Chipping Norton is a captivating 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 numerous wonderful 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 similar 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 attractive structure that provides method 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 wonderful pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton dwelling.
Greatest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover an awesome collection of Chipping Norton sights 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 deliver a collection of domestically farmed and made meals and crafts amongst many different fascinating objects.
Browse jars of jams, preserves, cooking sauces, cheeses, ciders, gins, and different specialties from across the Cotswolds. I like farmers’ markets and all the time find yourself coming dwelling with a number of fine details for my kitchen – the market at Chipping Norton is without doubt one of the finest.
The market runs from 8:30 am till 1:30 pm so be certain to get there early to nab among the finest goodies.
Deal with: 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 without doubt one of the Chipping Norton Set and has lived within the city for years. He 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 needed to shut in late 2022, however Clarkson and his followers hope the cafe will reopen quickly so preserve a watch 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 possibly can decide 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 trying ahead to visiting after I’m subsequent within the space.
Deal with: 5-10 Chipping Norton Street, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, OX7 3PE
3. See the City Corridor
The neoclassical-looking City Corridor is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Chipping Norton because it homes the native vacationer data middle in addition to native council places of work. The constructing appears prefer it’s been transplanted from historical Rome moderately 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 even be employed for a special day with closely backed charges. The city corridor is without doubt one of the prime landmarks within the city and is unquestionably price seeing throughout your keep.
Deal with: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NJ
4. Take a Dip within the Lido (Outside Swimming Pool)
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Chipping Norton, significantly on a sizzling summer season’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 without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of buddies trying 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 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 possibly can verify the timetables and e book 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 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 moderately 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 (aside from the toilet-brush chimney in fact).
The mill was become residential flats in 1987 however it’s nonetheless price visiting to have a look at the fascinating structure and beautiful countryside environment.
Deal with: Station Street, 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 (deliver 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 compounds or trendy farming strategies and represents a singular 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 an area 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 awesome alternative for the proper Insta pic.
You possibly can’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential houses, however taking a look and taking footage is okay as long as you’re respectful and understand that folks nonetheless stay there. The homes are situated on Church Avenue behind St Mary’s Church which can be properly price 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
Should you’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 every part from pantomimes (oh, no she didn’t…) to Shakespeare performs, film nights, comedies, and workshops, this can be a nice choice for a little bit mild leisure.
The theater is open day by day all year long and you’ll verify the web site to search out present listings and to e book tickets.
Deal with: 2 Spring Avenue, 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 situated within the small city of Hook Norton 5 miles (8 km) from city and is properly price a go to.
Browse the beers on sale within the onsite store or take a brewery tour and learn the way these wonderful 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 buddies within the Westcountry.
Deal with: Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
10. Take a Scorching Air Balloon Journey Over the City
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit out of the bizarre to do then taking a sizzling air balloon over the attractive Cotswolds is a wonderful choice. This is without doubt one of the finest 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 method to see Chippy and the encircling 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 might be booked on-line as much as a yr and a half upfront. Go to the web site for more information and to e book your flight at present.
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 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 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 without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Chipping Norton if you wish to study a little bit 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 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 Excessive Avenue, Westgate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD
13. Hike the Cotswold Manner
The Cotswolds Manner 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 among the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the total path is a little bit bold for a brief journey, it’s good for a day hike. There are lots of round walks that may be accomplished simply, and a few of these additionally soak up 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 intervals.
The circle consists of three principal 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 situated outdoors the circle.
I visited the Rollright Stones on my final go to to Stroud and it truly is a very spectacular web site 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 suggest you do the identical.
Deal with: Rollright Street, 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 best 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 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 (verify the web site to see what’s occurring 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 a complete yr). Amenities embrace various cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an awesome time out for the entire household.
Deal with: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Beneath, 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’ve gotten simply sooner or later to spend or per week to discover, these itineraries embrace all the highest Chipping Norton sights to take the strain off planning your journey.
1 Day in Chipping Norton Itinerary
With simply sooner or later 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 method down Market Avenue stopping at any of the numerous boutique and impartial outlets alongside the best way 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 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 essential employer within the city throughout its heyday of the woolen commerce.
Be sure you discover the city’s many cute espresso outlets just like the Rustic Bean (they do an awesome 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 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 number of of one of the best 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 situated proper on {the marketplace}, is a wonderful choice for first-timers in Chippy. The rooms are individually themed and include a flat-screen TV, en-suite rest room, and complimentary toiletries. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Cotswold Chapel – Greatest for Households
The charming Cotswold Chapel Condominium has two kingsize bedrooms and sleeps as much as 5 folks with the addition of a sofabed in the lounge. This is a wonderful 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 Lodge and Spa – Greatest for {Couples}
Should you’re on the lookout for a little bit luxurious and pampering when visiting Chippy then look no additional than the Cotswold Lodge and Spa, situated simply two miles from the city. Rooms include an en-suite rest room, 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 on right here to study extra.
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 certainly one of my prime 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 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 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 affords up modern 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 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 possibly can’t get pleasure from delicacies from world wide, and this wonderful Thai joint proves it. Thai curry is certainly one of my favourite dishes (pink or inexperienced) and that is the place to return for that genuine style of Southeast Asia. Click on right here for instructions.
The Outdated 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 light-weight lunch. From sandwiches and do-it-yourself truffles to a full English (extremely really helpful) 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 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, nonetheless, the journey might be performed in a little 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 key sights 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 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 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 dwelling 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 profit 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 price 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 without doubt one of 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 sights in Chipping Norton. Nonetheless, if you wish to discover among the close by sights just like the Rollright Stones or go mountaineering alongside the Cotswold Manner then per week is healthier.
Chipping Norton could be very protected contemplating it’s the place former prime ministers and different celebrities selected to stay. It’s an awesome vacation spot for households as you don’t have to fret about security. That being mentioned, the standard traveler precautions must be taken, as with visiting anyplace you’re unfamiliar with when touring.
A number of the hottest issues to do in Chipping Norton embrace visiting the previous 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. Nonetheless, swimming is feasible between April and October on the native Lido (outside swimming pool).
When within the Cotswolds and Westcountry among the prime meals to attempt embrace the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now what to do in Chipping Norton, some 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 outlets, cafes, and eating places, this city must be excessive in your record of locations to go to within 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 stunning nook of England.
