How the Cotswolds is turning into the English Hollywood – my top places to visit away from the crowds

The Sun

3 days ago

WHILE the Cotswolds is hardly a hidden gem, it seems interest in the beautiful county is booming with the rich and famous further afield.
US Vice President JD Vance is set to holiday in Charlbury this summer, while Kourtney Kardashian was spotted in Stow-on-the-Wold for Eve Jobs' wedding.
7
7
7
British celebrities have already been flocking to the Cotswolds of course - there is the famous Chipping Norton crowd of David Cameron, Jeremy Clarkson and David Beckham.
But it seems that it is now attracting celebrities across the pond as Americans flock to the quaint towns.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi famously moved to Chipping Norton, while celebs including Kamala Harris recently spotted for the Eve Jobs wedding.
Local Plum Sykes told Radio 4 the influx of Americans is because of the "English fantasy of the countryside'.
She cited the famously exclusive Estelle Manor, saying it is "like the Beverley Hills Hotel on a Cotswolds hill."
Not only that, but there is the famous Soho Farmhouse and of course Cotswolds Airport allowing direct access by private jet or helicopter.
But having grown up in the Cotswolds myself, I am always surprised when tourists head to the same old places.
Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water have both suffered from overcrowding in recent years, with the popular Arlington Row featuring on featuring on the British passport.
New bans being introduced on coached in a bid to protect the locals, with one local saying: " Bibury is not built in any way for these large coaches - we are a real victim of over tourism and we are becoming the collateral damage and that is not right."
But there are some fantastic places you can go where you won't find massive crowds and you won't annoy the locals.
So here are my favourite spots that have all of that fairytale charm - but without too many people around.
Witney
As my hometown, I'd be remiss to not talk about the town of Witney.
It is often overlooked, despite having a quaint market town centre made up of the famous Cotswolds stone.
There is the Blue Boar Hotel, right in the middle of town with cosy rooms overlooking the square.
The town is also known for it's amazing independent shops, including Lily's Attics and Witney Antiques for homeware.
And a piece of cake from Hunters Cake Company followed by a stuffed baguette from Sandwich de Witney is a must too.
Cogges Manor Farm is great for little ones, with live animal feeding including pygmy goats and Shetland ponies, or you can learn about the town's blanket making history at Witney Museum.
Otherwise hop on the many buses that go to Oxford, taking around 30 minutes.
7
Minster Lovell
While there is little to do at Minster Lovell, it is a quintessential village with thatched roof cottages lining the cobbled paths.
You'll spot the locals playing at the Minster Lovell Halls ruins (built by one of the richest men in Britain at the time,) with picnics and ball games along the river.
There are just two pubs nearby, with the Old Swan serving up classic gastro pub food.
Make sure to stay there too - its also a five-star hotel.
Otherwise there is The White Hart, a family run pub dating back to the 15th century.
7
Burford
The small town of Burford is one of my favourites, as you won't find many chain shops here.
The hill is lined with retro sweet shops as well as amazing cafes for afternoon tea.
Keep your scraps and head to the bottom of the road where you can feed the ducks on the river or have a game of pooh sticks.
Want somewhere to stay? One of the fanciest is The Bull, said to have once hosted Lord Nelson.
7
What celebs live in the Cotswolds?
David and Victoria Beckham: Near Great Tew, close to Chipping Norton.
Jeremy Clarkson: Near Chipping Norton, where he runs a farm shop and pub.
Kate Moss: Near Sarsden and Little Faringdon, close to Lechlade.
Hugh Grant: Near Swinbrook and Ampney Knowle, close to Cirencester.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: Siddington, near Cirencester, and Snowshill.
Patrick Stewart: Near Lacock and Chipping Norton.
Ben Kingsley: Near Tetbury and Chipping Norton.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla: Highgrove House, near Tetbury.
Princess Anne: Gatcombe Park, Minchinhampton.
Zara and Mike Tindall: On the Gatcombe Estate.
Kate Winslet: Church Westcote, near Stow-on-the-Wold.
Damien Hirst: Toddington Manor.
Elizabeth Hurley: Previously near Ampney Knowle, Cirencester, and Barnsley; now in the Forest of Dean.
Richard Hammond: On the Gloucestershire border, near Ledbury.
Jamie Dornan: Chalford, near Stroud.
Jilly Cooper: Bisley.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: Recently sold Kitesbridge Farm, previously near Chipping Norton.
Alex James: Owns a farm hosting a yearly festival.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi: Near Blenheim Palace, on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Woodstock
While a lot of people visit Blenheim Palace - nearly a million a year, in fact - many might skip over the nearby town of Woodstock.
But the quaint town is one to visit if you fancy a cosy pub on the river.
My top pick is The Black Prince, where you can grab a pint and overlook the river on a sunny day.
Here's another Cotswolds town that is often overlooked.
And here is the region that is set to be the next Cotswolds.
7