The Bell at Charlbury: Charlbury and the Cotswolds

We are between the towns of Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Burford with magnificent Blenheim Palace on our doorstep making us the ideal Cotswolds break!

Charlbury Woodstock Blenheim Palace Chipping Norton Burford

At The Bell, we may be tucked away from the traditional packed tourist trails, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be kicking your heels during your stay at our charming Cotswolds Hotel. The Bell Hotel is ideally placed for you to experience the very best that the Oxfordshire Cotswolds has to offer. We’re situated right in the heart of the golden triangle between the towns of Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Burford. The magnificent Blenheim Palace is on our doorstep at just five miles away. Planning a Blenheim Palace trip couldn’t be easier if you use the Bell Hotel as a convenient base. Stratford-Upon-Avon with its wonderful theatre scene and Cheltenham for a day at the races are both within easy reach. Take a ten-minute train journey and you’ll find yourself right in the centre of Oxford with its dreaming spires. The popular designer outlet, Bicester Village, Dalesford Organic Farm and the Hook Norton Brewery are also just around the corner.

The whole area is a delight; with or without a car. Why not give your motor a holiday and discover the pleasure and value of the local bus and rail network?

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock and Oxford are easily accessed by Stagecoach buses from just outside The Bell, and buses also travel to the beautiful and bustling Cotswold market towns of Chipping Norton and Witney. Oxford, London, Malvern and Morton in March as well as Kingham are all on a direct train route from Charlbury Station which is a 5 to 10 minute (depending on if you are walking up or downhill) walk through the church yard. All train times are available online and there are often special rail offers too.

For the more energetic visitor, Charlbury is ideal for walkers and cyclists alike. Why not grab a map and compass and set out on your own – we have some maps at Reception if you are looking for inspiration and there is much more available at Evenlode Books on Market Street.

here are many beautiful cycle routes across the area or, alternatively, you could follow a programmed or bespoke walk prepared by Talking Walks. Their information packed ambles are led by an expert guide and all walkers receive notes to remember all the details of their day. What’s more, there will shortly be an exclusive range of walks focussed on the landscape, history and places of interest around The Bell at Charlbury and starting and finishing there too!

Charlbury

There aren’t many towns left any more like Charlbury, home of the Bell Hotel. This idyllic Cotswolds town is tucked away in the ancient Wychwood Forest almost in the shadow of historic Blenheim Palace. The thriving country town was once famous for the glove-making industry but has remained unspoilt, despite its superb countryside setting. Now a vibrant arts and social scene has emerged as the town’s best kept secret. Being off the beaten track, Charlbury has managed to retain a rural charm of its own. But those wishing to escape the delights of Charlbury for a while only have to hop on a train. Oxford Station is just over 10 minutes away and there’s a direct train to London Paddington that takes little more than an hour.

Charlbury makes the ideal Cotswolds break, being surrounded by some stunning countryside and ancient forests that are ideal for a day’s ramble, or simply a gentle stroll. The beauty of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds provides the perfect backdrop for a walking break or cycling holiday with its excellent network of minor lanes and over 500 miles of public footpaths. There are a number of cycle hire centres in the area where they can even deliver your bike direct to your accommodation. Check out the Visitor Information Centres at Witney, Woodstock and Burford where the local experts can help you plan your cycling and walking itinerary. They can also provide an extensive range of maps and guides for your Cotswold cycling or walking holiday.

But Charlbury and the surrounding area offers so much more than rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Once you’ve finished exploring the countryside, pay a visit to Charlbury’s unusual museum. Or check out some of its fascinating historic buildings before exploring Charlbury’s comprehensive range of shops and services. And if you’re a keen golfer, you’re spoilt for choice in this area. With no fewer than ten golf courses with a ten mile radius, this couldn’t be a better location for a Cotswolds Golf Holiday. Whatever you want from your Oxfordshire trip, whether it’s golf, cycling, horse riding, walking or simply soaking up the sights, Charlbury has it all.


For an Oxfordshire town off the beaten track, Charlbury boasts a surprisingly wide range of interesting and unusual shops. Book lovers would be happy to while away a few hours in its independently-run bookshop. There’s also an excellent gift shop, delicatessen, newsagent with café, post office, two garages, a florist and a farm shop. The barbers and beautician will take care of all your grooming needs and there’s even a wedding shop. For all your groceries, the late-opening Co-op supermarket takes care of all your needs. If you fancy a drink away from your Cotswolds accommodation it’s well worth paying a visit to the Rose & Crown, a persistent winner of the North Oxfordshire CAMRA pub of the year. There is also the Three Horseshoes which provides numerous pub games.

Charlbury is a town which buzzes with social activity, whatever the time of year. Once you’ve enjoyed an early meal at the Bell Hotel’s charming Cotswolds restaurant you may be able to watch one of the many theatre productions held in the town.

Or you may be lucky enough to time your Oxfordshire break during the annual charity beer festival held in July. There’s also a Riverside Festival as well as the town’s annual Street Fair in September offering a wealth of interesting entertainment and activities. Many people seek Cotswolds accommodation during July’s Oxford Cornbury Music Festival. Acts like Texas, Blondie and Robert Plant, make the festival very popular so it’s wise to book your Oxfordshire hotel well in advance. Charlbury’s busy social calendar is completed by the special late night shopping evenings before Christmas and the traditional auld lang syne sing song at Bull Corner.

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