Chipping Norton is a captivating market city in the Cotswolds space of excellent pure magnificence in southwest England. There are many great issues to do in Chipping Norton from exploring the traditional almshouses to the farmers’ market, nature reserve, and the numerous positive pubs and eating places.
A number of the prime locations to go to in Chipping Norton embrace the native museum, theatre, and close by landmarks corresponding to Blenheim Palace and the Rollright Stones. This quintessential English city is famed for the Chipping Norton set and is dwelling to many politicians and celebrities.
That is certainly one of my favourite Costwold cities because of the beautiful structure that provides technique to the rolling Cotswold hills. I like to nostril across the many second-hand and vintage outlets for a discount earlier than popping into one of many positive pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton dwelling.
Finest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Under, you’ll discover an amazing number of Chipping Norton sights and day journeys. From nation walks to rustic pubs, native breweries, charming cottages, and stately properties, there’s one thing for everybody on this picturesque English city.
1. Go to the Market Place
The most effective issues to do in Chipping Norton is to take a look at the native farmers’ market which runs each Wednesday and on the third Saturday of every month. Right here, native farmers and merchants deliver a number of domestically farmed and made meals and crafts amongst many different fascinating gadgets.
Browse jars of jams, preserves, cooking sauces, cheeses, ciders, gins, and different specialties from across the Cotswolds. I like farmers’ markets and at all times find yourself coming dwelling with a couple of ins and outs for my kitchen – the market at Chipping Norton is among the finest.
The market runs from 8:30 am till 1:30 pm so ensure that to get there early to nab a number of the finest goodies.
Deal with: Market Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NH
2. Go to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm
Former Prime Gear host and contentious public determine Jeremy Clarkson is among the Chipping Norton Set and has lived within the city for years. He not too long ago arrange his personal “Diddly Squat” farm within the space which was made well-known by the tv collection Clarkson’s Farm.
There’s a store onsite the place you should purchase produce from the farm and it’s confirmed massively well-liked with guests. There was an onsite restaurant that needed to shut in late 2022, however Clarkson and his followers hope the cafe will reopen quickly so maintain a watch out! There’s additionally a beer trailer and bar being readied for summer time 2023.
The farm store is open Thursday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Right here, you possibly can choose up a spread of fascinating merchandise from chili chutneys to Clarkson’s Hawkstone beers, gins, hand-cooked crisps, and a spread of souvenirs and presents. The farm solely opened after the pandemic and that is someplace I’m trying ahead to visiting after I’m subsequent within the space.
Deal with: 5-10 Chipping Norton Highway, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, OX7 3PE
3. See the City Corridor
The neoclassical-looking City Corridor is among the prime locations to go to in Chipping Norton because it homes the native vacationer info heart in addition to native council workplaces. The constructing appears prefer it’s been transplanted from historical Rome reasonably than the quaint British countryside!
This Grade II listed constructing was inbuilt 1842 and is now used for native occasions from artwork exhibitions and dance lessons to weddings and dinners. It may well even be employed for a special day with closely sponsored charges. The city corridor is among the prime landmarks within the city and is unquestionably value seeing throughout your keep.
Deal with: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NJ
4. Take a Dip within the Lido (Outside Swimming Pool)
The most effective issues to do in Chipping Norton, significantly on a scorching summer time’s day, is to hit the native Lido (conventional outside swimming pool). Not like the lido in my hometown, the one right here is heated and payments itself as “an oasis of calm within the Oxfordshire Cotswolds”. It’s certainly one of my favourite locations to chill off.
This is among the finest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of mates seeking to escape the summer time warmth. The 25-meter pool is surrounded by a big, tree-lined garden and has an onsite cafe serving cold and hot drinks, in addition to some mild refreshments.
There are totally different periods all through the week from grownup and lane swims to household periods, workshops, and yoga lessons. Costs begin from £7.50 per grownup session, £3.50 for kids, and reductions are supplied for households. You’ll be able to test the timetables and guide a session on-line.
Deal with: Fox CIose, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5BZ
5. See Bliss Tweed Mill
Chipping Norton has lengthy been related to the wool commerce and the massive Bliss Tweed Mill on the sting of city is a testomony to this. It was inbuilt 1897 and famed for its tall chimney, which sadly reasonably resembles an upturned bathroom brush (no, actually).
Bliss Tweed was constructed for native wool producer William Bliss by the architect George Woodhouse. The constructing makes use of native limestone and appears extra like a grand nation mansion than a mill (apart from the toilet-brush chimney in fact).
The mill was changed into residential residences in 1987 however it’s nonetheless value visiting to have a look at the fascinating structure and beautiful countryside environment.
