ISIS Removals’ Guide to the Cotswolds!

The Cotswolds – the jewel in the crown of the British countryside, home to just over 90,000 people. And it’s right on our doorstep here in Oxfordshire!

Spanning the length of our county’s western border with Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds is world-famous for its rolling hills, cosy country pubs and picturesque honeystone cottages.

It’s no surprise therefore that a-list celebrities David and Victoria Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres and Hugh Grant have chosen to call the Cotswolds home.

An estimated 38 million tourists visit the Cotswolds each year, with many dreaming of one day moving to the area.

But moving to such remote locations can present its challenges – a typical front door of a home in the Cotswolds was not designed to accommodate moving a four-seater sofa, for example!

It makes using a trusted removals firm like ISIS Removals and Storage all the more important.

In our latest blog, we explore the very best of the Cotswolds including hidden spots within Oxfordshire’s border and locations which sit on the fringe of our county.

Chipping Norton

With just over 6,000 residents, Chipping Norton is one of the Cotswolds’ largest towns.

It’s home to two primary schools, a secondary school and preschools plus a leisure centre, outdoor swimming pool which opens during warmer months and five supermarkets.

Unlike other Cotswolds locations, Chipping Norton has everything you should need on your doorstep and is a 45-minute drive from Oxford city centre. The one void is a train station – although Charlbury operates regular 70-minute services into London Paddington.

‘Chippy’ – as it’s known by locals – has hit the headlines recently through the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm which is filmed on location at Jeremy Clarkson’s farm in nearby Chadlington.

The Rissingtons

Made up of Great Rissington, Upper Rissington and Little Rissington and Wyck Rissington, the Rissingtons sit across the border in Gloucestershire near the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.

If you’re looking for the quiet country lifestyle, Wyck, Great and Little Rissington are all delightful villages and even by the Cotswolds standards are small and built on community spirit.

A car is essential here, and many properties are tucked away down tight country roads.

In exchange, residents enjoy the slower lifestyle – and you’ll rarely come across tourists unless it’s on a local trail or in The Lamb, a typical Cotswold pub in the heart of Great Rissington.

Burford

Described as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is another of the Cotswolds’ larger towns with the benefit of all the conveniences a person could wish for on their doorstep.

Its high street is perhaps the most photographed location in the Cotswolds with scores of independent shops, pubs and cafes making for a pleasant day out.

While the centre of town can get busy, particularly during weekends and the holidays, Burford’s side roads sit very much away from the hustle and bustle with a mix of semi-detached and luxury detached properties.

Take our word for it, a visit to the Cotswold Cheese Company and the Cotswolds Arms are a must!

Lechlade

Paddleboards, boats and gentle strolls in all seasons – that’s Lechlade in a nutshell.

The town sits on the banks of the River Thames and is well-known for its river-based pursuits including boating, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.

For locals, Lechlade has a primary school, a small supermarket and independent store selling locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat. Anyone considering a move here must get to know the town better with a visit to the incredible Lakes by Yoo – a luxury 850-acre estate offering private holidays to couples and families.

A fun fact for you, The Riverside pub featured in the opening sequence of the London 2012 Olympics at the start of the legendary Opening Ceremony!

The Tews

Great and Little Tew have established themselves as magnets for those looking to up sticks and complete a dream move to the Cotswolds.

Much like the Rissingtons, you’ll find far fewer tourists here as both villages are really tucked away from the primary transport links.

The Tews have most features of a typical Cotswold village, including a local pub and farm shop. What sets the Tews apart from other locations is its proximity to Soho Farmhouse – a luxury members’ club set in 100 acres of Cotswold countryside including bedrooms, a pool, spa and gym.

Contact our team today!

If a move to the Cotswolds is on your agenda for 2025, drop our friendly team a message today and see how our professionals can facilitate a smooth, stress-free, move to your dream destination.

Phone: 01865 770227

Email: info@isisremovals.co.uk