Our Home + Chipping Norton
Best Sights and Activities
The hidden gems and grand places that make up the charm of the area - all within 10 minutes of Chipping Norton.
Just a few minutes drive away, this hidden gem is one of the most complete – and beautiful - Jacobean houses in England. It was built between 1607-1612 by a prosperous wool merchant as an impressive statement of his wealth and power, and was kept by the same family until 1991 and is now Grade I listed and owned by the National Trust (and well preserved). It is famous for a wife bravely saving her husband during the Civil War, by drugging the Roundhead soldiers looking for him. You may have noticed it in the "Wolf Hall" TV series. After your visit enjoy a lovely cup of tea and cake at the church next door!
69 habitants recommandent
National Trust - Maison Chastleton
Just a few minutes drive away, this hidden gem is one of the most complete – and beautiful - Jacobean houses in England. It was built between 1607-1612 by a prosperous wool merchant as an impressive statement of his wealth and power, and was kept by the same family until 1991 and is now Grade I listed and owned by the National Trust (and well preserved). It is famous for a wife bravely saving her husband during the Civil War, by drugging the Roundhead soldiers looking for him. You may have noticed it in the "Wolf Hall" TV series. After your visit enjoy a lovely cup of tea and cake at the church next door!
The spirit of choice in the Cotswolds is Gin - so if distilleries are your thing, this one can’t be beat.
81 habitants recommandent
Cotswolds Distillery Visitor Centre, Shop and Café
Whichford RoadThe spirit of choice in the Cotswolds is Gin - so if distilleries are your thing, this one can’t be beat.
The Theatre Chipping Norton, is a theatre, cinema, gallery and music venue in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The main auditorium was originally a Salvation Army citadel, built in 1888. The theatre produces original shows and hosts touring companies as well as movies. It prides itself on its annual "world-renowned traditional family pantomime.
36 habitants recommandent
The Theatre Chipping Norton
2 Spring StThe Theatre Chipping Norton, is a theatre, cinema, gallery and music venue in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The main auditorium was originally a Salvation Army citadel, built in 1888. The theatre produces original shows and hosts touring companies as well as movies. It prides itself on its annual "world-renowned traditional family pantomime.
Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries in the country and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery anywhere. Take a brewery tour, visit the museum, pop into the Malthouse Kitchen Café or just pick up some award-winning Hooky.
51 habitants recommandent
Hook Norton Brewery
Brewery LaneHook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries in the country and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery anywhere. Take a brewery tour, visit the museum, pop into the Malthouse Kitchen Café or just pick up some award-winning Hooky.
A local spa option with added style, dining options for your dinner parties if you’d like to have them out-of-house, and a golf course if you fancy it.
8 habitants recommandent
Heythrop Park Resort
A local spa option with added style, dining options for your dinner parties if you’d like to have them out-of-house, and a golf course if you fancy it.
Home to 80 high quality, reputable antiques dealers, it can take a couple of hours to walk through and see everything on offer. Luckily, there’s a cafe at the back to refuel.
20 habitants recommandent
Station Mill Antiques Centre
Station RoadHome to 80 high quality, reputable antiques dealers, it can take a couple of hours to walk through and see everything on offer. Luckily, there’s a cafe at the back to refuel.
Broughton Castle is a medieval fortified manor house. It is the home of the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele. The castle sits on an artificial island in pastureland and is surrounded by a wide moat
38 habitants recommandent
Broughton Castle
Broughton Castle is a medieval fortified manor house. It is the home of the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele. The castle sits on an artificial island in pastureland and is surrounded by a wide moat
Bliss Mill dates back to the 1870s and was once used in the manufacturing of wool and tweed for cloth manufacturer William Bliss. The mill was designed to look like a country house, but has the large chimney at one end for which it is recognised. It is now a Grade II listed building and was converted into luxury apartments in the 1980s.
Bliss Tweed Mill
3 Station RdBliss Mill dates back to the 1870s and was once used in the manufacturing of wool and tweed for cloth manufacturer William Bliss. The mill was designed to look like a country house, but has the large chimney at one end for which it is recognised. It is now a Grade II listed building and was converted into luxury apartments in the 1980s.
