North Cotswolds Villages Loop
(29 miles/47 km adds 60 mins of drive time)
Moreton-in-Marsh
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There are some wonderful maps for self-guided walks
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See the Four Shire Stone, just on the outskirts, which is the old meeting point of four counties: Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire. This stone is believed to be the inspiration for Tolkien's Three-Farthing Stone in Lord of the Rings.
For a peek at Civil War history, visit the White Hart, located on the High Street to view a copy of King Charles I's unpaid bill, which is on display in the lobby!
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The Bell Inn is considered by many to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for the ‘Prancing Pony’, Middle Earth’s pub in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The Bell Inn is a fine example of a traditional coaching inn.
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Old Market Way (GL56 0JY) payment is due between Mon-Sat 08:00 - 15:00, 52 spaces. Also parking at the Station (GL56 0AA), 112 spaces - payment required. No height restrictions.
A thriving market town dating back to the Saxon era, Moreton-in-Marsh (image copyright Visit Gloucester) boasts a historic, elegant High Street lined with 17th and 18th-century buildings. King Charles I sought refuge at the White Hart Royal, now a charming hotel, during the Civil War. The iconic Redesdale Hall, the town hall, dates back to 1887 and stands as a focal point of the town's heritage.
A stroll along the High Street offers a delightful mix of independent shops, antique stores, and a variety of tea rooms and delis—perfect for refreshments and a leisurely morning or afternoon.
Attractions include the Wellington Aviation Museum, a fascinating small museum showcasing WWII aviation history, and the Cotswold Falconry, where you can marvel at birds of prey in flight displays and learn about their conservation. For a more hands-on experience, book one of their experience days.
The Cotswolds Distillery, just a 10-minute drive away, provides immersive experiences such as guided distillery tours, gin and whisky blending sessions, and cocktail-making masterclasses. If you're exploring the area, the distillery is also an easy visit from nearby Chipping Campden, about 15 minutes away by car.
Nearby, you can also visit Batsford Arboretum, a 56-acre haven showcasing stunning collections of trees and plants, perfect for nature lovers. For railway enthusiasts, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has a nearby station at Toddington, offering scenic heritage rides through the Cotswolds countryside.
Chipping Norton
Explore Chipping Norton with a heritage walk starting at the Town Hall on the bustling High Street, leading to the old Hitchman’s Brewery, the Norman Castle banks, beautiful Almshouses, and the medieval Guildhall—uncovering 1,000 years of history.
Relax at the Chipping Norton Lido, featuring a 25m heated outdoor pool, a toddler paddling pool, and a café.
Depending on the season, enjoy annual events like the Literary Festival and Big Feastival (hosted by Blur’s Alex James and chef Jamie Oliver), or the Arts Festival. Visit The Theatre Chipping Norton for theatre, cinema, gallery exhibitions, live music, and more.
Discover local history at the Museum of Local History, showcasing prehistoric and Roman artefacts. Nearby, Hook Norton Brewery offers a Victorian-era experience with steam-powered mills, horse-drawn deliveries, guided tours, and beer samples.
Don’t miss The Rollright Stones, a prehistoric site with 5,000 years of history, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Cotswolds.
Visit St. Mary’s Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture rich with historical details.
Chipping Norton is also surrounded by rolling hills, perfect for countryside walks, cycling routes, or exploring the Cotswold Way trails.
If visiting on a Wednesday, stop by the lively market in the town square to browse local produce, crafts, and unique finds. Stroll along the High Street to explore independent boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries for unique treasures.
Just a short drive away, discover the picturesque village of Great Tew or visit Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel, (located in the Historic Houses section of this guide.)
Diddly Squat Farm Shop — Located just outside Chipping Norton, Diddly Squat is Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop and visitor spot where you can buy seasonal produce, cured meats from the on-site butchery, branded merchandise and ready-to-eat items. There’s a casual cafe/bar serving simple meals and Hawkstone beers, occasional pop-up events and a lively weekend atmosphere. Practical note: the shop tends to be busiest at weekends, often operates card-only and is best visited earlier in the day to avoid queues.
Other Clarkson highlights nearby are The Farmer’s Dog (near Burford) and the Hawkstone Brewery — with details found on the relevant websites and in the relevant places within this guide. The rustic countryside The Farmer’s Dogpub is located by Asthall Barrow, near Burford, serving seasonal pub dishes, Hawkstone ales and a butcher/bottle-shop; book ahead at busy times. Visit Hawkstone Brewery for tours, a shop stocked with bottles and merchandise, and The Hawkstone Arms — open daily for a pint of Hawkstone lager or cider. Hawkstone Brewery is based just outside Bourton-on-the-Water, on the lane that runs toward Lower Slaughter, making it easily reachable from both villages.
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For walkers, there is an easy walk of 2.5 miles across gently undulating countryside from the market town of Chipping Norton to Over Norton and back to Chipping Norton - view here.
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Fancy a bit of cycling? TY Cycles hire a range of bikes. There are several cycle circular routes, including Chipping Norton to Witney
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The Tea Set is a dog-friendly tearoom serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Cakes are made in-house with locally sourced ingredients. The Chequers, at nearby Churchill, is a rustic pub with oak beams and modern British food.
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The Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden is a lovely garden at the north end of the high street. Here you can enjoy and celebrate the many plants that Ernest Wilson collected.
How to Get Here
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From London:
Distance: Approx. 75 miles (120 km).
Route: Take the M40 towards Oxford, then follow the A44 to Chipping Norton.
From Birmingham:
Distance: Approx. 45 miles (72 km).
Route: Take the M40 south, then the A3400 through Stratford-upon-Avon.
From Oxford:
Distance: Approx. 20 miles (32 km).
Route: Take the A44 directly to Chipping Norton.
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New Street (OX7 5LJ), 141 spaces and Albion Street (OX7 5BN), 54 spaces are free to park for a maximum of 12 hours. No height restrictions.
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Chipping Norton does not have its own train station, but there are nearby stations with good transport links:
Kingham Station (Approx. 5 miles/8 km from Chipping Norton)
Services: Operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), offering connections to London Paddington, Oxford, and Worcester.
Travel Time: London Paddington to Kingham takes about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Transfers: From Kingham, taxis or local bus services (Pulhams Coaches) can take you to Chipping Norton.
Charlbury Station (Approx. 8 miles/13 km from Chipping Norton)
Services: Also operated by GWR, with connections to London Paddington, Oxford, and Hereford.
Travel Time: London Paddington to Charlbury takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Transfers: Taxis are available outside the station, or you can arrange pickups in advance.
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Chipping Norton is well-connected by bus services to nearby towns and cities:
Pulhams Coaches
Runs several routes connecting Chipping Norton with Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cheltenham.
Stagecoach West (S3)
Provides service between Chipping Norton, Charlbury, and Oxford.
National Express Coaches
While not directly stopping in Chipping Norton, you can use nearby stops in Oxford or Cheltenham and transfer via local bus.
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Airports Nearest to Chipping Norton
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Approx. 65 miles (105 km) away. Direct train services from London Paddington to Kingham make this a convenient option.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Approx. 50 miles (80 km) away. Train services via Birmingham New Street to Kingham or Charlbury are available.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Spend a morning or afternoon in Stow-on-the-Wold and lose yourself among the honey-coloured streets as you explore this lovely town steeped in history. With a great range of shops, boutiques, galleries, and tea rooms – there is plenty to browse, and places to stop and watch the world go by as you wander through the renowned square lined with shops and cafés.
The Stow-on-the-Wold Visitor Information Centre is located in the lovely St. Edward's Hall, check out the ‘Tolkienesque’ north door where a pair of yew trees flank the door... a fantastic photo opportunity!
Check out the original stocks located on the town's green, which is a central gathering place and a historic focal point of the community. Stocks were used as a form of public punishment in medieval times. Offenders would have their ankles or wrists locked into wooden restraints as a means of humiliation and a deterrent against further wrongdoing. Today, the stocks serve as a reminder of the town's history and are often visited by tourists exploring the area.
Shops to browse include the charming Borzoi Bookshop, and the delicious The Cotswold Cheese Company has a branch here.
Depending on the time of year, several events are hosted including the Stow Cotswold Festival celebrating Cotswold life, crafts, and heritage, the Stow Motor Show every two years, Stow Art Week showcasing new and established artists, and music at the Stow Festival.
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The Porch House dates to 947 AD and is believed to be the oldest inn in England. See a 'witch's mark' in the medieval fireplace that is meant to prevent evil spirits from entering via the chimney.
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The Old Bakery is a traditional tea room where tea – including homemade scones, crumpets, and teacakes – is served on fine bone china. Number Four is an award-winning restaurant that creates exciting dishes by sourcing, where possible, local produce.
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Maugersbury Road (GL54 1HH), 65 spaces, and Fosseway (GL54 1BX), 100 spaces have no height restrictions.
Stow-on-the-Wold and the Civil War
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During the mid-1600s, the Cotswolds witnessed the initial and concluding battles of the English Civil Wars, which took place at Edgehill and Worcester, respectively. The Cotswolds held strategic significance, with King Charles I establishing his headquarters at Oxford to the southeast, while Oliver Cromwell maintained garrisons and supporters in western cities. Notably, both leaders lodged at the Lygon Arms Inn in Broadway, where visitors can still spend the night in the very room used by Cromwell in 1651.
