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Home , Aloysius (Waugh), Churchill and Sarsden, Cogges, Cogges Manor Farm, Combe Mill, Idbury

Rural at it finest...

Please leave the Browser in the room for the next visitor to enjoy 1 15 A44 Great 3

Great Tew A361 Ledwell 22 Salford Cornwell 10 Chipping Sandford Norton St Martin B4066 Middle Barton Attractions 11 21 Page Churchill A4260 B4022 Over 1 Aston Pottery 17 A361 2 Bampton (Downton Abbey film location) 5 Nether 3 Batsford Arboretum 18 Westcote 4 Wootton 4 Village 19 5 A424 Ascott-under- Kirtlington Fifield Milton-under- 5 Birdland Park and Gardens 20 Wychwood 6 Biztro 6 Woodstock Shipton-under- 7 21 Wychwood 25 Combe 7 13 19 20 8 8

Leafield A4095 Ramsden 9 Burford Garden Company 9 18 10 10 Taynton Long Windrush Crawley Hailey The Fulbrook 11 Churchill & Heritage Centre 22 Barringtons Freeland Church 12 Manor Farm 6 Minster Hanborough Burford 8 Lovell B4425 13 22 9 Westwell 24 23 14 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens 23 A40 17 26 12 15 Warwickshire Railway 24 Shilton Bradwell Grove Curbridge 16 Manor 25 14 Brize Carterton Norton 17 Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre 12 18 Bus Museum 26 19 Oxfordshire Museum 26 20 Real Wood Furniture Company 16 B4449 Aston 21 Rousham 27 2 Bampton Northmoor Langford Clanfield 6 1 Cote 22 Secret Cottage Tours 18 23 Teddy Bears of Witney 13

Lechlade 24 Witney Lakes Resort 28 Radcot 25 Woodstock 15 Kelmscott 16 26 Wychwood Brewery 14 Welcome to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds The Bedroom Browser is not a definitive guide to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds but an introduction highlighting some of the many attractions on offer, some well known, others less so. Browse at your leisure, then venture out to explore and discover for yourself...

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds offers towns and villages The Oxfordshire Cotswolds has a wonderful range of attractions ranging from the tiny, like of honey coloured stone set amongst green rolling hills punctuated by secluded river valleys: Heritage Centre, to the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage rural England at its finest. Site with 2,000 acres of parkland. There are historic houses, gardens, animal attractions, museums, brewery tours, something to suit every taste and interest and many of which are There are picturesque, lively market towns offering a wide range of unusual and interesting open all year round. shops, a far cry from the uniform High Streets found in many larger towns. Places like Burford, Chipping Norton and Woodstock all have a distinct character of their own – ideal to explore at There is no chance in a publication this size to list all the treasures waiting to be explored, your leisure, with shops to entice and enchant, with plenty of tea rooms, and restaurants the picture postcard villages and the medieval churches, nor is there room here to detail to enjoy at your leisure – and all these towns offer free parking. the many events and festivals that take place. For details of all of these visit our website www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

3 Leaving the car behind... To really enjoy the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, why not leave the car behind for a day? On foot or by bike you can really appreciate the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Moving at a gentler pace, you will be better able to enjoy the sights that make the area so special.

This is a walker’s paradise: gently rolling hills and tree lined valleys, criss-crossed by more No mention of walking or cycling in the area would be complete without reference to the than 500 miles of public footpaths and bridleways. A leisurely riverside stroll, a gentle ramble traditional Cotswold inn. There are plenty of great country pubs conveniently dotted around through woods carpeted with bluebells or a brisk and virtuous winter hike: the choice is yours. the area – few walks or bike rides will fail to pass at least one, normally several. The promise For a slightly faster pace there’s nothing quite like the freedom offered by two wheels and the of a welcoming inn is a vital element: whether as an incentive for the reluctant or a reward for thrill of feeling a fresh breeze upon your face: miles of quiet country lanes, bridleways galore the virtuous! and a number of circular cycle routes, providing opportunities for long or short rides, on and off road. The ‘gently rolling hills’, characteristic of the Cotswolds, mean that uphill sections are There are more than 50 free downloadable walks and 20 free downloadable cycle rides usually short and satisfyingly rewarded by some freewheeling afterwards! available on our website www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/walks www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/rides

4 Downton Abbey film locations © James Wildman

www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/downton

Downton Abbey has become one of the most widely watched TV dramas in the world, with an estimated global audience of 120 million. Locations within the Oxfordshire Cotswolds have featured prominently in the show, particularly Bampton, which doubles as the fictional village of Downton, supposedly in Yorkshire between Ripon and Thirsk!