Get your clay shooting in - the classic activity of the Cotswolds. Great for groups and special events. Book ahead!
Cotswold Clay Club
Get your clay shooting in - the classic activity of the Cotswolds. Great for groups and special events. Book ahead!
Nature
A series of megalithic monuments just a few miles away, on the edge of the Cotswold hills. They span nearly 2000 years of Neolithic and Bronze age development and each site dates from a different period. The oldest, the Whispering Knights, is early Neolithic, circa 3,800-3,500 BC, the King's Men stone circle is late Neolithic, circa 2,500 BC; and the King Stone is early to middle Bronze Age, circa 1,500 BC. Visiting here provides lovely views and a walk through a forest full of woodland sculptures. Not great for parking though so we suggest going in the late afternoon or early evening. To watch the sun go down, cross the road to the head stone and see the lovely views. There is no visitation fee and the stones are not manned.
84 habitants recommandent
Les pierres de Rollright
Rollright RoadA series of megalithic monuments just a few miles away, on the edge of the Cotswold hills. They span nearly 2000 years of Neolithic and Bronze age development and each site dates from a different period. The oldest, the Whispering Knights, is early Neolithic, circa 3,800-3,500 BC, the King's Men stone circle is late Neolithic, circa 2,500 BC; and the King Stone is early to middle Bronze Age, circa 1,500 BC. Visiting here provides lovely views and a walk through a forest full of woodland sculptures. Not great for parking though so we suggest going in the late afternoon or early evening. To watch the sun go down, cross the road to the head stone and see the lovely views. There is no visitation fee and the stones are not manned.
If you’re looking to go riding on your visit to the Cotswolds, Durhams is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the house. Call ahead to book.
Durhams Farm Riding School & Livery Yard
If you’re looking to go riding on your visit to the Cotswolds, Durhams is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the house. Call ahead to book.
Chipping Norton
Go clay pigeon shooting just five minutes outside of Chipping Norton. Great for groups, both beginner and experienced: https://thebigshoot.co.uk/en/venue/oVenue-10641_oVenAct-5
The Drive
The DriveGo clay pigeon shooting just five minutes outside of Chipping Norton. Great for groups, both beginner and experienced: https://thebigshoot.co.uk/en/venue/oVenue-10641_oVenAct-5
Food Scene
For your convenience, we’ve added notes to each on if they have takeaway or delivery options. All are walking distance from the house unless otherwise stated.
A traditional Cotswold pub dating back to 1641 that’s popular with locals, serving a wide selection of lagers, real ales, wine and spirits, plus regular live music. Amazing Christmas dinners as well!
33 habitants recommandent
The Blue Boar
1 Goddards LnA traditional Cotswold pub dating back to 1641 that’s popular with locals, serving a wide selection of lagers, real ales, wine and spirits, plus regular live music. Amazing Christmas dinners as well!
Stop in for a lovely latte and slice of fresh baked cake, then check out the homewares shop behind the cafe sitting area.
Mash Home And Pantry
1 Market StStop in for a lovely latte and slice of fresh baked cake, then check out the homewares shop behind the cafe sitting area.
A lovely drinks spot, with a patio overlooking the high street!
18 habitants recommandent
Bitter & Twisted
1a Middle RowA lovely drinks spot, with a patio overlooking the high street!
A family-run restaurant with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, serving up classic British-inspired dishes with a refined twist. Lovely cocktails, delicious food, and warm service. Our favourite place to dine locally for a laidback evening.
11 habitants recommandent
Whistlers
9 Middle RowA family-run restaurant with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, serving up classic British-inspired dishes with a refined twist. Lovely cocktails, delicious food, and warm service. Our favourite place to dine locally for a laidback evening.
A lovely little tea shop, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea (with or without Prosecco). Lovely fresh-baked cakes, dainty sandwiches, and even hearty lunch and dinner options. A perfect spot to feel the tempo of the area.
