Shopping, Markets, Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants
Chipping Norton has an abundance of shops providing everything you could need, together with many independent stores selling gifts, arts, antiques, books, clothes and speciality foods. There are plenty of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants too where you can take a break from browsing.
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.
Historical Interest
Bliss Mill
Bliss Mill is in a glorious setting in The Common on the edge of town. It was a working mill for more than a hundred years, making fine tweed from locally sourced wool. Designed by George Woodhouse in 1872, the building is renowned for its tall chimney, and looks more like a grand country house than a working mill. It was converted into residential apartments in 1988.
St Mary the Virgin Church
Tucked away in a tranquil spot just a short walk down the hill from the town is St Mary the Virgin Church. The church dates from the 12th century, and was built on the site of the original settlement. Children in particular will enjoy the porch of the church, where the carvings include a green man with tendrils spouting from his nose and a lion sticking its tongue out!
The Almshouses
Henry Cornish stated that these houses were to be for 8 poor widows of ‘honest and Godly life and convention.’ Note the 9 chimneys, apparently for purposes of symmetry! They were converted to 4 dwellings in the 1950s and are still administered by Chipping Norton Welfare Charities.
Chipping Norton Walks
As well as having the Cotswolds on our doorstep, Chipping Norton has several beautiful local walks.
- The Common and Bliss Mill:
Head down to Station Road, cut through the alleyway, and you will find yourself at the style that leads onto The Common, a stunning open area grazed by cows in the summer. Walk past the historical landmark Bliss Mill and enjoy open views of the surrounding countryside.
- Circular Walk to Over Norton:
Walk up through the cemetery, and continue on through the fields, looping round to Over Norton with fine views back over the town.
- Chipping Norton to Salford:
Starting from the cemetery again, continue on from the fields down the hill to Salford, enjoying fine open views towards the Cotswolds. You can grab a drink and a bite to eat at the pub in Salford before heading back up to Chippy.
- Glyme Lane to Glyme Farm and beyond:
From Chipping Norton School, Glyme Lane leads you past the tranquil William Fowler Wood and on to Glyme Farm, with stunning open views and an idyllic river setting.
The Theatre, Lido and Museum
The Theatre Chipping Norton is a mixed arts venue, hosting, co-producing and supporting some of the most exciting, accessible and entertaining culture in the region. Their extensive community and education programmes engage with thousands of people each year through workshops, classes and creative projects, and they develop creative work through Associate Companies, curated festivals and commissioned projects.
With its fully-heated 25m pool, café and large, tree-lined lawn, The Lido outdoor swimming pool is an oasis of calm in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
The Chipping Norton museum was first opened in March 1986 in the old schoolroom of the Baptist Chapel in New Street and then moved to its present home in 1995.The Museum’s collection began with a large donation of agricultural tools from Mr Tom Pitt of Chadlington, many of which are still on display today.
Opening hours: 2-4pm, Monday-Saturday from Easter to the end of October
Festivals
Nearby
As well as having plenty of interest within the town itself, Chipping Norton is surrounded by spots that make for great day trips out.
