Chipping Norton

Wool merchants built their fortunes here in the Middle Ages, and you can still feel that prosperity in the honey-coloured Cotswold stone lining the market square. Chipping Norton - 'Chippy' to locals - sits proudly on a hill, looking out over some of England's most photographed countryside.

The town proper is compact and walkable. Saint John the Baptist church dominates the skyline with its impressive tower, while the old Bliss Valley Mill, now converted to luxury homes, reminds you of the area's textile heritage. Market day still brings life to the square, though it's quieter than it once was.

Venture beyond the town and you're into proper Cotswolds territory. The Wychwood Golf Club offers cracking views across rolling hills, while Foxholes Nature Reserve provides gentle woodland walks just outside town. For something different, the Wychwood wild garden showcases native plants in a more natural setting than your typical English garden.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The nearest stations are at Kingham and Shipton, both about 15 minutes by car, with decent rail links to London and Oxford. The A44 runs right through town if you're driving.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Chippy makes perfect sense for exploring the wider Cotswolds. You're within striking distance of Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden, but without the crowds that descend on those honeypots. Cotswolds Meadow Glamping has excellent reviews and puts you right in the countryside, while the various camping sites offer more budget-friendly options for families wanting to explore the area properly over a long weekend or fortnight.