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A Day In The Cotswolds

A Day In The Cotswolds

A Day In The Cotswolds

6 November 2026

Things to Do in the Cotswolds: A Local's Guide

Discover beautiful villages, delicious food and memorable days out, with Chipping Norton as your gateway to the Cotswolds.
Welcome to the Cotswolds! From picturesque market towns and countryside walks to independent
shops, farm shops and exceptional local food, there's plenty to discover.
We're The Living Room Cinema, an independent boutique cinema and café-bar at 29 High Street, Chipping Norton (OX7 5AD). A hidden gem in the heart of town, we're open for locally roasted coffee, delicious food and drinks, whether you're joining us for a film or simply popping in.
We love our part of the world, so here's our guide to some of our favourite places and experiences,
whether you're visiting for a day, a weekend or a little longer.

Explore this guide

Best things to do in the Cotswolds • Discover Chipping Norton
Rainy day ideas • Villages & scenic walks
Farm shops & local food • Clarkson's Farm
Family adventures • Wellness & relaxation
Near Soho Farmhouse • Couples, friends & evenings
Places to stay • Suggested itineraries

What are the best things to do in the Cotswolds?

Some of the best things to do in the Cotswolds include exploring historic towns and villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Norton; visiting Blenheim Palace, Daylesford Organic and Diddly Squat Farm Shop; and enjoying countryside walks, independent shops and excellent local food. Explore our recommendations and suggested itineraries below.
The Cotswolds covers a surprisingly large area, so choose a few places close together rather than
trying to see everything in one visit. Chipping Norton makes a fantastic base for nearby countryside
and attractions.

Is Chipping Norton worth visiting?

Absolutely! And we may be a little biased, because we love it here.
Chipping Norton, known locally as Chippy, is a historic market town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, with independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, and countryside walks on its doorstep.
It's also a great base for exploring nearby villages, historic attractions and farm shops. But Chippy is much more than a stopping point. Browse independent shops, hunt for antiques and enjoy its lively market town character.
At the heart of town, The Living Room Cinema is an independent boutique cinema and café-bar serving food, coffee and drinks alongside films. You can enjoy the café-bar without a cinema ticket.

Discover Chipping Norton's independent shops, food and entertainment

Spend some time exploring Chippy's independent shops and local favourites.
Browse books at Jaffé & Neale, and discover gifts and homewares at Beehive Home & Lifestyle.
For jewellery, accessories and distinctive gifts, visit Wild at Heart. For quirky presents and unexpected
finds, pop into Bippity Boo on Middle Row.
Treasure hunters will love Station Mill Antiques & Interiors, with around 80 dealers under one roof.
Don't miss The Cotswold Sweet Shoppe for handmade chocolates and pick and mix, a little taste of Willy Wonka without the golden ticket!
And Chipping Norton Cellars offers an independent selection of wines, ales and spirits.

FOOD, DRINKS AND FILMS AT THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA

At The Living Room Cinema, enjoy locally roasted Stow Town Coffee, pastries from Mark's Cotswold Bakery, sourdough toasties made with its award-winning bread, fresh cakes, pizzas stretched by hand and tempting little sharing plates.
We're proud to champion local producers and ingredients, including ice cream from family run Marshfield Farm in the Cotswolds. We also offer a carefully curated wine list, cocktails and local beers, alongside popcorn and nachos for the full cinema experience.
Come for morning coffee and pastries, lunch, dinner, a relaxing drink or a film. You don't need a cinema ticket to enjoy our café-bar.
Exploring Chippy with your four-legged friend? Dogs are welcome in our foyer and café-bar, with treats for them too! Service dogs can join guests inside the cinema screens. Feel free to contact us about assistance dog access to the screens so we can help you make the most of your visit.
For live performances, comedy and seasonal shows, take a look at The Theatre Chipping Norton.
For a taste of Italy, Alberto's is a much loved independent restaurant and pantry on Chippy's High Street, serving freshly prepared Italian food in a relaxed setting.
There are two Chequers pubs to discover: one in Chipping Norton and another in nearby Churchill, just to keep you on your toes!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE COTSWOLDS ON A RAINY DAY?

