Chipping Campden’s story is etched in stone. Its origins stretch back to the 12th century, when it thrived as a wool trading center. Explore the Market Hall, a magnificent 17th-century edifice that once buzzed with the energy of merchants and their wares. Stand beneath the shadow of St. James’ Church, a magnificent “wool church” adorned with intricately carved angels and gargoyles, testaments to a bygone era of prosperity.
Discover the enchanting Hidcote Manor nearby, a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design with exquisite gardens bursting with exotic blooms and hidden follies. Or take a peek into the quirky Court Barn Museum, where everyday objects whisper tales of life in the Cotswolds centuries ago.
Savor a hearty Sunday roast in The Eight Bells, a traditional pub with crackling fires and warm hospitality. For modern Mediterranian cuisine try Michael’s – one of our personal favourites. If you’re feeling decadent treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Noel Arms, indulging in delicate pastries and fragrant brews served in a charming garden setting. Or for traditional homemade scones, cakes and teas try The Bantam Tearooms.
Chipping Campden is a walker’s paradise. Embark on a scenic hike along the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail weaving through fields of wildflowers and offering breathtaking panoramas and encounters with grazing sheep and quaint villages. For a shorter adventure head to Dover’s Hill, where panoramic views of the Vale of Evesham unfold like a painted canvas.
Distance from Gardners Cottage: 5 miles / 10 minutes drive