Great Coxwell Barn
A magnificent 13th-century Cotswold stone tithe barn, offering a glimpse into medieval agricultural life with its awe-inspiring wooden roof.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Great Coxwell Barn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 13th-century Cotswold stone tithe barn, offering a glimpse into medieval agricultural life with its awe-inspiring wooden roof.
"An incredible, huge tithe barn dating from 1292. Well worth a visit if you're in the area."
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Parking is limited roadside, so arrive early or use village parking.
Wear Comfy Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Paths can be uneven; good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Magnificent Roof Structure
Interior
Marvel at the incredible 700+ year old wooden roof beams, a testament to medieval engineering.
Cotswold Stone Exterior
Exterior
Admire the impressive Cotswold stone walls of this 13th-century architectural marvel.
Peaceful Surroundings
Exterior and nearby paths
Enjoy the tranquility of the village and meadows, perfect for a quiet stroll or picnic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Parking is limited roadside, so arrive early or use village parking.
Wear Comfy Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Paths can be uneven; good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Picnic Perfect Spot
:sandwich: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings. Local shops offer supplies. 
Explore the Meadows
:blue_heart: Walk to Badbury Clump for bluebells in spring or enjoy the meadows year-round.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Parking is limited roadside, so arrive early or use village parking.
Wear Comfy Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Paths can be uneven; good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Picnic Perfect Spot
:sandwich: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings. Local shops offer supplies.
Explore the Meadows
:blue_heart: Walk to Badbury Clump for bluebells in spring or enjoy the meadows year-round.
Check Tour Times
:information_desk: Guided tours are available later in the afternoon; check schedules beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Coxwell Barn for its impressive scale, remarkable preservation, and tranquil atmosphere. Many are awestruck by the medieval architecture, particularly the vast wooden roof structure. While parking is limited and facilities are minimal, the free entry and the opportunity to experience such a significant historical site in a peaceful setting make it a highly recommended visit.
"Friday 05/09/2025:- The tithe barn - the Great Coxwell Barn - is thought to have been built in the late 13th century. Amazing. It was a glorious sunny day which added to our enjoyment of this huge ancient wooden structure and its surroundings. It was erected for and used by the Cistercian monks, a Roman Catholic order, but in more recent centuries it was regularly used by farmers which explains why it's survived to this day. It was open but the leaflet holders were empty and no-one was there. We were too early for the advertised guided tours later in the afternoon. But in another small openfaced barn there were information boards that gave us the barn's history etc. Definitely worth a visit."
Mimi Villaret
"I thought it is a church 😃
I loved it as much as any other old building.
The little pond, the horses, the man carving objects made of wood in a saxon barn."
Tudor
"An incredible, huge tithe barn dating from 1292. There is no entry fee, visitor centre or facilities here. Free parking is available on the side of the road. This is well worth a visit if you're in the area."
Tom Price
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Coxwell Barn is located in the village of Great Coxwell, near Faringdon in Oxfordshire. Many visitors arrive by car, with limited roadside parking available. For those using public transport, you can take a bus to Faringdon and then arrange a taxi or enjoy a longer walk to the barn.
Parking is very limited, with just a small roadside strip that can accommodate around 8 cars. On weekends or during peak times, you may need to park in the nearby village and walk.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Great Coxwell Barn, especially if you're exploring the Cotswolds. Many visitors arrive on motorcycles and enjoy the scenic routes.
The barn itself is a large open space, but the surrounding paths and village can be uneven. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of the terrain.
The nearest town is Faringdon, which offers more amenities and public transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee for Great Coxwell Barn. It is open 24/7, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
The barn is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, information boards and guided tours may only be available during specific hours. +1
Yes, guided tours are sometimes advertised for the afternoon. It's best to check the National Trust schedule or local information for specific timings.
There is no dedicated visitor centre or facilities directly at the barn itself. Information is provided on boards in a smaller adjacent barn.
Absolutely! The barn is accessible at all times, making it a unique spot for early morning or late evening visits, though facilities like information boards are only available during daylight hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and atmospheric. Weekday mornings also offer fewer people in your shots.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always advisable to check with local authorities or the National Trust for any restrictions to ensure responsible photography.
You can capture stunning shots of the barn's exterior architecture, the intricate interior roof beams, and the surrounding picturesque countryside.
Visiting on a weekday morning or during off-peak hours significantly increases your chances of getting crowd-free photos.
Due to potentially lower light inside, consider using a wider aperture (lower f-number) and a higher ISO, or a tripod if permitted, to capture the detail of the beams.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the barn itself, exploring its impressive structure and imagining its history. You can also enjoy walks in the surrounding meadows and village. +1
Yes, it's a popular spot for picnics. The tranquil setting makes it ideal for enjoying food outdoors.
There are no facilities directly at the barn. You'll need to use facilities in the nearby village of Faringdon or pack accordingly.
Built in the late 13th century for the Cistercian monks of Beaulieu Abbey, it served as a tithe barn to store crops. Its survival is attributed to its continued use by farmers.
Yes, it's generally not too busy, offering a tranquil atmosphere to appreciate the historical architecture and peaceful surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific play areas, the surrounding meadows provide space for kids to run around. Bringing a picnic is highly recommended, turning the visit into a fun outdoor meal. Remember to wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven, and keep a close eye on little ones exploring the historic site.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
+1Many visitors arrive by bicycle or motorcycle, enjoying the scenic rural roads. The barn itself is a great place to pause, rest, and appreciate the historical significance before continuing your journey.
+1📸 Photographers
The exterior, with its Cotswold stone, is equally photogenic, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. To get the best shots, aim for weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure you have ample time to compose your images. The surrounding meadows and village also offer charming scenes, perfect for landscape and lifestyle photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Great Coxwell Barn
+1Originally built for the Cistercian monks of Beaulieu Abbey, it served as a tithe barn, collecting and storing crops from the abbey's estates. Its survival through centuries is a testament to its robust construction and its continued utility for local farmers. Unlike many historical buildings, the barn remains largely empty, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scale and detail of its original construction, from the soaring roof beams to the sturdy stone walls.
Visitors often describe the experience as stepping back in time, with many noting a sense of awe and tranquility within its ancient walls. The sheer size and the craftsmanship of the timber framing are consistently highlighted as breathtaking.
Exploring the Surroundings
For walkers, there's a public right of way that leads to Badbury Clump, a local landmark known for its beautiful displays of bluebells in the spring. This offers a chance to combine historical exploration with a scenic countryside ramble.
Many visitors enjoy bringing a picnic to savor in the tranquil meadows surrounding the barn. It's a perfect spot to relax and soak in the rural atmosphere after exploring the historic structure.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit