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The Market Hall in Chipping Campden

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Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden is a town with a High Street, a 17th-century Market Hall and the northern end of the Cotswold Way. Here is what to see, what parking costs and how the first walk works.

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Chipping Campden at a glance

The Market Hall stands on Chipping Campden's High Street. It was built in 1627 for Sir Baptist Hicks. A heritage record describes it as used for dairy products and poultry.

The National Trust describes the repairs after vehicle damage as complete, so the hall is not shut for building work.

The town is also the northern end of the Cotswold Way, which runs 102 miles (164 km) from here to Bath. You can come for the street, for a walk, or for both.

1627year the Market Hall was built
102 mileslength of the Cotswold Way (164 km)
6 milesfirst stage to Broadway (9.6 km)
The Market Hall in Chipping Campden

What to see and do

The town is easy to cover on foot.

The High Street

The High Street is the main thing to see. Walk its length, and look at the building fronts and the Market Hall. Keep to the pavement and watch for vehicles at the narrow points.

The Market Hall

The Market Hall stands on the High Street. It is a popular photo spot, so take your pictures and leave room for others.

The church and the banqueting house

The East Banqueting House and the church of St James stand close together, as the photo on this page shows. Check on the day whether the church is open.

The start of the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way begins in Chipping Campden. It runs from here to Bath. Read the Cotswold Way guide before you commit to a multi-day walk.

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Parking at the Market Square

The district council lists parking at the Market Square with a short free period. Charges apply every day from 7:00 to 19:00. The prices below were published in October 2026.

StayCharge
First 20 minutesFree
Up to 1 hour£1
Up to 2 hours£2

Blue Badge holders also pay here. Check the machine and the signs, because councils review charges. If you want to walk the Cotswold Way and return to your car, think about where you will leave it for the day.

The East Banqueting House and St James' Church in Chipping Campden
A footpath leading to Chipping Campden

Walking from Chipping Campden

The first stage of the Cotswold Way goes from Chipping Campden to Broadway. It is about 6 miles (9.6 km) and passes Dover's Hill and Broadway Tower. This is the national trail's own example of a stage, not a fixed day, so plan around your fitness and your accommodation.

The whole route is open all year, usually takes about 7 to 10 days and includes many steep climbs. The trail is marked with an acorn symbol or the trail name, in both directions. The marking does not tell you whether a section is closed. Follow signed diversions, and check for changes before you set off.

Keep to the path, close gates and keep your dog on a lead unless signs say otherwise. Stay at least 10 m (33 ft) from livestock where you can. Our Broadway page covers the end of this first stage.

The first three stages of the Cotswold Way

The national trail's own stage plan gives these distances as examples. They are rounded, not exact measurements, and you can walk shorter or longer days.

StageDistance
Chipping Campden to Broadway9.6 km (6 miles)
Broadway to Wood Stanway10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Wood Stanway to Winchcombe8.8 km (5.5 miles)

A trail news report says a diversion near Birdlip, far to the south, has been in place since 3 July 2026 for at least six months. Check for changes before you plan the full route, and follow signed diversions.

Chipping Campden: frequently asked questions

When was the Market Hall built?

It was built in 1627 for Sir Baptist Hicks. A heritage record describes it as used for dairy products and poultry.

Is the Market Hall closed for repairs?

No. The National Trust describes the repairs after the vehicle damage as complete.

How much is parking at the Market Square?

The first 20 minutes are free. After that, 1 hour costs £1 and 2 hours cost £2. Charges apply daily from 7:00 to 19:00, and Blue Badge holders also pay. These were the published prices in October 2026.

Where does the Cotswold Way start?

In Chipping Campden. It runs 102 miles (164 km) to Bath and ends at Bath Abbey.

How long is the first stage?

The first stage to Broadway is about 6 miles (9.6 km) and passes Dover's Hill and Broadway Tower.

Do I need to follow diversions on the trail?

Yes. The national trail guidance asks walkers to follow signed diversions. A waymark does not mean that a section is open.

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