Deal with: Station Highway, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5HX
6. Take a Stroll on the Glyme Valley Nature Reserve
The Glyme Valley Nature Reserve is located within the picturesque valley of the Glyme River, only one mile east of Chipping Norton. It’s the one remaining limestone grassland within the space and is the right place for lengthy, nation walks (deliver the doggo), picnics, and getting out for some much-needed recent air.
The reserve is open year-round and also you don’t want a ticket to enter; making it top-of-the-line free issues to do in Chipping Norton. The parkland is untouched by chemical substances or trendy farming strategies and represents a novel habitat for native birdlife. Spot Bullfinches, yellowhammers, and bee orchids amongst different species.
Deal with: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QQ
7. See the Almshouses
The Almshouses are a row of eight cute, conjoined cottages inbuilt 1640 by a neighborhood benefactor named Henry Cornish. The cottages have been constructed for eight deserving widows and are nonetheless run by the native charity as housing. The Almshouses are one of many prime locations to see in Chipping Norton and are an amazing alternative for the right Insta pic.
You’ll be able to’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential properties, however taking a look and taking footage is ok as long as you’re respectful and notice that individuals nonetheless reside there. The homes are situated on Church Avenue behind St Mary’s Church which can also be nicely value a fast go to for its fifteenth Century medieval structure.
Deal with: Church Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NU
8. See a Present on the Chipping Norton Theatre
In the event you’re searching for one thing to do in Chipping Norton at evening then absorb a present on the Chippy Theater and Arthouse Cinema. With every thing from pantomimes (oh, no she didn’t…) to Shakespeare performs, film nights, comedies, and workshops, this can be a nice possibility for a bit mild leisure.
The theater is open day by day all year long and you may test the web site to search out present listings and to guide tickets.
Deal with: 2 Spring Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
9. Go to the Hook Norton Brewery
The most effective locations to go to close to Chipping Norton is the Hook Norton Brewery which makes a few of my favourite ales (take a look at the superior Off the Hook IPA). The brewery is situated within the small city of Hook Norton 5 miles (8 km) from city and is nicely value a go to.
Browse the beers on sale within the onsite store or take a brewery tour and find out how these positive people flip grain and hop into the golden elixir that we all know and love. There’s additionally a restaurant (the Malthouse Kitchen) that serves up full English breakfasts, fish and chips, burgers, and naturally beers and ciders.
Sampling these native specialty ales and ciders is unquestionably top-of-the-line issues to do round Chipping Norton and someplace I like to go to refill on craft beers to take with me when visiting mates within the Westcountry.
Deal with: Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
10. Take a Scorching Air Balloon Experience Over the City
In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit out of the abnormal to do then taking a scorching air balloon over the beautiful Cotswolds is a wonderful possibility. This is among the finest issues to do in Chipping Norton for {couples} and is one of the simplest ways to see the sundown over this picturesque nook of Britain.
If, in contrast to me, you’re not afraid of heights, then that is essentially the most distinctive technique to see Chippy and the encompassing Cotswolds countryside. Virgin Balloon Flights supply champagne flights over the Cotswolds with launch websites in Shipston on Stour, Cheltenham, and Oxford.
Costs begin from £129 per individual and this once-in-a-lifetime expertise lasts as much as 4 hours. Tickets are exchangeable and may be booked on-line as much as a 12 months and a half upfront. Go to the web site for more information and to guide your flight in the present day.
11. Go to Chastleton Home
Chastleton Home is a Jacobean nation mansion situated in close by Moreton in Marsh 8 miles (11 km) from Chipping Norton. The home was accomplished in 1612 and was constructed by rich wool service provider Walter Jones. Chastleton is famend for its outstanding state of preservation, with lots of its authentic furnishings and ornamental options nonetheless intact.
The inside of the home is adorned with intricate wooden carvings, ornate plasterwork, and spectacular collections of books, work, and antiques. You’ll be able to discover the grand corridor, the intricate plasterwork within the lengthy gallery, and the attractive gardens and grounds surrounding the mansion.
The home is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1 pm to five pm. Tickets value £12 for adults and £6 for kids and embrace entrance to the home and gardens.
Deal with: Chastleton, Moreton in Marsh. Oxfordshire, GL56 0LU
12. Discover the Chipping Norton Museum
The native museum is among the prime issues to do in Chipping Norton if you wish to study a bit concerning the city’s historical past and affiliation with the wool commerce, and later tourism. The museum is situated throughout the road from the city corridor and comprises a wealth of images and displays charting the historical past of the city.
