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

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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

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By train

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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

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Local buses connect Shipton to Chipping Norton, Burford and Witney, though service is infrequent.

By car

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Shipton lies on the A361 between Chipping Norton and Burford. Parking is available near the village green and church.

Get around

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The village is compact and best explored on foot. Walking routes connect to nearby villages and the surrounding countryside.

See

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Do

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  • 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

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There are no major shops, but a small village store is available for essentials.

Eat

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Drink

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  • 1 The Lamb Inn. A cosy, historic pub with a garden, real ales, and a fireplace.

Sleep

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  • 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, . 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

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  • Burford Alex La Guma on Wikipedia
  • Chipping Norton
  • 1 Charlbury Charlbury on Wikipedia