Chipping Norton is an enthralling market city within 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 high quality pubs and eating places.
A number of the high locations to go to in Chipping Norton embody 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 one among my favourite Costwold cities due to 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 discount earlier than popping into one of many high quality pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton dwelling.
Finest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover an important choice of Chipping Norton points of interest 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
Among the finest 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 choice of regionally farmed and made meals and crafts amongst many different attention-grabbing objects.
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 dwelling with a number of ins and outs for my kitchen – the market at Chipping Norton is without doubt one of 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.
Tackle: Market Road, 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 without doubt one of 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 collection Clarkson’s Farm.
There’s a store onsite the place you should buy 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 preserve an eye fixed out! There’s additionally a beer trailer and bar being readied for summer season 2023.
The farm store is open Thursday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Right here, you’ll be able to choose up a variety of attention-grabbing 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 trying ahead to visiting once I’m subsequent within the space.
Tackle: 5-10 Chipping Norton Highway, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, OX7 3PE
3. See the City Corridor
The neoclassical-looking City Corridor is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Chipping Norton because it homes the native vacationer info middle in addition to native council workplaces. The constructing seems to be 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 courses to weddings and dinners. It could even be employed for an important day with closely backed charges. The city corridor is without doubt one of the high landmarks within the city and is certainly value seeing throughout your keep.
Tackle: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NJ
4. Take a Dip within the Lido (Outside Swimming Pool)
Among the finest issues to do in Chipping Norton, notably on a sizzling summer season’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 one among my favourite locations to chill off.
This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of buddies seeking to escape the summer season 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 mild refreshments.
There are completely different periods all through the week from grownup and lane swims to household periods, workshops, and yoga courses. Costs begin from £7.50 per grownup session, £3.50 for kids, and reductions are provided for households. You possibly can examine the timetables and guide a session on-line.
Tackle: Fox CIose, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5BZ
5. See Bliss Tweed Mill
Chipping Norton has lengthy been related to the wool commerce and the big 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 rest room 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 (aside from the toilet-brush chimney in fact).
The mill was became residential residences in 1987 nevertheless it’s nonetheless value visiting to have a look at the attention-grabbing structure and gorgeous countryside environment.
Tackle: 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 the most effective free issues to do in Chipping Norton. The parkland is untouched by chemical substances or fashionable farming strategies and represents a novel habitat for native birdlife. Spot Bullfinches, yellowhammers, and bee orchids amongst different species.
Tackle: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QQ
7. See the Almshouses
The Almshouses are a row of eight cute, conjoined cottages inbuilt 1640 by an area 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 important alternative for the right Insta pic.
You possibly can’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential properties, however taking a look and taking photos is okay as long as you’re respectful and notice that individuals nonetheless dwell there. The homes are positioned on Church Road behind St Mary’s Church which can also be effectively value a fast go to for its fifteenth Century medieval structure.
Tackle: Church Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NU
8. See a Present on the Chipping Norton Theatre
When 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 part from pantomimes (oh, no she didn’t…) to Shakespeare performs, film nights, comedies, and workshops, this can be a nice possibility for a little bit mild leisure.
The theater is open every day all year long and you’ll examine the web site to search out present listings and to guide tickets.
Tackle: 2 Spring Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
9. Go to the Hook Norton Brewery
Among the finest 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 effectively value a go to.
Browse the beers on sale within the onsite store or take a brewery tour and learn the way these high quality 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 certainly the most effective issues to do round Chipping Norton and someplace I like to go to top off on craft beers to take with me when visiting buddies within the Westcountry.
Tackle: Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
10. Take a Sizzling Air Balloon Experience Over the City
When you’re searching for one thing a little bit out of the peculiar to do then taking a sizzling air balloon over the attractive Cotswolds is a superb possibility. This is without doubt one of 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 essentially the most distinctive option to see Chippy and the encircling Cotswolds countryside. Virgin Balloon Flights provide 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 will be booked on-line as much as a yr and a half prematurely. Go to the web site for more information and to guide your flight at this time.
