Chipping Campden is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Cotswold market towns.

It does not overtly pander to tourism, so you avoid large car parks and coaches full of people.

The long High Street is lined with wonderful old stone buildings that vary in colour from honey gold to tawny brown.

All the buildings are different, with steeply pitched roofs, gables and mullions, massive chimneys, sundials and doorways.

There is character in every one.

 

Having grown up as a wool town, you naturally find a large wool church in the town.

St James is on the edge of the town, and is a mini cathedral rather than a parish church.

The impressive exterior is matched by an impressive interior with several outstanding memorials, particularly the memorial brass to William Gavel.

 

Close to the church is a stunning row of Almshouses built in the reign of James I, and opposite the almshouses you can see the old cart wheel wash.

The Jacobean Market Hall, in the centre of the High Street, is now owned by the National Trust. It was built by Sir Baptist Hicks in 1627 to provide shelter for the butter and cheese stalls. The ancient town hall and the memorial cross also share the island in the centre of the High Street

 

Also in the High Street are Gavel House and Woolstaplers Hall, both built in the 14th century.

And all round the edges of the village you will find glorious thatched cottages. Tourist information can be got from the Tourist Office in the High Street
 
 

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Last modified: 08/09/08