About Chipping Norton.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Chipping Norton is a charming market town that perfectly blends historic character with modern appeal. Known affectionately as “Chippy” by locals, it boasts honey-coloured stone buildings, a vibrant high street filled with independent shops, cosy pubs, and excellent dining options. Steeped in history, the town was once a major centre for the wool trade, and its elegant 15th-century church stands as a proud reminder of its prosperous past.
Today, Chipping Norton is a thriving community with a strong arts scene, a lively theatre, and easy access to stunning countryside walks and nearby attractions like Blenheim Palace and Soho Farmhouse. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend escape or a beautiful place to live, Chipping Norton offers the perfect mix of rural charm, cultural richness, and Cotswold beauty.
Chipping Norton amenities.
Food shopping:
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The closest local shop is Sainsbury’s, located on the corner of the High Street when walking left out of the cottage.
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The CO-OP, a large store in the town centre, offers a wide range of ingredients. It also features a fantastic COOK Shop freezer, perfect for simple or last-minute meals.
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OATS is a charming independent shop further down the High Street, towards the cinema—ideal for finding more niche ingredients.
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M&S Foodhall is a bit further out from the town centre but still within walking distance, offering a great selection of quality food items.
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There is also a large ALDI a short walk from the town centre.
Restaurants & takeaways:
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Whistlers is a fun restaurant in town and serves fantastic food. They also host events including jazz and stand-up comedy nights. We recommend booking ahead.
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Alberto’s is a small bistro restaurant offering traditional Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes. We recommend booking ahead.
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The Rustic Bean Cafe is a short walk from the cottage and perfect for a flat white, sweet treat, or brunch bite.
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Mor Bakery is very close to the cottage and is known for great pastries and freshly baked sourdough bread.
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The Wild Boar Pub and The Fox are popular local pubs, ideal for a drink and/or a meal.
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While we haven’t tried it ourselves, Thai Shire is reputed to offer excellent Thai takeaway.
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Spice of India serves classic Indian takeaway dishes that are easy to order via the website.
Other amenities:
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TY Cycles is a bicycle centre a short walk from the town centre, where you can rent bikes.
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Trev Beadle Butcher is a fantastic local butcher in the village.
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The Bookshop in town offers a great selection of books, including children’s titles.
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There are two cash points —one by Sainsbury’s and the other outside the CO-OP entrance.
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Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is a charming traditional sweet shop, perfect for kids.
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Johnsons Dry Cleaner is located in the town centre.
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TopSide & Boots Pharmacy is located in the middle of town.
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Quality Discounts is a large shop in the town centre, offering all sorts of unexpected finds.
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Cedar Therapy offers a range of luxury treatments - from facials, to brown lamination.
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Two by Simon Smith is a hair salon in town that offers cutting and styling services.
The best pubs around.
(in our opinion)
There are many fantastic pubs just a short distance from the cottage—it’s truly one of the best things about the Cotswolds. They make great destinations for walks or short drives, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal. Here are some of our favourites:
*The Black Horse, Salford (6 min drive)
Great new pub in the local area, fantastic if you want a long walk from Norton Cottage. Small and cosy, with a snacky lunch menu and a more elaborate evening menu.
The Chequers, Churchill (7 min drive)
Jermey Clarkson and the cast of Diddly Squat’s local hang out. Traditional pub with classic pub grub.
The Crown Inn, Enstone (8 minutes)
Perfect gourmet food in a relaxed and upmarket pub atmosphere. Quality produce and fantastic staff.
The Boxing Hare, Banbury rd (9 minutes)
Really lovely setting and staff. The food is great and they have a great and unique Spanish beer selection.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham (10 min drive)
Very fancy pub/restaurant, best saved for a special occasion. Beautiful interiors and a spectacular tasting menu with fine wines. You can just stop by in the daytime for a coffee/drink if you want to experience it.
*The Kingham Plough, Kingham (10 min drive)
Fantastic gourmet food ranging from classic fish & chips to stunning beef ragu. Would really recommend it.
*The Fox, Oddington (12 min drive)
Great pub which feels like a scene out of The Holiday. From the same people behind Daylesford, this pub has a great classic Sunday Lunch menu or hosts a casual evening pizza menu.
*The Bull, Charlbury (14 mins drive)
Our personal favourite pub. The food and staff are absolutely fantastic and it has a warm, cosy and stunning interior. A real focus on sharing dishes, with meaty mains and delicious vegetable sides.
The Bell, Charlbury (14 mins drive)
A fantastic pub from the people behind Daylesford. This pub is light and airy with a great pub menu. The newly converted “barn” in the back building offers a different sharing experience which is great.
*personal favourite
Fun local activities.
Chipping Norton is brimming with fun and engaging activities for all ages, making it an ideal spot for both visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, family-friendly outings, or simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, there’s something here for everyone. Here are just a few of the many great things you can enjoy in and around Chipping Norton:
Local Market (3 minute walk)
The Chipping Norton Market comes to town on a Wednesday, and on the third Saturday of every month, there is a farmers' market from 8.30am-1.30pm showcasing local produce from the area.
The Living Room Cinema (5 minute walk)
Quality films in intimate boutique surroundings. A small charming and independent cinema in the heart of Chipping Norton.
The Theatre (5 minute walk)
A multi-arts theatre, cinema, gallery and music venue in Chipping Norton. Great for a festive pantomime every December!
*The Lido (7 minute walk)
With its fully-heated 25m pool, café and large, tree-lined lawn, The Lido swimming pool is an oasis of calm in the heart of town.
FairyTale Farm (3 minute drive)
Perfect for young children. Play zones, a petting zoo & fairytale-themed gardens, designed to be accessible to all children.
Diddly Squat Farm (5 minute drive)
From the famous TV Show Clarkson’s Farm, Jeremy Clarkson has opened his own farm shop just down the road from the cottage. The lambing shed has opened a bar and burger shack, which is worth a visit on a Summer’s evening for the sunset - it must have one of the best views of Chipping Norton.
Hook Norton Brewery (10 minute drive)
Victorian brewery offering guided tours with free beer samples.
*Daylesford Farm & Farm Shop (11 minute drive)
A stunning boutique farm shop with fantastic produce from soups and cheeses to wine. Daylesford also has a cool cafe-deli with a chic vibe offering a menu of seasonal & organic plates & salads.
Soho Farmhouse (15 minute drive)
A members-only retreat in the Oxfordshire countryside, part of the Soho House group. Set across 100 acres, it offers rustic cabins, a spa, restaurants, and outdoor activities in a relaxed yet luxurious setting. It's a popular escape for creatives seeking comfort, style, and countryside charm.
*Blenheim Palace (18 minute drive)
Beautiful grounds for walking, lovely orangery cafe to enjoy an afternoon tea, a great gift shop and the ultimate playground.
*Blenheim Palace Festive Light Show & Indoor Show (18 minute drive)
Blenheim Palace puts on the most spectacular light show and indoor show around the festive period - it is well worth a visit!
*Walks around the beautiful countryside
There are so many beautiful walks in the surrounding area. We’ve left some maps in the drawer under the TV to help you.
*Visit nearby villages
There are also so many beautiful villages in the Cotswolds that are just a stone’s throw away. Some of our favourites include: Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter and Woodstock.
*personal favourite