Things to do
around Witney

Witney is a working Oxfordshire town rather than a picture-postcard village, and that's rather the point: people live here, shop here, and eat here, so there's a genuine choice of places open on an ordinary Tuesday. Within a couple of miles of the centre you'll find around 59 places to eat and drink, 25 shops, 16 services and 11 things to visit, along with a handful of places to stay, four activity venues and one spot for events and culture. That density makes Witney a sensible base if you're touring the western Cotswolds, and an easy stop if you're simply passing through and want somewhere to stretch your legs for an afternoon.

A good few hours here might begin with a wander through the shops and a look at the Methodist Church, then a browse at Meadow Plants if you're the sort who takes something green home. Come lunchtime, the town's chip shops earn their keep — Madeira Fish Bar and The Penguins Chip Shop both have their loyalists — and Rush is worth knowing about for a sit-down meal. Finish at Coco Gelato, ideally on a bench in the sun.