Witney
About Witney
Welcome to the Witney edition of The Oxford Magazine.
Like a few of the former weaving towns in Oxford, Witney, the largest of the market towns in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, is often placed among the best places to live in Britain.
The market square makes a very persuasive case, with its graceful period architecture from the 17th-century Butter Cross, where local women once gathered to sell butter and eggs to the early-18th century town hall across the street built using stone from quarries at Black Bourton. And, not forgetting the Blanket Hall and the Victorian Corn Exchange.
For some local flavour visit the Wychwood Brewery on weekends to be shown around and to taste the much-loved Hobgoblin brown ale. And also Cogges, a working Victorian manor farm right next to Witney that was the set for ‘Yew Tree Farm’ in Downton Abbey’s 2014 filming. It’s beamed 17th-century barns ooze period charm.
Local news & stories
Call to pause work on Eynsham park and ride during A40 project review
That was the view of Oxfordshire County Council’s active travel champion Councillor Dan Levy, the Liberal Democrat member who also represents Eynsham.
West Oxfordshire District Taxi operators ask to increase fares
More than 20 of the 105 drivers or operators licensed by the district called on the council for the ability to charge more based on inflation and rising fuel costs.
Historic Wychwood Forest Fair returns to Foxburrow Wood in Witney
The modern fair – complete with axe throwing, excellent beer and great food – is a peaceful, family-friendly event that looks back to its 18th-century origins.
West Oxfordshire District Councillors agree plan to purchase land at Langel Common
Langel Common is a meadowland situated between Cogges and Witney, containing many historical interests for residents and visitors alike.
Carole Bamford’s new pub with rooms The Fox at Oddington to reopen in July
The honey-coloured 16th-century building has been carefully renovated to create six beautiful bedrooms and a large restaurant serving traditional pub dishes made with local produce.
Plan for new 2,200 home garden village and science park moves closer to completion
The Planning Inspector’s response on the plan for Salt Cross Garden Village paves the way for the it to be approved and sets the scene for the development to progress.
Oxfordshire planning consultancy Edgars promotes five planners
This is part of its continued growth strategy focused on delivering inspiring futures and places for its clients while nurturing and training its talent.
Witney co-working space proves popular in a post-pandemic way of working
Dodo Works Witney opened its co-working office doors in Witney high street in September 2021 and has proved popular with workers ranging from travel agents to book publishers, mental health trainers and even tea creators.
Local sculptor publishes book ‘Drawn From Life’ about a life in art
Drawn From Life: The Ruskin Diaries, 1949-53, is the genesis story of a life in art based on diaries written by a would-be artist, Steve Hurst, growing from a child into a man.
Country Creatures announces the launch of its Guest Chef series in January 2022
Guest chefs will prepare and showcase a multi-course menu at the independently-owned collection of boutique hotels and restaurants in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
