Shipton-Under-Wychwood
Shipton-Under-Wychwood
Attractions and Places To See around Shipton-Under-Wychwood - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Shipton-Under-Wychwood, a village in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, offers a mix of historical landmarks and natural landscapes. Situated in the Evenlode Valley, with the River Evenlode nearby, the area is characterized by farmland and stone walls. It serves as a base for exploring the wider Cotswolds and the ancient Royal Forest of Wychwood.
Best attractions and places to see around Shipton-Under-Wychwood
- The most popular attractions is Burford Town Centre, a historical town known for its tearooms, independent shops, and pubs. It is known as the 'gateway' to the Cotswolds and features medieval architecture.
- Another must-see spot is Minster Lovell Hall Ruins, a historical ruin. These 15th-century ruins, built around 1440, are situated by the River Windrush.
- Visitors also love Church of St Lawrence, Wick Rissington, a historic church. It features 13th-century architecture and a tower with 12th-century fabric traces.
- Shipton-Under-Wychwood is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore ancient churches, Jacobean manor houses, and extensive walking trails.
- The attractions around Shipton-Under-Wychwood are appreciated by the komoot community, with 38 upvotes and 60 photos shared.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Minster Lovell Hall Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Minster Lovell Hall was built by William Lovell around 1440. As Minster Lovell was one of the earliest estates held by the Lovell family and one of their main residences it was at least the second building occupying this site.
In 1747 large parts of the buildings were dismantled. By the early nineteenth century, the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall were thought to have been the buildings of an alien priory.
Legend
According to one report, a skeleton was discovered in the basement of Minster Lovell Hall in 1718 and was thought to be that of Francis Lovell who had hidden there after the Battle of Stoke and had died of starvation. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely this is the case. Francis Lovell spent little time in Minster Lovell and therefore would have no faithful servant there who could hide and feed him for years.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minster_Lovell_Hall
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Church of St Lawrence, Wick Rissington
Highlight • Religious Site
The right of presentation to the rectory was exercised by the lords of Little Rissington manor up to 1529. After that manor had passed in 1540 to the Crown, however, the advowson was not alienated with it, and successive rectors were presented by the Crown and the Lord Chancellor until c. 1870. Then the new owner of Wick Rissington manor acquired the advowson, which descended with the manor until c. 1935 when it passed to the Diocesan Board of Patronage.
The living was valued at £4 6s. 8d. a year in 1291, and at £16 2s. 6d. clear in 1535. In 1650 it was valued at £80, and the increase was perhaps due in part to the enlargement of the glebe from 13 a. in 1535 to three yardlands at the end of the 16th century. The total value had risen to c. £150 a dozen years after inclosure under the Act of 1729, as a result of which the endowment of the living included 76 a. of land and rent-charges of £84. The value of the living rose to over £200 in the mid-19th century.
In 1301, during the minority of an heir to the advowson, the Crown presented Adam de Brome, a royal clerk and one of the founders of Oriel College, Oxford. The next two rectors were both licensed to be absent. Adam of Witchford, rector 1323–34, served as chaplain to his patron, Aline Burnell. It may have been the non-residence of successive rectors that stimulated Thomas le Spencer to grant land, in 1331, for the support of a chaplain. This chantry, called Our Lady's service, survived in 1547 when its income was 36s. 6d.; there was then, however, no chaplain. In the early 15th century there were frequent changes of rector, but from 1436 to 1474 the rector was John Wakefield, who may have made some of the alterations in the church though clearly he was not, as has been stated, responsible for its building.
The rector instituted in 1529 put the living to farm, and left the parish in the care of a curate. His successor, Henry Bassingbourne, had been Prior of Woodbridge (Suff.) and in 1548 was said to have allowed the parsonage to decay, to have celebrated neither mass nor matins for a fortnight, and to pass his time in an ale-house in Bourton-on-the-Water; in 1551 he was enjoined to correct himself and to preach more often. The next rector was deprived in 1553 for marrying; four of the next five after him were pluralists, and two at least were non-resident. The succession of not wholly satisfactory rectors culminated with Robert Knollys, rector 1614–41, who also held the livings of Hampnett and Bibury, and against whom his parishioners of Wick Rissington alleged that he had neither read prayers nor prayed in their church for five years, employed the cheapest curates he could get, and was thus responsible for the lack of services, sermons, and spiritual consolation for the dying. In the late 17th century and for most of the 18th and early 19th pluralist or absentee rectors appointed curates for the parish. The last but one of such curates was William John Deane (1823–95), the theological writer, and the last nonresident rector was George Leigh Cooke (d. 1853), Sedleian professor of natural philosophy at Oxford. From 1853 the rectors were normally resident, but unlike most other parishes Wick Rissington had no rector that remained more than 20 years. From the Second World War the livings of Wick Rissington and Little Rissington were held jointly, as they were in 1962, though there was no formal union of the parishes or the benefices.
