Bampton
A peaceful Cotswold Village, renowned for its Morris dance traditions, celebrated annually at the Bampton day of Dance (May Day). Originally known as 'Bampton in the Bush', as it was a difficult place to find in the Middle Ages, being well off the beaten track. A fortunate circumstance that has helped to preserve much of its oldy-worldy charm. The village has a number of pleasant Cotswold stone houses, dating from the 17th and 18th century, a minute town hall and a magnificent church with a 160ft (48m) spire, supported by 4 flying buttresses.
Bampton Churchgate House © Travel
About Britain
If you visit Bampton you will find that parts of this lovely village may seem very familiar. This is because it was used for filming village scenes in the TV series 'Downton Abbey'. For example, the Grade II listed rectory 'Churchgate House' (shown above), featured as Mrs Crawley's House, and the old Grammar School (shown below) served as Downton hospital.
Bampton Old Grammar School © TAB
The old Grammar School Building now houses the village library (Bampton Community Archive), which is worth visiting just to peruse its displays of old photographs of village life. Visitors can also view and purchase memorabilia from the television series.
The old village hall, in the centre of the village, hosts an art gallery with a regular changing exhibitions and art displays.
Bampton Village © Travel About Britain
Map of Bampton
South East England
Towns and Villages in Oxfordshire
Abingdon, Bampton, Banbury, Bicester, Burford, Buscot, Carterton, Henley-on-Thames, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, Didcot, Dorchester, Thame, Oxford, Wallingford, Wantage, Witney, Woodstock
Attractions in Oxfordshire
Banbury Museum | Blenheim Palace | Broughton Castle | Buscot Park | Chastleton House | Cotswold Wildlife Park | Didcot Railway Centre | Greys Court | Minster Lovell | Rousham House | Stonor House