Car Hire Witney

Tucked into the western edge of Oxfordshire, Witney offers a lovely blend of historic character and countryside charm which comes from the place itself and its 31,000 residents also. The town is best known for its blanket-making legacy, but visitors soon discover it has so much more to explore. With peaceful walking trails and local markets, it’s easy to see why those in Kennington often make the short trip. The River Windrush gently winds through the area, adding to the town’s scenic appeal. Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend or a cultural escape, Witney rarely disappoints.

Attractions In Witney

Witney’s attractions are a thoughtful mix of heritage, nature and hands-on history. From medieval church towers to riverside ruins and quirky museums, the town delivers plenty to fill a relaxed day. Even smaller landmarks here come with centuries of stories behind them.

Minster Lovell Hall And Dovecote

Tucked beside the River Windrush, Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote are one of Witney’s most atmospheric historic sites. Built by William Lovell in the 15th century, this grand ruin once served as a luxurious manor house. Now in the care of English Heritage, it’s surrounded by peaceful fields, church ruins and flowing water, making it perfect for relaxed exploration. Visitors enjoy picnics, gentle river paddling and children’s games among the stone remains. Though there are no facilities, bins help keep the space clean. The site’s layered history and location near Eynsham make it a favourite for those wanting quiet beauty and heritage together.

Witney Bridge Art

Witney Bridge Art is a subtle but fascinating landmark woven into the town’s everyday rhythm. Located on Ave Two, this structure blends infrastructure with creativity, adding unexpected visual interest to an otherwise ordinary route. It symbolises local pride and the community’s investment in beautifying public spaces. While often overlooked by those just passing through, it adds character to the town and offers a thoughtful glimpse at how art can transform even the most utilitarian locations. For visitors on foot, it’s a welcome stop on the way to nearby attractions or the town centre.

Bishop’s Palace

Bishop’s Palace in Witney reveals traces of religious and political history tucked behind today’s council offices. What remains are the foundation stones of a medieval palace once used by the Bishop of Winchester. Although modest in scale, the site is enhanced by detailed information boards that bring the ruins to life. Open only on weekdays, it rewards the curious with insights into local ecclesiastical power and architecture. Children enjoy learning quirky historical details, while adults appreciate the peaceful garden atmosphere. Its proximity to Church Green makes it an easy addition to a walking tour of central Witney.

The Witney Blanket Hall

Steeped in the legacy of the town’s textile trade, The Witney Blanket Hall is both a museum and a delightful place to unwind. Originally built in the 18th century, it once served as the meeting place for the blanket-making guild and now tells the story of the town’s once-thriving wool industry. Midway through your walk, those arriving from Carterton often enjoy stopping here to relax by the riverside garden or sample something hearty from the on-site pie shop. Inside, you’ll find informative exhibits, textiles and a charming shop offering locally inspired crafts. Whether you’re here for history, lunch or both, it delivers on all fronts.

Holloway’s Alms Houses

Holloway’s Alms Houses stand as a humbling reminder of Witney’s social history. These modest yet architecturally beautiful buildings once provided shelter for the town’s most vulnerable residents, reflecting a time when charity and faith deeply shaped community life. Set just off Station Lane, the houses’ simple facades and neighbouring cemetery give pause for thought about the passage of time and those who lived here. Despite their small size, they continue to evoke wonder in visitors with their preserved character and poignant location.

Witney Buttercross

Right at the heart of town, Witney Buttercross is a striking market cross surrounded by a dozen stone columns supporting a pitched roof and crowned by a clock turret. Constructed in the early 1600s, it originally provided shelter to dairy traders and was later enhanced through donations by local figures like Richard Ashcombe and William Blake. The structure is steeped in symbolism and remains a gathering point, both for locals and travellers. Many passing through from Botley find themselves pausing here, drawn by its unique architectural charm and central role in Witney’s past.

Townsend’s Alms Houses

Built as charitable housing in centuries past, Townsend’s Alms Houses remain a striking example of how local care for the poor shaped Witney’s architectural legacy. Their small windows, modest doorways and thoughtful layout speak to a time when community and shelter were deeply intertwined. The preserved style, along with the cemetery that faces the houses, gives visitors a powerful sense of the town’s social and spiritual history.

Witney And District Museum

This small but carefully curated museum is dedicated to the lives and stories that shaped Witney’s past, especially its world-famous blanket industry. It’s become a quiet favourite for day-trippers based in Kidlington, drawn by its intimate exhibits and warm welcome. Inside, guests can explore hands-on displays and admire the craftsmanship behind traditional weaving, spinning and other local trades.

Witney Bridge

Witney Bridge offers more than just a way to cross the River Windrush—it provides a picturesque setting and a moment of calm right in the heart of town. Popular with walkers, cyclists and photographers, its classic structure frames the water and the surrounding greenery perfectly. The bridge remains a central, accessible link in Witney’s fabric, merging function with quiet beauty.

Undiscovered Cotswolds

Few local tours match the charm and insight offered by Undiscovered Cotswolds. With seamless pickups and expertly curated routes through both famous villages and hidden corners, the experience feels more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than following a schedule. Travellers looking to avoid the stress of driving themselves often come from areas such as Faringdon to enjoy the countryside in complete comfort. The balance of guided walks and independent time allows each guest to tailor the outing to their own pace. Whether it’s your first trip to the Cotswolds or a return visit, this tour makes it memorable.

Witney Crevis

Tucked just behind Witney Bridge, this crevice-like landmark is an unexpected feature that intrigues many walkers and cyclists exploring the area. Though small in size, the Witney Crevis adds a layer of mystery to the town’s landscape, often prompting questions about its origin. It offers a moment of quiet curiosity amid more prominent landmarks. A favourite with locals out for a stroll or visitors heading to nearby attractions, it’s one of those small discoveries that adds texture to a visit. There are no signs or markers, making it a rewarding find for those who enjoy stumbling upon lesser-known features on their journeys. It’s not a major site, but its simplicity makes it quietly memorable.

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church stands proudly on Church Green as one of Witney’s most enduring landmarks. The building’s medieval roots are evident in its towering exterior and tranquil graveyard, though inside it reveals a modest, inclusive space that welcomes people of all backgrounds. There’s something powerful about seeing Qurans and Orthodox icons beside traditional Christian relics. Those planning peaceful day trips from nearby places like Oxford often include the church as a serene counterpoint to more crowded sites. Renovated many times over the centuries, its historical core still feels very present. Whether you’re here to explore its religious significance or simply to enjoy its quiet charm, this church is well worth a visit.

Deer Park Wood

Deer Park Wood is one of Witney’s most beloved green spaces, inviting families and nature lovers to explore its winding paths. Scattered throughout the trees are whimsical fairy doors and a teddy bear hunt that local children have helped create, turning every visit into a small adventure. With new surprises regularly added and plenty of space to roam, it’s no wonder that both kids and adults keep returning to this enchanting patch of woodland.

Cogges Manor Farm

A much-loved gem just a short trip from Chipping Norton, Cogges Manor Farm offers a gentle blend of education and relaxation. The peaceful riverside setting and well-maintained historic buildings make it ideal for strolls, while farm animals and hands-on learning keep children engaged. Its play areas and quiet weekend atmosphere give families room to breathe and explore together.