© The area around the church in Bampton is regularly seen in the series: the church has hosted a number of dramatic ‘Downton’ events including weddings, funerals, christenings © Bampton Archives © Cogges Manor Farm and even a jilting at the altar; the Crawley family home is next door to the church; Bampton Community Archive, which has a small selection of Downton memorabilia and location photos, served as Downton Hospital and a number of other houses are regularly used as the village post office and the Downton pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog and Duck Inn.

© James Wildman

© Bampton Archives Cogges in Witney has also featured many times as Yew Tree Farm, the home of farmer Drewe, where Lady Edith’s illegitimate daughter, Marigold, is brought up. There is a fascinating display at Cogges showing how the farm buildings are transformed for the filming of the show.

For more information on these, and other locations, pick up a Downton leaflet from one of our Visitor Information Centres or visit www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/downton

5 Cogges Manor Farm Biztro

Church Lane, Witney OX28 3LA Restaurant with Rooms Tel: 01993 772602 • Email: [email protected] • www.cogges.org.uk Wheelgate House, Market Square, Bampton OX18 2JH Tel: 01993 851151 • Email: [email protected] • www.biztro.co.uk Cogges is an historic farmstead dating back to Saxon times. The manor house lies at the centre of a magnificent collection of Cotswold stone farm buildings, walled garden, barns and outbuildings. Biztro, The Home of Great Food.

Farm animals, including some rare breeds, bring the farmyard Set in the picturesque village of Bampton, Biztro is a contemporary haven serving modern to life. The grounds house an orchard, walks by the river and British cuisine to discerning diners. Once warmly welcomed into the intimate and relaxed an adventure play area next to the Norman moat. The site has environment, our guests are treated to friendly, professional service and superb cookery. recently featured in a number of film and TV shows and is the Menus are updated with the seasons and we use fresh, locally sourced produce. location for Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey. Come for a cosy dinner for two, supper after your busy day, meet your friends for a A farm shop sells locally sourced, or Cogges grown, vegetables celebratory meal or book the restaurant for your special event. and food products, local beers and ciders and crafts from around the region. The café serves fine teas, coffee, homemade cakes and scones and freshly prepared hot food.

OPENING TIMES Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 21 March to 1 Nov 10.30am - 5pm. (last entry 4.30pm) Also open Mondays during school summer holidays.

Admission Prices Please support Cogges and Gift Aid your ticket Day Tickets Gift Aid/Non Gift Aid: Adult £6/£5.45, Child £4.50/£4.09 (3-16), Family £18/£16.36 Season Tickets Gift Aid/Non Gift Aid: OPENING TIMES Adult £21/£19.09, Child £16/£14.54 (3-16), Tuesday to Saturday evenings Family £60/£54.54 6 - 11pm

6 Visitor Information To really make the most of your stay, visit one of our local Visitor Information Centres, where professional, experienced staff are on hand to offer advice and inspiration as well as answering your questions, however simple or obscure.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES BURFORD 33a High Street, Burford OX18 4QA Tel: 01993 823558 • Email: [email protected] Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm • Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

WITNEY 3 Welch Way, Witney OX28 6JH Tel: 01993 775802 • Email: [email protected] Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9.30am - 5pm • Sunday Closed Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

Not only do the centres contain a wealth of information on local visitor attractions, both large and small, on leisure facilities, on walks, cycle rides, accommodation, public transport and local events but they also house a wide range of maps and guides to help you enjoy your stay. As well as a selection of gifts and souvenirs, the centres also sell tickets for a number of local attractions and events, as well as theatre tokens.

7 Burford

www.burfordtown.com www.burfordfestival.org

A medieval town with burgage plots and shop fronts measured in “perches”, Burford has not changed for centuries and much of it was built before Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492. The view down the Hill and High Street is world famous.

This year Burford celebrates its Festival from June 5th to 14th, a mixture of cultural and community events for all to enjoy – open gardens, concerts and music in the pubs and hotels. Log on to the festival website for details.

After 900 years Burford is still a busy market town and whether your interest is eating where the famous ate, treading the boards where Charles II, Nell Gwynn, Lord Nelson and many others have stayed or leisurely browsing and shopping, you will find much to interest you in Burford. The majestic church built from the wealth of the medieval wool trade has also been a prison and execution site for Levellers in Cromwell’s time. Today it is used for a wide range of concerts and events as well as being of great architectural and historical interest.

The pubs and hotels are also steeped in history but offer a wide choice of meals to suit all tastes and occasions from casual to formal. The shops have changed from saddleries and tanners to the individual galleries, jewellers, craft and other outlets not found in most High Streets today.

The , housed in the medieval market building, offers a fascinating look into the town’s history.

8 Burford Garden Company

Burford Garden Company, Shilton Road, Burford OX18 4PA Tel: 01993 823117 • Email: [email protected] • www.burford.co.uk

Established as our family plant nursery nearly four decades ago, we have grown to become one of the country’s best retail and food experiences.

“Expect the unexpected”, as one famous actor told us on their recent shopping visit.