Rainy day activities near Chipping Norton include browsing independent shops and antiques, visiting local museums, enjoying spa treatments, or spending a cosy afternoon with coffee, food and a film at The Living Room Cinema.

INDEPENDENT SHOPS, MUSEUMS, AND RAINY DAY DISCOVERIES

Chipping Norton has plenty of independent shops to duck into, from gifts at Wild at Heart and Bippity Boo to treasures from around 80 antiques dealers at Station Mill Antiques & Interiors.
Browse the shelves at Jaffé & Neale, or discover the town's past at the Chipping Norton Museum of Local History, which opens seasonally.
For families, The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock has interactive exhibits and free admission. Chipping Norton Leisure Centre has an indoor pool and soft play.
For a little pampering, try Bamford Wellness Spa near Kingham, Reformer Pilates at Holy Reformer in Adderbury, in a restored chapel with a cosy sitting room and wood burning stove, or Eight Middle Row in Chipping Norton for hair and beauty. You’ll find more ideas in our Wellness & Relaxation section.

ESCAPE THE RAIN AT THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA

Find a cosy corner and settle in with locally roasted coffee, hot chocolate or something delicious to eat. We’ve also got board games and cards for friends and families to enjoy together.
Or why not make an afternoon of it with a film? Take a look at what’s showing and see what takes your fancy. And remember, no cinema ticket is needed to enjoy our café-bar.

WHAT ARE THE PRETTIEST VILLAGES AND BEST PLACES TO EXPLORE NEAR CHIPPING NORTON?

From Chipping Norton, beautiful towns, villages and countryside walks are within easy reach. Here are a few of our favourites.
Charlbury — Explore winding streets, independent shops and excellent pubs. The Bull was named National Pub & Bar of the Year in 2025, while The Bell features in the Michelin Guide and has a fabulous garden for warmer months. With countryside walks on the doorstep, it's a place to linger over a long lunch.
Woodstock — Historic streets, independent shops and places to eat. Stop for a cocktail at The Feathers or visit magnificent Blenheim Palace.
Stow-on-the-Wold — Honey-coloured stone buildings, independent shops, pubs and cafés, including The Porch House, which claims to be England's oldest inn, dating back to AD 947.
Moreton-in-Marsh — A traditional market town, with Batsford Arboretum and its 60 acres of gardens and remarkable trees just a mile outside.
Choose one or two places, take your time and leave room for an unexpected discovery along the way.

DISCOVER LOCAL MAKERS AND ANCIENT LANDMARKS

If you enjoy discovering independent makers, Whichford Pottery is well worth visiting. Famous for its handmade terracotta flowerpots, it also has beautiful gardens, a shop and The Straw Kitchen, where you can stop for a bite to eat.
For history and folklore, head to the Rollright Stones, an ancient stone circle and neighbouring monuments set in the countryside near Chipping Norton. And if ancient mysteries and a touch of crystal magic are your thing, Feel Good Crystals is just down the road. Who knows, you might discover a little Cotswolds magic of your own!

BEST SCENIC WALKS IN AND AROUND CHIPPING NORTON

With rolling hills, peaceful footpaths and beautiful countryside on its doorstep, Chipping Norton is a wonderful place to explore on foot. With two circular walks starting right in town, you don't even need to get in the car!
For a shorter outing, try the approximately three mile Chipping Norton to Over Norton circular walk, with views back towards town.
For a longer adventure, the eight mile circular walk takes in Salford, the Rollright Stones and Over Norton before returning to Chippy.
The Living Room Cinema is a handy stop for locally roasted coffee and a pastry before your walk, or lunch and a well earned drink afterwards.

WHERE ARE THE BEST FARM SHOPS AND LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCES IN THE COTSWOLDS?

Explore some of the Cotswolds’ best food experiences, including Daylesford Organic, Bruern Farms, Diddly Squat Farm Shop and Cotswolds Distillery. Local producers are one of the reasons we love this part of the world!

