THINGS TO DO

North Leigh Common & Roman Villa

Just a short walk down a stony track, the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa are set within a peaceful landscape on the banks of the River Evenlode in the neighboring village of East End. This ‘courtyard villa’ is considered one of the larger villas of Roman Britain. It was at its most extensive in the early 4th century when it included four bath suites, 16 mosaic floors and 11 rooms with under-floor heating. The remains of one of the mosaic floors can be seen through a visitor’s centre at the site.

Shopping in Woodstock

Woodstock is the traditional historic market town, next to Blenheim Palace. It has a picturesque market place and Town Hall. There are four main streets which link up into an interesting 15 minute short walk. There are lovely independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. The market place is regularly used for antique and craft fairs, as well as a farmers market once a month.

Exploring Oxford

Known as the city of ‘Dreaming Spires’ and for it’s world famous University, Oxford is well worth a day trip.

With it’s mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty for both the tourist and resident to do. Whether its visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shopping till you drop, Oxford has it all and oxfordcity.co.uk will help you find it.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and gardens

Take a walk on the WILD SIDE! Stroll around the Park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Gothic Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs or visit the tropical house.

The stunning gardens and themed borders, make a beautiful backdrop for the animals. With over 260 different species of animals in over 120 acres of Parkland, there’s plenty of space to relax and get closer to wildlife!

Kids of all ages will love the adventure playground in the woods with interconnecting tree-houses, rope bridges and slides. There are daily activities, such as Penguin and Lemur feeding times and a small railway which travels around the park from April to October.

Bus Museum

The story of bus and coach travel around Oxfordshire over the last 130 years is told at the Oxford Bus Museum. Exhibits include an historic preserved horse-drawn tram, motor buses, coaches and a wide selection of artifacts – including bus stops, ticket machines, timetables, posters and staff uniforms. There are also lots of interesting photos illustrating public transport history through the ages.

Combe Mill

Designated as a World Heritage site in 1988, Combe Mill is the old power house of the sawmill of Blenheim Estate.  The Victorian Mill houses the original working steam beam engine and alternative waterwheel power which are run entirely by committed volunteers.  There is a functional double blacksmiths’ forge, three other steam engines and an upstairs workshop in which many of the country skills and crafts used to develop and maintain the Blenheim Estate are demonstrated.  There is plenty of parking and a good tea shop on site too.

Cogges Manor Farm

Cogges Manor Farm is situated on the edge of Witney. It is a historic farmstead in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Visitors can view the manor house, the orchard, farm animals, participate in country crafts, picnic outside or enjoy the coffee shop on site. There is a continuous programme of activities for young and old alike with plenty of music, theatre and festivals as well.

Witney Blanket Hall

WITNEY BLANKET HALL was built in the 18^th century by the Company of Blanket Makers. For over 120 years, every Blanket woven in Witney came to the Blanket Hall to be weighed & measured, and upstairs in the Great Room the Company set the Rules for the Trade. Witney blankets were world-renown for the quality of the Cotswold wool and workmanship.

Today the Blanket Hall houses a fascinating museum and artefacts of the wool trade as well as a lovely shop with Cotswold woollen blankets and throws and there is a very good coffee shop known for its hand-made pies.

The Blanket Hall also holds a series of talks during the year covering interesting historical activities such as the Golden Age of Coaching and Blanket Trail walks in the town of Witney.

Aston Pottery

A fabulous place for all ages to spend a day or afternoon, the multi-award winning pottery, gift shop, cafe and gardens are situated in the quiet Cotswold village of Aston, Oxfordshire. All the pottery is designed, manufactured and hand-stencilled in Aston. The gift shop is perfect for finding that special gift and the café is a roomy sun-lit place with a terrace to have coffee and cake, a light lunch or an afternoon tea. Follow up your shopping with a stroll around the seasonal flower beds which are famous for their variety and colour.

More things to do

We have added links where possible to the list titles.

• Cotswolds
• National Trust properties
  • Waddesdon Manor
  • Chastleton House and Garden
  • Snowshill Manor and Garden
  • Hidcote Manor
  • Stowe
• Local coach tours
• Aston Pottery
• Stratford-upon-Avon