Spanning some 15 acres, we have the largest selection of high quality plants and gardenalia imaginable. All sitting alongside beautifully understated outdoor furniture collections, summerhouses, shepherds huts and our ground-breaking nature store, Burford Ark.

Our original nursery glasshouses are now home to our highly innovative and stylish interiors store, with its sumptuous soft furnishings, new and vintage furniture, eclectic rugs, mirrors and lighting, British ceramics and glassware and a gorgeous Our acclaimed, award-winning café and kitchens are at the kitchen shop. heart of the store in a stunning contemporary glasshouse. We are famous for our delicious lunches, heavenly home baking and warm, friendly service. Our Food Halls are a treasure trove of local produce and British and European specialities.

We also have our very own amazing children’s emporium, OPENING TIMES Little Burford, brimming with all manner of beautiful and Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm imaginative items for new-borns, toddlers and youngsters. Sunday 11am - 5pm We can guarantee you will find something unique and Open all year, except Christmas Day, different at our store, so if you are in the area why not Boxing Day and Easter Sunday come along and visit us.

9 Chipping Norton

Email: [email protected] www.experiencechippingnorton.com

Chipping Norton was once a centre for the Cotswold wool trade whose riches are reflected in the medieval Guildhall and St Mary’s Church. The town’s history is lovingly traced in Chipping Norton’s museum of local history.

‘Chippy’ as known by the locals, is a working Cotswold market town at the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’.

Wander through the charming streets steeped in history and discover independent retailers, boutiques and creative shops offering a lively and friendly shopping experience. It’s a fantastic place to visit, with a range of places to eat and drink.

There are plenty of FREE parking spaces.

An award-winning theatre with an extraordinarily diverse programme and also the Lido, one of the UK’s few remaining outdoor heated swimming pools.

Wednesday is market day and the town hosts a farmers’ market on the third Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

The town has its share of historic buildings and is surrounded by stunning beautiful countryside. Many visitors use Chippy FOR MORE INFORMATION as a base for local walks and exploring nearby attractions such On Chipping Norton including what’s on and where as mystical Neolithic stone circle the and of to eat and drink please visit course the wider Cotswolds themselves – home to beautiful www.experiencechippingnorton.com villages and cosy pubs.

10 Witney

www.witney-tc.gov.uk

Witney, the largest town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, is set on the banks of the lovely Windrush River and is positioned between the river’s tranquil lowlands and the broad sweep of the Cotswolds.

For centuries Witney was linked with the making of woollen cloth and the famous blankets that carried its name around the world. There is a Wool Trail walk and many historic buildings and sites to view such as the Buttercross, the Corn Exchange, the Witney and District Museum, the Blanket Hall and three sets of Almshouses.

Witney offers the best shopping experience in the region with a huge choice of shops from big names to stylish and traditional independents and a twice weekly market; all with free parking.

The town is thriving and offers a variety of ways to relax and enjoy your leisure time, regularly hosting arts, entertainment and other events.

There are also a number of recreation grounds and play areas with a good standard of sports facilities. Just a short distance from the town centre is the Lake and Country Park a 37 hectare park with an abundant variety of plants and wildlife inhabiting the lake, wet grassland and hay meadow.

You’ll find Witney a fantastic town to explore, whether as a base for your travels, a day trip, or an evening out.

11 Marriotts Walk

Shopping Centre, Witney OX28 6GW Tel: 01993 704262 • Email: [email protected] • www.marriottswalk.co.uk

Marriotts Walk is in the centre of Witney, just off Welch Way, and offers High Street named shops in a rural stress free setting with the added bonus of FREE parking in our multi-storey car park adjacent to the centre.

One of the few places you can shop and PARK FOR FREE. Subway’s delicious sandwiches. New to the centre last year Marriotts Walk both complements and completes the was Tog 24, your leading store for ski and outdoor wear. shopping experience of Witney. We look forward to For up-to-date information, offers and news, visit our website welcoming you... www.marriottswalk.co.uk, or, alternatively, follow us on The centre also boasts a comfortable five-screen cinema, Twitter: @MarriottsWalk1 or Like us on Facebook: Cineworld, so why not round off your day with a movie and www.facebook.co.uk/MarriottsWalk/. a meal at one of our excellent restaurants, such as Frankie & Benny’s or Café Rouge, or simply grab a bite at Subway? OPENING TIMES Normal hours Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm We have an excellent fashion and food offer headed by Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm Debenhams and Marks and Spencer; complimented by New The Witney Yarn Mosaic and the Buttercross Needle are two (Individual stores may vary) Look, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Monsoon, Accessorize, Crew interesting pieces of modern artwork at the centre; the former Clothing, East, Fat Face, Phase Eight and Cotton Traders. If it’s tracing the development of Witney from its early beginnings Cineworld Monday to Friday 11.15am - 11.15pm gifts you’re looking for we have Whittards and Fresh Cards & to the present day. Built on a site bequeathed to the town by Saturday and Sunday 9.30am - 11.15pm Gifts that cater for the traditional as well as the quirky shopper. the blanket making family Marriott, hence its name, the centre Times may vary, visit cineworld.co.uk was developed in conjunction with District Restaurants open all day. And, if shopping makes you feel peckish then you can Council, is owned by RREEF Witney Ltd and is managed Car Parking is FREE. recharge your batteries at Caffè Nero or sample one of by Savills.

