Shipton-under-Wychwood is a village in the Evenlode Valley in Oxfordshire, England. Nestled in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a peaceful stop on the Oxfordshire Way long-distance trail. The name refers to the ancient Wychwood Forest, once a royal hunting ground.
Understand
[edit]Shipton is one of three villages named after the old Wychwood Forest, along with Ascott-under-Wychwood and Milton-under-Wychwood. The village was historically linked to sheep farming and the wool trade, and retains a rural character with stone cottages, an old coaching inn, and a medieval church.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]The Cotswold Line runs through Shipton station, with limited service between Oxford and Hereford. Most trains stop at nearby Kingham, 3 mi east, with frequent connections.
By bus
[edit]Local buses connect Shipton to Chipping Norton, Burford and Witney, though service is infrequent.
By car
[edit]Shipton lies on the A361 between Chipping Norton and Burford. Parking is available near the village green and church.
Get around
[edit]The village is compact and best explored on foot. Walking routes connect to nearby villages and the surrounding countryside.
See
[edit]Do
[edit]- Walk part of the Oxfordshire Way, which passes through the village on its route from Bourton-on-the-Water to Henley-on-Thames.
- Explore Wychwood Forest, now fragmented but still accessible in nearby Cornbury Park and Wychwood Wild Garden.
Buy
[edit]There are no major shops, but a small village store is available for essentials.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]- 1 The Lamb Inn. A cosy, historic pub with a garden, real ales, and a fireplace.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 The Wychwood Inn. Charming inn with five en-suite rooms, breakfast included. Dogs welcome.
- 2 Bluewood Lodges. Lodges with hot tubs, 2 mi north of the village. Peaceful location, ideal for walkers.
- 3 Shaven Crown, Shipton-under-Wychwood (just off OW in centre of village; turn right on reaching A361), ☏ +44 1993 830330, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Comfortable accommodation in fabulous historic building (14th-century gateway and Great Hall). Evening meals available. £50-£115 (double).
Go next
[edit]- Burford
- Chipping Norton
- 1 Charlbury