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.

Burford
Burford, one of England's prettiest small medieval towns is a busy community of about 1,000 people. The town merchants were granted a charter to hold their own markets over 900 years ago, and the current business people, who have developed this site continue the long tradition of good service and the supply of excellent luxury and essential goods to both residents and visitors.

With its long history of hospitality, beautiful Cotswold architecture, exclusive shops and galleries and one of the top twenty churches in the country. Burford makes a perfect place to visit and stay. For further information please visit the Burford 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.

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.

Eynsham
Eynsham is the 4th largest settlement in West Oxfordshire with a population of just over 4,600. It sits at an important crossing of the river Thames, midway between Oxford and Witney and within a stone's throw of the A40. Its recorded history goes back to Saxon times; Eynsham Abbey (sadly no more) was founded in 1005; and 92 listed buildings survive around the parish.

Today the village caters for body, mind and spirit with 30 food & drink outlets (including 8 pubs); 7 education facilities; 3 churches and a range of alternative health practices. For further information please see the Eynsham Parish Council website.

Witney
Witney the largest town in West Oxfordshire with a population of 26,000. The town's wealth was originally built on the wool industry but it is now home to hi tech businesses such as Abbott Diabetes and Stewart Milne timber Systems. Witney is now a significant shopping destination with the new Marriotts Walk shopping centre adding to the rich and varied high street. See the Witney Shopping website for further information. The town also has a full range of sport and leisure facilities.

The District Council is an active member of the Witney Town Centre Forum which continues to ensure the whole town benefits from new developments. For further information please see the Witney Town Council 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 Woodstock Town Council website.