Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden is one of the most picturesque of the Cotswold villages. It is noted for its high street that is a mixture of houses from the 14th to the 17th century. Most of the buildings are made from Cotswold stone which gives them that distinctive yellow glow.

Like other towns in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden was a wool town, with the name Chipping being derived from the old english word ceping meaning market.

The Wool Church of St James exemplifies the wealth of the town with its impressive structure and almshouses. A local benefactor to the church were the Hickes family who also owned a mansion, Campden House that was detroyed by fire during the civil war. Other notable buildings include the Market house ( as pictured below) that dates from 1627 and is a fine structure with good arches.

In the early 20th century, Chipping Campden became the centre of the Cotswolds Arts and Crafts movement when craftemen form London moved there.

The town also has a history of sporting events with the Cotswold Olimpick Games being held on Dovers Hill with events such as hammer throwing and tug of war. These games replaced a more traditional annual games whose activities might be seen as a little too violent for modern society.

With a good selection of tea rooms, shops and hotels, Chipping Campden does cater for the visitors it attracts, but it does so in a way that does not tarnish its timeless atmosphere and heritage.

Hotels in Chipping Campden