My first visit to Chipping Campden.

A few years ago, I was looking for a somewhere to celebrate my husband’s very special birthday, one of those with a zero on the end!

I wanted to be out in the countryside, where we could enjoy the views and be away from it all, yet still a stone’s throw from a nice pub or two, a relaxing spa, beautiful walks and of course – a shop or two (or preferably many).

I landed upon a fabulous barn conversion (thank you Watery Barn Farm), and so began our weekend retreat! Our lovely November getaway was spent visiting various pubs and cafes, taking walks around Dover’s Hill and weaving in and out of the gorgeous little one-off shops that adorn the high street of Chipping Campden itself.

So, on that note, and for those who wish to do the same, and want to know how to spend the perfect weekend with a spot of retail therapy (and with the odd scone or cocktail added into the mix), then keep on reading, as I give you all the lowdown on what to expect from Campden’s quintessential Cotswold High Street.

To get started, park on the High Street itself, or the car park in the centre just near the Town Hall. Taking the car park in the centre as a point of reference, keep Cotswold House Hotel and Spa behind you, and head along the High Street to:

Humble
This fab little shop sits just beside the library and The Noel Arms. Tucked inside are gifts galore, for little people and big people alike.

Dove Country Lifestyle
You know those gorgeous shops where you look in the window and simply want to buy everything? That’s Dove Country Lifestyle.

A funky doormat, a beautiful new dog bowl, some stylistic wooden sculptures for the mantlepiece, an exclusive Campden keepsake. Go on treat yourself.

The Attic
Hidden away in a little nook beside Lisa Drinkwater flowers, is The Attic – a beautiful 2^nd hand designer clothes store for ladies who like nice clothes, but not with such a high price tag.

Fillet and Bone
A great stop-off for a sausage roll, or coffee on the go, this shop is a hybrid selling breads, meats, cheeses, bread, cakes, fruit and veg – the ideal location to pick up a nice dinnertime treat.

Cotswold Luxe
For those with a bigger budget, head to Cotswold Luxe, (next to the car park). Multiple floors of high-end home accessories and furnishings, and all laid out in such a way you simply want to hire the team to give your home a makeover (or move in when they aren’t looking!)

Ye Olde Sweet Shop
Not the usual chain – and all the better for it. Oh, my goodness this is a must. Everything you’d expect from a sweetshop and so much more, including ice cream and smoothies too – remember sweet shops aren’t just for children.

Just off the High St, is Cambrook Court. Find the sweet shop and you’ll spot it if you peer between the buildings here you’ll find clothes, gifts and rugs.

The Dresser
Hidden in Cambrook Court, you’ll find this gem of a designer ladies clothes store. Beautifully classic designs for the perfect capsule wardrobe.

Cotswold Fine Rugs
Situated beside The Dresser is this wonderful shop, filled to the brim with beautifully crafted rugs from afar. Come and take a look at the range which consists of Afghan, Persian, Pakistan, Antique and Turkish rugs, as well as runners, throws and cushions. They’ll even repair or clean your existing rugs for you.

Ambience
Another lovely shop selling a fabulous mix of jewellery, scarves, bags and generally beautiful items – great as a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one.

Come out of Cambrook Court and head left, and you’ll find Joys Curtains.

Joys Curtains (aka the Queen of boxed cushions)
An appointment is a must, but if you’re looking for bespoke furnishings with beautiful fabrics – then this is the place to head. Curtains, roman blinds, cushions – you name it.

Head back to the High Street now and continue left.

One Stop
As the name suggests, a ‘one stop’ convenience shop for your essentials – milk, butter, bread or a bottle of water to take on a walk.

Robert Welch
A name that is synonymous with elegance and style, Chipping Campden is the home of Robert Welch, and their headquarters are still based at mill (just behind the shop) where it all began. You can’t visit Chipping Campden without visiting RW.

Leave Robert Welch and turn right, up Sheep Street to find:

The Gallery at the Guild
A brilliant local co-operative comprising artists, ceramicists, designers, furniture makers, metal workers, photographers, sculptors, textile artists and wood turners. With a rolling series of exhibitions throughout the year, this is well worth a visit.

