A charming market town with a bustling high street that dates back to the 14th century has been crowned one of the places to live in the UK. Snuggled in the heart of the picturesque (albeit pricey) Cotswolds, is one of the quaintest retreats in Gloucestershire; even its name sounds like the setting of a Hallmark film.

While the town gained its wealth in the Middle Ages after becoming a huge wool producer, it's now rich in architecture, music festivals, a memorial garden, and even its own coffee company. With average coming in at an eye-watering £570,500 (almost double the national average) calling this place home will come at a huge cost.

However, with close links to London, there's nothing stopping Brits from spending a weekend in the beautifully preserved town as part of their next staycation. Even in just two nights, you'll be able to pack in a plentiful itinerary!

The Times, which featured Chipping Camden in its list of the best places to live in 2025, hailed the town for having a roaring community spirit and 'magnificent' highstreet, which it described as a 'deli-packed delight for lovers of local produce'. It recommended visitors to head down to Eight Bells or Lygon Arms for a cheeky pint, and praised the Meditteranea-inspired restaurant Da Luigi over its £12.90 spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino.

"The family-run Café Huxleys serves everything from coffee and avocado on toast to Friday and Saturday night bouillabaisse and steak," . "Bromley's and Campden Coffee are just two options for an excellent flat white."

Food and drink aside, the town really comes alive in May during the annual Cotswold Olimpicks. The unique event combines informal amateur sporting events for competitors with general entertainment and activities. Here, you'll be able to watch adults competing in huge games of tug-of-war, running and wrestling, as well as a 17th-century sport named shin-kicking (which is exactly what it sounds like).

Chipping Campden's International Music Festival is also one not to miss. Founded in 2002, the event has grown into of of the UK's most prestigious classical musical festivals, attracting some of the world's best musicians. Festival favourites who are returning this year (May 12-24) include the Academy of Ancient Music, Dame Sarah Connolly, Richard Goode, Steven Osborne, and Tenebrae.

"The geography of Chipping Campden at the northern tip of the Cotswolds — far enough away from the A40 to deter most London-based weekenders but convenient enough for work in Cheltenham or weekly trips to the office in Oxford, Birmingham or the capital — has helped keep its local character tight-knit and generous," explained The Times. "There are two cinema clubs, a shed-based DIY group, a repair café, and a well-used library with free hot drinks and a 3D printer."

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Chipping Campden is just under 95 miles from London, and takes around two hours and 35 minutes in the car. Direct trains from the Big Smoke slash the journey time down to one hour and 39 minutes, with single adult fares costing around £45.

The town has a variety of accommodation types depending on your budget - from rustic cottages to spa hotels. (Friday, May 9-11) in a two-bedroom holiday home will set you back £559, based on two adults sharing. However, a Suite in the bespoke for the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What's your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below