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Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town in the Cotswolds region of England, has a notable connection to the English Civil War (1642-1651), specifically the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold, which was fought in nearby Donnington and took place on March 21, 1646.
During the Civil War, Stow-on-the-Wold was strategically located near important routes between the Royalist stronghold of Oxford and the Parliamentarian forces in Gloucestershire. The town became a key site of military activity as both sides sought to control its strategic position.
The Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold occurred during the later stages of the conflict when Parliamentarian forces, led by Sir William Brereton, laid siege to the Royalist-held town. The Royalists, under the command of Sir Jacob Astley, defended the town from within the churchyard of St. Edward's Church.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Parliamentarian forces, who successfully captured Stow-on-the-Wold from the Royalists. The defeat at Stow-on-the-Wold was a significant blow to the Royalist cause, contributing to the eventual defeat of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Fleeing the field, the Royalists fought a running retreat into the streets of Stow where the final stand took place, culminating in Astley’s surrender in the Market Square. As the only lockable building in the town, St. Edward’s Church was used to hold the defeated Royalist troops. The tombstone of Captain Hastings Keyte, who fell at the battle of Stow is in St. Edward's Hall.
Today, visitors to Stow-on-the-Wold can still see remnants of its Civil War history, including St. Edward's Church, which played a central role in the battle. The town's historic streets and buildings also offer glimpses into its past as a strategic stronghold during this tumultuous period of English history.
Cotswolds Houses & Gardens
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![A garden filled with purple flowering plants in front of a stone house with large windows and a turret.]()
Hidcote Manor
The National Trust's Hidcote Manor, near Chipping Campden, is an Arts and Crafts-inspired Garden with intricately designed outdoor spaces. It is one of the best-known gardens of its kind, in Britain. The gardens' design was influenced by designs from Alfred Parsons and Gertrude Jekyll, who were designing gardens within sequences of outdoor 'rooms'.
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![Stone wall in front of a lush, colorful garden with various flowers and plants, and a scenic countryside in the background.]()
Snowshill Manor
The National Trust's Snowshill Manor, in the village of Snowshill, is filled with mystery and charm, where you can discover a beautiful Arts and Crafts garden filled with quiet courts, stunning views, and enchanting features. In the 20th century, Snowshill Manor was home to Charles Paget Wade, an eccentric who collected objects that interested him. Image copyright: National Trust / James Dobson
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![Large historic stone mansion surrounded by lush green lawn and colorful flower garden.]()
Bourton House
The award-winning Bourton House Garden, situated in the village of Bourton-on-the-Hill, includes a knot garden, parterre and topiary walk, and a raised basket pond from the Great Exhibition of 1851. Plus 18th-century raised walks and Grade I listed Tithe Barn. Image copyright: Bourton House
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![A large, ornate historic mansion with a green dome and multiple turrets, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn and tropical plants.]()
Sezincote
Renowned for being 'India in the Cotswolds', Sezincote has unique architecture, which blends Indian and British styles. The main house features distinctive Mughal-inspired domes, minarets, and terraced gardens.
Sezincote is famous for its picturesque gardens, which showcase a combination of British and Indian landscaping styles. The estate has 3,500 acres with a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace, set in a landscape of temples, grottoes, and waterfalls, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Image copyright: Sezincote
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![A historic building with classical architecture, including tall columns and a triangular pediment, surrounded by lush greenery and white flowers in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.]()
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Family-run Kiftsgate Court Gardens, in the village of Mickleton, features rare plants and shrubs including the world-famous Kiftsgate rose. The gardens are the creation of three generations of women gardeners. Heather Muir was the first and was inspired by her friend Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote Manor. In the 1950s, Diany Binny added to the gardens with a semi-circular pool in the lower garden and opened the garden to the public. The third, Anne Chambers, oversaw adding the water garden. Image copyright: Kiftsgate Court Gardens
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![Cherry blossom trees in full bloom along a winding path in a park.]()
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum is situated in the Cotswolds area of Gloucestershire, close to the town of Moreton-in-Marsh.
The arboretum was established in the late 19th century by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, the first Lord Redesdale. It covers around 56 acres and is known for its diverse collection of trees and shrubs from around the world. There are over 2,850 specimens. Image copyright: Batsford Arboretum
Uncover More Map
The Uncover More map highlights key points of interest, scenic viewpoints, hidden gems, and much more along the recommended route. To make the most of it, use the map in conjunction with the destination information, and explore additional options in the area you’re visiting to discover even more experiences.
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Classic Cotswolds Last updated: 20 March 2026
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