Things to do in Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden Attractions

Chipping Campden is a beautiful village, full of character and history so it was easy for us to pull together our list of 10 things to do in, and around, Chipping Campden.

1. We talk a lot about visiting beautiful gardens as the Cotswolds has more than its fair share, but there is something just that little bit extra special about Hidcote Manor Garden. Divided into a series of ‘outdoor rooms’ which lead you away from the house, each one is linked through a series of box hedges or yew trees to define each space. There is simply nowhere as tranquil as the gardens but especially the Italian Shelter – located near the Bathing pool – a dedicated silent space where visitors can have a seat and take a moment to enjoy the sounds of nature.
   
2. Arts and Crafts movement fans will be drawn to the Court Barn – a Museum of craft & design which tells the stories and legacy of the craftspeople, designers and artists working in the area from the 1900 to the present day. The museum celebrates nine workshops that were established in the North Cotswolds starting with C.R. Ashbee, architect, designer and a leading figure in the Arts & Crafts movement. He moved his Guild of Handicraft – some 50 Guildsmen and their families – to Chipping Campden in the summer of 1902 from their original base in London. Visitors inspired by a tour of the exhibitions and events which run throughout the year, can treat themselves to an item from the museum shop which is stocked with lovingly created hand made items from highly skilled designer-makers.
3. The Cotswolds is a haven for walkers and Chipping Campden is the starting point for many of the most beautiful walks on offer. One such walk is the circular route taking in Broadway Tower – locally known as the best Cotswold walk! This circular walk takes you along a mixture of paths and grazing land so unless you’re walking in the summer you’ll need to pop your waterproof walking boots on. From Chipping Campden the walk takes you on a climb towards Dover’s Hill – the site of the ancient Olimpick Games (yes the spelling is actually correct!) a rather unusual event that usually takes place in the Spring. Then, you arrive at Broadway Tower where you can take in the incredible views, from the hilltop folly, of some 16 counties! There are also a couple of amazing cafes up there.
   
4. Antique lovers will enjoy scouring the many shops packed full of wonderful artifacts and treasures. In Chipping Campden you will find Stuart House Antiques, known for its china collections and Mickleton Antique Centre stocked by a collection of dealers and featuring fabulous vintage collectables. A ‘must visit’ is Station Mill, an 11,000 square foot emporium, spread over two floors and featuring collections from around 80 dealers. Whilst browsing the vast array of antiques on offer at Station Mill you may also bump into local celebrity Jeremy Clarkson who listed the centre as one of the things he likes most in the area.
5. Visitors to Chipping Campden in the summer months should make the short trip to Cotswold Lavender in nearby Snowshill. Visitors to the farm can take in the lavender scent as it wafts across the fields and if you’re lucky enough to be on the farm when the harvest and distilling takes place you may even be able to see how the oil is extracted from the flowers. The onsite shop is a perfect place to pick up a gift or to treat yourself to the range of bath and shower products, skincare, home scents and even lavender chocolate.
   
6. A hidden gem on the outskirts of Chipping Campden is the Little Oak Vineyard. Open for tours and tastings all year round, Little Oak Vineyard started life in 2005 when owner Steve Wilson planted his first vines. Tour visitors will learn about the rollercoaster ride the vineyard has had since opening before stopping to sample the award-winning sparkling wine, one of the top 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World. And, if you’re feeling inspired you can purchase an annual Vine Lease entitling you to 2 personalised bottles of wine, an invite to the annual wine tasting event and a discount off all wine purchases.
7. Just 20 minutes from Chipping Campden is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway which offers a 28 mile round trip through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. There are a choice of trips available across the railway depending on how long you would like to spend on board and visitors are able to hop off and on the railway at the dedicated stops – just keep an eye on the timetable to help you plan your route.
   
8. Who doesn’t love afternoon tea – especially when it is topped up with a sparkling glass of champagne at Cotswold House in Chipping Campden. Once you’ve settled in to the cosy lounge and are enjoying the elegant and plush furnishings you will be delighted by the array of treats on offer. From delicate cucumber sandwiches to perfectly plump scones, bitesize brownies to flower topped fruit filled delicacies. What could be better than afternoon tea overlooking one of the Cotswolds most beautiful high streets?
9. No family visit to Chipping Campden is complete without a short drive over to the Cotswold Farm Park. Younger guests will delight in the chance to experience messy play (please book in advance) before learning about conservation on the Wildlife Walk and in the Conservation area. The farm is also home to a variety of rare breeds – in fact you will find over 50 rare and commercial farmyard animals. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the Spring you may get to see the new-born lambs being bottle fed. Stop by in October and explore the pumpkin patch or from late November through to the 1 January then the enchanted light trail is not to be missed.
10. Not satisfied by your trip to the Vineyard? Then most definitely plan a visit to Cotswold Distillery where you can enjoy a tour of the still house and warehouses before sampling their spirits and liqueurs. If you prefer something a little more “hands-on” then the ‘Gin Blending Masterclass’ is for you. The class begins with a welcome G&T on arrival whilst your host talks you through the history of gin, followed by a tour before the real fun begins and you get to blend your own unique gin! The session closes with a martini cocktail made from your very own gin whilst your host packages up two 20cl bottles of your blend gin alongside a bottle of Cotswolds Dry gin for you to enjoy at home.