Cotswold Getaways Without the Crowds
Discover Bampton’s Best-Kept Secret
If you’ve ever tried to find a quiet moment in Bourton-on-the-Water on a sunny weekend, you’ll know that the Cotswolds can get… busy. And while we love our more famous neighbours, there’s something special about finding a village that still feels like a secret. That’s where Bampton comes in.
Tucked on the edge of the Cotswolds and just a short drive from Witney, Burford and Oxford, this peaceful West Oxfordshire village is full of charm and just far enough off the main tourist trail to let you breathe.
Whether you’re after good food, cosy rooms, local walks or a slower pace of life, Bampton delivers all the character with none of the crowds.
A Cotswold Village Full of Character
Bampton might be most famous as a Downton Abbey filming location, but there’s far more to discover here:
Wander past stone cottages, old almshouses and historic churches
Visit the West Ox Arts Gallery in the old town hall
Browse vintage treasures at Arthur’s Attic and Stone Table Vintage—many of our pub’s interiors come from them
Follow The Downton Mile for a short walking route through the village’s film-famous streets
Food, Fireplaces & Boutique Stays at The Market Tavern
At the heart of the village, you’ll find The Market Tavern—a stylish but unpretentious pub with locally sourced food, craft cocktails, and nine boutique bedrooms upstairs.
We’re the perfect base for your quiet Cotswold escape, with:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner made from the best of what’s local
Sunday roasts served until 7pm, complete with all the trimmings
A cocktail list curated by Manager Will using spirits from Wood Bros and Cotswold Distillery
Cosy corners, a log fire, and a friendly welcome
Beautiful rooms that blend vintage style with modern comfort
Want to stay over? You’ll find all the charm of a classic Cotswold inn, without the queues outside the door.
Peaceful Walks, Local Wine & Time to Slow Down
From riverside rambles along the Thames Path to pub garden afternoons with a glass of wine from Eynsham Cellars, life in Bampton moves at a gentler pace. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone in need of a recharge, especially when places like Bourton or Stow get a little too busy.
You can walk, eat, sleep and explore here at your own pace and feel like you’ve truly escaped.