12 Teddy Bears of Witney

99 High Street, Witney OX28 6HY Tel: 01993 706616 • Email: [email protected] • www.teddybears.co.uk

A warm welcome awaits you at Teddy Bears of Witney.

Established in 1985 as the first shop in the UK to specialise in Our annual catalogue (£5) features nearly 400 bears. selling old and new teddy bears, our selection of the finest bears, mostly limited editions, will amaze you. We are open 7 days a week.

In addition to the shop our museum display includes Aloysius, the actual bear, who starred in Brideshead Revisited, rare ephemera relating to Winnie-the-Pooh and the Milne family and many interesting and rare vintage bears.

Alfonzo circa 1908, the favourite of Princess Xenia of Russia. (In our museum.)

Aloysius replica by . Ltd ed 5000. £295

OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm Open most Bank Holidays. Dottie. Ltd ed 60. £110 Artie 1907 replica by Steiff. Ltd ed 1000. £295

13 Wychwood Brewery

Eagle Maltings, The Crofts,Witney OX28 4DP Tel: 01993 890800 • Email: [email protected] • www.wychwood.co.uk

Where the magic happens. on Thames has been incorporated into the existing brewery to create the Brakspear fermenting room with its famous The Wychwood Brewery is tucked away behind the main ‘double-drop’ system. street of the market town of Witney, in the heart of the

Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Witney is historically famous for its Brakspear beers are brewed at Wychwood, alongside 3 Bs; bread, blankets and of course beer. Brewing in Witney Wychwood beers, and are still supplied to the Brakspear dates back to 1811 and Wychwood Brewery is sited at the pubs every week. Old Eagle Maltings, built more than 150 years ago when barley was malted for the town’s brewery. Brewery Tours: Our brewery tour experience takes approximately two hours. The tour includes a complimentary drink in our Cellar bar on arrival, a tour of the brewery, a tutored sampling session, all rounded off by a visit to the brewery store where all of our merchandise and bottled beers are available to purchase. OPENING TIMES Brewery Store Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Brewery Tours Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pre-booking is essential as the tours are extremely popular.

Admission: Tour Bookings and Prices The cost of a tour is £8.50 per person. We will, where possible, look to accommodate requests for group bookings that wish to have an evening tour. We regret that we cannot accept Today Wychwood brews more than 50,000 barrels of high children under the age of 12. quality crafted beer each year using traditional methods and is home to the Legendary Hobgoblin and Brakspear beers. To check availability, and make an online booking, In 2004 Wychwood Brewery began brewing Brakspear beers please visit www.wychwood.co.uk or call us on following a £1million refurbishment. Much of the original 01993 890800. brewing plant from the former Brakspear Brewery in Henley

14 Woodstock

www.wakeuptowoodstock.com

With its ivy-clad façades, Cotswold stone buildings and situated a stone’s throw from glorious Blenheim Palace with its lake and gardens designed by Capability Brown, the enchanting market town of Woodstock is the perfect place to visit… a haven for relaxation, the perfect destination for a day out, or a weekend away.

Wander through the charming streets steeped in history and The town boasts two excellent museums, the Oxfordshire Woodstock’s varied programme of events, driven by the discover independent, innovative and creative shops offering a Museum and the new Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, which Wake up to Woodstock campaign, appeals to the young and lively and friendly shopping experience which offer real choice, host many fascinating exhibitions and events throughout the old alike: from the Charity Carnival in mid-June, to the thrills not just the same chain stores that can be found on many a year, with something for all ages. and spills of The Old Woodstock Mock Mayor Celebrations high street. in August, Woodstock Live which takes place over the end If you are looking for somewhere to stay, there is a wealth of of August Bank Holiday Weekend, to A Night of a Thousand There are some 15 eateries in Woodstock; enjoy a light snack choice between fine hotels and luxurious B&Bs. The Bear Hotel Candles on the last Saturday in November – there is at Hampers Food and Wine Company, who also boast a lovely and The Kings Arms offer the full hotel experience, whilst something for everyone in Woodstock. delicatessen; dine al fresco at La Galleria or at The Kings Arms The Glove House offers a luxury B&B experience. which has an AA rosette. There’s a wealth of information on where to stay and where to eat, and more on Woodstock’s businesses and events at www.wakeuptowoodstock.com

15 The Real Wood Furniture Company

London House, Oxford Street, Woodstock OX20 1TS Tel: 01993 813887 • Email: [email protected] • www.rwfco.com

The Real Wood Furniture Company displays probably the largest collection of bespoke country furniture in the country which attracts visitors from far and wide.

