High streets across the UK are collapsing with daily reports of major store retailers and stores closing down. In the current industry climate, it is rare to find a thriving high street, one where visitors can stroll along and find a variety of options to choose from.

However, in this stunning small UK town, not only does it boast an incredible stretch of independent shops, but it also has plenty of other spots to explore, from museums and gardens to theatres and festivals. And there’s no better time than now to visit, as it will be running its annual Christmas market, making a perfect festive day out for all.

Chipping Campden is a market town in the Cotswolds district of Gloucestershire, England. The small town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval buildings, long high street that boasts structures that date back to the 14th and 17 centuries, and its cultural heritage as a successful wool trading town.

Unlike its neighbouring towns and villages in the Cotwolds, Chipping Campden offers a homey feel and allows visitors to explore the district’s beauty without being put off by crowds of people.

One person on Tripadvisor wrote: “Compared to some picture-perfect Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden has a more regular, working town feel. It’s not so much wall-to-wall tourism. Instead, it feels as if locals still live and work here, so it has a different vibe.

“However the High Street still has real Cotswold charm and is lined with honey-coloured buildings and historic houses made of the local limestone, as well as several of pubs, like the The Red Lion and the Noel Arms.”

Shoppers can find pretty much anything along the high street. Draycott Bookshop is a family-run business that has a large collection of second hand books and collectables, while Lisa Drinkwaters Flowers is the perfect spot for English country style flowers that are grown locally. 

There are also clothing stores, a family-run farm shop, and plenty of cosy cafes to stop off at and enjoy a bite to eat.

Another visitor wrote: “Chipping Campden is my favourite town in the Cotswolds. It has a worldly feel with a few up market tourists, but it has never been busy or crowded. The main street has some wonderful places to stay including the Noel Arms which welcomes dogs. In summary Chipping Campden has a quiet vibe, still a town for locals, exquisitely beautiful, calm and enough to keep the visitors happy.”

In addition to the popular high street, the town features various museums that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about Chipping Campden’s fascinating history. The Court Barn Museum sheds light on local craftspeople, designers, and artists right from 1900, by showcasing “a glittering display of silver, jewellery, printing, bookbinding, sculpture, furniture, pottery and industrial design”.

However, if you’re wondering why you should visit sooner rather than later, Chipping Campden will be hosting its annual Christmas market on December 6, and you won’t want to miss out.

The town’s market takes place on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month between March and December. However, this month visitors get to experience a festive edition of the event that is filled with stalls, crafts, gifts, cakes, clothes and other handmade goods. The town’s Christmas tree will also be lit at the event, where Father Christmas will make a special appearance.