gardens, an orchard garden and a woodland walk that follows the River Windrush. Tucked in next to a modern residential estate, it’s a surprisingly peaceful slice of the countryside hidden in plain sight.
There’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained for a morning or an afternoon:
- Seasonal family events
- Craft workshops
- Farm trails
- Outdoor performances in summer
- Play areas and hands-on activities for kids
At the centre of it all is Cogges Kitchen, the on-site café set inside the farm’s old milking parlour. It’s has a rustic feel as well as plenty of space, both inside and out. On sunny days, families often spill outside into the garden, with kids running about, while the grown-ups get stuck into coffee and cake. You don’t need to buy an entrance ticket to pop in to the cafe, which makes it a favourite with locals too. If you’ve brought a picnic, the orchard’s also a gorgeous spot to have one in the sun.
Tickets cost around:
- £11.55 for adults
- £8.25 for children
- £39 for a family
Dogs on leads are welcome and there’s free parking on site, including disabled access bays. Whether you’re into history, gardening, farm life or just want somewhere calm and wholesome to unwind, Cogges is a must-visit if you are in Witney.
Address: Church Lane, Witney, OX28 3LA
Website: https://www.cogges.org.uk/
Telephone: 01993 772602
Opening hours: Usually 9.30 am–5 pm (February to November)
Witney & District Museum
It’s easy to walk past the Witney & District Museum without realising what’s inside! Take a moment to step through the door and you’ll find a surprisingly rich mix of local history curated over 2 floors. The museum opened in 1996 and has been quietly collecting and preserving the town’s past ever since.
Set inside a traditional old building on the High Street, the museum focuses on everyday life in Witney – from its famous blanket and mop-making industries to Roman coins, Iron Age tools and family treasures donated by local residents. It’s not a particularly big museum, but it’s the kind of place where a quiet 30 minutes can easily turn into an hour.
Upstairs, there’s a regularly changing exhibition space that brings in new stories and themes throughout the season (check out the 1950’s kitchen).
Entry is just £3 for adults (and free for children) so it’s a great low-cost option if you’re exploring the town. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it’s worth supporting and we think you’ll come away having learned something a little bit more about Witney.
Address: 75 High Street, Witney, OX28 6JA
Website: https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/
Telephone: 01993 775 915
Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday
The Pottery Place
The Pottery Place is Oxfordshire’s original paint‑your‑own pottery studio, situated on the banks of the River Windrush. You can wander in off the street and pick from plates, mugs, vases and more to paint and make them your very own.
You can also book a session in advance or even arrange a private party or pottery decorating workshop for a birthday or fun get-together. There’s tea, coffee and snacks on offer too – nothing fancy, just enough caffeine and sugar (!) to keep your creativity buzzing.
We say it’s better to book ahead as it gets busy with families and casual decorators, especially on rainy weekends. If you’ve got a couple of hours to spend, you’ll experience a relaxed, creative and wholesome way to unplug while you’re in town. Plus, you’d be surprised how satisfying it is to see something that you made with your own hands. Note, absolutely no artistic skill is needed to take part!
Address: 48 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HQ
Website: https://www.thepotteryplace.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 704234
Opening Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm; Saturday 9.30am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm
Witney Restaurants Oxfordshire
For a small Oxfordshire town, Witney offers a multitude of restaurants to wine and dine in with family or friends. Check out just a few of the places to eat in the town centre that we’ve frequented in the past:
Como Lounge
Tucked into Market Square opposite the Buttercross, this café-bar blends relaxed dining with a dash of style. Locals love the all-day menu – burgers, salads, tapas – and its drinks list hits the mark, whether you’re after a G&T or a craft beer.
What makes it special:
- Pet friendly
- Serves vegan food
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Louisana Chicken does not disappoint!
Address: 34 Market Square, Witney, OX28 6BB
Website: https://thelounges.co.uk/como/
Telephone: 01993 773 852
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9am – 11pm, Friday to Saturday until midnight
San Marzano
A slice of Italy in Witney. San Marzano specialises in classic pasta and Napoli-style pizzas, served in a warm, family-friendly space. TripAdvisor reviewers praise the “delicious food, excellent service,” and it’s frequently ranked as the town’s top Italian eatery.
What makes it special:
- Highly authentic yet reasonably priced meals
- Owners and staff really friendly
- An absolute gem of a restaurant in Witney
- Try their Tiramisu!