Entrance prices simply $1.50 and the museum is open Monday to Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Deal with: 4 Excessive Avenue, Westgate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD
13. Hike the Cotswold Approach
The Cotswolds Approach is a 102-mile (164 km) path that runs by way of the guts of the Cotswolds space of excellent pure magnificence. The route begins in Chipping Campden 17 miles (27 km) from Chipping Norton and ends in Tub, passing by way of a number of the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the complete path is a bit formidable for a brief journey, it’s good for a day hike. There are a lot of round walks that may be accomplished simply, and a few of these additionally absorb rustic nation pubs like the superb Snowshill Arms.
14. Go to the Rollright Stones
The Rollright Stones type an historical stone circle situated within the Oxfordshire countryside 4 miles (6.5km) from Chipping Norton and date again to the Neolithic and Bronze Age intervals.
The circle consists of three fundamental teams of stones; the King’s Males, a standing circle of round 77 stones; the Whispering Knights, a gaggle of 4 stones regarded as the stays of a burial chamber; and the King Stone, a solitary standing stone situated outdoors the circle.
I visited the Rollright Stones on my final go to to Stroud and it truly is a really spectacular web site that rivals the stone circle at Avebury. The circle is about inside woodland, overlooking hilly pastures and valleys with beautiful views over the Cotswold countryside. After visiting we went to The Gate Hangs Excessive pub for Sunday lunch and I extremely advocate you do the identical.
Deal with: Rollright Highway, Little Rollright, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QB
15. Go to Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is a grand nation mansion that was constructed within the early 18th century. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is taken into account certainly one of England’s most interesting examples of Baroque structure. The Palace is the ancestral dwelling and birthplace of war-time prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is among the finest issues to do close to Chipping Norton and is a should for historical past lovers like myself. Guests can discover the home and surrounding gardens, and there are many occasions hosted on the palace all year long (test the web site to see what’s happening throughout your keep).
The palace is open day by day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets value £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for kids (the ticket is then legitimate for an entire 12 months). Services embrace numerous cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an amazing time out for the entire household.
Deal with: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Under, you’ll discover a couple of itineraries that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Chipping Norton. Whether or not you have got simply in the future to spend or per week to discover, these itineraries embrace all the highest Chipping Norton sights to take the stress off planning your journey.
1 Day in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With simply in the future you’ll wish to embrace the highest issues to see in Chipping Norton. Begin off on the historic Almshouses within the north finish of city after which make your manner down Market Avenue stopping at any of the numerous boutique and unbiased outlets alongside the way in which that spark your curiosity.
If it’s a Wednesday or the third Saturday of the month you’ll want to cease by the farmers’ market and seize your self some native Cotswold specialties from meats and cheeses to domestically made ciders, gins, and different treats. Pop into the Kings Arms for a chunk to eat earlier than exploring St Mary’s Church and the native museum.
2-3 Days in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With two to a few days within the city, comply with the above itinerary in your first day and take a stroll within the peaceable Chipping Norton Nature Reserve the place you possibly can spot native birds and wildlife. Pay a go to to the historic Bliss Tweed Mill which was an vital employer within the city throughout its heyday of the woolen commerce.
You’ll want to discover the city’s many cute espresso outlets just like the Rustic Bean (they do an amazing brunch in addition to the very best espresso on the town). Soak up a present on the Chipping Norton Theatre and discover a good pub for the night like The Blue Boar or The Fox.
1 Week in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With per week in Chipping Norton, you possibly can add in some day journeys to close by sights just like the beautiful Rollright Stones; the neolithic stone circle much like a small model of Stonehenge. Go to close by Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage web site and the birthplace and Ancestral dwelling of Sir Winston Churchill.
The place to Keep in Chipping Norton
These are a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Chipping Norton for vacationers:
The Fox – Finest for First-Time Guests
Considered one of my favourite locations to remain in small cities and villages is the native pub or inn and The Fox, which is situated proper on {the marketplace}, is a wonderful possibility for first-timers in Chippy. The rooms are individually themed and include a flat-screen TV, en-suite toilet, and complimentary toiletries. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Cotswold Chapel – Finest for Households
The charming Cotswold Chapel House has two kingsize bedrooms and sleeps as much as 5 individuals with the addition of a sofabed in the lounge. This is a wonderful possibility for households and teams of mates, and the property is situated within the coronary heart of the city with all conveniences in your keep on its doorstep. Click on right here to guide now.
Cotswold Resort and Spa – Finest for {Couples}
In the event you’re searching for a bit luxurious and pampering when visiting Chippy then look no additional than the Cotswold Resort and Spa, situated simply two miles from the city. Rooms include an en-suite toilet, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making services, and a balcony or terrace. A full English breakfast is included within the value. Click on right here to study extra.
