Chipping Campden

United_Kingdom

Chipping Campden is a small town in the far North of Gloucestershire.

Chipping Campden Market Hall A classic Cotswold town, the relaxed and friendly town is made picturesque by its historic architecture made with honey colored Cotswold stone, a charming 15th-century church, a historic Market Hall that is almost 400 years old, and a decent selection of easily accessible pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels that make it a worthy stop on a trip through the countryside. Chiping Campden was built on the backs of the sheep that are still raised in the area, meaning that the town, like so many in thhe Cotswolds, was built with wealthy wool money. The town proudly supports the tradition of walking the English countryside. In fact, Chipping Campden is the starting point for the Cotswold Way, a 100-mile (160-km) walk from Chipping Campden to Bath. Chipping Campden hosts the Olimpick Games, a celebration of sports held on the first Friday after the Spring Bank Holiday.

Chipping Campden experiences classic English weather - rainy weeks during the spring, warm pleasant summers, stunning changes of the leaves in the fall, and snowy days in the winter.

The majority of Chipping Campden's landmarks are located in the heart of the city, however, beautiful gardens dot the landscape nearby, which are well worth the long walk or brief car ride to see.

  • Market Hall, High Street. Built in 1627, the town's historic Market Hall is a landmark representing the community's trading heritage. Historically, the hall served as a place for vendors to sell cheese, butter, poultry, and more. Maintained by the National Trust, the hall was almost purchased and moved by an American in the 1940s. However, the community rallied and raised money to keep it in the town. Free.
  • Court Barn Museum, Church Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6JE, +44 1386 841951. Varies. Located next to St James' Church, the Court Barn Museum was founded in 2007 to showcase the Arts and Crafts movement in Chipping Campden and the surrounding area. The museum features exhibitions of the works of numerous artists from the area, including jewelry designer C. R. Ashbee and woodcarver Alec Miller. They also offer special exhibition. The Court Barn Museum has a small gift shop which features high quality art and crafts from local artisans and numerous books about current and past Arts and Crafts history. Adults £5, child (under 18) free, students free.
  • Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR, +44 1386 438333. 10AM-6PM. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Hidcote is a beautiful garden designed by American horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnson. An Arts and Crafts-style garden, Johnson designed the garden to comprise a series of thematic "rooms," which includes mazes, secret gardens, meadows, and more. The self-guided tour (with guided tours optional) includes beautiful countryside vistas, an impressive vegetable garden, a posh old-school tennis court, and plenty of Cotswold sheep. Hidcote has an impressive gift shop and garden shop, where visitors can purchase rare plants that have been cultivated and named after Johnson or Hidcote. Additional activities include tennis, croquet, numerous public footpaths, and special lectures. Two small cafes are located on-site, serving tea, coffee and light fare. Adults £11.80, child £5.90, family £29.50.
  • Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden, Glos GL55 6LN, +44 1386 438777. Varies. Located across the street from Hidcote, Kiftsgate is a privately owned garden. The garden has been continuously owned and operated by women gardeners since the 1920s. It was founded by Heather Muir, who was also good friends with Major Lawrence Johnson of nearby Hidcote. Guests can stroll through nine dramatic gardens, many which are dotted with contemporary art and beautiful views of the Cotswolds. The property grows heritage apples and other fruit trees and it is also home to the famous Kiftsgate Rose, the largest of its kind in England (it blooms in early July). The property includes a tearoom, gift shop and plant shop which features numerous roses and other special plants for purchase. Adults £8.50, child (under 16) £2.50.
  • St James' Church, Church Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6JG, +44 01386 841927. Built on the site of a former 12th-century Norman church, St James' Church is a lovely church that personifies the Cotswold "wool" church. The earliest architectural features date to the 13th century. The belltower includes bells from between 1618 to 1737, which were recast in 1987. The church includes stained glass from artist Henry Payne, rare altar frontals from before the Reformation, and a series of 15th-century brasses that depict the wool history of the town. Be sure to walk to the back of the church and explore the cemetery grounds, where the graveyard overlooks the rolling Cotswold hills. Free.