We make a timeless range of furniture, with the ability to alter size, specification and finish to suit your home. We work exclusively in solid English timbers, specializing in the use of character and burr oak, ash and cherry.

A labyrinth of showrooms in adjoining listed period buildings house a fascinating collection, set out in room sets dressed with an amazing collection of accessories which are also for sale. Browse with no pressure and seek inspiration… it’s more like a visitor experience than a showroom! Check out The Sculpture Garden to the rear of the showrooms and discover a haven of tranquility away from the bustle of the main road.

The visitors’ book reads like we might have written it ourselves: ‘A shop full of dreams...’ OPENING TIMES ‘The best collection of oak furniture in the country...’ Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm ‘I want to live here...’ Sunday 11am - 5pm ‘Delicious shop, fabulous furniture and an eclectic mix of art... www.rwfco.com something for everyone…’

16 Aston Pottery

Kingsway Farm, Aston OX18 2BT Tel: 01993 852031 • Email: [email protected] • www.astonpottery.co.uk

Country café Shopping Take a break in our spacious country café, which serves a Visit Aston Pottery’s fabulous wide variety of delicious and locally sourced fare. showroom and browse the wide range of gifts including Working pottery jewellery, bags, textiles and All our pottery is made and painted on site, using traditional much more. See our latest methods of production which can be seen on a tour of the contemporary designs along pottery. You can even book in to paint your own! with familiar classics.

Gardens Admire our two newly planted spectacular herbaceous borders with over 250 different perennials, flowering from April to October - come and be inspired.

Aston is a 5 minute drive from Witney on the B4449 between Standlake and Bampton. OPENING TIMES We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 10.30am - 5pm Aston Pottery has ample free parking.

17 Batsford Arboretum Secret Cottage Tours and Garden Centre Tel: 01608 674700 • Email: [email protected] • www.secretcottage.co.uk

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB • Tel: 01386 701441 A six hour guided Cotswold tour of hidden villages that includes an Email: [email protected] • www.batsarb.co.uk invitation into a private thatched home for tea or coffee with pastries, a buffet lunch and a traditional English cream tea – served inside Just a mile from the historic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, Secret Cottage. Batsford is home to one of the country’s largest private tree Guests are overwhelmed by the experience of being invited collections with 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams, into a private home with scones served on bone china – stunning views and beautiful statues. many of them describing it as fairyland. You have your own Photos © Mike Tayler personal tour guide to take you on a unique and memorable Enjoy early colour from snowdrops, spring-flowering bulbs day through hidden villages that tourists seldom get to see and Japanese flowering cherries; escape the heat under the because they are inaccessible to public transport. tree canopy in summer and prepare to be amazed by the outstanding autumn colour! Having lived in the area for twenty five years, Becky’s local knowledge is invaluable to visitors and she will enjoy sharing Browse the walled garden plant centre, garden and gift shops, it with you ‘as if you are a local’. join us for one of our lovely annual events or soak up the sunshine from the deck of the Garden Terrace Café where we With only seven passenger seats in the Mercedes minibus, serve fabulous cakes, afternoon teas and home baked lunches, you’re guaranteed to be a personal guest and can choose also on site The Applestore Shabby Chic, wood turner, archery, when you’d like to stop and take your pictures. During and falconry centre. the tour you’ll see a selection of amazing honey coloured limestone houses and cottages, view landscapes and drive A great day out for all the family. through parkland, see topiary, historic manor houses and stunning ancient churches, National Trust houses, farms, OPENING TIMES gardens, wells, streams, fords, ponds, barns, dovecotes, Open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am - 5pm animals, wildlife and village greens. (Sundays 10am - 5pm).

Admission Prices (applies to arboretum only) OPENING TIMES Tours available every day throughout the year. Adult £7.95*, Concession £6.95*, Child (4-15) £3.50* Tours start from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station and last from 10.15am until 4.30pm. *includes a 10% gift aid donation. The cost is £85 which is inclusive of all food and drink served at Secret Cottage.

18 Bicester Village

50 Pingle Drive, Bicester OX26 6WD Tel: 01869 366 266 • Email: [email protected] • www.bicestervillage.com

Bicester Village, one of the Collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages in Europe, located within an hour of both and Birmingham, offering the UK’s leading luxury outlet shopping experience.