Address: 70 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HJ
Website: https://www.sanmarzanowitney.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 670 212
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12pm – 10pm; Sunday 12pm – 9pm; closed on Tuesday
Shaan Restaurant
1This family-run gem brings Bangladeshi and Indian dishes to Witney with all the rich, authentic flavours you’d hope for. One TripAdvisor review says it’s “perfect for a family dinner,” and it consistently ranks among the top restaurants in town
What makes it special:
- Best curry house in Witney
- The warmest of welcomes
- Tasty, large portions
- Personal favourite: Tandoori Lamb Chops
Address: 2 Corn Street, Oxford, Witney, OX28 6BL
Website: https://shaanwitney.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 779 339
Opening Hours: Every day 12.30pm – 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Bella Italia
A familiar Italian favourite, this branch offers breakfast through dinner – pastas, pizzas and desserts. It’s clean, reliable, and offers kids’ pizza-making parties too, making it handy for families exploring Witney.
What makes it special:
- Fantastic service
- Given plenty of time to choose from menu
- Incredibly helpful staff
- Great for kids!
Address: Unit R2, Marriotts Close, Woodford Way, Witney, OX28 6GW
Website: https://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/restaurants/witney
Telephone: 01993 225 226
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9am – 10pm; Friday to Saturday 9am – 11pm
Pokhara Delight
A flavour-packed choice with a mix of Nepalese, Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes. Vegan-friendly and halal, it’s a great option if you want something different—from curries to stir-fries—all served in a friendly, casual setting.
What makes it special:
- Beautiful décor
- Great dining experience
- Good for gluten free diets
- Amazing poppadoms
- All you can eat buffet EVERY Sunday!
Address: Unit 15 R1, Marriotts Walk, Witney, OX28 6GW
Website: https://pokharadelightwitney.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 463 666
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm and Sunday 12pm – 7pm
Witney Coffee Shops Worth a Stop
If you’re only making a brief visit and just need a quick coffee to top-up, then we recommend checking these Witney cafes out:
Our Choice of Witney Pubs
Most of the pubs in Witney can be found along the High Street, just as you’d expect in any English market town. It makes for an easy stroll or – dare we say it – pub crawl! So, whether you’re after a quiet pint, a proper Sunday roast or a buzzing spot to catch live music or sport over several pints you’re going to be spoilt for choice.
And with the opening of Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog down the road, mean there has been a renewed buzz around West Oxfordshire’s pub scene though Witney’s had some solid pubs long before the TV cameras ever showed up!
Here are a few of our favourites and all are within easy walking distance if you’re exploring the town:
Beekeepers
An atmosphere-packed Irish-style pub right in the town’s centre. Expect a good buzz (especially on match days), hearty pub grub, a full drinks portfolio and a bonus of being very family friendly, with a large outdoor seating area.
Address: 18-22 Market Square, Witney, OX28 6BB
Website: https://www.thebeekeeperswitney.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 848 538
Opening Hours: Daily from midday
The Three Horseshoes
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm (kitchen: 12pm to 3pm & 6pm to 9pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm; closed on Mondays)
Set in a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the early 1500s, this historic pub has been pulling pints since around 1770. Expect stone walls, wooden beams, a crackling fireplace and a courtyard garden out back. It’s small, cosy and full of character – a real hidden gem if you’re after a relaxed drink and a proper pub meal.
Opening Hours: 78 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BS
Website: https://www.threehorseshoeswitney.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 703 086
Opening Hours: Open Friday and Saturday 12 pm–12 am, Sunday 12pm to 10pm, Monday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm
The Fleece
Overlooking Church Green, The Fleece is part of the Peach Pubs group and is one of the town’s most highly rated gastropubs. Inside, expect smart interiors, a seasonally changing menu (including breakfast) and a fantastic wine list. Outside, there’s a sunny terrace perfect for lazy lunches or evening drinks.
Address: 11 Church Green, OX28 4AZ
Website: https://www.fleecewitney.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 892270
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 10pm, Friday 7.30am to 11pm, Saturday 8am to 11pm, Sunday 8am to 9pm
The Hollybush
A relaxed, no-fuss local favourite. The Hollybush is an 18th-century pub with a real community feel offering good honest food, friendly service and a crowd that ranges from families to regulars at the bar. They do a great Sunday roast, run quiz nights and often host live music or open mic evenings. Unpretentious and full of local Witney charm.
Address: 35 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BT
Website: https://www.hollybushwitney.com/
Telephone: 01993 672079
Opening Hours:
Bar: Monday & Tuesday 4pm – 11pm, Wednesday to Saturday 12pm till late, Sunday 12pm – 11pm
Restaurant: Tuesday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm & 6 till 9pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm
The Angel Inn
This long-standing Witney pub dates to at least the early 1800s, and probably earlier – it was once a 17th-century barber’s shop before becoming a public house in 1809. With bay windows and timber beams, it still feels like a proper old inn. Inside you’ll find cosy seating, live music nights, sports on TV and a small, paved courtyard out the back. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly and laid-back to boot.