FARM SHOPS AND LOCAL FAVOURITES

Daylesford Organic, near Kingham, is a Cotswolds institution. With its farm shop, organic produce, restaurants and homewares, it's a destination in its own right. Whether you're stocking up for a weekend away, or enjoying a leisurely lunch, there's plenty to explore.
For something a little more off the beaten track, Bruern Farms is a family run farm with a thoughtfully curated shop selling its own meat, eggs, heritage grain flour and other local produce. There's also a café and countryside walks nearby.
And, of course, no guide to local farming would be complete without Diddly Squat Farm Shop, made famous by Clarkson's Farm. It's one of our favourite shows, and we love visiting the farm shop. The countryside views are spectacular, especially when enjoyed with a Hawkstone beer - which we're proud to serve at The Living Room Cinema too!

DISCOVER THE COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY

For another taste of the Cotswolds, Cotswolds Distillery, near Stourton, offers guided tours and tastings, giving visitors a behind the scenes look at how its award-winning gin and whisky are made.
There's also a shop and café, making it an enjoyable stop for anyone interested in local craftsmanship and a good gin. We're rather partial to their gin ourselves and proudly serve it at The Living Room!
And with Whichford Pottery nearby, you could easily combine the two for a memorable afternoon.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO NEAR CLARKSON'S FARM?

After visiting Diddly Squat Farm Shop, explore other local favourites including The Farmer's Dog, Hawkstone Brewery and Chipping Norton, with its independent shops, cafés, restaurants and welcoming cinema and café-bar.
Fancy making a weekend of it? Take a look at our two-day Clarkson's Farm itinerary below for a little inspiration.
The Farmer's Dog, Jeremy's country pub near Burford, celebrates British farming with hearty food made using British ingredients. There's also a shop and other places to eat on site, around 25 minutes' drive from Diddly Squat Farm Shop.
Hawkstone Brewery, near Bourton-on-the-Water, offers brewery tours, tastings and a taproom where you can discover how its famous beer is made. It's around half an hour's drive from Diddly Squat.
Chipping Norton is just a short drive from Diddly Squat Farm Shop. With independent shops, pubs, antiques, a tempting sweet shop and The Living Room Cinema, there's plenty to enjoy.
The Living Room offers locally roasted coffee, lunch, pizzas stretched by hand and Hawkstone beer, as well as films throughout the day and evening. You can visit the café-bar without a cinema ticket.

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS WITH CHILDREN?

Family days out near Chipping Norton include Fairytale Farm, Cotswold Farm Park, Blenheim Palace Adventure Play, The Oxfordshire Museum and family screenings at The Living Room Cinema, with plenty to do whatever the weather.

FAMILY ADVENTURES AND DAYS OUT

Fairytale Farm, just outside Chipping Norton, is a magical day out for younger children. With friendly animals, enchanted gardens, adventure play areas and even dinosaurs, there's plenty to capture their imaginations.
For animal lovers, Cotswold Farm Park, near Guiting Power, is a fantastic place to meet rare breed farm animals, enjoy hands-on experiences and learn a little about farming along the way.
Blenheim Palace, near Woodstock, offers much more than a magnificent historic house. Its gardens, maze and Adventure Play area, with tunnels, bridges and places to climb and explore, make it a great family destination.
And for something different, The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock is packed with interactive displays, dinosaur discoveries and family activities. Best of all, admission is free!

FAMILY FUN IN CHIPPING NORTON

You don't have to venture far from Chipping Norton to find some lovely little adventures for the children.
Bookworms of all ages will enjoy Jaffé & Neale, Chippy's independent bookshop, with its brilliant children's selection and plenty of inspiration for young readers.
For a sweet treat, pop into The Cotswold Sweet Shoppe for handmade chocolates and pick and mix. Choosing what to buy might be the hardest part of the visit!
The Living Room Cinema shows family films at weekends and during school holidays. Whether you're planning a full day out or simply looking for something to do for a couple of hours, you're welcome to pop in for food, drinks or a film. We have complimentary colouring sheets, pens and stickers, and there are board games and cards for families to enjoy together.
During the warmer months, Chipping Norton Lido is a great place for an outdoor swim, with family sessions and a smaller pool for younger children.
Here's a local tip: Quality Discounts, on Chippy's High Street, is a treasure trove for inexpensive toys, games and unexpected surprises. Not the first stop you might expect in a Cotswolds guide, but sometimes the best finds are unexpected!

WHERE CAN YOU ENJOY WELLNESS AND RELAXATION IN THE COTSWOLDS?

