Chipping Norton is an enthralling market city in the Cotswolds space of excellent pure magnificence in southwest England. There are many fantastic issues to do in Chipping Norton from exploring the traditional almshouses to the farmers’ market, nature reserve, and the various positive pubs and eating places.
Among the prime locations to go to in Chipping Norton embody 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 certainly one of 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 retailers for a cut price earlier than popping into one of many positive pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton house.
Finest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover an excellent collection 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
Among the best 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 carry a collection 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 really like farmers’ markets and at all times find yourself coming house with just a few 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 make certain to get there early to nab a number of the greatest goodies.
Handle: Market Avenue, 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 massively standard 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 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 items. The farm solely opened after the pandemic and that is someplace I’m wanting ahead to visiting after I’m subsequent within the space.
Handle: 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 seems prefer it’s been transplanted from historical Rome fairly 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 might probably 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.
Handle: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NJ
4. Take a Dip within the Lido (Outside Swimming Pool)
Among the best issues to do in Chipping Norton, notably on a scorching summer time’s day, is to hit the native Lido (conventional outside swimming pool). In contrast to 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 greatest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of buddies 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 youngsters, and reductions are provided for households. You’ll be able to verify the timetables and e-book a session on-line.
Handle: 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 fairly 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 after all).
The mill was changed into residential residences in 1987 however it’s nonetheless value visiting to take a look at the fascinating structure and beautiful countryside environment.
Handle: 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 proper place for lengthy, nation walks (carry 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 among the best free issues to do in Chipping Norton. The parkland is untouched by chemical compounds or trendy farming strategies and represents a novel habitat for native birdlife. Spot Bullfinches, yellowhammers, and bee orchids amongst different species.
Handle: 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 had 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 excellent alternative for the proper Insta pic.
You’ll be able to’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential houses, however taking a look and taking footage is ok as long as you’re respectful and notice that folks nonetheless stay there. The homes are situated on Church Avenue behind St Mary’s Church which can be nicely value a fast go to for its fifteenth Century medieval structure.
Handle: Church Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NU
8. See a Present on the Chipping Norton Theatre
In case 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 the whole lot from pantomimes (oh, no she didn’t…) to Shakespeare performs, film nights, comedies, and workshops, this can be a nice choice for just a little mild leisure.
The theater is open every day all year long and you may verify the web site to search out present listings and to e-book tickets.
Handle: 2 Spring Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
9. Go to the Hook Norton Brewery
Among the best 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 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 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 refill on craft beers to take with me when visiting buddies within the Westcountry.
Handle: Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
10. Take a Sizzling Air Balloon Journey Over the City
In case you’re searching for one thing just a little out of the atypical 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 the easiest way 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 particular person and this once-in-a-lifetime expertise lasts as much as 4 hours. Tickets are exchangeable and might be booked on-line as much as a 12 months and a half prematurely. Go to the web site for more information and to e-book your flight as we speak.
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 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’ll be able to discover the grand corridor, the intricate plasterwork within the lengthy gallery, and the gorgeous 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 youngsters and embody entrance to the home and gardens.
Handle: 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 just a little in regards to 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 pictures 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.
Handle: 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 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 Bathtub, passing by a number of the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the complete path is just a little 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 wonderful 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 durations.
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 considered the stays of a burial chamber; and the King Stone, a solitary standing stone situated exterior the circle.
I visited the Rollright Stones on my final go to to Stroud and it truly is a really 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 Excessive pub for Sunday lunch and I extremely advocate you do the identical.
Handle: 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 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 (verify the web site to see what’s happening throughout your keep).
The palace is open every day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets value £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for youngsters (the ticket is then legitimate for an entire 12 months). Services embody numerous cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an excellent time out for the entire household.
Handle: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover just a few itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Chipping Norton. Whether or not you’ve gotten simply sooner or later to spend or every week to discover, these itineraries embody all the highest Chipping Norton points of interest to take the strain off planning your journey.
1 Day in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With simply sooner or later you’ll wish to embody the highest issues to see in Chipping Norton. Begin off on the historic Almshouses within the north finish of city after which make your approach down Market Avenue stopping at any of the various boutique and unbiased retailers alongside the way in which that spark your curiosity.
If it’s a Wednesday or the third Saturday of the month you should definitely 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 chew 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, 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 vital employer within the city throughout its heyday of the woolen commerce.
Make sure to discover the city’s many cute espresso retailers just like the Rustic Bean (they do an excellent brunch in addition to one of the best espresso on the town). Absorb 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 website and the birthplace and Ancestral house of Sir Winston Churchill.
The place to Keep in Chipping Norton
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Chipping Norton for vacationers:
The Fox – Finest for First-Time Guests
One among 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 superb choice for first-timers in Chippy. The rooms are individually themed and include a flat-screen TV, en-suite lavatory, and complimentary toiletries. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Cotswold Chapel – Finest for Households
The charming Cotswold Chapel Residence has two kingsize bedrooms and sleeps as much as 5 folks with the addition of a sofabed in the lounge. This is a superb choice for households and teams of buddies, and the property is situated within the coronary heart of the city with all conveniences to your keep on its doorstep. Click on right here to e-book now.
Cotswold Resort and Spa – Finest for {Couples}
In case you’re searching for just a little 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 lavatory, 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 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 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 exterior 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 just a little extra adventurous right here. Click on right here for instructions.
Thai Shire: Simply since you’re within the coronary heart of the gorgeous Cotswolds doesn’t imply you possibly can’t get pleasure from delicacies from all over the world, and this glorious Thai joint proves it. Thai curry is certainly one of my favourite dishes (pink 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 exterior seating is a superb place to pop into for breakfast, brunch, or a lightweight lunch. From sandwiches and do-it-yourself desserts to a full English (extremely advisable) 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 greatest to rent a automobile if you wish to discover the Cotswolds as public transport on this rural space might 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 might be accomplished in just a little over an hour by taking the practice from London Paddington to Kingham after which altering for Chipping Norton.
Because it’s a small city, all the foremost points of interest in Chipping Norton are inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, to go to a number of the close by landmarks just like the Rollright Stones and Blenheim Palace it’s greatest to have your individual transport or rent a automobile as public transportation isn’t nice within the rural Cotswolds.
Issues To Do in Chipping Norton: FAQs
Listed below 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 by fall is one of the best time to go to Chipping Norton to benefit from the gorgeous surrounding countryside (and to take a dip within the city’s outside 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 one 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.
An extended weekend (two to a few 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 a number of the close by points of interest just like the Rollright Stones or go climbing alongside the Cotswold Approach then every week is healthier.
Chipping Norton could be very secure contemplating it’s the place former prime ministers and different celebrities selected to stay. It’s an excellent vacation spot for households as you don’t have to fret about security. That being mentioned, the standard traveler precautions ought to be taken, as with visiting anyplace you’re unfamiliar with when touring.
Among the hottest issues to do in Chipping Norton embody visiting the previous Almshouses, purchasing on the boutique retailers 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 (outside swimming pool).
When within the Cotswolds and Westcountry a number of the prime meals to strive embody the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now you already know what to do in Chipping Norton, one of the picturesque previous market cities in England. From the picture-perfect Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill, Chastleton Home, and an enormous vary of fascinating retailers, cafes, and eating places, this city ought to be excessive in your listing of locations to go to within the Cotswolds.
With a number of 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 superb base for exploring this lovely nook of England.