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.

Get in

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

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.

See

Do

Buy

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

  • 🌍 The Woolgate Centre, Market Square, OX28 6AP, ☏ +44 1993 778370. M-F: 7:30AM-8PM, Sa: 7:30AM-7PM, Su: 10:30AM-4:30PM. A shopping centre with mostly chain-stores such as Waitrose, Waterstones, WHSmith, Mountain Warehouse, GAME and Holland & Barrett. However there are a few independent shops such as Michael Lyne jewellers and the Rapture entertainment store. Offers free parking. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 🌍 Marriotts Walk, Woodford Way, Welch Way, OX28 6GW, ☏ +44 1993 704262. A shopping area with mostly clothing stores, a large M&S, a few restaurants and a Cineworld cinema. (updated Sep 2018)

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

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

  • 🌍 Sainsbury's (Superstore/Supermarket), Witan Way, Witney OX28 4FF, ☏ +44 993 776038. M-F, Sa: 7AM-11PM; Su: 10AM-4PM. ATMs. Cafe (different hours). Pharmacy (updated May 2017)

Cyclists

Eat

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.

Connect
  • 🌍 Post Office, Unit 20 Woolgate Shopping Centre, Market Square, Witney OX28 6AP. M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM; Su 10AM-2PM. (updated May 2017)

Go next

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

Routes through Witney
Cheltenham ← Burford ←  W  E  → Eynsham → Oxford
Banbury ← Charlbury ← merges with ←  N  SE  → merges with


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