WEST Oxfordshire residents are being invited to become tourists on their own doorsteps next week.

West Oxfordshire Week (WOW) is back with a host of free guided walks, mountain bike rides and even a guided horse ride, as well as discounted entry to visitor attractions.

WOW activities and offers are being co-ordinated by West Oxfordshire District Council, working with tourist organisations.

The Oxfordshire Country-side Access Forum is organising guided walks and rides to get residents out and about exploring footpaths and bridleways.

The mountain bike rides are centred on Witney, while the walks take place in Charlbury, Chimney Meadows, Great Tew, Rushy Common, Stonesfield and Woodstock, and the guided horse ride takes place at Tackley.

Discounted entry offers include two-for-the-price-of-one entry to Blenheim Palace, Chipping Norton Local History Museum, Cogges Manor Farm, Combe Mill, Crocodiles of the World at Brize Norton, Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton, Oxford Bus Museum at Long Hanborough and the gardens at Rousham Park.

At the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, one child will be admitted free with a paying adult.

Richard Langridge, the council’s cabinet member for local economy and communities, said: “By generating more than £268m a year for our local economy and providing employment for about 10 per cent of our workforce, tourism is a hugely important industry for West Oxfordshire and one that the council has been helping to develop and promote for many years.

“Working with local providers we are pleased to once again host West Oxfordshire Week, which has so many special offers and activities available.”

To take advantage of the discounts, residents need a voucher sheet, which can be collected at the Visitor Information Centres in Burford or Witney, the council offices at the Guildhall in Chipping Norton, Woodstock Library and Carterton town Hall.

  • For more details about WOW Week, including a full list of the offers available and on what dates, and the guided walks and rides, see westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993 861080.