TOURISM INFORMATION
We'll be building up a list of places of interest local to The Cotswold Arms that registered users can rate. This will help visitors to the area find the best places to go and might even provide some inspiration for us locals too. If you want more information on any of these, why not pop in and see us - we might have some further literature, advice or even discount tickets for some of them.

Aston Pottery
unforgettable experience. Browse around our
showroom at your leisure, take a break in our
Country Café, ‘potter’ around our garden,
or visit us on an open day to see how our
exclusive hand-decorated pottery is created..
Our Shop is situated in Aston on the B4449 between Standlake
and Bampton close to the market town of Witney.
There is ample free parking on site.
Website

Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the magnificent Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, award-winning formal gardens and the great Lake, offering a unforgettable day out for all.
Blenheim Palace is a unique example of English Baroque architecture. Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. On the first floor ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ brings to life enticing tales from the last 300 years.
Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, the Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
Website

Cotswold Wildlife Park
Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970.
The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in habitats from many parts of the earth.
The Park offers a fascinating collection of animals. Many are endangered in the I.U.C.N.'s (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red Data Books; others are still relatively numerous in the wild, but offer an educational encounter of value.
Website
http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/

Cotswold Woollen Weavers
"For Genuine Cotswold woollen weaving, Cotswold Woollen Weavers is the only place to go"
The smell of wool oil and the clack of the shuttles welcome visitors
who tour our traditional 18th century woollen-mill set in the beautiful English Cotswolds
But the sheep has ruled here for even longer. 500 years ago great flocks of Cotswold sheep roamed the hills, and their fleece was exported all over Europe. The medieval wool merchants grew rich and built their wool churches like Burford and Northleach.
Wool tax paid the ransom of King Richard the Lionheart captured during the crusades, and to this day the Lord Chancellor sits in parliament on a woolsack to mark the historical importance of the wool trade.
Even Sir Richard Dick Whttington was a Cotswold wool merchant as well as Lord Mayor of London and well known cat lover!
Website
http://ds.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/hk67/index.htm

Crocodiles of The World
Founded and run by crocodile specialist and television personality, Shaun Foggett, the zoo is dedicated to the care and conservation of crocodiles through direct action and advancing public understanding. The zoo is entirely self funded and relies on revenue generated from admissions and on-site sales.
The gift shop at Crocodiles of the World sells keyrings, toys, postcards and other animal gifts and souvenirs. Every purchase made supports the conservation, education, and research efforts of Crocodiles of the World
The zoo offers several incredible one on one close encounters with nature''''s most fearsome predators. Enjoy access to amazing behind-the-scenes views with our private guided tours and personal VIP tours.
Experience being a keeper for a day at Crocodiles of the World and enjoy the ultimate hands-on experience for animal lovers young and old! You will be involved in hand feeding young animals, preparing food for the animals, general upkeep of the zoo enclosures and monitoring animal nutrition. Do wild animal experiences get any better than this?
If you really want to learn the hidden secrets of the zoo and about crocodiles, a guided tour is perfect for you. Tours are run every Saturday afternoon from 2pm (duration of the tour is approximately 1.5 hours). Explore the world of crocodiles with friends and learn as an expert guide introduces you to the incredible animals living at the zoo.
We are open to visitors every Saturday and Sunday between 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. There are several other ways to visit us including guided and private tours, but if you just fancy the odd visit you will need to come at the weekend! We would suggest that you book in advance to ensure that you secure your place. Be prepared to enjoy and learn, too.
Website
http://www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk/

Hook Norton Brewery Tour
Housed in the original maltings that were bought by John Harris in 1849, the Visitor's Centre is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm throughout the year. Here, one can purchase our ales in varying sizes from bottle to barrel and of course, customers are welcome to 'try before you buy'. There is also a good selection of Hook Norton Brewery branded goods, ideal for presents and a great way to show off your favourite local tipple. The brewer's craft is rooted in antiquity and many of its secrets are on view for all to see in our Brewery museum. Anyone wandering through this astonishing display has the opportunity view traditional methods that have survived for sound, practical reasons.
Website
http://www.hooknortonbrewery.co.uk/public_visitors

Horse Riding in The Cotswolds
Website

Oxford Castle Unlocked
Website
http://www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Three Choirs Vineyard
Three Choirs Vineyards is one of England's leading single estate vineyards. One of Gloucestershire's main attractions, it offers a unique experience for both wine enthusiasts, and those just looking for a relaxing and beautiful environment in which to enjoy a great day out.
The Three Choirs Vineyards estate is one of the largest in England at 75 acres, and also one of the oldest - the first vines were planted in 1973, and the first vintage produced in 1976. Nestled in Newent, near Gloucester and deep in the Cotswolds, the rolling hills and valleys provide a unique microclimate which is perfect for growing grapes ideal for producing great english wine.
We offer tours and tastings, have a restaurant and two different accommodation options. Or just visit, relax, and take a wander through this glorious piece of rural England.
Winery Tours & Wine Tastings
Daily at 2.30 (approx 1hr) - £12.50 per person
Additional tour on Saturday at 11.00am (1st April until end of October)
Why not take an informal, educational tour of one of England's largest single estate wineries
The tour first winds through the vines to talk about the history of the vineyard and the growing of grapes. From there you are taken into the winery where the wine making process is explained. The guide will offer you 4 different wines to taste the tour, giving information on each one.
We are open every day from 9th January to 23rd December and offer tours daily in all weather conditions. There is no need to book unless there are more than 8 of you in your party, just arrive in the shop shortly before your chosen . If you wish you can pre-order tickets for the tour from our web shop.
Group Tours & Tastings
When there are 20 or more people in a group, we are able to offer group bookings for a private tour and tasting.
We can tailor the tour to your requirements, and if it's more than just a tour you require we can also provide a full ALC menu in our vineyard restaurant or finger buffet's & lighter options in our vine room
Please contact us to check availability and pricing. Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate groups without an advanced booking.
Natural Trail
The Vineyards at Three Choirs are a haven for a diverse variety of wildlife from Ladybirds to Buzzards and Green Woodpeckers. We have designed a trail that takes you through various habitats and tells you what to look out for, a joy for young and old alike.
Some of the delights awaiting you include
•Hedgehog nesting boxes
•Ladybird nesting boxes
•Ponds with fish and waterfowl
•Bird boxes and feeders
•Owls
•Rabbits and Badgers
•Damson hedge
•Drovers road
The pond and stream areas can be wet underfoot so please wear appropriate footwear!
Website
http://www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk/

Wychwood Brewery Tour
The tour experience
Your visit to the brewery will last approximately two hours. The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes you through the brewing process of Wychwood & Brakspear Beers, from seeing the raw ingredients to the finished product, taking in the Copper, Mash Tun and Brakspear’s famous Double Drop system.
After the tour you are invited to sample our flagship Legendary Hobgoblin and our range of Wychwood and Brakspear bottled beers, which can be bought from our brewery shop as single bottles, or in gift packs and mixed selection cases.
If you represent or belong to a special interest group or are celebrating a special event and require a brewery tour, other than those conducted on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, please contact us on 01993 890800.
Book Now Tour prices
The cost for our Tours is £7.50 per person. This includes the tour, beer sampling and also a complimentary souvenir Wychwood Brewery glass. Buying a tour as a gift?
Why not send a tour voucher with a gift message, and the recipient can then book their tour by telephone at their convenience.
Store
In addition to beer by the bottle or case, our Brewery Store also sells all items from our merchandise catalogue range, as well as items that are not available from us online and special offers we may be hosting.
Website
http://www.wychwood.co.uk/#/home//hobgoblin/tours