Location: Witney
Top Things to do in Witney
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What to do and see in Witney, England: The Best Things to do
Witney is a town on the River Windrush, 12 miles (19 km) west of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. Whilst in the South East, it is in the AON region of Central.
Restaurants in Witney
1. The Wychwood Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 719 reviews
Reviewed By hivehome
What an enjoyable experience we had visiting this fantastic brewery. Wonderful to hear all about its history and facts about the brewing process from our knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Chris. We also very much enjoyed the beer tasting session at the end. Well worth a visit!
2. Thames Path National Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
A 184-mile path winding from the river's source in rural Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London.
Reviewed By CarolinaTrekkers
My wife and I enjoy walking in Britain, with its well tended beauty and abundance of fascinating trails, not to mention the many who welcome and appreciate hikers. She saw that I was reading up on the Thames Path Trail and stated she would like to give it a try this summer, so we did. She liked the fact that it is essentially level, well marked, and historic, and that we could spend some time in London afterward. Since we would be spending time in London afterward, we planned to start at Staines Bridge, near historic Runnymede, and walk east to the source - a distance of about 135 miles. This would afford us the chance to focus on the countryside and perhaps do the urban part another time. It took us 9.5 days. Things we really liked: 1. Convenience. From Heathrow Airport, it was only about a 12 minute taxi ride to Staines Bridge. From there we promptly began our walk and wound up walking 14 miles that day, having been invigorated by the fresh air. The trail is well marked, and the latest Cicerone guide by Hatts, with extra map material, was plenty. 2. Flexibility. With a relative abundance of towns along the way, booking a room in advance was not required; finding a room was not difficult, with the exception of one small town which was having an event which caused us to walk five more miles one evening to the next (larger) town on the trail. We each brought only a small pack weighing 10-12 pounds, which we had carefully packed with extra clothes, sleeping gear, and everything else we would need. This approach, for example, also enabled us to stop early after one half-day walk in the delightful village of Sonning, to attend an unanticipated hilarious play at a dinner theatre near the bridge. We were also able to spend an extra day in Oxford and sample its many offerings. 3. History. All along the route were reminders of historic events, such as Runnymede's Magna Carta (love the 1400 year old yew tree) and Sir Walter Raleigh's conviction for treason, plus Roman, Viking, and other sites ... everywhere! And the ancient churches and WW2 pillboxes. 4. Beauty. The Thames is beautifully maintained and preserved, and is very tidy with the exception of a small area west of Reading (surprising). The river and stream side are absolutely beautiful, and we enjoyed seeing deer and red kites on a regular basis. 5. Lovely inns, pubs, and food. As for pubs, we really liked Marlow's Two Brewers, Oxford's Wig and Pen, Red Lion in Castle Eaton, and Thames Head (with Ben, its amazing proprietor) near the source. Lodging and food at the Beetle and Wedge in Moulsford will never be forgotten, and the Thai meal at the Jigsaw in Cricklade really shone. So many more. 6. Good health. Walking about 14 miles per day for this period of time got us into pretty good shape, and both relaxed and energized us. We both lost a few pounds and felt great. 7. People. Saving the best until last, it must be said that the interesting and helpful people along the route were the real highlight. At lodgings and inns, service was helpful and understanding when questions (even dumb ones) were asked. All along the trail we encountered fellow walkers both local and from around the world who were really fun to just stop and have a chat with, and we also picked up many helpful hints on where to stay, etc. from them. Plus, if you walk a substantial part of the Thames Path and notify the Thames Path officials of that fact, they will send you a nice certificate with your names on it. Giving the Thames Path a go is highly recommended ... you will be glad you did.
3. Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By RTCW78
SO PICTURESQUE! Lots of history, fascinating to "read" the remains of the buildings to see how the house changed. Wander around to the dovecote, it's been open to go inside on some of my visits over the years. Good interpretation boards. Love the stories about Lord Lovell, locked in the cellar and starved to death. Church is quite special, but Bampton or Burford are better.
4. Oxford Bus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
A museum portraying the history of public transport in Oxford and the surrounding areas with a separate building containing Morris cars built in Oxford during the lifetime of William Morris, later Lord Nuffield. Bicycle collection. Free bus rides on advertised dates - please see website. Last admissions 15:30. Cafe closes 16:00.
Reviewed By 735MichaelK - London, United Kingdom
Other reviewers have got it right; this is a great little museum, and incredible value for money. Staffed by volunteers who obviously love their task, is a museum that will appeal hugely to a certain type of person. It takes us back o the days when buses were more full of character than they are today, and when each city or large town had its own bus company. It is a nostalgic journey amongst old friends (for those of a certain age). The buses have obviously had many hours of loving attention lavished on them, as they appear to be in as-new condition. If you choose your day right (1st and 3rd Sundays and some school holidays) you might get a ride on one of them. We did, and it wasn't just a little potter down the yard, but a half-hour journey round Oxford airport! All included in the £5 a head price! The Morris Motors Museum is also well worth seeing. I couldn't believe that one 1960s car had not been restored, so pristine is its condition. You also gain an understanding of the great man, William Morris - Lord Nuffield
5. St Mary’s Church
6. The Witney Blanket Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Witney's 'Heritage Central':The historic home of Witney Blankets: Woollen Blankets & Throws, Coffee,Pies, & Assemblies since 1721. Come and find out all about The Blanket Hall & Witney blankets. Licensed Pieshop, rugs & throws on sale. For nearly 300 years... A great place to be.
Reviewed By CoolCaro
Visiting this beautiful 18th century building in the centre of Witney we were fascinated by the displays of its blanket making and brewing history. We enjoyed the beautiful garden that goes down to the river. Also has a lovely shop at the front selling woollen goods and other crafts and a cosy cafe serving delicious home made pies (including vegetarian), soup, platters, cakes, teas and beer. Till recently we didn't know it existed though we often visit Witney. Now we know, we will come again!
7. Ducklington Lake
8. Cogges
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 265 reviews
Cogges is an historic farmstead and great day out in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, with over 15 acres of beautiful grounds and farmyard to explore. Cogges dates back to the 10th Century and today you will find this unique place brought to life with the sights, sounds and smells of a lively farmyard. The site of the first manor house is surrounded by a Norman moat and is now the location for a timber play fort and adventure playground - great fun for children of all ages. More recently, Cogges is the location for filming of Downton Abbey - home of Mr Drewe the tenant farmer of Yew Tree Farm.
Reviewed By 632stewartf
Staff friendly and helpful. fed the goats, saw some baby pigs. Granddaughter played in the play area. very historical. Very nice family visit all told.
9. North Leigh Roman Villa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By paulineb358 - Mold, United Kingdom
This place was very close to one of the B&B's I was staying at, otherwise , I may not have visited, but I was glad I did. It is a good walk and you need to wear flats shoes, a little muddy and certainly stoney especially if its been raining. The overall site was Excellent but I found the housed Mosaics facinating to think it had survived all those Hundreds of years. The colours were very distinguishable and very vibrant. I would recommend everyone and children to visit this site. Well, worth the walk.
10. The Leys Recreation Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
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