Finest Eating places in Chipping Norton
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Chipping Norton:
Bitter and Twisted: The Bitter and Twisted is a family-run bar and kitchen within the coronary heart of the city serves up trendy classics with a twist and has a superb beer and wine menu. From pasta and burgers to ciabatta sandwiches and cooked breakfasts, that is certainly one of my prime locations for a night meal in Chippy. Click on right here for instructions.
Whistlers Restaurant: Whistlers Restaurant is an unbiased bar and restaurant additionally provides reside leisure within the evenings from reside bands to stand-up comedy making a go to top-of-the-line issues to do in Chipping Norton at evening. Strive the six-course tasting menu for simply £70 (plus £30 for the wine flight) or select from the á la carte. Click on right here for instructions.
The Kingham Plough: The Kingham Plough is a beautiful nation pub is situated simply outdoors Chipping Norton within the village of Kingham and provides up up to date British delicacies utilizing native and seasonal produce. From fish and chips to tiger prawns and garlic aioli, you possibly can take pleasure in pub classics or one thing a bit extra adventurous right here. Click on right here for instructions.
Thai Shire: Simply since you’re within the coronary heart of the attractive Cotswolds doesn’t imply you possibly can’t take pleasure in delicacies from world wide, and this wonderful Thai joint proves it. Thai curry is certainly one of my favourite dishes (purple or inexperienced) and that is the place to come back for that genuine style of Southeast Asia. Click on right here for instructions.
The Previous Mill Cafe and Bistro: This quaint little cafe and bistro with outdoors seating is a wonderful place to pop into for breakfast, brunch, or a lightweight lunch. From sandwiches and selfmade truffles to a full English (extremely really useful) that is certainly one of my favourite eateries within the city. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Chipping Norton
The closest worldwide airport to Chipping Norton is Birmingham Airport which is an hour’s drive away. It’s finest to rent a automotive if you wish to discover the Cotswolds as public transport on this rural space may be considerably unreliable and missing.
From London, it’s a two-hour drive alongside the M40. There aren’t any direct trains from the capital, nonetheless, the journey may be executed in a bit over an hour by taking the prepare from London Paddington to Kingham after which altering for Chipping Norton.
Because it’s a small city, all the foremost sights in Chipping Norton are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to go to a number of the close by landmarks just like the Rollright Stones and Blenheim Palace it’s finest to have your personal transport or rent a automotive as public transportation isn’t nice within the rural Cotswolds.
Issues To Do in Chipping Norton: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Chipping Norton:
Chipping Norton is understood for its weekly farmers market, historic ties to the wool commerce, historic buildings just like the Almshouses, and because the dwelling of the wealthy and well-known together with former Prime Minister David Cameron and celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson.
Spring by way of fall is the very best time to go to Chipping Norton to benefit from the attractive surrounding countryside (and to take a dip within the city’s outside swimming pool). Winter may also be nice within the city with rustic pubs serving warming meals subsequent to roaring fires.
Chipping Norton is unquestionably value a go to because it’s some of the picturesque market cities within the nation. With so many issues to do from exploring the charming buildings to eating on the many pubs and eating places, this is among the prime vacationer locations within the Cotswolds.
A protracted weekend (two to a few days) is the right period of time to see all of the vacationer sights in Chipping Norton. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover a number of the close by sights just like the Rollright Stones or go climbing alongside the Cotswold Approach then per week is healthier.
Chipping Norton could be very protected contemplating it’s the place former prime ministers and different celebrities selected to reside. It’s an amazing vacation spot for households as you don’t have to fret about security. That being stated, the standard traveler precautions ought to be taken, as with visiting wherever you’re unfamiliar with when touring.
A number of the hottest issues to do in Chipping Norton embrace visiting the outdated Almshouses, procuring on the boutique outlets and farmers market, and exploring the close by countryside and nature reserve.
There aren’t any seashores in Chipping Norton as it’s inland. Nevertheless, swimming is feasible between April and October on the native Lido (outside swimming pool).
When within the Cotswolds and Westcountry a number of the prime meals to attempt embrace the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now you realize what to do in Chipping Norton, some of the picturesque outdated market cities in England. From the picture-perfect Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill, Chastleton Home, and an enormous vary of fascinating outlets, cafes, and eating places, this city ought to be excessive in your record of locations to go to within the Cotswolds.
With a number of the prettiest countryside proper on its doorstep, Chipping Norton is the right place for hikers and lovers of the outside. With miles of trails and the odd nation pub, the city makes a superb base for exploring this lovely nook of England.
