The Delights of Chipping Campden
All of our hikes start in the delightful town of Chipping Campden.
Often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Cotswold towns, Chipping Campden is also one of the best preserved and most historically important towns.
A planned town of the late 12th century, its original layout can still be seen along the High Street following the line of an important trading route. There are around 270 listed building in the town, with 170 of these being in the extended High Street alone.
A few of our favourites:
The Market Hall, which was built in 1627 by the town’s wealthy benefactor, Sir Baptist Hicks, was built to provide shelter for traders. Back then locals and visitors alike would trade goods like cheese, butter and poultry. Take a walk along the stone paved floors and you can almost hear the shouts and echoes from market traders from times gone by. In the 1940s it was almost sold to an American, but local people gathered together to raise the money to buy it. They then gave it to the National Trust so that people young and old can continue to cherish this wonderful building.
Another building worthy of a mention is Grevel House which is a majestic honey-stone property complete with intricately decorated windows, gargoyles and a sundial. Grevel House is also one of the the oldest buildings in Chipping Campden and was built in 1380 by wool merchant William Grevel. Although it is a private home you can still marvel at the architecture as you pass by.
You can also visit St James Church which is one of the finest wool churches in the country. Much of the current building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries; a testament to the significance of the town as well as the wealth of the merchants who paid for its construction.
There are plenty of other things to do, places to eat and events to attend, so if you want to find out more about Chipping Campden before your stay, visit the Tourist Information Centre website.
And, of course, if you want to extend your stay in this delightful town just let us know and we can adapt your itinerary.
