Witney and District Museum

02/09/2026

🔎 We're on the lookout for volunteers!

Are you friendly and reliable, with an interest in the community and Witney's history, and able to spare a few hours a month? We’re looking for new people to join our welcoming volunteer team.

We have lots of roles available, including Front of House, Admin and Events

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll have the chance to:
🤝 Meet new people
🥳 Attend dedicated volunteer social events
😊 Be part of a welcoming community passionate about Witney’s rich history

ℹ️To find out more or express your interest, please contact Victoria at [email protected]

29/08/2026

FREE event: Draw Your Witney!

What makes Witney special to you? Is it your favourite café, the park where you play, a much-loved shop, or somewhere that only exists in your imagination?

Drop into Witney & District Museum this Heritage Open Days and help us create a giant collaborative artwork celebrating the places that make Witney unique. Inspired by this year’s theme, Everyday Histories, families of all ages are invited to draw, doodle and add their own favourite businesses, landmarks and community spaces, whether they’re real, remembered or dreamed up for the future.

As everyone’s drawings come together, we’ll build a colourful community map that celebrates the people, places and everyday moments that make Witney feel like home. It’s a chance to share your memories, celebrate local businesses and imagine what the town could become.

This free drop-in activity is perfect for children and families. No drawing experience is needed—just bring your imagination! All materials are provided, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

📍 Witney & District Museum, Gloucester Court Mews, 75 High Street, Witney, OX28 6JA. We are ust off the High Street at the junction with Witan Way, through the archway inscribed ‘BARTLETT BUILDERS’.

📆 September 12th, 10.30 am to 1pm

https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day-exploring-witneys-changing-high-street-2/

28/08/2026

Fancy getting involved with us? Join us two weeks TODAY at our Volunteer Open Day!

We are looking for more volunteers to join our team. If you are passionate about history, community and preserving - and sharing - the rich heritage of Witney, come along and talk talk to us

You will meet people who are already enjoying volunteering with us, and will be able to find out about the range of roles we can offer.

📆 Saturday September 12th, 1030-1pm

📍 Witney and District Museum, Gloucester Court Mews, 75 High Street, Witney, OX28 6JA - we are just off the High Street at the junction with Witan Way, through the archway inscribed ‘BARTLETT BUILDERS’.

Find out more here https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/event/volunteer-open-day-3/

27/08/2026

💻 📱We're looking for some tech savvy volunteers to boost our online presence and attract more people to our events, and Museum – could this be you?

If you are passionate about history, community, and preserving the rich heritage of Witney, and know your way around Facebook, Instagram, maybe the back of a website or email newsletter programme, we want to hear from you!

Our Marketing Lead manages the museum’s digital presence, creating and scheduling engaging content across platforms to attract visitors and promote events, with the support of volunteer Marketing Assistants. They play a key role in enhancing the museum’s profile while ensuring that all online communications reflect our values and adhere to health and safety guidelines.

Our Marketing Assistants support the volunteer Marketing Lead in managing the museum’s digital presence, creating and scheduling engaging content across platforms to attract visitors and promote events.

Both the Lead and Assistant roles are fully remote and come with training and support.

There is full info on our website, include the role pack and details on how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/get-involved/

24/08/2026

Join us this Wednesday 26th August for 'Whatever the Weather', the last of our Museum Explorers programme of family activities throughout the summer holidays.

🐓This week, celebrate the return of the museum’s historic cockerel weather vane and discover how weather vanes have helped people tell which way the wind is blowing for hundreds of years.

Then design your own unique weather vane!

Will you choose a traditional cockerel, a favourite animal or invent a brand-new symbol for Witney? Create a colourful design to take home and let your imagination soar with the wind.

Perfect for children and their families. Come along and discover the stories that make Witney unique.

🧶 All materials are provided.
👧🏽 Children must be accompanied by an adult.
✅ All workshops are free although donations are welcome.
ℹ️ Check the website for future events.

To book your spot please email [email protected] or call 01993 775915. Spaces are limited so book today!

