Chipping Norton

is a small market town with a population of about 6000 situated in West Oxfordshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds over which it enjoys fine views. Once a centre of wool industry and trade, it retains many elegant buildings from that era and has evolved into a thriving and vibrant local economic and cultural centre, serving its own community and neighbouring villages. The Town and nearby villages are host to some 700 businesses covering a wide spectrum of activities including retail, services, telecommunications, and manufacturing - a number of which are in small modern industrial estates around the Town. There are award-winning public houses, several fine restaurants and wine bars, two supermarkets and a variety of general and specialist shops – the shops being a healthy mix of high-street names and local traders. A monthly Farmer’s market during the summer months complements the weekly general market. The theatre is equipped with modern cinema facilities and runs both a wide programme of films, community and youth projects, and live theatre including a renowned professional pantomime. The public library, for which there are plans for expansion and relocation, provides internet as well as traditional services. Sports facilities include a new combined leisure and sports centre with indoor pool, a lido (recently taken over and run by the local community), and football and a rugby clubs with several pitches and each with a clubhouse. A large number of other clubs and societies flourish. The town has a state nursery school, four private nurseries, two primary schools, a secondary school, a school for children with severe disabilities, and a children’s centre. The children’s centre, which has been nationally recognised as a centre of excellence, also accommodates a specialist IT adult education unit. The people of Chipping Norton are well educated with over 60% having qualifications beyond GCSE level, and over 20% having degrees . There are two health centres and a local hospital. Plans are advanced for a new hospital and care home to be built by 2007.

On the map

The Town lies on the A44 about 20 miles NW of Oxford and about 22 miles S of Stratford; with Banbury some 13 miles to the NE with access to the M40 and good services to Birmingham and the North. The nearest mainline station is Kingham (4.5 miles and ten minutes by car) served by a shuttle bus connecting with most trains. Trains run via Oxford to Paddington with a best time of about 80 minutes. Close by are the Evenlode and Windrush valleys and many attractions including Blenheim Palace at Woodstock, the Rollright Stones, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Water. There are numerous farm shops nearby,  including the nationally renowned organic establishment at Daylesford.