Get ready for a hay-cation as Cogges Manor Farm is summer-ready! Witney’s heritage farm is open every day, and a wonderful place for all the family to relax and enjoy the outdoors at this beautiful time of year.
There really is something for everyone – explore the manor house and gardens, the home of Downton Abbey’s Yew Tree Farm. Meet the animals, look out for children's summer holiday craft activities, scavenger hunts and more over the holidays (activities are subject to change; small cost may apply to cover materials). Join the fun at a teddy bears picnic (17 & 18 August), or get stuck in with Giant Junk Modelling for August bank holiday weekend (24 & 25)and go wild with adventure play and 17 acres of meadows; or just kick back in the sunshine, play croquet on the lawn, and picnic in the orchard with a latte! See lambs and sheep, Shetland ponies, goats, turkeys and free roaming hens and ducks – ‘Meet the animals’ sessions run at weekends and Bank Holidays 11am and 2pm.
Look out for Cogges’ current artist-in-residence, Alex James Long, who may be out and about with his easel capturing the beautiful gardens at Cogges; or you might see baking on the range in the kitchen. Pop into the shop for gifts, farm eggs and produce and stop off at Cogges Kitchen café for lunch, a cream tea or a glass of bubbly! (Open to all, no ticket required).
As Cogges is steeped in 1000 years of stories, it is the perfect location to experience living history. The Marquess of Winchester Regiment has been re-enacting battles from the English Civil War for about 40 years and will return to Cogges on 4 August from 11am until 3pm. Considered one of the premier formations in English Civil War re-enactment with Pikemen, Musketeers, Officers, sergeants and drummers, this promises to be a memorable day and something different for Witney! Find out more.
Cogges' legendary Beer and Cider Festival is back on 10 August, 12pm to 10pm. Join in the celebrations in the Barns with a huge choice of different craft beers and ciders, and live music to get the crowd dancing, BBQ and Summer Bar with wine, Pimms and Prosecco. Look out for Morris dancers! (See top photo).
The summer fun continues into September. Cogges is the new Venice, as award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria is set to return on 5th September with an exciting production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. Please bring a low-back chair or blanket to sit on and dress for the weather. Bar, snacks and ice-cream are available – suitable for all ages. To book your ticket visit here.
What better way to celebrate the produce of summer than being part of the Cogges Harvest Fayre on Saturday 7 September, from 11am until 4pm. Enter your home-grown super-sized or (much-anticipated) novelty veg, fabulous floral displays and hand-crafted creations; dazzle with your tasty home-bakes, jams and chutneys in the Home Economics category! There’s also a chance for children to join in. Details on how to take part are available soon. Family fun, games, face-painting, flower-crowns, crafts and activities. Enjoy delicious food at the BBQ and refresh your palate at the Harvest Bar.
General Manager, Guy Reed, said: “Cogges is such a special place to me and to so many; it’s a small gem that harks back to bygone days and simple pleasures, being with friends and family, within a wonderful natural setting. There will be lot’s going on over the summer, with outdoor activities and a new nature walk in the meadow where children can follow a trail of wild animals. We’re creating paths and making the meadow much more accessible, introducing new habitats for wild birds and insects, and looking to increase the diversity of the flora and fauna. As a visitor said to me, “who knew that this fantastic, idyllic green space existed in Witney and on our doorstep?” I personally feel it’s just a wonderful place to spend time, and the team and I are delighted that so many visitors agree with us. Visit, share your experience of Cogges with friends and family and help us protect this amazing space for generations to come.”
Standard Farm admission and opening times. Free to Season/12 month pass holders. Selected activities may have additional costs (e.g. tokens for games). Book online or pay on entry.
Cogges Heritage Trust is a charity, thank you for your support.