11. Go to Chastleton Home
Chastleton Home 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 outstanding 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 possibly can 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 price £12 for adults and £6 for kids and embody entrance to the home and gardens.
Tackle: Chastleton, Moreton in Marsh. Oxfordshire, GL56 0LU
12. Discover the Chipping Norton Museum
The native museum is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Chipping Norton if you wish to study a little 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 accommodates 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.
Tackle: 4 Excessive Road, Westgate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD
13. Hike the Cotswold Means
The Cotswolds Means is a 102-mile (164 km) path that runs by way of 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 Tub, passing by way of a number of the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the complete path is a little bit formidable for a brief journey, it’s excellent 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 kind an historical stone circle positioned 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 important 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 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 gorgeous 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.
Tackle: 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 Web site and is taken into account one among 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 without doubt one of 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 (examine the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your keep).
The palace is open every 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 yr). Amenities embody numerous cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an important time out for the entire household.
Tackle: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover a number of itineraries that can assist you get essentially 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 need 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 manner down Market Road stopping at any of the numerous boutique and impartial retailers alongside the way in which 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, comply with the above itinerary in your first day and take a stroll within the peaceable Chipping Norton Nature Reserve the place you’ll be able to 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 you discover the city’s many cute espresso retailers just like the Rustic Bean (they do an important 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’ll be able to add in some day journeys to close by points of interest just like the gorgeous Rollright Stones; the neolithic stone circle just like a small model of Stonehenge. Go to close by Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage website and the birthplace and Ancestral dwelling of Sir Winston Churchill.
The place to Keep in Chipping Norton
These are a number of of one of the 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 positioned proper on {the marketplace}, is a superb 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 Residence has two kingsize bedrooms and sleeps as much as 5 individuals with the addition of a sofabed in the lounge. This is a superb possibility for households and teams of buddies, and the property is positioned within the coronary heart of the city with all conveniences in your keep on its doorstep. Click on right here to guide now.
Cotswold Lodge and Spa – Finest for {Couples}
When you’re searching for a little bit luxurious and pampering when visiting Chippy then look no additional than the Cotswold Lodge and Spa, positioned simply two miles from the city. Rooms include an en-suite toilet, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making amenities, 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 fashionable classics with a twist and has a superb 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 on right here for instructions.
Whistlers Restaurant: Whistlers Restaurant is an impartial bar and restaurant additionally affords dwell leisure within the evenings from dwell bands to stand-up comedy making a go to the most effective 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 positioned simply outdoors Chipping Norton within the village of Kingham and affords up modern British delicacies utilizing native and seasonal produce. From fish and chips to tiger prawns and garlic aioli, you’ll be able to bask in pub classics or one thing a little bit 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’ll be able to’t get pleasure from delicacies from all over the world, and this wonderful Thai joint proves it. Thai curry is one among my favourite dishes (crimson or inexperienced) and that is the place to return 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 superb place to pop into for breakfast, brunch, or a light-weight lunch. From sandwiches and selfmade desserts to a full English (extremely beneficial) that is one among 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 automotive if you wish to discover the Cotswolds as public transport on this rural space will 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 will be finished in a little bit 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 key 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 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 one of the best time to go to Chipping Norton to take advantage of the gorgeous 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 certainly 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 without doubt one of the high vacationer locations within the Cotswolds.
A protracted weekend (two to 3 days) is the right 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 mountain climbing alongside the Cotswold Means then every week is best.
Chipping Norton may be very protected contemplating it’s the place former prime ministers and different celebrities selected to dwell. It’s an important vacation spot for households as you don’t have to fret about security. That being mentioned, the same old traveler precautions needs to be taken, as with visiting wherever you’re unfamiliar with when touring.
A number of the hottest issues to do in Chipping Norton embody visiting the outdated Almshouses, buying 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 high meals to strive embody the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now you recognize what to do in Chipping Norton, one of the picturesque outdated market cities in England. From the picture-perfect Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill, Chastleton Home, and an enormous vary of attention-grabbing retailers, cafes, and eating places, this city needs 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 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.