The church of ST. LAWRENCE is built of ashlar and rubble with a Cotswold stone roof, and comprises chancel, nave, north aisle, north porch, and west tower. The church is remarkable for its 13th century work, which survives with little change in the chancel and tower. Traces of a corbel-table in the north and south walls of the nave and the massiveness of the walls of the tower (nine feet thick at the bottom) indicate the 12th-century origin of the fabric. The chancel and tower were rebuilt in the mid-13th century. Later changes in the building, apart from minor changes in the chancel, cannot be traced until the 19th century. The church was described c. 1700 as 'one entire aisle', which suggests that the nave and chancel roofs were continuous. The church, said to be in excellent repair in 1828, was enlarged in 1822, when proprietary north and south transepts were added, and in 1836. The work in 1836 may have included the blocking of the 12th century north doorway, the removal of mullions and tracery from the south windows of the nave, and the further lowering of the nave roof, for up to 1879 it was lower than that of the chancel, which had a western corbie-gable. The church was extensively altered in 1879, under the direction of J. E. K. Cutts. The transepts were removed; the nave was thoroughly restored, its roof-line being raised to the steep pitch of an earlier roof marked on the east wall of the tower; the north aisle was built, with a lean-to roof; a new north doorway was opened; and a porch was added, with a door to the aisle through a re-used 12th-century arch that was the original north doorway.
The chancel is lit by two pairs of tall lancets in the east wall and by two windows in each of the north and south walls. The north windows are lancets in deeply splayed openings; the south windows were originally similar, but have been replaced by a 14th- and a 15th-century window, each of two lights with tracery. Both internally and externally the windows, together with a small south doorway, are drawn into a coherent design by continuous string-courses, which are somewhat interrupted by the new work to the windows on the south. The treatment of the east end is particularly elaborate. Pairs of small buttresses ornament rather than support the angles, each pair of lancets is surmounted by a concave lozenge-shaped light, and near the apex of the gable is a plain lozenge-shaped light, once filled with masonry; the upper and lower string-courses are carried round these various features. Internally the upper string-course forms a sort of arcading, and the lower is connected with two piscina niches (one trefoil-headed with rich moulding and a scalloped bowl), two aumbries, and four other recesses, of which one contains a rectangular stone tank with drain. Below, stone benching survives along the south and much of the north wall. The chancel has a medieval trussed rafter roof; in the windows are a few fragments of 14th-century coloured glass.
The tower is of four stages separated by stringcourses; the western angles have buttresses to the two lower stages similar in style to those of the chancel. To the first stage there is an external west door, to the second a tall single-light west window with a stringcourse around the arch and extending across the west face of the tower. The third and fourth stages are each stepped back; on each face of both, except the east face of the third stage, is a single louvred light. The parapet is pierced by trefoil openings, and the angle pinnacles repeat the style of the buttresses.
The tub-shaped font of c. 1200 was for many years buried in the churchyard. In the chancel are 12 carved wooden plaques, found c. 1890 at Wick Hill, depicting scenes from the life of Christ; they are thought to be Flemish, and of the 16th century. The altar-table stands on a stone slab that was once the top of a medieval altar and was subsequently used as a memorial floor-slab; part of a carved and coped stone coffin lid is reset in the porch. In the tower are four bells: there were four c. 1700 and in 1828, but in 1844 only three were recast; a fourth was added in 1888. The plate includes a chalice, paten, and flagon of the 18th century. The organ bears an inscription recording that Gustav Holst (d. 1934) played on it as parish organist in 1892 and 1893. The registers begin in 1739.
In or before the 17th century land that produced £2 a year c. 1700 was given for the repair of the church. The land, known as Clerk's mead, was just under 3 a. and produced £7 a year in 1828, and £8 10s. a year in 1962.
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Shilton War Memorial
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Burford Town Centre
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The Swan Hotel, Minster Lovell
Highlight • Restaurant
british-history.ac.uk/vch/oxon/vol15/pp177-184
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The patron saint of this church, dedicated to Saint Lawrence: He is one of the early Roman martyrs from a time when Christianity was still strictly forbidden. He was archdeacon to Pope Sixtus II and, after the latter's execution, was ordered by the pagan Emperor Valerian to hand over the Church's treasure. Lawrence asked for three days to do so, distributed the Church's wealth among the poor inhabitants of Rome, and after the agreed time, returned with the poor to the emperor to present them as the Church's treasure. He was then martyred; legend says he was roasted alive on a gridiron—an attribute seen in many depictions of Saint Lawrence—over coals. He is said to have been cheerful during this ordeal and asked his executioner if he would turn him over. Saint Lawrence's feast day in the liturgical calendar is August 10, the traditional date of his execution in the year 258 AD.