Discover a relaxed shopping haven in the beautiful Shopping is pure pleasure at Bicester Village, where Oxfordshire countryside, where more than 130 spacious sophisticated boutiques, spacious boulevards, attentive boutiques showcase the world’s leading fashion and service and a friendly, unhurried atmosphere combine to offer lifestyle brands – and all with savings of up to 60% on the a truly unique retail experience. There’s so much to enjoy recommended retail price, seven days a week and all year here, whether it’s browsing prestigious boutiques at leisure round. Bally, Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni and Tory Burch for great-value buys, or sampling fine food and drink in the are just a few of the international brands present, as well as Village’s cafés and restaurants. boutiques of British designers including Anya Hindmarch, Temperley London, Matthew Williamson, Smythson and Find out more about travel options, the latest boutique news Vivienne Westwood. and opening times at www.BicesterVillage.com

OPENING TIMES For opening hours please visit www.BicesterVillage.com

19 Birdland Park and Gardens

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN Tel: 01451 820480 • Email: [email protected] • www.birdland.co.uk

Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy on the winding .

Discover over 500 exotic and rare birds from around the power and elegance once they are underwater and truly in world in naturally themed aviaries and waterside habitats. their element! Enjoy close encounters with flamingos, colourful parrots, laughing kookaburras, birds of prey, pelicans, magical owls Explore the indoor discovery zone and meet more egg-laying and much more. creatures from fish to amphibians and reptiles. Don’t miss the Hatchery where you can watch eggs hatching and see chicks take their first steps.

New for 2015 – Jurassic Journey, opening late May, follow in the footsteps of dinosaur hunters! Embark on a fascinating expedition back through time to an era when dinosaurs roamed the earth and spot over 20 different dinosaurs in a Jurassic-themed landscape. Younger visitors will be able to take part in their very own ‘dino-dig’ at a special prehistoric boneyard. OPENING TIMES Open Daily. (except Christmas Day) Relax at Flamingo Point Café for morning coffee, light lunch April to October 10am - 6pm or afternoon tea. Sit inside or out to enjoy wonderful views November to March 10am - 4pm over our flamingo river. Last admission, one hour before closing.

Admission Prices Penguins are fascinating, funny and very entertaining; meet Every day is different at Birdland and there is always Adult £8.95 majestic King Penguins and the comical Humboldts at Penguin something new to discover, with a full programme of Child £5.95 (3-15 years) Shore. See them tuck into what they love most at the daily entertaining talks, feeding displays and close encounter Under 3 free feeding demonstration at 2.30pm with an informative and sessions. Help feed penguins, become a keeper for the day, Senior/Student £7.95 fun explanation from one of our experts. The windows in the or meet birds of prey, lizards, tortoises and snakes. See our Family (2 adults and 2 children) £28 water show how penguins’ much loved waddling turns to website for all the latest news and find out what’s on!

20 Blenheim Palace

Woodstock OX20 1PP • Tel: 0800 849 6500 Email: [email protected] • www.blenheimpalace.com

Spend an inspiring day at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

Receive a warm welcome into the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Wonder at this masterpiece of 18th century baroque architecture. Explore our World Heritage Site with over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Discover the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Secret Garden. Delight in our family friendly Pleasure Gardens, reached by miniature train, with a giant hedge maze, a butterfly house and an adventure playground. Buy one day, get 12 months free*, so you can keep Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with coming back to enjoy all a wealth of sporting and cultural events, themed exhibitions and tours throughout the year. that there is on offer.

Blenheim Palace A timeless pleasure, a precious time, every time.

*Terms and conditions apply.

OPENING TIMES Park: Open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day) 9am - 6pm Palace and Formal Gardens: Open daily from 14 February - 20 December Palace: 10.30am - 5.30pm • Formal Gardens: 10am - 5.30pm Admission Prices: Palace, Park and Gardens (valid for a free Annual Pass): Adult £22.50, Concession £18, Child £12.30, Family £59. Park and Gardens only: (valid for a free Annual Pass) Adult £13.50 Concession £10.20, Child £6.60, Family £36.

Blenheim Palace reserves the right to change any of its opening hours, events or offers or to restrict access at any time without notice. You are strongly advised to check the relevant details before visiting.

21 Combe Mill Museum Churchill and

Blenheim Palace Sawmill, Combe, OX29 8ET Sarsden Heritage Centre Tel: 01993 358694 • Email: [email protected] • www.combemill.org Hastings Hill, Churchill, Nr Chipping Norton OX7 6NA • Tel: 01608 658603 Email: [email protected] • www.churchillheritage.org Combe Mill Museum is the original ‘workshop’ of the old Blenheim Estate and is a working museum offering visitors a fascinating insight Possibly the smallest museum in Oxfordshire, the Heritage Centre has into the working conditions of our Victorian ancestors. a big anniversary to celebrate in 2015. You get a feel for the past as you enter this un-restored William Smith, Father of English Geology, (1769-1839) was born in Churchill and in 1815 building where you can talk with Society members operating published the first geological map of England and Wales – a feat which is being celebrated the machinery and demonstrating lost skills. Enjoy watching with a special exhibition curated by the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. our steam beam engine power the line shafting that drives the woodworking machinery. The permanent displays and interactive touchscreens dedicated to William Smith and Warren Hastings, the first governor-general of India (also Churchill born), are still available, together See the waterwheel turn and try your hand at making with archive material, village and family records, photographs and maps. something in the working blacksmiths’ forge. Your whole family will find something of interest as you look and touch our exhibits of craftmen’s tools and artefacts. Explore the social history of people who once worked at Combe Yard. See also our noted collection of historic tower clocks. Refreshments are available and there is also a riverside picnic area. We are located just off the A4095 at Long Hanborough.