Address: 42 Market Square, Witney, OX28 6DJ
Website: https://www.facebook.com/angelinnwitney
Telephone: 01993 703238
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30 am – 11 pm, Friday & Saturday 9:30 am – 12am, Sunday 11am – 11pm
Ye Olde Cross Keys
Part of the Greene King group, this pub has been serving Witney since 1769. It’s a proper traditional pub with cask ales, classic pub meals, big screen sports and a decent-sized beer garden out back. A solid all-rounder for a casual pint or a bite to eat. Open every day, with food served until 9pm.
Address: 1 Market Square, Witney, OX28 6AA
Website: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/oxfordshire/ye-olde-cross-keys
Telephone: 01993 701145
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11am – 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 12am, Sunday 10am – 10.30pm
Our Favourite Shops in Witney
As a historic West Oxfordshire town, many of Witney’s shops are here to serve the locals and not just the tourists. However, day trippers will find them a real delight. Plenty of shops line the High Street and Market Square, making for a pleasant browse as well as the chance to pick up something special or simply soak in the local scene.
Here are some of our favourite shops in the town!
Dotique
A vibrant women’s boutique full of colourful, hand‑picked wardrobe pieces. Expect feel-good fashion, warm service and the chance to rent a show-stopping dress for a special event.
Address: 36B High Street, Witney, OX28 6HG
Website: https://dotique.co.uk/pages/dotique-witney
Telephone: 07368 827656
The Shake & Sweet
This fun little shop offers exactly what it says – delicious handmade shakes, ice creams and sweet treats you can take on the go. A popular stop for families with kids!
Address: 12 Market Square, Witney, OX28 6BB
Website: https://shakeshop.co.uk/witney
Telephone: 01993 358353
Lily’s Attic
Filled with vintage jewellery, scarves and retro pieces rescued from yesteryear. It’s the kind of place you drift into and immediately find something you didn’t know you needed.
Address: 51B Market Square, Witney OX28 6AG
Website: https://www.lilys-attic.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 771273
Witney Antiques
Trading since 1963, this treasure trove specialises in English and continental antiques—from furniture to samplers. A must for anyone who loves history and fine craftsmanship.
Address: 96 – 100 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BU
Website: https://www.witneyantiques.com/
Telephone: 01993 703902
Mystic Games
A friendly local game shop packed with trading card games, board games, RPG games and miniatures. They run regular tournaments and are a go-to for RPG gaming fans of all ages.
Address: Unit 11, Woolgate Shopping Centre, Market Square, Witney, OX28 6AP
Website: https://mysticgames.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 772304
L A Perfection Beauty Salon
Perfect for a quick treat and you’ll find manicures, facials, brow tints or a little pampering on offer if you’re in the mood for a beauty stop inside town.
Address: 19a High Street, Witney, OX28 6HW
Website: https://www.laperfection.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 849620
Vinegar Hill
Vinegar Hill stock a variety of curated homeware, gifts, stylish clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories, both from the UK and internationally.
Address: 30 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HG
Website: https://vinegarhill.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 623026
South African Spaza Shop
A tiny corner shop with South African snacks, treats and groceries such as chutneys and quality rooibos tea. A nice local twist for curious tasters, we think it’s great.
Address: 36 High St, Witney, OX28 6HG
Website: https://southafricanshop.uk
Telephone: 07464 092437
We Three Kings
Established by Bill and Nicola Maddocks in 1995, We Three Kings is a jewellery business specialising in bespoke, handmade jewellery. They offer a range of services including design, creation and remodelling of jewellery, working with materials like gold, silver and other various gemstones. They also provide hand engraving and gemstone cutting too.
Address: 19 Bridge St, Witney, OX28 1DA
Website: https://www.wethreekingswitney.co.uk/
Telephone: 01993 775399
Teddy Bears of Witney
Opened in 1985, this charming little shop is overflowing with cuddly bears and collectibles. A hit with kids (and anyone who’s a kid at heart) – we’re big fans of this one!
Address: 99 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HY
Website: https://witneybears.co.uk
Telephone: 01993 706616
A Brief History of Witney
The Origins of the Word ‘Witney’
The name ‘Witney’ dates back over a thousand years with it first recorded as “Wyttanige” in 969, then later as “Witenie” in the Domesday Book of 1086. It’s thought to come from the Old English name “Witta” and “eg,” meaning island – so essentially, “Witta’s island” a nod to its early landscape on the River Windrush.
From Roman Roots to Queen Emma’s Estate
Long before blankets defined the town, this area was home to Roman activity and even earlier Iron Age settlements. By 1044, Queen Emma – widow to Kings Ethelred and Cnut – gave the future site of the Bishop’s Palace to the Bishops of Winchester. That grant firmly placed Witney on the medieval map and linked it to church power and royal favour for centuries to come.
