This small countryside town in the Cotswolds might be the perfect spot for an autumnal day trip or weekend away, offering everything from delicious pub grub to stunning walks
At the edge of the Cotswold Way, this charming market town is an ideal place to plan a day trip or weekend away this autumn.
Rich with history and dotted with picturesque pubs that feature cosy fires to enjoy as the temperatures drop, Chipping Campden is well worth a visit.
Located in Gloucestershire, much of the town is built from the stunning Cotswold stone that’s well known in the area, a picture-perfect country idyll that’s increasingly attracting some A-list residents.
Fans of a good countryside walk will be treated to some spectacular views of the colourful autumn foliage, and when it comes to food, there are some great options on offer.
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Dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, Chipping Campden dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. It’s known for its unusually wide high street – parts of which were built in the 14th century – and was once home to a bustling wool trade.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Market Hall – now protected by the National Trust – and its proximity to many independent shops and boutiques will provide a welcome distraction for anyone in more of a mood to spend that learn.
St. James’s Church, Grevel House, and Old Campden House all provide more insight into the long history of the small market town.
Even a trip to the pub will give you a taste of the many lives that have gone on in this historic place, with the Eight Bells – a local favourite – including many character features that create a lot of atmosphere. From stone floors and wooden beams, to roaring fires in a cast iron grate – you will never want to head home.
The menu at the Eight Bells offers a decent number of vegetarian, fish, and meat options, so everyone will be catered to.
But the puddings are where the offerings really come alive: so make sure you leave room for a sweet treat to round off your meal.
The Red Lion is another stunning historic location to sit back and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, but if you’re looking for more action, less relaxing, the walks on offer in the area are nothing short of magical.
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile walk that begins at Chipping Campden and runs all the way to the historic city of Bath. But even the portion from the market town itself is a day well spent amongst the autumnal scenery, with the woodlands you will pass through second to none at this time of year.
It’s a well marked walk, so you don’t need to be a pro-hiker to give this one a go, but bear in mind there are more than a few steep hills along it, so if you’re planning to try the whole thing out over the course of some days, make sure you stay hydrated and organise plenty of breaks along the route.