Chipping Norton, often affectionately known as “Chippy,” is a picturesque market town nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire. With its honey-coloured stone buildings, thriving high street, and close-knit community, Chipping Norton attracts both tourists and those looking to settle in a more rural, idyllic setting. The town boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés, and historic architecture, including the beautiful St Mary’s Church and the famous Bliss Tweed Mill. It also enjoys a reputation for being part of the so-called “Chipping Norton set,” with several well-known figures calling it home or visiting regularly.
However, like many rural towns, Chipping Norton is not without its problems. One frequent complaint from both residents and visitors is the double roundabout in the centre of town. This confusing road layout often leads to near-misses and traffic delays, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons. The awkward configuration is a notorious pinch point, and unfortunately, it has become a hotspot for minor car accidents and bumps, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Calls for a redesign or improved signage have been ongoing for years, but changes remain slow to materialise.
Despite this, Chipping Norton continues to thrive as a vibrant community. The local schools are generally well-regarded, the surrounding countryside is stunning, and the town has a strong sense of identity. Events like the Chippy Music Festival and the town’s seasonal markets add to the local charm. But until something is done about the double roundabout, it remains a blemish on an otherwise charming destination — both a traffic nuisance and a safety concern, with more car accidents than might be expected for a town of its size.
How to Get Through Chippy
How To Deal With The Double Roundabout – Chipping Norton:
In Chipping Norton, the double roundabout in the town centre links several key roads, including the A44 and A361. Drivers entering this junction often need to:
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Navigate the first roundabout (e.g., from Banbury Road),
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Exit onto a short stretch of road (sometimes only a few metres),
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Then immediately approach the second roundabout to continue their journey.
Common Issues:
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Confusion: Especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area, it can be unclear who has right of way.
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Misjudged Gaps: Because cars may stop or hesitate between the two roundabouts, there can be sudden changes in speed.
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Minor Collisions: These layouts are known to cause small car accidents, particularly during busy periods or in poor weather.
Tips for Navigating a Double Roundabout:
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Slow down and observe carefully.
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Treat each roundabout as a separate junction.
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Signal clearly, especially when changing lanes or exiting.
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Be patient — especially if drivers ahead are unfamiliar with the layout.
Celebrities that don't live in Chipping Norton
The Beckhams
People are always banging on about how the Beckhams live in Chipping Norton, but let’s get this straight — they don’t. They actually live in Great Tew, a small, ultra-exclusive village about five miles away. It’s got posh farmhouses, a members-only club (Soho Farmhouse), and barely a shop in sight. But for some reason, the media constantly lump it all under the “Chipping Norton” label, like the town’s just a convenient postcode for celebrity name-dropping. It’s a bit irritating, really, because Chipping Norton is a real town with real people and its own character — not just a glamorous backdrop for famous faces who probably only pop in when their chef needs something from the deli. So no, the Beckhams don’t live in Chipping Norton — and yes, it matters.
Jeremy Clarkson
Look, I’m a massive fan of Jeremy Clarkson — love the shows, love the farm — but let’s clear something up: he doesn’t live in Chipping Norton. He lives in Chadlington, a village just outside the town. Yet somehow, every time he’s mentioned in the press, it’s all “Clarkson of Chipping Norton” like it’s part of his address. It’s not. Chadlington’s lovely, don’t get me wrong, but calling it Chipping Norton is just lazy. It’s like the media think everything within a ten-mile radius is fair game for the Chippy name. Sorry, but no — if we’re going to talk about Diddly Squat and where Clarkson actually lives, let’s at least get the geography right.
Amanda Holden
Although I can’t stand her whining voice, I’ll admit Amanda Holden does shop locally now and then — you might spot her wafting through the deli or grabbing something from the farmers’ market like she’s one of the locals. But let’s not pretend she lives in Chipping Norton, because she absolutely doesn’t. She lives in Sarsden, a tiny village just outside town. Still, every time her name pops up, it’s “Amanda Holden of Chipping Norton” as if she’s just nipped down the road with a reusable bag. She might use Chippy, but she doesn’t live here — and frankly, that’s an important distinction, especially for those of us who have to hear her name constantly linked with the town like she’s on the parish council.