OPENING TIMES April until September open Wednesday and Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm) although not in steam. Steam Events take place on Sundays 15 March, 19 April, 17 May, 21 June, 19 July, 16 August, 20 September and 18 October: 10am - 5pm. OPENING TIMES Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2pm - 4.30pm Admission Prices: 22 March - 27 September 2015 Steaming Events Adult £7, Child/Concessions £5, Under 5s free, Family £19 Open Days Adult £4.50, Child/Concession £3.50, Under 5s free, Family £12.50 Admission Prices Free

22 Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Burford OX18 4JP Tel: 01993 823006 • Email: [email protected] • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Take a walk on the wild side. zoos in the UK and one of the top 25 zoos in Europe. The Park also won a ‘Best Day out’ award by the Kennel Club, Stroll around the Park and enjoy uninterrupted views of the in the Be Dog Friendly Awards 2014, which was voted for by animals, so it feels as though you are in a wild setting. Watch members of the public. Rhinos graze on the Gothic Manor House lawns with only a ha-ha between you. The Park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly and open daily from 10am. Get eye-to-eye with Giraffes, walk with Lemurs or explore the Old Walled Garden’s Tropical House with free-roaming Sloths, Birds and Bats. Watch the Penguins being fed daily at 11am & 3pm. Take a ride on Bella the Train or explore the treehouse adventure playground. The stunning gardens, themed borders, exotic planting and seasonal displays, make a beautiful backdrop to the animals.

In 2014 the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens won a Travellers Choice Award™ by Tripadvisor and was named in the top 10

OPENING TIMES Open daily (except Christmas day) from 10am.

Admission Prices: Gate Price Adult £15, Child/Senior £10, Under 3s free. Save money by buying e-tickets on our website, which are valid for one month from date of purchase.

23 Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT Tel: 01242 621405 • Email: [email protected] • www.gwsr.com

A unique way to see the glorious Cotswolds!

Travel with us on a 24 mile round trip that takes in some of You can relive the days of steam train travel and ride in style in the best views in the country. On one side there are the lovely one of our restored 1950s carriages behind one of our steam villages of the Cotswolds and on the other great views to the locomotives. Enjoy the nostalgia of the smell of steam and the Malvern Hills. On a clear day the view extends for almost sound and rhythm of the train. 50 miles. Then you can change trains and travel either behind one of The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway has been developed our heritage diesels or in our diesel railcar where you can get by hundreds of volunteers and we now run steam, diesel up close behind the driver and have a 360 degree view of the hauled, and diesel rail car services from Toddington in countryside. We find that children love the diesel railcar as Gloucestershire to Cheltenham Racecourse from March. they can see what the driver is doing, and many parents love the steam and heritage diesel trains as these take them back We aim to provide a full day out for the whole family for to their childhood. the price of a train ticket. On all days we run trains, we have at least two different modes of rail transport which will thrill Not only can you travel all day, but there are refreshment FOR MORE INFORMATION all ages. facilities on most of our steam trains, and a 1950s style coffee Every weekend from March to the end of October shop at Winchcombe Station and the Flag and Whistle tea and Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May and Tuesdays, room at Toddington. Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer. See our website for full timetable details and information To complete your day out, we have a free heritage trail on Special Events. Free car parking at all stations. at Toddington, a walkway behind the sheds to see our locomotives, a free children’s quiz, and a well stocked shop The 1950s Coffee Pot Cafe at Winchcombe and the where you can purchase lots of books and toys including our Flag & Whistle Tea Room at Toddington are open on genuine I-Spy book. operating days serving a selection of homemade cakes.

Admission Prices If you check our website, you will also see we have special All Day Rover Tickets (unlimited travel on day) themed weekends – from children’s specials to major Adult £16, Senior £15, Child £7, Family £42 railway galas.

24

Kelmscott, Nr GL7 3HJ • Tel: 01367 252486 Email: [email protected] • www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

“The loveliest haunt of ancient peace...”

Kelmscott Manor was the country home of – poet, craftsman and socialist – from 1871 until his death in 1896. The house contains a collection of the possessions and works of Morris, his family and associates including furniture, textiles, carpets and ceramics.

William Morris called the village of Kelmscott, “a heaven on earth”. His delight in its discovery can still be felt by the visitor today. The garden with its barns, dovecot, stream, meadow and formal garden was a constant source of inspiration for Morris and the flora and fauna of the surrounding area are reflected in his textile and wallpaper designs.

