The Area
Hook Norton & the Cotswolds
Our guide to the village and the world beyond it.
Hook Norton is a proper Cotswold village in the rolling hills of north Oxfordshire: quiet, friendly and a good base for getting out and about. We've spent years in this part of the country, and this is the guide we hand to our friends. It covers everything from the shop at the end of the lane to the wider Cotswolds beyond.
Find your way
Where everything is
Every place in the guide on one map, centred on the cottage. Tap any pin to see the place, read a line about it and get directions. The buttons above filter the map.
Hook Norton Brewery shire horses
On your doorstep
Everything within an easy stroll of the front door.
Hook Norton Butchers A few minutes' walk
A friendly team of proper butchers with very good meat, and the place to stock up for the BBQ. Try the Carolina Reaper scotch eggs if you fancy the second-hottest chilli in the world.
The Village Shop & Post Office 1 min walk
Now a Budgens and recently expanded, so well stocked: all the essentials plus frozen meals, decent fresh food and a good range of drinks.
The Sun Inn Behind the cottage
Right behind the cottage, pouring the full range of Hook Norton beers from the village brewery alongside some good food. An easy first night without getting back in the car.
Hook Norton Brewery 10 min walk
One of the few working Victorian breweries left in the country. Book ahead to see the old steam engine, learn how the beer is made and maybe meet the shire horses, or just have a drink and a bite at the Malthouse Kitchen.
The Pear Tree Inn Short walk
A traditional pub in front of the brewery, with beams, open fires and Hook Norton Bitter. Have a go at Aunt Sally in the garden.
St Peter's Church 1 min walk
Opposite the Sun Inn, with a 12th-century Norman core, a tall Perpendicular Gothic tower, medieval grave slabs and a 15th-century font.
Geograph © Geoffrey Lloyd, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hook Norton Children's Park 5 min walk
A big, well-equipped playground for most ages. Walk there through the lanes behind the church for a bit of an adventure.
Long lunches in the cottage garden
Food & drink
Country pubs, farm shops and good dining across the Cotswolds.
Daylesford Organic approx. 15 min drive
A well-known organic farm with a farm shop, café and farm-to-table dining. A lovely spot for lunch or a treat of a food shop.
© Daylesford, daylesford.com
Diddly Squat Farm Shop under 15 min drive
Jeremy Clarkson's farm shop from Clarkson's Farm, with fresh produce, meats and local goods. Go early, as it gets busy.
© Diddly Squat Farm Shop, diddlysquatfarmshop.com
Soho Farmhouse approx. 10 min drive
The members' club set in 100 acres near Great Tew, with a spa, restaurants and country pursuits if you're a member.
© Soho House, sohohouse.com
The Falkland Arms, Great Tew approx. 10 min drive
A very pretty pub where you can hang your tankard from the ceiling. A 30-minute circular walk starts and finishes at the door, so you can begin and end with a pint.
© The Falkland Arms, falklandarms.co.uk
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham approx. 25 min drive
A smart spot for a full dinner, or just a drink and a snack if you want something more relaxed.
© The Wild Rabbit, thewildrabbit.co.uk
Cotswolds Distillery, Stourton approx. 20 min drive
Single malt whisky, gin and liqueurs, with tours and tastings if you book ahead.
© Cotswolds Distillery, cotswoldsdistillery.com
The Cotswold Cheese Company Cotswolds
Everything from traditional cheddars to rarer finds, with helpful staff and tastings.
© The Cotswold Cheese Company, cotswoldcheese.com
Restaurant Henne, Moreton-in-Marsh approx. 25 min drive
Heavily recommended, built around local, sustainable food. One for a special night out.
© Restaurant Henne, restauranthenne.com
The Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock approx. 25 min drive
A small-plates pub, and a good choice if you're visiting pretty Woodstock and fancy something a bit special.
© The Back Lane Tavern, backlanetavern.co.uk
The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns Cotswolds
A 16th-century coaching inn in a quiet corner of the Cotswolds, reopened by the local food duo Baz & Fred.
© The New Inn, thenewinncoln.co.uk
The Catherine Wheel, Bibury Cotswolds
A village pub with stone walls and open fires in one of England's prettiest villages, near Arlington Row.
© The Catherine Wheel, catherinewheel-bibury.co.uk
The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood Cotswolds
Fireside seating, a nice beer garden and a menu of traditional and modern British cooking.
© The Swan / Lionhearth Group, countrycreatures.com
The Fox Inn Cotswolds
A very old pub serving simple, good food and well-kept real ale.
© The Fox at Oddington, thefoxatoddington.com
The Gate Hangs High Just outside the village
An old, rustic pub serving Hook Norton Bitter and more.
© The Gate Hangs High, thegatehangshigh.co.uk
The Chandlers Arms, Epwell Cotswolds
A zero-waste gastropub in a lovely 17th-century building.
© The Chandlers Arms, thechandlersarms.co.uk
The Bull, Charlbury approx. 20 min drive
Sally Abé's much-garlanded pub, named the country's best pub for food in 2025 and every bit as good as they say. Book well ahead for dinner; the courtyard is lovely on a summer evening.
Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The King's Head Inn, Bledington approx. 20 min drive
A 16th-century inn on a picture-book village green, complete with brook and ducks. Good cooking without any fuss, and a very nice pint.
Frecks, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Kingham Plough approx. 20 min drive
The village pub of one of the Cotswolds' best-looking villages, doing good seasonal cooking. Makes a good double with the Wild Rabbit across the way.
Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote approx. 25 min drive
Come for the view: the terrace looks clear across the Evenlode Valley, and the cooking lives up to it. One for a long lunch on a fine day.
Michael Dibb, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook approx. 30 min drive
A wisteria-clad pub on the River Windrush that belonged to the Mitford sisters' family, and a Downton Abbey filming spot. Lovely after a riverside walk from Burford.
Rod Allday, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Castle at Edgehill approx. 15 min drive
A pub inside an 18th-century folly tower, built where the King raised his standard before the Battle of Edgehill, with views over the battlefield below. It pours Hook Norton beer, naturally.
Ian Rob, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Wykham Arms, Sibford Gower approx. 10 min drive
A thatched 17th-century inn down the lanes in Sibford Gower, doing generous, well-presented country cooking. One of the best dinners within ten minutes of the cottage.
al partington, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Stag's Head, Swalcliffe approx. 10 min drive
A thatched village pub with an inglenook, a big lawned garden and a Greek night once a month (really). Friendly, independent and close by.
Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Great Milton approx. 50 min drive
Raymond Blanc's two-Michelin-star manor with its famous kitchen gardens. The full once-in-a-blue-moon blow-out, and it earns every penny.
cpchannel, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Grand houses and gardens nearby
Sights & days out
Ancient stones, grand houses and the prettiest Cotswold towns.
The Rollright Stones approx. 10 min drive
An atmospheric Neolithic and Bronze Age site sometimes called 'Baby Stonehenge': a stone circle, a burial chamber and standing stones with plenty of folklore attached. It even turned up in a Tom Baker episode of Doctor Who.
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA
Blenheim Palace approx. 30 min drive
A UNESCO World Heritage palace near Woodstock and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, with baroque architecture, formal gardens and acres of parkland.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Broughton Castle near Bloxham
A moated medieval manor house with Elizabethan gardens, and one of the most picturesque castles in the country.
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sudeley Castle Cotswolds
A castle with plenty of royal history and lovely gardens, and the resting place of Queen Katherine Parr. A good stop on the Cotswold Way.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Broadway Tower Cotswolds
A hilltop folly with views across many counties on a clear day, surrounded by walking trails and tied to the Arts and Crafts movement.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Chastleton House near Moreton-in-Marsh
A well-preserved Jacobean house (National Trust), with a rare sense of 400 years of largely unchanged family life.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Snowshill Manor & Garden Cotswolds
A National Trust manor known for Charles Wade's huge and eclectic collection, set among quiet gardens.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Chedworth Roman Villa Cotswolds
One of the largest Roman villas in the country (National Trust), with well-preserved mosaics and bathhouses.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Upton House & Gardens Cotswolds
A National Trust estate known for its art collection and terraced 1930s gardens.
