Chipping Campden Overview

Years ago, quiet Chipping Campden was the capital of the Cotswolds’ wool trade (“chipping” means “market”). Market Hall, in the middle of the main street, attests to 400 years of commerce. The Gothic Saint James Church, a 5min. walk from High St., houses England’s only full set of 15th-century altar hangings. From the TIC entrance, turn right onto High St. and take the right fork up the hill to the church. (☎01386 841 927; www.stjameschurchcampden.co.uk. Open Mar.-Oct. M-Sa 10am-5pm, Su 2-6pm; Nov. and Feb. M-Sa 11am-4pm, Su 2-4pm; Dec.-Jan. M-Sa 11am-5pm, Su 2-3pm. Suggested donation £1.) Currently, the town is famous for its Cotswold Olympic Games, in the first week of June. The games take place on Dovers Hill and feature traditional sports like “shin-kicking.” From St. Catherine’s on High St., turn right onto West End Terr., take the first left, and follow the footpath 1 mi. uphill. The 2012 Olympic Games in London will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Cotswold Games, and the town has scheduled a massive celebration.

By clicking submit you agree to the terms of the Let’s Go Privacy Policy

For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.