Witney

Witney is a thriving market town in Oxfordshire, just off the A40 Cheltenham to. Like many towns in the Cotswolds, Witney is known historically for its textiles specifically woolen blankets.

Understand
Those familiar with the writings of A. A. Milne, in particular Winnie-the-Pooh, might remember the game of "Pooh Sticks" from the book. The game is played on a bridge over a river and competitors drop their sticks in the river (at the same time) and see whose stick emerges downstream first. Childish fun, but these days the town hosts the annual World Pooh Sticks Championship. Organised by the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires and raising funds for the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires Charitable Trust Funds, it is held over the River Windrush close to the centre of town. There are both team and individual competitions, though advanced registration is required.
 * Witney visitor information

By car
The town lies on the A40 London to Fishguard main road. 12½ miles from Oxford, 30 miles from Cheltenham and 25 miles from Swindon (via the A4095 and A420).

By bus
The main buses to and from Oxford are the Stagecoach S1 and S2 from Carterton via Witney to Oxford.

S1 (Stagecoach): Carterton → Curbridge → Witney → Eynsham → Botley → Oxford

S2 (Stagecoach): Carterton → Curbridge → Witney → Eynsham → Summertown (Oxford)

Witney is on the route used by the Stagecoach 853 bus from Oxford to Gloucester. The Market Square bus stop is outside Blue Boar Inn to go towards Oxford and the other side of the road towards Gloucester.

853 (Stagecoach): Oxford → Cassington (A40) → Witney → Minster Lovell → Burford → Northleach → Andoversford → Cheltenham → Gloucester

By train
The town railway station was closed in 1965 and has now been re-developed into an industrial estate.

By bicycle

 * The town is on National Cycle Route (NCR) 57 that runs from near Northleach to the W to Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. NCR 57 links to NCR 5 at Oxford, NCR 6 at Harpenden and NCR 12 at Welwyn Garden City.
 * National Cycle Route (NCR) 442 passes 3½ miles NE of the town. NCR 442 runs between Oxford and Worcester. Incormation of riding the route can be found on cycle.travel.

Get around
Witney town centre is compact and can easily be covered on foot. Even the surrounding housing estates are no more than a brisk 15-minute walk from the town centre.

Do

 * Riverside Festival is a free music festival in Charlbury six miles north of Witney. The next is 29-30 July 2023.
 * Riverside Festival is a free music festival in Charlbury six miles north of Witney. The next is 29-30 July 2023.
 * Riverside Festival is a free music festival in Charlbury six miles north of Witney. The next is 29-30 July 2023.
 * Riverside Festival is a free music festival in Charlbury six miles north of Witney. The next is 29-30 July 2023.

Buy


Witney's main shopping areas are the appropriately named Woolgate and Marriotts Walk which have many familiar chain stores:

Witney like most market towns, also has a handful of independent shops:

There are also a large Sainsbury's supermarket in the area:

Drink
Witney is home to the Wychwood Brewery, and many of the beers which it produces are available around the town. Priced around £2-3 per pint or bottle.

Sleep
Witney has a few hotels including a Premier Inn. The Marlborough overlooks the Market Square in the town centre. The Witney Hotel and the Fleece Hotel, a great gastro pub can be found nearby on the beautiful Church Green.



Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby
 * Oxford is close by
 * Cheltenham
 * Swindon