More info here

Explore, Create and Discover This Summer! Join us at Witney & District Museum for Museum Explorers, our exciting programme of family activities throughout the summer holidays. This week, get creative […]

23/08/2026

FREE event! Makers, Merchants & Market Days: A Walk Around the Square

The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker… what did your ancestors do, and what was their daily life like? This year’s Heritage Open Days theme, Everyday Histories, celebrates the working lives, routines and traditions that have shaped our communities for generations.

Join Witney & District Museum for a guided walking tour of Market Square and discover the stories hidden in one of the town’s most familiar places. For more than 800 years, the square has been the centre of everyday life in Witney - a place where traders sold their goods, craftspeople honed their skills, shoppers gathered, and neighbours met.

As you explore the historic buildings surrounding the square, you’ll uncover the people and professions that kept the town thriving, from market traders and shopkeepers to blanket makers, brewers and other local industries. Discover how the routines of work, trade and community life have shaped Witney’s history and why their stories still matter today.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting for the first time, you’ll leave with a new appreciation of the extraordinary histories hidden within the everyday.

🥾 Please note: This is an outdoor walking tour around Market Square. Sensible footwear is recommended.

📆 September 13th, morning and afternoon sessions.
Morning 11 am to 12.30
Afternoon 2pm to 2.30

Spaces are limited and booking is essential - email [email protected] or call 01993 775915 to book.

More info here https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day-walking-tour-market-square/

22/08/2026

🪎 Are you getting out and about in Witney with your family this summer holiday? Take part in our Treasure Hunt to win a prize!

Our cockerel weathervane, as seen in our museum logo, came home to the museum after a trip away for some TLC thanks to funding from

To celebrate we've created a Weathervane Trail Treasure hunt around Witney!

1️⃣ Come into the museum from the 25th July to collect your Challenge sheet.
2️⃣ Then, hunt for posters showing the cockerel weathervane in shop and business windows nearby to find the answers!
3️⃣ Finally, return your completed Treasure Hunt answer sheet to the Museum by the 12th September, to collect a prize.

Check the attached pictures for a clue to some of the clue locations and Happy Treasure Hunting!

📍Find us in Gloucester Court Mews, 75 High St, Witney OX28 6JA, near the junction with Witan Way

21/08/2026

Our Heritage Walking Tour this Sunday, August 23rd is SOLD OUT!

We will be stepping back in time and exploring the rich history of Witney on this engaging heritage walking tour. From the medieval ruins of the Bishop’s Palace to the iconic Buttercross, we will discover the fascinating stories, hidden gems, and architectural wonders that shaped this historic market town.

Missed this one? Sign up to our newsletter to hear about the next https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/join-our-newsletter/ , or explore other upcoming events on our website https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/

Step back in time and explore the rich history of Witney on this engaging heritage walking tour! From the medieval ruins of the Bishop’s Palace to the iconic Buttercross, discover […]

20/08/2026

🔍 How's your Weathervane Treasure Hunt around Witney going?

If you're stuck, here are a few hints to where you mind find some clues!

💡 Complete the challenge and return your form to us by the 12th September to win a prize!

Find out more on our website https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/event/explore-the-streets-of-witney-this-summer-with-our-weathervane-treasure-hunt/

18/08/2026

Discover the historic heart of Witney!

Join us on September 4th from 11.00 to 12.30 for a guided tour of St Mary’s Church, a stunning medieval landmark at the heart of Witney. With roots dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful church is full of fascinating stories, hidden details, and centuries of history waiting to be explored.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour brings the building’s rich past to life; from its Norman beginnings to its Gothic grandeur and Victorian restorations. Along the way, you’ll uncover everything from ancient carvings and stained glass windows to curious local legends and surprising secrets tucked away in the architecture.

Whether you’re a history lover, a curious local, or just looking for something unique to do in Witney, this tour offers a fresh perspective on one of the town’s most treasured sites.

📍 St Mary’s Church, Church Green, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 4AW

⏰ 60-90 minutes

Limited spaces so booking essential. Please email [email protected] or call 01993 775915

St Mary’s Church Tour, discover the heart of historic Witney. Join us for a guided tour of St Mary’s Church, a stunning medieval landmark at the heart of Witney. With […]