Cogges Manor Farm

Cogges Manor Farm in Witney is a beautiful heritage attraction with 1,000 years of history. The earliest known owner of Cogges dates back to the Saxon period, Wadard, who was recorded as Lord of the Manor of Cogges in the Domesday Book of 1086. Wadard was also shown as a Norman Knight riding a horse on the Bayeux Tapestry!

Located in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, you’ll discover a fascinating 13th century Manor House which remains largely untouched and is full of stories of the families who lived there. There’s links with some of the biggest figures in British history including Bishop Odo – half brother of William the Conqueror, Wadard, Walter de Grey, Henry VIII and Sir Thomas Pope. The history in the Manor House is evident at every turn and a walk through this impressive building really does allow you to step back in time. This is a relaxed and informal experience where visitors can get up close, feel, touch and enjoy the history that is all around them.

Because the site remains very much steeped in history, it’s a popular filming location and most famously was ‘Yew Tree Farm’ in Downton Abbey.

Outside the Manor House is an impressive heritage Walled Garden which still supports the site today with fresh produce which is used in the café. There’s an orchard full of ancient fruit trees, a Victorian farmyard with friendly animals, fun play areas, meadows and woodland. Lunch can be enjoyed at a picnic table, on a rug or in the cosy Cogges Kitchen café which sells a great selection of hot and cold drinks, breakfast, lunch and cream tea options as well as an impressive choice of cakes, biscuits, tray bakes and ice creams.