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 various tremendous pubs and eating places.
A number of the high locations to go to in Chipping Norton embrace the native museum, theatre, and close by landmarks similar to Blenheim Palace and the Rollright Stones. This quintessential English city is famed for the Chipping Norton set and is house to many politicians and celebrities.
That is one among my favourite Costwold cities because of the attractive structure that offers option to the rolling Cotswold hills. I like to nostril across the many second-hand and vintage outlets for a cut price earlier than popping into one of many tremendous pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton house.
Greatest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Under, you’ll discover an excellent number of Chipping Norton points of interest and day journeys. From nation walks to rustic pubs, native breweries, charming cottages, and stately houses, there’s one thing for everybody on this picturesque English city.
1. Go to the Market Place
Top-of-the-line 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 convey a number of regionally 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 really like farmers’ markets and all the time find yourself coming house with a number of ins and outs for my kitchen – the market at Chipping Norton is among the greatest.
The market runs from 8:30 am till 1:30 pm so ensure that to get there early to nab among the greatest goodies.
Deal with: Market Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NH
2. Go to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm
Former High Gear host and contentious public determine Jeremy Clarkson is among the Chipping Norton Set and has lived within the city for years. He just lately arrange his personal “Diddly Squat” farm within the space which was made well-known by the tv sequence Clarkson’s Farm.
There’s a store onsite the place you should purchase produce from the farm and it’s confirmed vastly standard with guests. There was an onsite restaurant that had to close in late 2022, however Clarkson and his followers hope the cafe will reopen quickly so hold an eye fixed 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 variety of fascinating merchandise from chili chutneys to Clarkson’s Hawkstone beers, gins, hand-cooked crisps, and a variety 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 Road, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, OX7 3PE
3. See the City Corridor
The neoclassical-looking Town Hall is among the high locations to go to in Chipping Norton because it homes the native vacationer data heart in addition to native council places of work. The constructing seems to be prefer it’s been transplanted from historic Rome quite 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 could actually even be employed for an important day with closely sponsored charges. The city corridor is among the high 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 (Out of doors Swimming Pool)
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Chipping Norton, significantly on a scorching summer time’s day, is to hit the native Lido (conventional out of doors 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 one among my favourite locations to chill off.
This is among the greatest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of associates 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 warm drinks, in addition to some gentle refreshments.
There are totally different classes all through the week from grownup and lane swims to household classes, workshops, and yoga lessons. Costs begin from £7.50 per grownup session, £3.50 for kids, and reductions are supplied for households. You may examine the timetables and book a session online.
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 quite 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 was 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 Road, 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 proper place for lengthy, nation walks (convey the doggo), picnics, and getting out for some much-needed contemporary air.
The reserve is open year-round and also you don’t want a ticket to enter; making it among the best 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 high locations to see in Chipping Norton and are an excellent alternative for the proper Insta pic.
You may’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential houses, however taking a look and taking photos is ok as long as you’re respectful and notice that folks nonetheless stay there. The homes are positioned on Church Road behind St Mary’s Church which can be nicely value a fast go to for its fifteenth Century medieval structure.
Deal with: Church Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NU
8. See a Present on the Chipping Norton Theatre
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing to do in Chipping Norton at night time then soak up a present on the Chippy Theater and Arthouse Cinema. With all the things from pantomimes (oh, no she didn’t…) to Shakespeare performs, film nights, comedies, and workshops, this can be a nice choice for a bit gentle leisure.
The theater is open day by day all year long and you may check the website to seek out present listings and to ebook tickets.
Deal with: 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
9. Go to the Hook Norton Brewery
Top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Chipping Norton is the Hook Norton Brewery which makes a few of my favourite ales (try the superior Off the Hook IPA). The brewery is positioned 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 learn the way these tremendous of us 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 among the best issues to do round Chipping Norton and someplace I like to go to top off on craft beers to take with me when visiting associates within the Westcountry.
Deal with: Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
10. Take a Sizzling Air Balloon Trip Over the City
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing a bit out of the unusual to do then taking a scorching air balloon over the attractive Cotswolds is a superb choice. This is among the greatest 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 probably the most distinctive option 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 could be booked on-line as much as a 12 months and a half prematurely. Go to the website for more information and to ebook your flight at present.
11. Go to Chastleton Home
Chastleton House is a Jacobean nation mansion positioned 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 exceptional state of preservation, with a lot of its unique 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 may 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 price £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 local museum is among the high issues to do in Chipping Norton if you wish to be taught a bit concerning the city’s historical past and affiliation with the wool commerce, and later tourism. The museum is positioned throughout the road from the city corridor and incorporates 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 High Street, Westgate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD
13. Hike the Cotswold Manner
The Cotswolds Way is a 102-mile (164 km) path that runs via the center of the Cotswolds space of excellent pure magnificence. The route begins in Chipping Campden 17 miles (27 km) from Chipping Norton and ends in Bath, passing via among the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the complete path is a bit formidable for a brief journey, it’s excellent for a day hike. There are lots of circular walks that may be accomplished simply, and a few of these additionally soak up rustic nation pubs like the superb Snowshill Arms.
14. Go to the Rollright Stones
The Rollright Stones kind an historic stone circle positioned within the Oxfordshire countryside 4 miles (6.5km) from Chipping Norton and date again to the Neolithic and Bronze Age durations.
The circle consists of three foremost teams of stones; the King’s Males, a standing circle of round 77 stones; the Whispering Knights, a bunch of 4 stones considered the stays of a burial chamber; and the King Stone, a solitary standing stone positioned outdoors the circle.