12 habitants recommandent
The Tea Set
24 High StA lovely little tea shop, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea (with or without Prosecco). Lovely fresh-baked cakes, dainty sandwiches, and even hearty lunch and dinner options. A perfect spot to feel the tempo of the area.
A great independent book store in the centre of Chipping Norton. You can browse freely, and enjoy a wonderful coffee and delicious home-made cakes overlooking the square. There are often book readings and signings, and there’s great outdoor seating with advantageous views of the high street.
16 habitants recommandent
Jaffé and Neale Bookshop and Café
1 Middle RowA great independent book store in the centre of Chipping Norton. You can browse freely, and enjoy a wonderful coffee and delicious home-made cakes overlooking the square. There are often book readings and signings, and there’s great outdoor seating with advantageous views of the high street.
A Michelin guide-recommended gem (NOW WITH DELIVERY) run by husband and wife team Nick and Sally, serving up fresh, local seasonal produce with a British-Euro menu with Mediterranean flair. It’s a small and intimate place that seats only 35 (so book as many days in advance as you can) with relaxed, friendly service. There’s even takeaway and delivery service available but be mindful that you are required to order days in advance: http://www.wildthymerestaurant.co.uk/take-me-home.html
26 habitants recommandent
Wild Thyme Restaurant with Rooms
10 New StA Michelin guide-recommended gem (NOW WITH DELIVERY) run by husband and wife team Nick and Sally, serving up fresh, local seasonal produce with a British-Euro menu with Mediterranean flair. It’s a small and intimate place that seats only 35 (so book as many days in advance as you can) with relaxed, friendly service. There’s even takeaway and delivery service available but be mindful that you are required to order days in advance: http://www.wildthymerestaurant.co.uk/take-me-home.html
Spice Of India
6 West StreetOne of the top five rated restaurants in the area! Delivery and takeaway available.
Cafe Le Raj
2 Horse FairAnother top rated restaurant - but best to order takeaway from.
Food here is seasonal and locally-sourced wherever possible, giving you a great ‘taste of the Cotswolds’ experience, and although not the cheapest it’s certainly the perfect destination for a memorable feast. Just down the road from the Daylesford Farm Shop is the Michelin Star modern country pub. The pub was put on the food map of Britain by the Michelin magazine as "Pub of the Year" in their 2015 "Eating Out in Pubs" guide. A few years later the pub was awarded a Michelin star (2017 guide). Take note that this one is not walking distance from the house.
127 habitants recommandent
The Wild Rabbit
Food here is seasonal and locally-sourced wherever possible, giving you a great ‘taste of the Cotswolds’ experience, and although not the cheapest it’s certainly the perfect destination for a memorable feast. Just down the road from the Daylesford Farm Shop is the Michelin Star modern country pub. The pub was put on the food map of Britain by the Michelin magazine as "Pub of the Year" in their 2015 "Eating Out in Pubs" guide. A few years later the pub was awarded a Michelin star (2017 guide). Take note that this one is not walking distance from the house.
Proper classic British pub food with gluten-free and vegan options! London Pride, local brews, and very reasonably priced food. Fish and chips, hand made chips, good piece of fish salted just right. Hand made steak and kidney pie with big chunks of braised steak in a short crust pastry, and a roast of the best quality. Yorkshire pudding like you would not believe, celeriac, leeks, mash, roast potatoes and several folds of perfect thickness beef. Summer fruit crumble and custard is simply bursting with flavour. Not walking distance from the house.
72 habitants recommandent
The Chequers
Church RoadProper classic British pub food with gluten-free and vegan options! London Pride, local brews, and very reasonably priced food. Fish and chips, hand made chips, good piece of fish salted just right. Hand made steak and kidney pie with big chunks of braised steak in a short crust pastry, and a roast of the best quality. Yorkshire pudding like you would not believe, celeriac, leeks, mash, roast potatoes and several folds of perfect thickness beef. Summer fruit crumble and custard is simply bursting with flavour. Not walking distance from the house.