Leave here and re-join the High Street by Robert Welch. Cross over the road and head to:

Campden Home Nursing Charity Shop
Now, this IS a true gem. Not only does it generate money in support of the charity, but it’s one of the best charity shops around.

Full of great quality clothes, home accessories and books – what a treat to nip in and come out with an armful (or two) of fantastic items for your home or wardrobe and find you’ve spent less than a tenner!

Tina Iacovelli
Clothing, gifts and homeware galore! It’s a tough shop to visit and leave empty handed.

Keeping the shops on your left, walk along the pavement and you’ll find:

Grey’s Opticians
Feel free to browse the frames for ideas or pop in for a pre-booked eye appointment.

Continue along the pavement, passed The Cotswold House Hotel and Spa, Michael’s Mediterranean, Jackson Stops, and beside the Market Hall you’ll find:

Sundial House Interiors
A feat of fabrics to choose from and services spanning all your interior design needs from curtains and cushion covers to reupholstery.

Frankie Doodle
From gorgeous leather handbags to exquisite jewellery, from new baby gifts to bobble hats and beautiful cards too – Frankie Doodle caters for all your gift buying needs and is a great place to go if you fancy treating yourself to a little something.

Louise Pocock Millinery
I’ve never needed a hat, but if I did, this is THE PLACE to visit! I’ve gazed through Louise’s window on many an occasion and seen her hard at work, and obviously, some of her wonderful creations are on display in her window too. If you’ve got an event in your calendar which warrants a beautiful hat, or you fancy a day out with some friends making your own – then check out Louise’s availability.

Tokes
A culinary delight to tickle the senses. Stocked to the brim with wine and cheese and gorgeous meals to take home

Leave Tokes and head left. Keep walking passed all the lovely houses, and when you see The Pharmacy on the corner on the opposite side of the High Street, cross over the road.

The Pharmacy
It does what any high street pharmacy does – making us feel better when we’re under the weather! Pop in for paracetamol and calpol as well as a new toothbrush, nappies or nail varnish.

Covent Garden Academy of Flowers
This is a beautiful home and lifestyle shop, providing gifts for the home and garden, but more importantly – they have a wonderful space at the rear of the shop where they run seasonal flower workshops throughout the year, which is a gift in itself, and a lovely way to spend a day in the Cotswolds.

Maylams
Popular with locals (and visited by Prince Charles himself), Maylams has been keeping Campden in cheeses, chutneys, preserves and coffee for over 30 years. Make sure you have cash if you pop in, as they don’t take cards.

Bits and Pieces
Situated down a tiny alleyway opposite the entrance to the Lygon Arms pub is this great little gem – full of lovely woollen throws and hats, gardening tools and beautiful dog accessories.

Stuart House Antiques
As the name suggests, Stuart House is an emporium of yester-year, selling a wide range of antiques from silverware to furniture. Pop on in and gaze in wonder!

Dandelions
This is a gift shop galore selling everything from mugs, to jewellery, to childrens’ sticker books and greetings cards.

Sam Wilson
Taking inspiration from the Cotswolds, Sam Wilson is a luxury homeware brand which takes inspiration from the British countryside to produce beautiful prints which bring ceramics, fabrics and so much more – to life. Pop in and take a look around.

 Coop
Every High Street needs it’s ‘go to’ mini market, and for Chipping Campden this is it – right in the middle of the High Street itself, for many locals this is more than just a shop, it’s the perfect place to bump into people and say hi.

And now you’re back where you started!

 Nowadays many of Britain’s high street are the same. The same boring brands, the same lack of choice, the same usual suspects. Chipping Campden is the antidote to the British high street. Independent and interesting shops abound – genuine retail therapy. Come and take a look – you won’t be disappointed.

And if after your shopping fix you fancy a nice walk (with or without your dog), take a look at our Top 5 Cotswold walks in the area, and take in even more of the beautiful countryside.

If you’re on the lookout for any tips on what else to do while you’re in the area – check out 5 of the best reasons to visit Chipping Campden, for a bit of inspiration.

If you’re looking to eat and/or stay in the area, then take a look at our Eat, Drink and Stay pages for some of the best options nearby.