OPENING TIMES April until the end of October. General open days are Wednesday and Saturday 11am - 5pm. Ticket office open from 10.30am. Last admission to the house 4.30pm. Please note that the Manor has a limited visitor capacity and admission is by timed ticket.

Admission Prices Adult £9 Child (5-16 years) £4.50 Student £4.50 Garden only tickets £2.50

25

Station Yard, Main Road, Long Hanborough OX29 8LA Park Street, Woodstock OX20 1SN • Email: [email protected] Tel: 01993 883617 • www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk Tel: 01993 811456 • www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum

Two exhibition halls telling the story of road transport in Oxfordshire A large 18th century house in the historic town of Woodstock provides from the end of the nineteenth century to the present day. a home for the County’s collections.

Touring exhibitions, a stunning garden, Museum shop and café complement the permanent displays.

The Museum is bigger than you might think with eleven galleries displaying art, archaeology, local and natural history. In a separate workshop block Explore the County’s restoration work can be seen innovative industries from in progress. nanotechnology to nuclear power and it’s past from A family friendly museum the Jurassic to the Victorian with a children’s activity area. period and beyond. OPENING TIMES Full disabled access. Free vintage bus rides on 10.30am - 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm). selected dates; visit the Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the year. website for details. Saturdays May to September. Most Bank Holidays. See website for Christmas closing. OPENING TIMES Car park, shop and café. Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sunday 2 - 5pm. Admission Prices Bank Holidays please check the website. Adult £4.50, Concession £3.50, Child (3-16) £2.50, Family (2+2) £10 Admission Prices Free.

26 Rousham Photography courtesy of Harpur Garden Images.

Rousham, Nr Steeple Aston, Bicester OX25 4QX Tel: 01869 347110 • Email: [email protected] • www.rousham.org

Rousham and its landscape garden should be a place of pilgrimage for students of the work of William Kent (1685–1748).

A fine herd of rare Long- Horn cattle are to be seen in the park. Rousham is uncommercial and unspoilt with no tea room and no shop. Bring a picnic, wear Rousham represents the first phase of English landscape design and remains almost as Kent comfortable shoes and it is left it, one of the few gardens of this date to have escaped alteration, with many features which yours for the day. OPENING TIMES Garden: Open daily, all year, 10am - 4.30pm (last entry) delighted eighteenth century visitors to Rousham still in situ, such as the ponds and cascades in House: Groups by arrangement any day from May to Venus’ Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched Praeneste, Townsend’s Building, the Temple of the Rousham is also available September (inclusive) Mill, and, on the skyline, a sham ruin known as the ‘Eyecatcher’. for wedding receptions and fashion or other Admission Prices The house, built in 1635 by Sir Robert Dormer, is still in the ownership of the same family. photographic shoots. Garden: £5 House: (open to groups by prior Kent added the wings and the stable block. The south front is almost as Kent left it, but for arrangement only) £10 per person (which includes the replacement of the octagonal glazing with plain glass. Don’t miss the walled garden with No children under 15. admission to the gardens), minimum charge of £120. its herbaceous borders, small parterre, pigeon house and espalier apple trees. No dogs.

27 Witney Lakes

Witney OX29 0SY Tel: 01993 893000 • Email: [email protected] • www.witney-lakes.co.uk

Witney Lakes Resort provides the perfect getaway for those who want to relax and unwind. You will feel warmly welcomed, whatever the purpose of your visit, be it a round of golf or just to indulge in our spa or dine in our beautiful lakeside restaurant.

The golf course is an excellent choice for both accomplished seasons and our wines change regularly to allow customers the golfers and high handicappers. It is a 6,500yd, par 71 lakeland opportunity to explore new treats. The Restaurant is open for style course, welcoming private members, green fee players lunch from 12pm, Sunday to Friday and dinner from 6.30pm, and golf societies alike. The course features a number of dog- Tuesday to Saturday. leg holes, which combined with the interesting order of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s invites the golfer to use every club in the bag. The Spa provides you with a chance to taste the exotics as well as adding a touch of luxury to your regular treatments. As West Oxfordshire’s premier local restaurant we use Whether you are escaping the pressures of modern life on the finest seasonal ingredients to produce outstanding your own or enjoying a fabulous break with friends, we have contemporary British cuisine from our award winning kitchen. a wonderful choice of Spa Day Packages to suit, and between Combine that with friendly service and great value for money treatments you can chill out in our tranquil relaxation room. and you have our philosophy. Our menus reflect the changing The Spa is open Monday to Saturday, and Sundays on request.

28 @oxcots

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Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this guide is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of printing. West Oxfordshire District Council and Berforts Information Press cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions, nor does inclusion necessarily imply approval or recommendation. www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org