Charlbury is a small and peaceful market town in the Cotswolds with many historic buildings, it feels almost like a village. The town became prosperous in the 18th century as a result of the glove making industry. For the most picturesque approach from the station I recommend turning right into Church Lane after crossing the bridge over the River Evenlode, then walking through the churchyard and up Church Street.
www.charlbury.info | www.cotswolds.info | www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk
With a railway station, bus services and shops, Charlbury makes a good base for exploring the northern Cotswolds. It is quieter than the popular transport hub of Moreton-in-Marsh but that is less than 20 minutes away by train. The city of Oxford is also about 20 minutes by train so there are many places to explore without travelling far.
Accommodation in Charlbury (with distance from station):
Bell Hotel (½ mile) Bull Inn (½ mile)
Cottages from Cotswolds Hideaways Cottages from holidaycottages.co.uk Cottages from National Trust holidays
The history of Charlbury and its people, crafts and industries.
Open Apr-Sep, Sat 1000-1200, Sun & BH 1430-1630.
A World Heritage Site with over 300 years of history. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough
and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Formal gardens and extensive Parkland. Events and exhibitions.
Cafes and Restaurants.
Open Mar-Nov, Daily 1000-1700.
www.blenheimpalace.com
Bus S3 from Church Street (½ mile from station) to opposite entrance
then ½ mile walk through Park. about 30 minutes journey, M-S hourly.
Note that some late afternoon buses do not return to Church Street, please check the timetable.
Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Hanborough, Oxford and
Oxford Parkway.
Note: Churchill's grave is in the churchyard at Bladon, 1¼ miles south of Blenheim Palace.
Woodstock is a picturesque market town. Galleries in the museum cover the human and natural history of Oxfordshire.
Museum Garden. Exhibitions programme. Cafe. Admission free to Museum.
Open TWThFS 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700.
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Bus see Blenheim Palace.
Known locally as 'Chippy', Chipping Norton is a market town with many historic buildings including the Town Hall
and one of the finest churches in the Cotswolds. It is the highest town in Oxfordshire, situated on the side of a hill
which was once the site of a Norman castle. A market is held on Wednesdays.
Bus X9 from Church Street (½ mile from station) to Chipping Norton, West Street.
23 minutes journey, M-S about every 2 hours. Operated by Pulhams Coaches.
Situated in the hall above the Co-op shop, the museum's displays and exhibits cover the history
of Chipping Norton and the local area.
Open Easter-Oct, M-S 1400-1600.
www.chippingnortonmuseum.co.uk
Bus see above.
Witney is a busy market town in the Cotswolds with a 17th century Butter Cross.
It became prosperous from the wool trade and a Witney Wool and Blanket Trail can be downloaded from the website.
The archaeological remains of the Bishop's Palace can be seen protected under a modern roof (open M-F 1000-1700).
Bus X9 from Church Street (½ mile from station) to Witney Market Square.
25 minutes journey, M-S about every 2 hours. Operated by Pulhams Coaches.
Buses also operate from Hanborough and Oxford.
TI 3 Welch Way. Tel. 01993 775802.
A small museum of covering the history of Witney, including the local industries
of brewing and blanket making. Exhibitions programme.
Open Apr-Oct, WThFS 1000-1600.
www.witneymuseum.org.uk
Bus see Witney above.
A 13th century manor house and its grounds giving visitors an insight into farm life.
Walled garden, picnic orchard. Demonstrations, tours and animal feeding. Adventure play area. Events programme. Cafe.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 0930-1630.
www.cogges.org.uk
Bus see Witney above, then walk ½ mile.