This place is brilliant. The hygiene rating is at the highest standard, we’ve never been disappointed with any of the food options, and they offer takeaway and delivery. Oh, and the staff are incredibly friendly. For a cheeky kebab, you can’t go wrong.
Express Kebab & Pizza
21 Horse FairThis place is brilliant. The hygiene rating is at the highest standard, we’ve never been disappointed with any of the food options, and they offer takeaway and delivery. Oh, and the staff are incredibly friendly. For a cheeky kebab, you can’t go wrong.
Spanish tapas. Part Lebanese, part Greek/Mediterranean, all delicious. Great Vegan options too! Takeaway offered, but sadly no delivery. Book ahead if you’re dining in! Warning: not walking distance from the house! https://www.thecinnamonstick.co.uk/
8 habitants recommandent
The Cinnamon Stick
122 North StSpanish tapas. Part Lebanese, part Greek/Mediterranean, all delicious. Great Vegan options too! Takeaway offered, but sadly no delivery. Book ahead if you’re dining in! Warning: not walking distance from the house! https://www.thecinnamonstick.co.uk/
Rather good Chinese takeaway and dine in restaurant compared to the other options in town. Sadly no delivery though!
Beijing Gourmet
3 Market StreetRather good Chinese takeaway and dine in restaurant compared to the other options in town. Sadly no delivery though!
Loads of lunch and dinner options, but we prefer to stick to just their breakfast and get a proper fry up. Located conveniently on the high street.
9 habitants recommandent
The Old Mill Coffee House & Bistro
7 West StLoads of lunch and dinner options, but we prefer to stick to just their breakfast and get a proper fry up. Located conveniently on the high street.
A blend between British pub staples and Mediterranean cuisine, The Tite is a stunning Cotswolds inn in a picturesque setting, with timeless décor and a welcoming personality. The glorious gardens and restaurant, local seasonal menu and an inviting bar are set in the village of Chadlington. The produce is fresh, local and seasonal, whilst fish is delivered fresh from the catch. Their ales are brewed less than a mile away with pure Chadlington spring water, and the used brewing malt provides feed for a local farm. They have a great outdoor beer garden and are incredibly highly rated. A note that they are not walking distance from the house. https://thetiteinn.co.uk/food-drink/
14 habitants recommandent
The Tite Inn
Mill EndA blend between British pub staples and Mediterranean cuisine, The Tite is a stunning Cotswolds inn in a picturesque setting, with timeless décor and a welcoming personality. The glorious gardens and restaurant, local seasonal menu and an inviting bar are set in the village of Chadlington. The produce is fresh, local and seasonal, whilst fish is delivered fresh from the catch. Their ales are brewed less than a mile away with pure Chadlington spring water, and the used brewing malt provides feed for a local farm. They have a great outdoor beer garden and are incredibly highly rated. A note that they are not walking distance from the house. https://thetiteinn.co.uk/food-drink/
Jeremy Clarkson’s own farm shop with supplies grown and created from his own land. A more affordable and less fussy/posh “Daylesford”, Diddly Squat Farm Shop is a great place to grab local produce/sundries, a bite to eat around back while looking out over the farm itself, and lovely gin!
68 habitants recommandent
Diddly Squat Farm
Jeremy Clarkson’s own farm shop with supplies grown and created from his own land. A more affordable and less fussy/posh “Daylesford”, Diddly Squat Farm Shop is a great place to grab local produce/sundries, a bite to eat around back while looking out over the farm itself, and lovely gin!
For Kids
Local outdoor swimming pool framed by giant oaks, and benefits from a cafe!
10 habitants recommandent
The Lido, Chipping Norton — Open-Air Swimming Pool
Fox CloseLocal outdoor swimming pool framed by giant oaks, and benefits from a cafe!
A wonderful spot for children to play, Fairytale Farm is a great local place to bring them to burn off all that energy. There are climbing apparatus, alpacas, bunnies and other furry friends, and lovely gardens surrounding the area. Six zones of play overall, with sensory play as well. Wheelchair accessible.