Wellness options in and around Chipping Norton include yoga at Cloud Nine Studio, Reformer Pilates at Holy Reformer, treatments at Bamford Wellness Spa, saunas and cold plunges at Scenic Sauna, and hair and beauty at Eight Middle Row.

YOGA AND PILATES IN AND AROUND CHIPPING NORTON

In Chipping Norton, Cloud Nine Studio offers yoga, pilates, meditation and wellbeing workshops. Local practitioner Carole Love also hosts sound healing sessions and gong baths here.
In nearby Adderbury, Holy Reformer offers Reformer Pilates in a beautifully restored chapel. Founded by Josie and Charlie Irons and Emma McClelland, it's a distinctive addition to local wellness.

SPA DAYS, BEAUTY, AND COUNTRYSIDE RETREATS

Bamford Wellness Spa at Daylesford offers facials, massages and movement classes, with treatments available to book without membership.
Cowshed Spa at Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew offers treatments and its Lazy Lake, with hot tubs and saunas. Access is reserved for eligible Soho House members and Farmhouse guests.
Scenic Sauna at Far Peak near Northleach offers a woodland Finnish sauna and invigorating ice baths, around half an hour from Chipping Norton.
In Chipping Norton, Eight Middle Row offers hair, beauty and wellbeing treatments almost opposite The Living Room Cinema.
Chipping Norton Lido also offers seasonal outdoor sauna sessions and cold plunges.

RELAX, REFUEL AND MAKE A DAY OF IT

After yoga, Pilates or a spa treatment, The Living Room Cinema makes an easy stop for a little time to yourself.
Enjoy matcha, locally roasted coffee, food, a cocktail or mocktail, or sink into a comfortable cinema seat and switch off with a film.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO NEAR SOHO FARMHOUSE?

Visiting Soho Farmhouse? Just 10–15 minutes away, Chipping Norton is a historic market town with independent shops, antiques, cafés, restaurants and plenty of local character.
Discover colourful homewares and unusual finds at Beehive Home & Lifestyle, browse books at Jaffé & Neale or hunt for treasures at Station Mill Antiques & Interiors, home to around 80 antiques dealers.
If you're staying at the Farmhouse or in a nearby cottage, Chipping Norton Cellars is a great place to pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy back at your accommodation. And there's always The Cotswold Sweet Shoppe for a little old fashioned indulgence!
Nestled into the High Street, The Living Room Cinema serves Stow Town Coffee roasted locally in Stow-on-the-Wold, locally sourced food, pizzas stretched by hand and cocktails, as well as films. The café-bar welcomes visitors without a cinema ticket.
So next time you're visiting Soho Farmhouse, why not venture into Chipping Norton? You might just discover a new favourite place!

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS FOR COUPLES, FRIENDS AND EVENINGS OUT?

For couples, friends and evenings out in the Cotswolds, try a cosy country pub or independent restaurant, private sauna and cold plunge at The Reset Hour, live-fire dining at PIT Kitchen, or cocktails, food and a film at The Living Room Cinema.

FOOD, WINE AND COSY EVENINGS

There's something rather special about settling into a country pub after a day exploring the Cotswolds.
In Chipping Norton, The Chequers is full of character, with a welcoming atmosphere and freshly prepared food. Or enjoy a relaxed Italian meal at Alberto's, an independent restaurant on the High Street.
For a countryside escape, The Wild Rabbit and The Kingham Plough in Kingham are both wonderful choices for dinner or drinks. Alternatively, head to The Chequers in Churchill for candlelit country pub charm, or The Norman Knight in Whichford for seasonal food and a relaxing drink by the fire. 
For something more unexpected, PIT Kitchen at Todenham Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh brings bold flavours and live-fire cooking to a relaxed countryside setting, with far-reaching views and food made for sharing.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

For a relaxing experience together, The Reset Hour in Ascott-under-Wychwood offers private sauna and cold plunge sessions in a peaceful Cotswolds garden. Perfect for switching off and enjoying some time together.
Or, for something more adventurous, Scenic Sauna at Far Peak near Northleach offers woodland sauna and ice bath experiences, with communal and private sessions available.
Why not combine a little relaxation with dinner or a film to round off your day?

