Why move to Chipping Campden and the North Cotswolds?
Each year, families, downsizers and those leaving London - or further afield - choose to make the North Cotswolds their home, residing in counties such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. Our Chipping Campden team meets many of them and the same reasons come up time and again. Here is what draws people to this corner of the Cotswolds…
Walking and hiking on the doorstep
Chipping Campden marks the northern start of the Cotswold Way, the long-distance National Trail that runs around 102 miles south to Bath. Even if you never walk the full route, its opening stretch offers some of the finest views in the region. Just outside the town, Dover’s Hill, cared for by the National Trust, looks out across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills. A network of footpaths and bridleways links the surrounding villages, so a morning walk can easily become a day of exploring.
A haven for dog owners
For dog owners, the North Cotswolds is hard to beat. Open hillsides, woodland and quiet lanes make for varied daily walks and many local pubs and cafés welcome dogs. With sheep and cattle grazing much of the farmland, keeping dogs on a lead around livestock is part of country life here.
Historic buildings full of character
Chipping Campden’s High Street is often described as one of the most beautiful in England. Its honey-coloured limestone buildings reflect the town’s medieval wealth from the wool trade. The arched Market Hall is understood to date from 1627, and the church of St James is a fine example of a Cotswold wool church. Across the surrounding villages, thatched cottages, period farmhouses and manor houses give the area its timeless character.
Beautiful, protected countryside
The Cotswolds is a designated National Landscape, which protects its rolling hills, dry stone walls and traditional villages for the future. That protection helps preserve the area’s rural character, which matters to those making a long-term move.
A strong choice of schools
Families are well served by independent schools. Kitebrook Preparatory School near Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham Hill School near Chipping Norton are both within easy reach. A little further afield are Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Dean Close in Cheltenham, Bloxham School near Banbury, and Warwick School and King’s High School in Warwick. Several offer boarding as well as day places including The Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswold School and Pates in Cheltenham.
The state sector is strong too. Chipping Campden School is a well-regarded secondary with a sixth form, and the town has two primary schools, St James and Ebrington CofE Primary and St Catharine’s Catholic Primary. For selective education, King Edward VI School and Stratford Girls’ Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon admit pupils by 11+ entrance test.
Country pubs and village life
Village pubs remain at the heart of Cotswold life. Many serve local ales and seasonal food, with log fires in winter and gardens in summer. Village fetes, farmers’ markets and local events give newcomers an easy way to become part of the community. Some of our favourties include Ebrington Arms in Ebrington, The Fox Inn Broadwell, The Plough in Ford, Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power, Bakers Arms, Broad Campden, Eight Bells Inn in Chipping Campden, The Coach and Horses in Bourton on The Hill, The Half Way at Kineton, and The Farmers Dog, owned by Jeremy Clarkson.
Well connected
Despite its rural feel, the area is accessible. Rail services from nearby Moreton-in-Marsh and Honeybourne connect to London, with journeys to Paddington from around 90 minutes, making hybrid working a realistic option.
Find your home in the North Cotswolds
If you are considering a move to the area, our Chipping Campden team can help you find the right home, from village cottages to country houses. Explore our area guides to Chipping Campden, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold, or contact us to register your search.
Visit us at Market House, High Street, Chipping Campden, call 01386 840224 or email [email protected].
