Market Towns

The market towns of West Oxfordshire are all historic centres serving the rural and picturesque areas around them. While all the towns are vibrant and successful, each has its own unique identity and characteristics. The District Council works hard with the community in each of the towns to help ensure each town develops in a way that retains its unique identity and balance of attractions, jobs and homes.

Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a small market town with a population of about 6000 situated on the edge of the Cotswolds over which it enjoys fine views. Once a centre of wool industry and trade, it retains many elegant buildings from that era and has evolved into a thriving and vibrant local economic and cultural centre, serving its own community and neighbouring villages.

The District Council is an active member of the Chipping Norton Town Partnership which is working to ensure Chipping Norton retains and develops its position as a "Working Cotswold Town". For further information please visit the Chipping Norton website.

Carterton
Carterton is a town with some 14,000 residents. It lies in the Thames Valley and is surrounded by scenic countryside including the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Carterton is a thriving and rapidly expanding town with new housing and business areas being developed in its north eastern quadrant. The town has a new leisure centre as well as many well established sports and leisure clubs. The District Council is an active member of the Carterton Fast Forward partnership which is working towards a new phase of town centre development and a new community centre. For further information please visit the Carterton website.

Woodstock
Woodstock is a small market town with a population of some 2600 people. It's main tourist attraction is Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough since 1722 and a World Heritage site.

Woodstock is also an important town in its own right, with an enviable range of quality shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs. As a place to live it is unsurpassed with over 35 active clubs, societies and other community groups, two highly rated schools, a library, an outdoor swimming pool, and miles of glorious open countryside spreading north, east and west. For further information please visit the Wake up to Woodstock website.