17 habitants recommandent
Ferme des contes de fées
A wonderful spot for children to play, Fairytale Farm is a great local place to bring them to burn off all that energy. There are climbing apparatus, alpacas, bunnies and other furry friends, and lovely gardens surrounding the area. Six zones of play overall, with sensory play as well. Wheelchair accessible.
A shake and sweet shop for folks to pop in and treat their little ones (and themselves). Part of the quaint side street of shops and children’s activities, in view of the high street.
Tickittyshake
6 Middle RowA shake and sweet shop for folks to pop in and treat their little ones (and themselves). Part of the quaint side street of shops and children’s activities, in view of the high street.
There’s a well equipped public children’s park on Worcester road, a 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk away from the house. It includes a zip line, climbing bars, basketball court, slides, swings, a giant field, and many other features.
Children's Playground
A44There’s a well equipped public children’s park on Worcester road, a 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk away from the house. It includes a zip line, climbing bars, basketball court, slides, swings, a giant field, and many other features.
Groceries
Convenient market for essentials, just a few minutes walk from the house.
13 habitants recommandent
Sainsbury's
12-14 Market StConvenient market for essentials, just a few minutes walk from the house.
Always has great stocked shelves and many pre-prepared high-quality meals in the refrigerated section.
7 habitants recommandent
M&S Foodhall
2 Trinity RdAlways has great stocked shelves and many pre-prepared high-quality meals in the refrigerated section.
Yearly Festivals
Only a 10 minute drive away, the Big Feastival is a family friendly festival, combining award winning street food, Michelin star chefs live on stage with live music from your massive artists and bands. Not to mention an exciting programme of family entertainment all happening on Alex James’ Farm! Oh, and loads of celebrities can be spotted milling about - including Simon Pegg, Joe Wicks, Kaleb Cooper, Emma Willis, Greg Rutherford, and more, The Big Feastival really does have something for everyone!
8 habitants recommandent
The Big Feastival
Only a 10 minute drive away, the Big Feastival is a family friendly festival, combining award winning street food, Michelin star chefs live on stage with live music from your massive artists and bands. Not to mention an exciting programme of family entertainment all happening on Alex James’ Farm! Oh, and loads of celebrities can be spotted milling about - including Simon Pegg, Joe Wicks, Kaleb Cooper, Emma Willis, Greg Rutherford, and more, The Big Feastival really does have something for everyone!
Only a 15 minute drive away, and usually in early August, (2022 is 4-7 August), Wilderness festival is a four day festival spanning music, the arts, food and the outdoors set amidst ancient Oxfordshire parkland. Simply book a non-camping ticket and use your festival wristband to come and go from the festival within our gate opening times. https://www.wildernessfestival.com/
Wilderness
Cornbury ParkOnly a 15 minute drive away, and usually in early August, (2022 is 4-7 August), Wilderness festival is a four day festival spanning music, the arts, food and the outdoors set amidst ancient Oxfordshire parkland. Simply book a non-camping ticket and use your festival wristband to come and go from the festival within our gate opening times. https://www.wildernessfestival.com/
Also only a 15 minute drive away, Cornbury Music Festival runs next from 8-10th of July and is a lovingly crafted, top notch, very English open air party, tailor-made for the whole family. Like the best of England, The Cornbury Music Festival is civilised, charming and irresistible – a homespun melting pot where music-lovers share pies and a glass of champagne with superstars, toffs, rockers, crooners, Morris dancers, farmers, urbanites, fashionistas, gourmet chefs and little old ladies who make exceptional cakes.
Cornbury Music Festival
Blythe RoadAlso only a 15 minute drive away, Cornbury Music Festival runs next from 8-10th of July and is a lovingly crafted, top notch, very English open air party, tailor-made for the whole family. Like the best of England, The Cornbury Music Festival is civilised, charming and irresistible – a homespun melting pot where music-lovers share pies and a glass of champagne with superstars, toffs, rockers, crooners, Morris dancers, farmers, urbanites, fashionistas, gourmet chefs and little old ladies who make exceptional cakes.