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA
Hidcote Cotswolds
One of the country's finest Arts and Crafts gardens, made up of outdoor 'rooms' with bold planting. Kiftsgate Court, a wilder, more romantic garden made by three generations of women, is directly opposite the gates, so do both.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
The Slaughters Cotswolds
Upper and Lower Slaughter, two classic stone villages linked by a gentle riverside walk.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Bourton-on-the-Water Cotswolds
The 'Venice of the Cotswolds', with low stone bridges over the River Windrush, tea rooms and a few small museums.
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA
Stow-on-the-Wold approx. 25 min drive
A hilltop market town known for antique shops, galleries and tea rooms around its old market square. Don't miss the ancient yew trees framing the north door of St Edward's Church, said to have inspired Tolkien.
Spencer Means, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Moreton-in-Marsh Cotswolds
A handsome market town with a broad High Street and a Tuesday market that has run for over 800 years.
Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chipping Norton approx. 12 min drive
Our nearest town, 'Chippy' to locals. A proper working market town rather than a picture-postcard one: a Wednesday market, good independent shops and cafés, the tiny and much-loved Victorian theatre, and the extraordinary domed Bliss Mill on its western edge. The heated lido is a summer institution.
Chipping Campden approx. 35 min drive
The most beautifully preserved of the old wool towns: a long curving High Street of golden stone, the 17th-century Market Hall, and St James', one of the great 'wool churches'. The Cotswold Way starts (or ends) here.
Stanton & Stanway approx. 45 min drive
Two tiny, near-perfect villages tucked under the escarpment on the Cotswold Way: Stanton all golden gables with barely a wire in sight, Stanway with its Jacobean manor house and the tallest gravity fountain in the world. Hardly a shop between them, which is rather the point.
Winchcombe approx. 50 min drive
An unspoilt Saxon town on the Cotswold edge and a walkers' hub: Sudeley Castle is on its doorstep, the evocative ruins of Hailes Abbey, once one of England's great pilgrimage shrines, are two miles up the Cotswold Way, and the steam railway stops here.
Burford approx. 30 min drive
The gateway to the south Cotswolds: a broad High Street sweeping downhill to the River Windrush, lined with antique shops, delis and old inns, with the grand wool church of St John the Baptist tucked behind.
Cirencester approx. 50 min drive
The 'Capital of the Cotswolds', Roman Corinium, with one of the finest parish churches in England on its market place, the excellent Corinium Museum and real shopping. Pair it with Fairford's medieval stained glass on the way home.
The great wool churches Across the Cotswolds
Medieval wool money built the Cotswolds a set of astonishing 'wool churches'. Northleach, Fairford (England's most complete medieval stained glass), Burford, Cirencester and Chipping Campden are the famous five, and Winchcombe's is another beauty. Start with Northleach, the 'Cathedral of the Cotswolds'.
Bath approx. 1½ hr drive
The Georgian city at the southern end of the Cotswolds: the Roman Baths, the Abbey, the Royal Crescent and serious shopping. A grand day out, and international guests often pair a Cotswold stay with a night or two here. The Cotswold Way finishes at the Abbey door.
Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Cotswolds
The playwright's birthplace, in a historic market town that's an easy day out. Try to catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre while you're there; the rooftop restaurant looks over the Avon.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cheltenham Racecourse Cotswolds
Home of the Gold Cup, with a real buzz on a National Hunt race day.
Carine06, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Oxford approx. 50 min drive
The dreaming spires are closer than you'd think: colleges, the Bodleian, punting from Magdalen Bridge and the best museums for miles. The Ashmolean, and the Natural History Museum's dinosaurs with the wonderfully odd Pitt Rivers behind it. The Park & Ride is the sane way in.
Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Compton Verney approx. 25 min drive
An art gallery in a Robert Adam mansion set in Capability Brown parkland, with exhibitions that wouldn't be out of place in London and plenty of space for children to run. Quietly one of the best days out in the area.
Tony Hisgett, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sezincote approx. 25 min drive
A country house like no other: a Mogul Indian palace in the Cotswolds, complete with onion dome and water gardens, that inspired the Brighton Pavilion. Check opening days before you set out.
Bs0u10e01, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rousham approx. 20 min drive
William Kent's 18th-century landscape garden, almost unchanged and gloriously uncommercialised: no café, no shop, no crowds. No children under 15, so one for the grown-ups.
scotbotwylie, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bicester Village approx. 35 min drive
The famous designer outlet: 150-odd boutiques from Gucci to Le Creuset at outlet prices. Go on a weekday morning if you can.
Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Stowe Gardens approx. 45 min drive
Britain's grandest landscape garden (National Trust): temples, lakes and monuments across 250 acres, designed to astonish. Pairs perfectly with Silverstone next door; the circuit's Stowe Corner is named after it.
DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Charlecote Park approx. 30 min drive
A Tudor house on the Avon with a deer park where a young Shakespeare was supposedly caught poaching (National Trust). The fallow deer still graze right up to the house.
Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Waddesdon Manor approx. 45 min drive
A French Renaissance-style château built for the Rothschilds (National Trust), with one of the finest collections in the country and spectacular Christmas illuminations.
Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Canons Ashby approx. 30 min drive
A quiet Elizabethan manor that time forgot (National Trust), with Tudor wall paintings and a gentle formal garden. Rarely busy, and lovelier for it.
DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Farnborough Hall approx. 20 min drive
The closest National Trust house to the village: a honey-stone hall with a famous terrace walk and obelisk views towards Edgehill. Opening days are limited, so check before you go.
Nicholas Jackson, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sulgrave Manor approx. 25 min drive
The Tudor manor built by George Washington's ancestors, open Sundays to Tuesdays. A small gem. American guests get a kick out of the family coat of arms, said to have inspired the Stars and Stripes.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Stives, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Lambs in the fields each spring
With the children
Animals, adventure and imaginative days out.
Waterfowl Sanctuary & Children's Farm approx. 5 min drive
A small, family-run animal sanctuary and farm where children can get close to lots of animals.
Fairytale Farm approx. 10 min drive
Animals, fairy-tale themes and interactive play, with gardens designed to be accessible to everyone.
© Fairytale Farm, fairytalefarm.co.uk
Cotswold Wildlife Park approx. 30 min drive
Lions, giraffes and penguins, plus a playground and a little train ride.
Batsford Arboretum approx. 25 min drive
One of the largest private tree collections in the UK, good year-round and with plenty of space for little ones to run about.
Wikimedia Commons, Mark Kent, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water Cotswolds
A one-ninth-scale replica of the village. See if you can spot the model village within the model village.
Wikimedia Commons, Sumit Surai, CC BY-SA 4.0
Turpins Lodge Riding School Cotswolds
Lessons, hacks and pony days for all levels. This is where we learnt to ride as children, and it's still going strong.
© Turpins Lodge Riding Centre, turpinslodge.co.uk
The Cotswold Range Cotswolds
Learn archery or try air-rifle shooting, with beginners very welcome.
© The Cotswold Range, thecotswoldrange.co.uk
Cotswold Farm Park approx. 35 min drive
Adam Henson's famous rare-breeds farm: lambing in spring, tractor rides, animal handling and a good adventure playground. The one the children will ask to go back to.
paul wood, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Crocodiles of the World approx. 35 min drive
The UK's only crocodile zoo, with over 100 crocs, alligators and caimans, plus meerkats and monkeys. Time your visit for the feeding talks, and it's a brilliant wet-weather option.
Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chipping Norton Lido approx. 12 min drive
A proper heated open-air pool (April to September) with a toddler pool, sauna and poolside café. A summer-morning institution.
© Chipping Norton Lido, chippylido.co.uk
Warwick Castle approx. 40 min drive
The full medieval set-piece: towers, trebuchet, birds of prey and dungeons. Much cheaper online than on the door, so book before you go.
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Birdland & the Dragonfly Maze, Bourton-on-the-Water Cotswolds
King penguins with daily feeding talks, a dinosaur trail, and around the corner the Dragonfly Maze, with a puzzle to solve at its heart. Add the Cotswold Motoring Museum (home of Brum) and Bourton is a full day with children.
Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway approx. 40 min drive
Full-size steam trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, through lovely Cotswold-edge country. Ride from Broadway's rebuilt 1900s station and pair it with the walk up to the Tower.
BWard 1997, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix
Motorsport & adventure
Fast cars, old aeroplanes and open cockpits: days out for the petrolheads and thrill-seekers.
Silverstone approx. 40 min drive
The home of the British Grand Prix is an easy drive from the cottage. The Silverstone Museum is superb (sixty-odd interactive exhibits and a 360° 'ultimate lap'), there's outdoor karting, and on the right day you can watch racing or drive the circuit yourself. Stowe Corner is named after Stowe, just up the road.
Lewis Hamilton at speed — Takayuki Suzuki, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bicester Heritage & the Sunday Scramble approx. 35 min drive
A beautifully preserved 1920s RAF station, now home to dozens of classic-car specialists. On the quarterly 'Sunday Scramble' open days the whole site comes alive with hundreds of remarkable cars.
MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Edgehill Gliding Centre approx. 15 min drive
Trial gliding lessons from a wartime RAF airfield on the Edgehill escarpment, March to October: half an hour soaring silently over the same countryside you've been walking through. An unforgettable present for someone.
Sarah Ward, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Classic Motor Hub, Bibury Cotswolds
Hangars full of vintage and classic cars on a former WW2 airfield, open to wander seven days a week, with a café and regular 'Coffee & Classics' mornings. Combine it with Bibury and Arlington Row.
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Field paths straight from the village
Walks from the door
Footpaths, old railway lines and bluebell woods, straight from the village door and further afield across the Cotswolds. Each one links to a full route and directions.
Swerford & back From the door · 5 miles
One of the village history society's rambles: from St Peter's down Middle Hill and through the Park past the viaduct piers, out across the fields to Swerford church and back by Cradle Farm. Easy to moderate, about two and a half hours.
See the route (PDF) Google Maps ↗
Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
South Hill & the Heath From the door · 4 miles
A village ramble down Burycroft Lane and up onto Little and Big Heath past Court Farm, with long views back over the brewery. Moderate, around two hours.
See the route (PDF) Google Maps ↗
Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lodge Farm & the Stour valley From the door · 6 miles (or 4)
The longest of the door-step rambles: out along Hollybush Road and Ironstone Hollow to Lodge Farm and the head of the Stour valley, past Nill Farm. Six miles, or a four-mile short cut. Moderate.
See the route (PDF) Google Maps ↗
Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Park From the door · 3 miles
The gentlest walk from the village and a good one with children: past Park Farm House and through the Park, over a ford and back beneath the old viaduct piers. Easy, about an hour and a half.
See the route (PDF) Google Maps ↗
Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The viaduct piers loop From the door · 4.5 miles
A flat, easy circular out to the great ruined piers of the old railway viaduct: the village's most striking walk, and lovely at golden hour. About two hours.
Brewery, viaduct & pubs loop From the door · 5.8 miles
A moderate loop that starts and ends at the Victorian brewery, taking in the viaduct piers and passing three Hooky pubs on the way round, so pace yourself. About two and a half hours.
Hook Norton to Great Rollright From the door · 5 miles
Up Burycroft Road onto the D'Arcy Dalton Way and over the hill to St Andrew's church at Great Rollright, returning the same green way. It drops you back down Bridge Hill past the door. Moderate.