I visited the Rollright Stones on my final go to to Stroud and it truly is a very spectacular website that rivals the stone circle at Avebury. The circle is ready inside woodland, overlooking hilly pastures and valleys with beautiful views over the Cotswold countryside. After visiting we went to The Gate Hangs High pub for Sunday lunch and I extremely advocate you do the identical.
Deal with: Rollright Road, 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 Site and is taken into account one among England’s most interesting examples of Baroque structure. The Palace is the ancestral house and birthplace of war-time prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is among the greatest 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 (check the website to see what’s occurring throughout your keep).
The palace is open day by day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets price £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for kids (the ticket is then legitimate for a complete 12 months). Services embrace numerous cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an excellent day trip for the entire household.
Deal with: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Under, you’ll discover a number of itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Chipping Norton. Whether or not you may have simply at some point to spend or every week to discover, these itineraries embrace all the highest Chipping Norton points of interest to take the stress off planning your journey.
1 Day in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With simply at some point you’ll need 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 Road stopping at any of the various boutique and unbiased outlets alongside the best way that spark your curiosity.
If it’s a Wednesday or the third Saturday of the month be sure you cease by the farmers’ market and seize your self some native Cotswold specialties from meats and cheeses to regionally made ciders, gins, and different treats. Pop into the Kings Arms for a chew to eat earlier than exploring St Mary’s Church and the native museum.
2-3 Days in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With two to 3 days within the city, observe the above itinerary to 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 essential employer within the city throughout its heyday of the woolen commerce.
You should definitely discover the city’s many cute espresso outlets just like the Rustic Bean (they do an excellent brunch in addition to the perfect 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 every week in Chipping Norton, you possibly can add in some day journeys to close by points of interest 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 site and the birthplace and Ancestral house of Sir Winston Churchill.
The place to Keep in Chipping Norton
These are a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Chipping Norton for vacationers:
The Fox – Greatest for First-Time Guests
One in every of my favourite locations to remain in small cities and villages is the native pub or inn and The Fox, which is positioned proper on {the marketplace}, is a superb choice for first-timers in Chippy. The rooms are individually themed and include a flat-screen TV, en-suite toilet, and complimentary toiletries. Click here to find out more.
Cotswold Chapel – Greatest for Households
The charming Cotswold Chapel Apartment has two kingsize bedrooms and sleeps as much as 5 individuals with the addition of a sofabed in the lounge. This is a superb choice for households and teams of associates, and the property is positioned within the coronary heart of the city with all conveniences to your keep on its doorstep. Click here to book now.
Cotswold Lodge and Spa – Greatest for {Couples}
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a bit luxurious and pampering when visiting Chippy then look no additional than the Cotswold Hotel and Spa, positioned 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 worth. Click here to learn more.
Greatest 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 wonderful beer and wine menu. From pasta and burgers to ciabatta sandwiches and cooked breakfasts, that is one among my high locations for a night meal in Chippy. Click here for directions.
Whistlers Restaurant: Whistlers Restaurant is an unbiased bar and restaurant additionally affords stay leisure within the evenings from stay bands to stand-up comedy making a go to among the best issues to do in Chipping Norton at night time. Strive the six-course tasting menu for simply £70 (plus £30 for the wine flight) or select from the á la carte. Click here for directions.
The Kingham Plough: The Kingham Plough is a beautiful nation pub is positioned simply outdoors Chipping Norton within the village of Kingham and affords up up to date British delicacies utilizing native and seasonal produce. From fish and chips to tiger prawns and garlic aioli, you possibly can bask in pub classics or one thing a bit extra adventurous right here. Click here for directions.
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 one among my favourite dishes (purple or inexperienced) and that is the place to return for that genuine style of Southeast Asia. Click here for directions.
The Outdated Mill Cafe and Bistro: This quaint little cafe and bistro with outdoors seating is a superb place to pop into for breakfast, brunch, or a light-weight lunch. From sandwiches and do-it-yourself desserts to a full English (extremely really useful) that is one among my favourite eateries within the city. Click here for directions.
Attending to Chipping Norton
The closest worldwide airport to Chipping Norton is Birmingham Airport which is an hour’s drive away. It’s greatest to rent a automotive if you wish to discover the Cotswolds as public transport on this rural space could 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, nevertheless, the journey could 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 main points of interest in Chipping Norton are inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, to go to among the close by landmarks just like the Rollright Stones and Blenheim Palace it’s greatest 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 house of the wealthy and well-known together with former Prime Minister David Cameron and celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson.
Spring via fall is the perfect time to go to Chipping Norton to benefit from the attractive surrounding countryside (and to take a dip within the city’s out of doors swimming pool). Winter can 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 probably the most 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 high vacationer locations within the Cotswolds.
An extended weekend (two to 3 days) is the proper period of time to see all of the vacationer points of interest in Chipping Norton. Nonetheless, if you wish to discover among the close by points of interest just like the Rollright Stones or go climbing alongside the Cotswold Manner then every week is best.
Chipping Norton could be very secure contemplating it’s the place former prime ministers and different celebrities selected to stay. It’s an excellent destination for families 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, purchasing 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. Nonetheless, swimming is feasible between April and October on the native Lido (out of doors swimming pool).
When within the Cotswolds and Westcountry among the high meals to strive embrace the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now you already know what to do in Chipping Norton, probably the most 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 checklist of places to visit in the Cotswolds.
With among the prettiest countryside proper on its doorstep, Chipping Norton is the proper place for hikers and lovers of the outside. With miles of trails and the odd nation pub, the city makes a wonderful base for exploring this lovely nook of England.
