Christmas in the Cotswolds

It’s no secret that we love solving engineering challenges here at SOLID. However, whilst we do work hard, we also like to play hard too. With our head office based in Chipping Norton (a.k.a the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’) we certainly have an impressive playground on our doorstep. Our Christmas break is fast approaching, so we thought we would share some of our favourite Cotswold haunts to see in the festive season.

Favourites for Food & Drink

The Fox, Oddington & The Bell, Charlbury

We may be slightly biased, having worked on both pubs during their refurbishments, but you simply can’t beat the warm and welcoming atmosphere that a Daylesford Organic pub conjures. From locally sourced ingredients to stunning décor, which includes materials sourced from the Daylesford estate, we can’t fault the attention to detail. We were at The Bell last Friday for our SOLID Christmas party and what a wonderfully festive night it was!

Shopping in CV36

Still got some Christmas shopping to do? We’ve got you covered. With The Financial Times naming CV36 as the must have postcode (and we have to admit, it’s stunning) why not head up that way to Whichford Pottery? Established in 1976 by Jim and Dominique Keeling and now a thriving family business, a Whichford pot will make the perfect gift. Not into pots? They have a beautiful shop full of other locally handmade goodies too. If you are there before the 21st of December you will catch the bustling Straw Kitchen open, providing delicious and nutritious brunches and lunches.

A Tour for Tricky Gift Receivers

If Whichford pottery doesn’t cut it for the more difficult of gift receivers, we highly recommend a tour of Hooky Brewery. Almost 20 years ago, Hooky Brewery was where our SOLID offices began, so we know it well. The tour spans over an hour and half and includes a personal tour guide who will take you up, down and around the 5-storey Victorian Tower Brewery. Of course, the grand finale includes a tutored tasting in the cellar bar!

After a more central Cotswold tour? Why not try the Cotswolds Gin or Dunkerton’s Cider tours instead?

Entertainment

Heading back to Chipping Norton now, we wouldn’t be loyal ‘Chippy’ residents without recommending a trip to Chipping Norton’s theatre for their annual Panto. Running until January 12th, this year’s show is ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Featuring original music and laughter filled family fun, the reviewers are already raving.

The fabulous ‘Cidermill Theatre’ in Chipping Campden, a past SOLID project, is also showing a magnificent pantomime this year - Robin Hood. The show runs from the 13th to the 31st December. The luxurious new build theatre promises an extremely comfortable viewing experience.

For outdoor entertainment, Blenheim Palace’s fantastic Christmas light trail is running until the 1st of January. You can combine the trail with ‘Neverland in the Palace’ for the ultimate day out.

Of course, the Cotswolds is such a spectacular place to visit, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Why not pop into FarmEd for a cup of coffee and enjoy the stunning scenery on their regenerative farm? Or perhaps head to Broadway to wander round the quintessential town and absorb the wonders of their Christmas lights.

A Very Merry Christmas

For the ultimate Christmassy experience, you cannot beat St Mary’s Church’s Christingle service on Christmas Eve. The Grade 1 listed Chipping Norton church, which has origins dating back to the 12th century, makes for the perfect festive backdrop.

The St Mary’s team also make up a large chunk of The Branch Trust. The Branch, Chipping Norton’s Community Hub, completed in the Summer. We couldn’t be prouder to have played such an integral part in the building’s renovation. The Branch supports people within West Oxfordshire, where skills and attainment rank in the bottom 10% in England and deprivation affecting children is in the lowest 20% (IMD 2019). Debt, Domestic Abuse and poor mental health are common local challenges. The Branch have just launched their Christmas Appeal and hope to raise £24,000 to further support the community. Do consider donating if you can.

Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, SOLID wish you all a very Merry Christmas. If a visit to the Cotswolds has inspired a move here, contact our team to discover how we can help renovate your dream home.