Download the directions (PDF) Google Maps ↗
Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Great Tew, Golden Valley approx. 12 min drive · waymarked
A waymarked walk through the Great Tew estate's Golden Valley, and one of our favourite half-days, ending with a pint at the Falkland Arms.
Salford to the Rollright Stones approx. 12 min drive · 5 miles
A field-and-farmland circular from the little village of Salford up to the Rollright Stones (the stone circle, the King Stone and the Whispering Knights) and back. Moderate, a couple of hours.
Route & map on AllTrails Google Maps ↗
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA
Long Compton to the Rollright Stones approx. 15 min drive · 4.7 miles
Another way to the stones, climbing from Long Compton to take in all three Rollright sites and a stretch of the D'Arcy Dalton Way. Moderate.
See the route on komoot Google Maps ↗
Wikimedia/Geograph, CC BY-SA
Chipping Norton: Common & Bliss Mill approx. 12 min drive · 2 miles
A short, easy loop from Chipping Norton over the Common and round past the extraordinary domed Bliss Mill. Good for little legs and under an hour.
Route & map on AllTrails Google Maps ↗
Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Sibfords village trail approx. 10 min drive · 2 miles
A waymarked historic trail from the Wykham Arms through the honey-stone lanes of Sibford Gower, Sibford Ferris and Burdrop. Two miles with a couple of short climbs.
Download the village trail (PDF) Google Maps ↗
al partington, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Swalcliffe & the Iron Age hillforts approx. 10 min drive · 5.5 miles
Field paths over to Tadmarton and back through Swalcliffe, passing the earthworks of Tadmarton Camp and Madmarston hillfort: a quiet walk with a lot of history under your feet. Moderate.
Bourton-on-the-Water & the Slaughters approx. 35 min drive · 5.5 miles
A classic Cotswold circular from Bourton along the River Windrush to Upper and Lower Slaughter, two of the prettiest villages in England, and back. Moderate.
Route & map on AllTrails Google Maps ↗
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Broadway & the Tower approx. 40 min drive · 4–9 miles
A classic ridge walk up to Broadway Tower, with views across many counties on a clear day. Do the short four-mile circular, or push on to Snowshill and Stanton for a full day out.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
The Cotswold Way Chipping Campden to Bath · 102 miles
The National Trail along the ridges and valleys of the escarpment, from Chipping Campden's market hall all the way to Bath Abbey. Day-walk the first stretch for the prettiest villages (Broadway, Snowshill, Stanton, Stanway, the abbey ruins at Hailes and Winchcombe) or just borrow a golden mile or two of it.
Charlbury & Wychwood Forest approx. 25 min drive · 7.4 miles
From the pretty town of Charlbury through the ancient royal forest of Wychwood and the edge of Cornbury Park, with views over the Evenlode. Moderate, and a good half-day.
See the route on komoot Google Maps ↗
Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
More walks: the route library The whole Cotswolds
When you've walked ours: the Cotswolds National Landscape charity publishes a large free library of self-guided routes, from very easy strolls to full-day hikes, plus the long-distance paths.
Shopping & craft
Potteries, weavers, markets and garden shops.
Whichford Pottery under 10 min drive
Handmade English terracotta from a family business of more than 40 years, with workshops, demonstrations and a garden café.
Burford Garden Company Cotswolds
One of the area's biggest garden and home shops, with plants, homeware and crafts.
© Burford Garden Company, burford.co.uk
Chipping Norton Market approx. 12 min drive
A market town with a Wednesday market and a farmers' market on the third Saturday of each month (8.30am to 1.30pm).
Geograph © Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0
Golf
Welcoming courses across the north Cotswolds and Oxfordshire, all open to visitors. The closest is barely ten minutes away.