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Can get busy with traffic but lots of side roads and walking pathetic to explore
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It's beautiful in a overrun-with-tourists kinda way, but the Deli here is excellent for coffee, food and expensive Italian ingredients that you don't need on a bike ride, but want.
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This is amazing love place. I love to go this kind of place. https://www.health-insurancemarket.com
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As a memorial to the many dead, such memorials - usually called "war memorials" in English - are still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." says the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the people commemorated here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. This is why the term "dead soldiers' memorial" is now sometimes used in German instead of the previously most common "war memorial". However, such a war memorial, which one encounters so often on the road, regardless of nationality, language and name, is always a testimony - still significant and current today - to the horror of war and tyranny. They all have two essential functions, and this for each generation anew: -1- Commemorate and remember the victims -2- Remind people to keep the peace
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Discover tearooms, independent shops, and many fantastic pubs and restaurants in the medieval town of Burford. The town is situated at the gateway to the Cotswolds and is well-known for its picturesque value.
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Burford (/ˈbɜːrfərd/) is a town on the River Windrush, in the Cotswold hills, often referred to as the 'gateway' to the Cotswolds. The toponym derives from the Old English words burh meaning fortified town or hilltown and ford, the crossing of a river. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burford
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the historic Minster Lovell Hall Ruins, a 15th-century ruin by the River Windrush. Within Shipton-Under-Wychwood itself, explore the early 13th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin, the prominent Jacobean manor house Shipton Court, or the 14th-century The Shaven Crown Inn, one of England's oldest inns.
Where can I enjoy nature and walks near Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
For nature lovers, the Wychwood Wild Garden offers 12.5 acres of wooded paths, avenues, and ponds, perfect for observing local flora and fauna. Nearby, Diggers Wood provides another tranquil woodland experience. The village is also situated in the picturesque Evenlode Valley, with the River Evenlode running close by, offering scenic views of open Oxfordshire farmland.
Are there any long-distance walking trails in the area?
Yes, the 37-mile circular Wychwood Way trail allows you to explore the natural beauty and remnants of the ancient Royal Forest of Wychwood, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. For shorter walks, you can find various routes in the area, including those around the Wychwood Wild Garden and Diggers Wood.
What outdoor activities are available around Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
Beyond exploring attractions, the region offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Wychwood Wild Garden – The Wychwood Inn loop' or 'Fordwells Valley Path loop'. There are also gravel biking routes like the 'Charlbury Village – Pay Lane Forest Trail loop' and various hiking trails, including 'Shipton-under-Wychwood to Foxholes Nature Reserve'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for running, gravel biking, and hiking around Shipton-Under-Wychwood.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Exploring the historic Minster Lovell Hall Ruins can be an engaging experience for all ages. The Burford Town Centre, with its independent shops and tearooms, offers a pleasant family outing. Additionally, the Wychwood Wild Garden provides a safe and natural environment for children to explore.
What are some unique cultural landmarks in the village?
Shipton-Under-Wychwood boasts several unique cultural landmarks. The Cospatrick Memorial, a pyramidal structure on the village green, commemorates villagers lost in an 1874 shipwreck. The Old Prebendal House, a Grade I listed building next to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, also adds to the village's historical charm. You can also visit FWP Matthews Ltd (Matthew's Flour Mill) to see a traditional mill in operation.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and picturesque settings. For instance, Minster Lovell Hall Ruins is described as an 'amazing love place'. The medieval architecture and charming atmosphere of Burford Town Centre are also highly praised, with its deli being a favorite for coffee and food. The area's blend of history and natural beauty, often found along walking routes, is a consistent highlight.
Are there any historic pubs or inns in Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
Yes, the village is home to several historic establishments. The 14th-century The Shaven Crown Inn, founded by monks, is said to be one of England's oldest. The Lamb Inn, built in 1580 from Cotswold stone, also offers a glimpse into the village's rural heritage. Another option is The Wychwood Inn, a family-run restaurant, hotel, and pub.
Can I visit other popular Cotswold towns from Shipton-Under-Wychwood?
Shipton-Under-Wychwood serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Cotswolds. Popular towns such as Burford, Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Woodstock are all within easy reach, offering further attractions and experiences.
Are there any religious buildings of historical significance to visit?
Absolutely. The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Shipton-Under-Wychwood dates primarily from the early 13th century and stands on the site of a Saxon minster. Another notable religious site is the Church of St Lawrence, Wick Rissington, which features 13th-century architecture and traces of 12th-century fabric, with a rich history of rectors and architectural alterations.
What is the best time of year to visit Shipton-Under-Wychwood for attractions?
The Cotswolds are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the Wychwood Wild Garden and walking trails, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning foliage to the woodlands. While some outdoor activities might be chillier, winter can offer a quieter, picturesque experience, especially in the historic villages and inns.
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