Conseils sur la ville
Déplacements
HOW TO GET HERE
BY TRAIN/TAXI:
The nearest railway stations are Kingham (5 miles) and Banbury (13 miles), with Oxford about 40 minutes away (20 miles).
By far the fastest route from London is to take the train from Marylebone to Banbury which is a nice 1hr direct train that runs every 50m. Then take a taxi from Banbury station to the house which takes about 20 minutes. There are always quite a few taxis sitting at the station so it’s easy to get one.
BY CAR:
Driving from the center of London takes roughly one hour and twenty minutes via the M40, but can be over two hours during peak traffic times.
Déplacements
BUSES IN THE AREA
Bus Routes in Chipping Norton:
X50 - Stratford - Chipping Norton via Shipston on Stour
3 - Chipping Norton - Shipston On Stour
488 - Banbury - Chipping Norton
489 - Banbury - Chipping Norton
7 - Oxford - Kidlington - Woodstock
N7 - Oxford - Kidlington - Woodstock - Charlbury - Chipping Norton
You can learn more about where these have stops and plan your journey via posted schedules here: https://www.geopunk.co.uk/locality/E0050502
Déplacements
TAXI SERVICES
- Excelsior Taxis Limited: 1 Walterbush Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DN 01608 643721 https://www.excelsiortaxis.co.uk (be warned that they do school runs so they often don’t have taxis available during those times)
- A1 Taxis: 68 Walterbush Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DW
07528 133960 https://www.a1taxischippingnorton.uk
- Banbury Taxi - +44 1295 272722 https://www.banburystationtaxiservices.co.uk (often has better availability)
- For airport or London journeys, we recommend jewels-airport-transfers.co.uk for decent rates and good availability
Déplacements
PRIVATE CHAUFFEURS
- https://www.privatedriverclub.com/
- https://www.luxurychauffeurhireoxford.co.uk/client-hire.html
Réservez avant de partir
LUXURY AT-HOME SERVICES
Masseuse (from the spa team at SoHo Farmhouse):
- https://yourmassage.pro/
Pamper, nail, and various spa treatments:
- https://www.treatwell.co.uk/place/lotus-divine-beauty/
- https://www.botanicalsmobilebeautygroup.com/
- https://www.eyekandibeautytherapy.co.uk/
- https://www.cotswold-beauty.co.uk/
Personal Chefs:
- https://labelleassiette.co.uk/private-chef/cotswolds
- https://www.tailormadetopnosh.com/page-5
- https://www.thecotswoldschef.co.uk/
Grocery Delivery:
- Ocado.com
- Sainsburys.co.uk
Voyage avec des enfants
BABYSITTER SERVICES
- https://www.childcare.co.uk/search/Babysitters/Chipping+Norton
- https://www.sitters.co.uk/inmyarea.aspx?postcode=OX75AR&origin=Evening
Déplacements
Be sure to click on my profile to see our other guidebook!
We have a second guidebook for everything in “The Surrounding Area” that covers attractions, restaurants, and sights anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes away!
Réservez avant de partir
Cakes
We suggest the following local cake makers for celebrating your special occasion:
https://www.cornerstonecakesonline.com/
https://www.veryvanilla.co.uk/
Ne manquez pas
Local Trails
Here are a bunch of links covering all the local public walks and hiking/biking trails. If you are interested in something you don’t see here, just message and ask!
1) https://www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/downloads/Walk_AONBStep2.pdf
2) https://www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/downloads/Walk_AONBStep1.pdf
3) https://www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/downloads/Walk_TownGuideChippingNorton.pdf(1).pdf
4) And dozens of local trails listed here: https://www.alltrails.com/england/oxfordshire/chipping-norton
Ne manquez pas
Other Yearly Events
Riverside Music Festival, usually in July - https://www.riversidefestival.charlbury.com/
Stow Cotswold Festival, next on July 15, 2023 - https://www.cotswoldfestival.com/
Cornbury Music Festival, July 8-10, 2022 - https://www.cornburyfestival.com/music
Chipping Norton Literary Festival, dates TBA - https://www.chiplitfest.com/
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, July 9-10, 2022 - https://www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/