Market Hall, High Street. Built in 1627, the town's historic Market Hall is a landmark representing the community's trading heritage. Historically, the hall served as a place for vendors to sell cheese, butter, poultry, and more. Maintained by the National Trust, the hall was almost purchased and moved by an American in the 1940s. However, the community rallied and raised money to keep it in the town. Free.

Court Barn Museum, Church Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6JE, +44 1386 841951. Varies. Located next to St James' Church, the Court Barn Museum was founded in 2007 to showcase the Arts and Crafts movement in Chipping Campden and the surrounding area. The museum features exhibitions of the works of numerous artists from the area, including jewelry designer C. R. Ashbee and woodcarver Alec Miller. They also offer special exhibition. The Court Barn Museum has a small gift shop which features high quality art and crafts from local artisans and numerous books about current and past Arts and Crafts history. Adults £5, child (under 18) free, students free.

Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR, +44 1386 438333. 10AM-6PM. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Hidcote is a beautiful garden designed by American horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnson. An Arts and Crafts-style garden, Johnson designed the garden to comprise a series of thematic "rooms," which includes mazes, secret gardens, meadows, and more. The self-guided tour (with guided tours optional) includes beautiful countryside vistas, an impressive vegetable garden, a posh old-school tennis court, and plenty of Cotswold sheep. Hidcote has an impressive gift shop and garden shop, where visitors can purchase rare plants that have been cultivated and named after Johnson or Hidcote. Additional activities include tennis, croquet, numerous public footpaths, and special lectures. Two small cafes are located on-site, serving tea, coffee and light fare. Adults £11.80, child £5.90, family £29.50.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden, Glos GL55 6LN, +44 1386 438777. Varies. Located across the street from Hidcote, Kiftsgate is a privately owned garden. The garden has been continuously owned and operated by women gardeners since the 1920s. It was founded by Heather Muir, who was also good friends with Major Lawrence Johnson of nearby Hidcote. Guests can stroll through nine dramatic gardens, many which are dotted with contemporary art and beautiful views of the Cotswolds. The property grows heritage apples and other fruit trees and it is also home to the famous Kiftsgate Rose, the largest of its kind in England (it blooms in early July). The property includes a tearoom, gift shop and plant shop which features numerous roses and other special plants for purchase. Adults £8.50, child (under 16) £2.50.

St James' Church, Church Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6JG, +44 01386 841927. Built on the site of a former 12th-century Norman church, St James' Church is a lovely church that personifies the Cotswold "wool" church. The earliest architectural features date to the 13th century. The belltower includes bells from between 1618 to 1737, which were recast in 1987. The church includes stained glass from artist Henry Payne, rare altar frontals from before the Reformation, and a series of 15th-century brasses that depict the wool history of the town. Be sure to walk to the back of the church and explore the cemetery grounds, where the graveyard overlooks the rolling Cotswold hills. Free.

  • Walk the Cotswold Way. A National Trail, the Cotswold Way is a 102-mile (165-km) long distance footpath that starts in Chipping Campden and ends in Bath. A beautiful walk across the Cotswolds, the walk is a "must" for any self-proclaimed rambler. It passes through numerous notable places and pass many beautiful sites, including Hailes Abbey, Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle, and more.

Walk the Cotswold Way. A National Trail, the Cotswold Way is a 102-mile (165-km) long distance footpath that starts in Chipping Campden and ends in [[Bath]]. A beautiful walk across the Cotswolds, the walk is a "must" for any self-proclaimed rambler. It passes through numerous notable places and pass many beautiful sites, including Hailes Abbey, Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle, and more.

Louise Pocock Millinery, High St, Chipping Campden GL55 6AG. 10AM-4:30PM. Beautiful, contemporary hats designed by milliner Louise Pocock.

Emily's Bookshop, Lower High Street, Chipping Campden, +44 1386 840726. 1noon-5PM. A charming bookstore that specializes in children's books.

Robert Welch Designs, Lower High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6DY, +44 01386 840522. 9:30AM-5:30PM. Internationally acclaimed, Robert Welch produces high design kitchenware, cutlery, and tableware, all designed in Chipping Campden and made in England.

Country Master Gentlemen's Outfitters, 6 Cambrook Court, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL556AT, +44 01386 840400. High-end men's store with classic and modern English country/hunting gear. Fido isn't left out either - the store has a fine selection of accessories for man's best friend.

