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 tremendous pubs and eating places.
Among the high locations to go to in Chipping Norton embody the native museum, theatre, and close by landmarks equivalent 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 in every of 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 tremendous pubs or inns that decision Chipping Norton dwelling.
Greatest Issues To Do in Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover an amazing choice 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 choice of regionally farmed and made meals and crafts amongst many different attention-grabbing gadgets.
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 likely one of the greatest.
The market runs from 8:30 am till 1:30 pm so be sure that to get there early to nab a few of the greatest goodies.
Deal with: Market Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NH
2. Go to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm
Former Prime Gear host and contentious public determine Jeremy Clarkson is likely one of the Chipping Norton Set and has lived within the city for years. He not too long ago arrange his personal “Diddly Squat” farm within the space which was made well-known by the tv sequence Clarkson’s Farm.
There’s a store onsite the place you should purchase produce from the farm and it’s confirmed massively well-liked with guests. There was an onsite restaurant that needed to shut in late 2022, however Clarkson and his followers hope the cafe will reopen quickly so 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 decide up a spread of attention-grabbing merchandise from chili chutneys to Clarkson’s Hawkstone beers, gins, hand-cooked crisps, and a spread of souvenirs and presents. The farm solely opened after the pandemic and that is someplace I’m wanting ahead to visiting once 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 likely 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 appears to be like 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 courses to weddings and dinners. It could possibly even be employed for an important day with closely sponsored charges. The city corridor is likely one of 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 (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 out of doors 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 in every of my favourite locations to chill off.
This is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Chipping Norton for households and teams of associates 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 hot 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 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 quite 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 (apart from the toilet-brush chimney in fact).
The mill was become residential flats in 1987 but it surely’s nonetheless value visiting to have a look at the attention-grabbing 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 right place for lengthy, nation walks (convey 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.
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 high locations to see in Chipping Norton and are an amazing alternative for the right Insta pic.
You possibly can’t go inside the homes as they’re nonetheless residential houses, 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 situated on Church Avenue behind St Mary’s Church which can also be nicely value a fast go to for its fifteenth Century medieval structure.
Deal with: Church Avenue, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NU
8. See a Present on the Chipping Norton Theatre
In case you’re on the lookout 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, it is a nice choice for a bit 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.
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 nicely value a go to.
Browse the beers on sale within the onsite store or take a brewery tour and find out how 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 the most effective issues to do round Chipping Norton and someplace I like to go to refill 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 Journey Over the City
In case you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit out of the bizarre to do then taking a sizzling air balloon over the attractive Cotswolds is a superb choice. This is likely 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 probably the most distinctive option to see Chippy and the encompassing 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 may 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 the moment.
11. Go to Chastleton Home
Chastleton Home is a Jacobean nation mansion situated in close by Moreton in Marsh 8 miles (11 km) from Chipping Norton. The home was accomplished in 1612 and was constructed by rich wool service provider Walter Jones. Chastleton is famend for its outstanding state of preservation, with lots of its authentic furnishings and ornamental options nonetheless intact.
The inside of the home is adorned with intricate wooden carvings, ornate plasterwork, and spectacular collections of books, work, and antiques. You 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 embody 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 likely one of the high issues to do in Chipping Norton if you wish to be taught a 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 comprises a wealth of images and reveals 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 guts of the Cotswolds space of excellent pure magnificence. The route begins in Chipping Campden 17 miles (27 km) from Chipping Norton and ends in Tub, passing by a few of the most picturesque countrysides in England.
Though the total path is a bit formidable for a brief journey, it’s good for a day hike. There are numerous 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 historic 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 principal teams of stones; the King’s Males, a standing circle of round 77 stones; the Whispering Knights, a gaggle of 4 stones regarded as the stays of a burial chamber; and the King Stone, a solitary standing stone situated exterior 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 Excessive pub for Sunday lunch and I extremely advocate 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 one in every of England’s most interesting examples of Baroque structure. The Palace is the ancestral dwelling and birthplace of war-time prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is likely 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 (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 kids (the ticket is then legitimate for a complete yr). Services embody plenty of cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it an amazing time out for the entire household.
Deal with: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Fast Journey Itineraries For Chipping Norton
Beneath, you’ll discover a number of itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Chipping Norton. Whether or not you could have simply in the future to spend or per 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 in the future 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 means down Market Avenue stopping at any of the various 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 you should definitely 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 chunk 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’ll be able to spot native birds and wildlife. Pay a go to to the historic Bliss Tweed Mill which was an necessary employer within the city throughout its heyday of the woolen commerce.
You’ll want to discover the city’s many cute espresso retailers just like the Rustic Bean (they do an amazing brunch in addition to the most effective 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’ll be able to 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 dwelling of Sir Winston Churchill.
The place to Keep in Chipping Norton
These are a number of of the most effective 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 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 – Greatest for Households
The charming Cotswold Chapel House 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 associates, 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 – Greatest for {Couples}
In case you’re on the lookout for a bit luxurious and pampering when visiting Chippy then look no additional than the Cotswold Resort and Spa, situated simply two miles from the city. Rooms include an en-suite lavatory, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making amenities, and a balcony or terrace. A full English breakfast is included within the worth. Click on right here to be taught 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 fashionable 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 in every of 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 presents 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. Attempt 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 presents up up to date 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 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 take pleasure in delicacies from around the globe, and this wonderful Thai joint proves it. Thai curry is one in every 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 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 muffins to a full English (extremely really helpful) that is one in every 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 may be considerably unreliable and missing.
From London, it’s a two-hour drive alongside the M40. There aren’t any direct trains from the capital, nonetheless, the journey may be finished 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. Nevertheless, to go to a few of the close by landmarks just like the Rollright Stones and Blenheim Palace it’s greatest to have your personal 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 thought 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 the most effective time to go to Chipping Norton to benefit from the gorgeous surrounding countryside (and to take a dip within the city’s out of doors swimming pool). Winter may also be nice within the city with rustic pubs serving warming meals subsequent to roaring fires.
Chipping Norton is unquestionably value a go to because it’s one of the crucial 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 likely 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. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover a few of the close by points of interest just like the Rollright Stones or go climbing alongside the Cotswold Manner then per 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 amazing vacation spot for households as you don’t have to fret about security. That being stated, the standard traveler precautions must be taken, as with visiting wherever 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. Nevertheless, swimming is feasible between April and October on the native Lido (out of doors swimming pool).
When within the Cotswolds and Westcountry a few of the high meals to attempt embody the native cheeses, cream teas, and naturally, some cider.
In Closing
Now you recognize what to do in Chipping Norton, one of the crucial picturesque previous 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 must be excessive in your record of locations to go to within the Cotswolds.
With a few 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 wonderful base for exploring this lovely nook of England.