AN EVENING AT THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA

For a memorable date night in Chipping Norton, The Living Room Cinema combines an independent boutique cinema with a relaxed café-bar.
Start with a cocktail or a glass of wine from our carefully curated list, then settle into one of our comfortable cinema seats or sofas. We serve our freshly made hand stretched pizzas, sharing plates and drinks right in the screen, so you can enjoy something delicious while watching a film.
You can also drop in just for food or a drink, without booking a film.
Take a look at what's showing and make an evening of it!

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AND AROUND CHIPPING NORTON?

Stay in and around Chipping Norton to explore Cotswolds villages, countryside and attractions. Options include central apartments at 30 Chipping Norton, countryside cottages with Bolthole Retreats and Soho Farmhouse at Great Tew.

STAY IN THE HEART OF CHIPPING NORTON

30 Chipping Norton offers a collection of beautiful holiday apartments and homes in the heart of town, combining Cotswold character with modern comforts. One and two bedroom accommodation is available, including dog friendly options, with The Living Room Cinema just steps away.
Explore the town on foot, or stop into The Living Room for coffee, lunch, drinks or a film.

COTSWOLDS COTTAGES AND COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPES

Bolthole Retreats has a fantastic collection of holiday cottages around Chipping Norton and across the Cotswolds for couples, families and friends.
Soho Farmhouse at Great Tew, about 10 to 15 minutes from Chippy, offers a luxurious countryside stay. Overnight accommodation requires eligible Soho House or Soho Friends membership.
Strawtop Cottages, in Adderbury, around 20 minutes from Chipping Norton, are beautifully restored 16th century thatched holiday cottages, with thoughtful touches and countryside walks on the doorstep.

THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA DURING YOUR STAY

The Living Room Cinema is an easy stop for locally roasted coffee, breakfast or lunch, including sourdough toasties and pizzas stretched by hand. You can also drop in for a glass of wine or a film after a day exploring.
No cinema ticket is required to enjoy our café-bar.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY OR WEEKEND IN THE COTSWOLDS?

The best Cotswolds days leave time for unexpected discoveries. Rather than trying to see everything, choose a few places close together and explore at your own pace. Here are three of our favourite ways to explore, with Chipping Norton as your starting point.

ONE DAY - DISCOVER CHIPPING NORTON

Spend the morning exploring Chippy's independent shops, from antiques at Station Mill Antiques & Interiors to gifts at Beehive Home & Lifestyle and a sweet treat at The Cotswold Sweet Shoppe.
For lunch, stop at The Living Room Cinema for a sourdough toastie or pizza stretched by hand. Afterwards, follow a scenic path towards Over Norton or settle in for an afternoon film.
If you're staying for the evening, Chippy has plenty more pubs and places to eat and drink to discover.

ONE DAY - VILLAGES, COUNTRYSIDE AND LOCAL MAKERS

Spend the morning exploring the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its independent shops, cafés and beautiful Cotswold stone buildings.
Then head towards Moreton-in-Marsh and Batsford Arboretum, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk among extraordinary trees and gardens.
Alternatively, for a different kind of countryside experience, combine Whichford Pottery with a tour or tasting at Cotswolds Distillery.
Whichever route you choose, there's no need to rush. The best Cotswolds days often leave a little room for the unexpected!

A CLARKSON'S FARM WEEKEND

If you're a fan of Clarkson's Farm, why not make a weekend of it and discover some of the other places that make this part of the Cotswolds special?
Day one: Start at Diddly Squat Farm Shop, near Chadlington, enjoy the local produce and soak up spectacular countryside views. Then head into Chipping Norton to explore its independent shops, antiques and local food.
In Chipping Norton, The Living Room Cinema offers locally roasted coffee, lunch, pizzas stretched by hand and Hawkstone beer, which we proudly serve. You can visit the café-bar without a film ticket or stay for a screening.
Day two: Head to The Farmer's Dog, Jeremy Clarkson's country pub near Burford, before visiting Hawkstone Brewery near Bourton-on-the-Water for a tour or tasting.
A little planning tip - Check opening days and book tours or restaurant tables where required. Popular attractions can get busy, so leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy each stop.