  • Bistro on the Square, Cotswold House Hotel and Spa, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AN, +44 01386 840330. Daily. Casual restaurant in the Cotswold Hotel with modern twists on brasserie classics and seasonal salads, seafood, pasta, and steak. Great gin and tonics. Reservations recommended for dinner. Breakfast and lunch also served. £5-18.
  • The Eight Bells, 21 Church Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6JG, +44 1386 840371. Noon-10PM. Modern pub food that has a following of locals and travelers alike, the Eight Bells offers mid-range dining in a cool atmosphere with a pub. Daily "fishy dishes" are offered, which features fresh seafood. The Eight Bells offers numerous vegetarian and vegan offerings, alongside seasonal asparagus with a soft poached egg, chicken liver parfait, and entrees like a Prime 8 oz Rib Eye, local sausages, and a tasty lamb burger. Kids welcome, dogs in the bar only. Reservations HIGHLY recommended. £5.95-£7.25 (starters), £12.95-£22.45 (mains).

Bistro on the Square, Cotswold House Hotel and Spa, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AN, +44 01386 840330. Daily. Casual restaurant in the Cotswold Hotel with modern twists on brasserie classics and seasonal salads, seafood, pasta, and steak. Great gin and tonics. Reservations recommended for dinner. Breakfast and lunch also served. £5-18.

The Eight Bells, 21 Church Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6JG, +44 1386 840371. Noon-10PM. Modern pub food that has a following of locals and travelers alike, the Eight Bells offers mid-range dining in a cool atmosphere with a pub. Daily "fishy dishes" are offered, which features fresh seafood. The Eight Bells offers numerous vegetarian and vegan offerings, alongside seasonal asparagus with a soft poached egg, chicken liver parfait, and entrees like a Prime 8 oz Rib Eye, local sausages, and a tasty lamb burger. Kids welcome, dogs in the bar only. Reservations HIGHLY recommended. £5.95-£7.25 (starters), £12.95-£22.45 (mains).

  • Toke's, High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6AG, +44 01386 849 345. 9AM-6PM. Toke's has been selling fine wine and cheese in Chipping Campden for over 40 years. A second generation shop, it's a funky shop with English and European cheeses and wine from France, Italy and Spain. A fine spot for take out coffee, too.
  • Fillet & Bone, High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6AT, +44 01386 849093. 9AM-6PM. A self-described "urban farm shop," Fillet & Bone is a very hip food and drink shop that includes take away cheese, charcuterie, meats and local produce. They have a small wine shop that includes English made wines and ciders and all of the meat and seafood they sell is regional, including fresh daily seafood from Cornwall. Also a great place to pick up locally produced jams, oils, and other foodie gifts.

Toke's, High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6AG, +44 01386 849 345. 9AM-6PM. Toke's has been selling fine wine and cheese in Chipping Campden for over 40 years. A second generation shop, it's a funky shop with English and European cheeses and wine from France, Italy and Spain. A fine spot for take out coffee, too.

Fillet & Bone, High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6AT, +44 01386 849093. 9AM-6PM. A self-described "urban farm shop," Fillet & Bone is a very hip food and drink shop that includes take away cheese, charcuterie, meats and local produce. They have a small wine shop that includes English made wines and ciders and all of the meat and seafood they sell is regional, including fresh daily seafood from Cornwall. Also a great place to pick up locally produced jams, oils, and other foodie gifts.

  • Chipping Campden Tourist Information Centre, The Old Police Station, High Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HB, +44 1386 841206. 9:30AM-5PM. Located in the heart of Chipping Campden, the visitors' bureau has a small gift shop, books by local authors and about the local area, maps, information on cycle, car and taxi hire, and more.
  • Chipping Campden Surgery, Back Ends, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AU, +44 01386 841894.
  • Public bathrooms are located on High Street and Sheep Street.

Chipping Campden Tourist Information Centre, The Old Police Station, High Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HB, +44 1386 841206. 9:30AM-5PM. Located in the heart of Chipping Campden, the visitors' bureau has a small gift shop, books by local authors and about the local area, maps, information on cycle, car and taxi hire, and more.

Chipping Campden Surgery, Back Ends, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AU, +44 01386 841894.

Public bathrooms are located on High Street and Sheep Street.