‘A quieter Cotswolds alternative’ – The English market town often overlooked by its most popular neighbours

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the best holiday destinations abroad as well as some lesser-known spots in the UK. With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Megan and Harry, beginning their new life in the UK, we’ve decided to shine a light on the Cotswolds town of Witney as the couple and their children are reportedly settling into the historic region. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the town of Witney Credit: Alamy Make sure to stay at The Blue Boar Credit: Booking.com The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey grew up there and has long claimed its an excellent day trip outside of the nearby busy Cotswolds towns of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water. Try Hunter’s Cake Cafe for insanely delicious sweet treats, and pick up some cute gifts from Lily’s Attic. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Or go just outside of town to Minster Lovell Ruins for the ideal picnic spots within the 16th century remains. Here are some of my other top tips of places to go. MUST SEE / DO Learn about the town’s history in wool at Witney Blanket Hall, which dates back to 1721 and is free to visit (make sure to pick up a blanket at the gift shop too). And kids will love Cogges Manor Farm with 17 acres to explore which includes an adventure playground and animals they can feed and pet. Tickets start from £12 for adults, see cogges.org.uk. Otherwise a short drive away is Blenheim Palace as well as Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog. Most read in Travel HIDDEN GEM Only known by locals, head straight to Sandwich de Witney for one of the heartiest baguettes you’ll have ever seen. Just don’t be too late – most of them sell out shortly after lunch. For evening entertainment, catch some comedy or some live tribute acts at the very tiny Fat Lils music venue. Previous comedians have included Greg Davies and Milton Jones. Tickets from £5. See fatlils.co.uk. Did you know the town was known for its blanket making? Credit: Alamy BEST VIEW Grab a coffee and head down to the banks of the River Windrush which runs through the town. The peaceful break from the bustling town is the ideal escape, where you’ll be mainly joined by joggers and a few cows in the distance. It even used to host the World Pooh Sticks Championships, so grab a stick and get racing. RATED RESTAURANT If there is one thing Witney has an abundance of, its pubs. And one of the finest in town for a meal out is The Fleece, a gastropub and hotel. You’ll be licking the crumbs off the plate of the Devon crab cakes, and I’d go back just for Aubrey’s Cheeseburger, complete with the crispiest chips and pickles. There’s a fantastic list of desserts, but my sweet tooth was satisfied by the bizarre, yet strangely delicious Banana Brulee Old Fashioned. BEST BAR If you love a beer, head to the Crafty Pint Bar. It was recently named Oxford Pub of the Year by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), with a number of independent beers both on tap and by the bottle. Try the Little Ox which is brewed just down the road. Otherwise for the best vibes on a Friday night, head over to the Como Lounge in the centre of town where you can get two cocktails for £13.25. HOTEL PICK The Blue Boar ticks all the boxes – central location, cosy-yet-modern bedrooms and a fantastic restaurant downstairs. Originally a 17th century coaching inn, there’s just 20 rooms to choose from, each with four poster beds, DAB radios and Nespresso machines. Some rooms have views over the town centre, and easy has lush bathrooms kitted out with fluffy towels and luxe toiletries. After recent renovations to the bar and restaurant, it reopened last week. Rooms start from £81. See acornpubs.co.uk/blueboar. Comment now