Attractions, Things To Do & Days Out in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
Steeped in history, rich in heritage and awash with natural beauty, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds epitomises all that is fine in rural England.
A charming blend of bustling market towns and breathtaking scenery, the area harbours over 6,000 years of history and exudes a sense of harmony that has taken countless generations to create. Beautiful rolling countryside, historic market towns, amazing attractions and Cotswold stone villages make this an irresistible destination to visit.
The Oxfordshire Cotswolds truly is rural England at its finest: green rolling hills, dry stone walls, villages of honey coloured stone, riverside meadows ablaze with wild flowers, a landscape dotted with buildings and monuments commemorating figures from the past and market towns alive with the bustle and vitality of modern life.
Here is a selection of attractions and things to do, perfect for days out in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Alternatively, you can visit the Official Oxfordshire Cotswolds Visitor Guide.
Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough and Sir Winston Churchill's birthplace, Blenheim Palace is a dream for history buffs. Located on Oxford’s doorstep, the Palace is surrounded by some of the finest parkland in Oxfordshire.
Find out more - Blenheim Palace
Chastleton House
One of England's most complete Jacobean houses, Chastleton House is surrounded by some of the finest gardens in Oxfordshire, whilst the house is filled with a collection of furniture and textiles collected since 1612.
Find out more - Chastleton House
Kelmscott Manor
A listed Tudor farmhouse a stone's throw away from the banks of the River Thames. Built in the late 1500s, Kelmscott Manor contains an outstanding collection of works by the writer, designer and socialist William Morris.
Find out more - Kelmscott Manor
Rollright Stones
A group of prehistoric megalithic monuments thought to have been constructed over 4000 years ago. Local folklore says the stones are the remains of a king and his knights and today are an iconic image of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds countryside.
Find out more - Rollright Stones
Burford
Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford is one of the most picturesque towns in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds with a medieval bridge, old stone houses and attractive Tudor and Georgian frontages.
Find out more - Burford
Chipping Norton
Perched on the highest point in Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton was once a centre for the Cotswold wool trade. Today the town is renowned for its antique shops and diverse shopping offer, including a regular market.
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Witney
Famed as a blanket making centre, Witney is the largest of the market towns in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. In the heart of the town is Wychwood Brewery where you can see historic brewing techniques. Due to open in November 2009 is the New Marriott's Walk Shopping Centre and Leisure Complex.
Find out more - Witney
Woodstock
Eight miles north west of Oxford, Woodstock is located on the doorstep of Blenheim Palace and is renowned for its antique shops. The town also has an interesting selection of shops and galleries, as well as some excellent pubs and restaurants.
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Theatre Chipping Norton
Housed in a listed building full of atmosphere and character, the Theatre Chipping Norton provides an eclectic programme of live theatre, music, dance and comedy, culminating in a famous annual pantomime.
Find out more - Theatre Chipping Norton
Aston Pottery
A traditional working pottery alongside a contemporary gift shop and country café, all the pottery is made and painted on site using traditional methods. There are also regular 'decorate your own pottery' sessions.
Find out more - Aston Pottery
