Whether you would like to tour Cotswold attractions, hike the rolling Cotswold hills or cycle from village to village - Shipton-under-Wychwood is the perfect base.
In addition to some hidden gems that you’ve probably never heard of such as Old Minster with its ancient leaning buildings, The Slaughters and The Barringtons with quaint villages and endless Cotswold fields.
We are also just a 20 minute drive from Oxfordshire’s Witney- the historic market town famed for making blankets in the 1800’s.
Romantic weekend getaways
The Wychwood Inn is perfect for the romantic weekend getaway. Sit and while away the afternoon together in the pub garden, or enjoy long walks in barley filled fields.
And if the British winter is upon us, hole up beside the inglenook fire and enjoy local ales or world wines in one of our cosy bar areas.
An historic Cotswold holiday
Shipton-under-Wychwood itself is rich with history, and is perfectly positioned to venture to other stunning areas of the Cotswolds.
A term for the area, used by locals, is ‘The Wychwoods’ which consists of Shipton-under-Wychwood, Milton-under-Wychwood and Ascott-under-Wychwood as well as vaguely including the surrounding villages.
The area was once the site of a hunting forest called Wychwood Forest, hence the name. Here Henry VII and other Tudor monarchs would hunt for sport.
Today, Wychwood Forest is considerably smaller, but the villages in the Evenlode valley supply endless possibilities for soaking up the history and culture.
Things to do in or near Shipton-under-Wychwood
Sites of interest in the village of Shipton
Shipton Court
Shipton Court was built for the Lacey family around 1603 then sold to Sir Compton Reade sixty years later. It passed down in the Reade family for two centuries. The last in Reade succession, Sir John left to his footman Joseph Wakefield, on the condition that he took the family name.
Once the gardens of Shipton Court and situated opposite, The Wild Gardens is a community owed wooded area with a network of paths that wind around the gardens, enabling visitors to enjoy various flora and fauna in a natural environment. Well worth a visit. Dogs must be kept on leads. Entry is free.
Diggers Wood about 6¼ acres of woodland located down Dog Kennel Lane in Shipton-under-Wychwood. You can access it via the back entrance of The Wild Gardens. Here dogs can be let to roam free.
Walking in the Cotswolds
Shipton-under-Wychwood has its choice of short, leisurely walks or long hikes that could take the whole day.
Short walks
Ten minute walk to the river Evenlode along a public walkway.
Forty minute walk to Bruern Abbey grounds, where you can loop back round to Shipton-under-Wychwood through Milton-under-Wychwood.
From Old Minster Lovell walk along the River Windrush to Witney.
The Burford experience starts when you drive through the gates. The stunning Cotswold property welcomes you with lush green fairways weaving their way through mature trees.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
15 minutes
One of the UK’s largest zoological collections and most exciting gardens. Millions of visitors in that time have discovered here the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The Rollright Stones is an ancient site located on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border in England. The complex consists of three main elements, The Kings Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights.
An ancient country house where you can discover the family that lived and own Chastleton for over 200 years. Stroll through the Jacobean garden that contains a 400 year old tree.
Sitting in its beautiful, mellow Cotswold Hills landscape, Hook Norton is a proudly independent and passionate family business that takes the very best of its handcrafted brewing heritage and combines it with a thoroughly modern approach, to create a range of real ales for today’s drinkers to enjoy.
Birdland is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland in Bourton-on-the-Water. With over 130 species of birds on display, Birdland Park & Gardens is home to the only breeding group in the UK for King Penguins.
Take a leisurely wander around the large shop of handmade ceramics - stenciled, designed, manufactured and decorated on site. Tour the beautiful gardens then visit the spacious café which serves cakes, scones and traditional cream teas all day.
Passionate and dedicated to delivering the best of British farming, through a sustainable and authentic approach. There is a Discovery Barn, an Animal Barn, Adventure Barn, Farm Safari, Rare Breeds Trail and lots of play areas.
Cotswold Falconry was opened in 1988 by Geoff & Naomi Dalton, with the aim of giving people a greater knowledge of birds of prey and an understanding of the ancient art of falconry. Next to Batsford Arboretum.
A range of activities in one area with numerous flat cycle paths and walk ways around lakes. Find wildlife with otters, water voles, and thousands of wintering water birds. Or try a watersport - lake swimming, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing or paddle boarding.
Open twice a week, you can explore the house in which there are historical collections of art and crafts. Originally home to yeoman farmers, in 1871 it became a place of inspiration for 'Father of the Arts & Crafts movement' William Morris (1834-1896). Explore the high walled gardens, divided by hedges and beautiful beds.
Sudeley Castle offers events most of the year round so it is worth a visit to the website. It is possible to explore much of the interior which is still a family home. There are 10 beautiful gardens each with its own unique style - in some of which you may spot rare and endangered species of pheasants.