The River Windrush and its Role
The River Windrush gently courses its way through Witney and powered the early mills, helping to shape the town’s development. It wasn’t always just a pretty backdrop – it was vital for washing wool, turning mill wheels and even forges. Many of Witney’s industrial sites sprang up beside the water, making the river a key player in its growth.
Blanket-Making, Mills and Trade
Witney’s blanket industry really took off in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the town discovered its manufacturing roots much earlier. The Domesday book from 1086 recorded two corn mills and then by 1277, at least one cloth mill. Come the 18th century, there were five active cloth mills supplying woven goods locally and nationally. In 1711, the town’s blanket weavers received a Royal Charter and in 1721 the Blanket Hall was built to house inspectors to weigh, inspect and brand each blanket before it was sold.
The Early Family and Industrial Heritage
The Early family, local glove and blanket-makers, were instrumental in Witney’s industrial expansion during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Their businesses provided jobs and boosted the town’s prosperity. They also helped fund civic improvements, contributing to the beautiful Georgian architecture seen along Church Green and the High Street today.
7 Fun Facts About Witney
Blanket workshops from age eight
In the 17th century, around 3,000 people, including children as young as eight, worked in Witney’s blanket industry.
Ship mops born here
Witney’s textile workers didn’t just make blankets. Many also crafted ship mops and legend says every Royal Navy ship once carried a Witney-made mop.
Buttercross for butter and eggs since c.1600
That lovely stone shelter in Market Square isn’t just decorative, it dates from around 1600 and was used by farmers to sell their butter and eggs to local folk.
Corn Exchange turned community hub
Built in 1863, the neoclassical Corn Exchange once hosted grain traders but is now a heritage Arts Centre today that regularly hosts performances, cinema nights and community events.
Witney Urban District began in 1863
The town formally became a local government district in 1863, and later an urban district in 1894, before becoming part of West Oxfordshire in 1974.
River-fed blanket quality
The River Windrush was said to be the secret behind Witney’s superb blankets, used in washing and processing to ensure the very best quality.
Former brewery site lives on
Once home to Eagle Maltings (1841) and later Wychwood Brewery (brewers of Hobgoblin), the town’s brewery closed in 2023 – but its legacy still lingers in local pubs.
Witney Town Hall: more than just a building
The current Town Hall, built in 1786, replaced a 1514 structure. It once housed a lock‑up and fire engine, then fell into disuse before being restored in 1979 and still forms the civic heart of the town.
Witney FAQs
Is Witney in the Cotswolds?
Not officially, but it’s very close. Witney sits on the edge of the Cotswolds in West Oxfordshire and shares a lot of the same feel: old stone buildings, a market square, independent shops and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
What is Witney famous for?
Blankets! For centuries, Witney was known across Britain and overseas for its high-quality woollen blankets.
What’s the weather like in Witney?
Summers tend to be mild and pleasant, with average highs around 20–22°C (68–72°F). You’ll usually get a good mix of sunshine and cloud and it rarely gets too hot. That said, it’s England, so bring a sweater and/or a jacket with you!
Does Witney have a train station?
Sadly not, but it used to have a passenger link though this closed in 1962. Today, the nearest train stations are Long Hanborough (around 15 minutes by car) or Oxford (around 25 minutes away). From Oxford, there’s also a regular bus service, although having a car gives you more flexibility.
Is Witney dog-friendly?
Yes, many cafés, pubs and outdoor spaces welcome dogs, especially those with outdoor seating. You’ll also find riverside paths and green areas like Church Green and the Leys for walking (note the kids play area is out of bounds to dogs). Just bring a lead and be a responsible dog owner around the town please.
Is there a Tourist Information Centre in Witney?
You’ll find the Tourist Information Centre located at the Town Hall in Market Square. It’s a good first stop if you want more details about the town, maps and walking routes. We’ve always found the volunteers to be incredibly helpful and friendly.
** As at 25 June 2025 the Tourist Information Centre is closed **
Are there public toilets in Witney?
Yes (thankfully!). You’ll find public toilets near the Market Square and at Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre. Most cafés and pubs also have customer loos, of course.
Does Witney host any regular events or festivals?
Yes, the town holds annual highlights like the Witney Festival of Food and Drink, the Witney Music Festival, charity runs such as the Witney Cotswold Classic (10-mile run) and the Witney Parkrun every Saturday morning too.
Final Thoughts
Is it worth making the effort to check out Witney?
Yes, even though the town somewhat sits in the shadow of more well-known towns across the Cotswolds, we believe it offers a true charm of its own and, better still, isn’t overrun with tourists!
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