Tadmarton Heath Golf Club approx. 8 min drive
The nearest course to the cottage, and a classic: a 1915 heathland course above the Cherwell valley, tight and springy underfoot, consistently rated one of the best-value courses in the country. Visitors are welcome; book ahead. Maximum handicap 36 and a dress code apply.
Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Feldon Valley approx. 10 min drive
A friendly, family-run par-71 of 6,230 yards up in the Brailes hills: Brailes Golf Club as was, reborn as Feldon Valley. Visitors and societies are made very welcome; book a tee time online. A handicap of 54 or better and the usual dress code apply.
Rye Hill Golf Club approx. 15 min drive
A challenging par-72 set in 200 acres near Milcombe, with lakes, big undulating greens and wide countryside views. Visitors and societies are welcome seven days a week, and it's cracking value; book online.
© Rye Hill Golf Club, ryehill.co.uk
The Cotswolds Club approx. 20 min drive
The old Chipping Norton course, on some of the highest ground in the county: an undulating par-72 of mature, tree-lined fairways that drain well and play all year. Visitors are welcome throughout the year; book online or call ahead.
© Cotswolds Hotel & Spa, cotswoldsclub.co.uk
The Wychwood Golf Club approx. 20 min drive
A long, scenic parkland par-72 in the Wychwood country near Milton-under-Wychwood (formerly Lyneham Golf Club), with water in play and a Trackman range. Visitors are welcome any day; book online or call.
JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cherwell Edge Golf Club approx. 20 min drive
An easygoing, good-value parkland course at Chacombe with a floodlit driving range. Visitors are welcome every day and you don't need to be a member; just book ahead.
Bicester Hotel, Golf & Spa approx. 30 min drive
A well-kept parkland course threaded with eleven lakes, plus a Toptracer range, all part of a hotel and spa. Pure pay-and-play: no membership needed, just book ahead.
Maureen Shepherd, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Burford Golf Club approx. 30 min drive
A handsome, mature parkland course on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, and on weekend afternoons subject to space; call the pro shop to book.
Lavender in bloom at Snowshill each July
Seasonal & events
The circus, the festivals and the lavender, all worth planning a stay around.
Giffords Circus Touring, spring to autumn
A magical vintage circus that pitches its big top on village greens and estates across the Cotswolds every summer; the 2026 show, Waterfield, calls at Blenheim Palace in May. Book the Circus Sauce supper afterwards if you can.
Peter Evans, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park approx. 20 min drive
Four days of music, food, talks and lake swimming in the parkland of Cornbury Park each summer (30 July to 2 August in 2026). The gentlest festival there is.
Festival crowd at Cornbury Park — Pauline Eccles, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Big Feastival, Kingham approx. 20 min drive
Alex James's food-and-music festival on his farm at Kingham over the August bank holiday weekend. Very family-friendly, with day tickets available.
BWard 1997, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill approx. 30 min drive
Acres of lavender in bloom from mid-June to early August, with a distillery shop and café. Come in late June or July for the photograph everyone wants.
GZagatta, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Theatre, Chipping Norton approx. 12 min drive
A tiny, much-loved Victorian theatre with a year-round programme of plays, music, comedy and film, and a famous Christmas panto that sells out months ahead.
David Stowell, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Getting here
Easy to reach by car or train.
By car Free on-street parking
Free, unrestricted parking on the road directly outside the cottage. Hook Norton is within easy reach of the M40 and about 25 minutes from Banbury.
Wikimedia/Geograph, Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0
By train, Charlbury Cotswold Line
On the Cotswold Line, with trains from London Paddington. Take a taxi from the station to the cottage.
Wikimedia/Geograph, Neil Hanson, CC BY-SA 2.0
By train, Banbury Chiltern Mainline
On the Chiltern Mainline, roughly halfway between London and Birmingham. Take a taxi from the station.
Wikimedia/Geograph, Richard Vince, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Stay a while
Make Bridge Hill your Cotswold base
There's a printed copy of this guide waiting for you at the cottage, and we're always happy to share a few more tips once you've booked. You can also download the guide as a PDF (14 MB).