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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
How the Cotswolds is turning into the English Hollywood – my top places to visit away from the crowds
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 7 Charlbury in the Cotswolds is set to welcome the US Vice President Credit: Alamy 7 Kourtney Kardashian was recently spotted in the Cotswolds Credit: kourtneykardash/Instagram 7 The Beckhams are also known for living in the Cotswolds Credit: Instagram British celebrities have already been flocking to the But it seems that it is now attracting celebrities across the pond as Americans flock to the quaint towns. Local Plum Sykes told Radio 4 the influx of Americans is because of the "English fantasy of the countryside'. Read more on Cotswolds 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 Most read in News Travel 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. Clarkson's Farm fan wins £5million Cotswolds mega mansion right next door to Jeremy Clarkson... & can't believe his luck 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 Witney can't be missed but a lot of people overlook it Credit: Alamy 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 The ruins of Minster Lovell Hall are popular with locals Credit: Alamy 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 You won't see many chain stores in Burford Credit: Alamy 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 And here is the 7 C4BT98 Woodstock, Oxfordshire, London, United Kingdom Credit: Alamy
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
How the Cotswolds is turning into the English Hollywood – my top places to visit away from the crowds
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
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kourtney Kardashian jets off to the English countryside for lavish wedding of tech heiress Eve Jobs
Kourtney Kardashian was spotted in the Cotswolds for Apple heiress Eve Jobs's wedding to Olympic equestrian Harry Charles at Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton. The reality TV star, 46, posted a snap on her Instagram story of herself carrying her son Rocky and walking through the quaint English countryside. Eve and her partner Harry tied the knot in front of high society friends and family, with images showing a red carpet laid out in preparation for the newlyweds' four-day wedding that reportedly cost nearly $7m. Parents of the bride and groom - Eve's mother Laurene and Harry's parents Peter and Tara – arrived in the picturesque village of Great Tew by private limousine. A stream of luxury minibuses dropped off guests at the church, which included star chef Baroness Ruth Rogers as well as Roman Abramovich's daughter Sofia. Bruce Springsteen's daughter, Jessica, was among nine bridesmaids. Eve and Harry got engaged last September and began dating in 2022, making their debut just a year ago at the Paris Olympic Games. On Thursday, the couple completed a final dress rehearsal at the church for a 90-minute run through. The guestlist was a mixture of British sports stars, American politicians and even a sprinkling of royalty. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris was pictured at a pre-wedding evening in The Bull pub in Charlbury, which also reportedly included Bruce Springsteen's equestrian daughter, Jessica. Kamala's attendance is thanks to her long-time friendship with Eve's mother. Laurene and Kamala have been friends for over 20 years, with the billionaire philanthropist backing Kamala's run for US presidency last year, which she eventually lost to President Donald Trump. Sources close to the family previously said invites have gone out to figures from fashion, sport, and business, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo among the confirmed guests. Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, are understood to have attended the wedding, just a stones throw away from the Beckham family home in the Cotswolds.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kourtney Kardashian cuts a stylish figure as she explores the Cotswolds on 'fairytale holiday' and visits Estelle Manor - just hours ahead of Eve Jobs' wedding at the ultra-secret mansion
Kourtney Kardashian has been busy exploring The Cotswolds during a family getaway just hours ahead of Eve Jobs' star-studded wedding there. The reality TV star, 46, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a gallery of snaps of herself exploring a sleepy village with her son Rocky, 20 months. Though she hasn't shared the reason for her visit, she is believed to have jetted in for Eve Jobs and Harry Charles' luxury wedding, set to take place on Saturday, July 26. Kourtney even shared a photograph of the ultra-secretive Estelle Manor, where the high-society wedding will take place, as she enjoyed a cup of tea there. In one black and white snap, Kourtney cut a trendy figure in a black striped co-ord set as she carried Rocky, who she shares with drummer Travis Barker, in her arms. She also shared a string of photographs of the countryside landscape as she explored the Cotswolds during her picture-perfect stay. 'Dreamy storybook fairytale enchantment,' she captioned the post. On Saturday, billionaire heiress Eve and Team GB Olympic gold medallist Harry will tie the knot in the Cotswolds. The final preparations for the big day were underway earlier this week as they had a 90-minute rehearsal at their church venue on Thursday. The parents of the bride and groom - Eve's mother Laurene and Harry's parents Peter and Tara – arrived in the picturesque village of Great Tew by private limousine. The rehearsal went off without a hitch, with members of the church choir being congratulated by wedding planner Stanlee Gatti for their 'faultless performance'. The lavish wedding party will then take place at the stunning Estelle Manor country hotel set at Eynsham Hall. Described as 'Oxfordshire's most exclusive hotel', the Grade-II listed landmark house only opened last summer. It has quickly become one of the most sought-after places with celebrities, influencers and sports people scrambling to get there for a night away. No pictures are allowed and guests are asked to place a sticker over their phone cameras upon their arrival. There is a 25-metre heated year-round pool, a poolside bar, as well as sitting rooms that host DJs, restaurants and bars and a Roman-inspired spa. Two padel courts, a large state of the art gym and also 60-acres to explore are all part of a stay at the 1901 house. A Japanese restaurant by ex-Nobu alumnus Sergej Leonenko is in the pipeline as is a grill restaurant set in the kitchen garden's glasshouse. Estelle Manor is owned by hospitality entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha of Ennismore, whose portfolio also includes the Hoxton hotels, private members' club Maison Estelle in London, and Gleneagles in Perthshire. However, unlike Gleneagles, it's been created from scratch under the guidance of Sharan and his wife Eiesha, a successful businesswoman and daughter of Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal. With the house booked out for the weekend and 108 bedrooms on offer, it's thought the happy couple will welcome around 200 guests. No details spared, the mini bars come equipped with silk eye covers, collagen masks, melatonin sprays and ear plugs. Described as a 'Soho House for grownups' a membership is £3,600 per year and a stay in one of the smaller rooms starts from £600 a night. Whereas one of their suites costs something more like £2,500 a night. On site, whole houses are able to be rented out for up to six guests, which start at £14,000 night, with a butler who can be summoned via WhatsApp included. In the Blubell House, there's a boot room, a kitchen and dining room, a library, ensuites and a playroom for children. The hotel was named among the 50 best hotels this year and since opening, plenty of celebrities have been spotted there already. Sophie Turner, Rebel Wilson and Kate Moss are a small handful of A-listers who have enjoyed a break there in recent months.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
I live in the Cotswolds – here's why Americans are obsessed
This summer, American Vice President JD Vance has opted for a rather un-Trumpian vacation. No golden elevators or Mar-a-Lago this time: he'll be heading with his family to the Cotswolds in August, reportedly renting a romcom-worthy cottage. The Cotswolds really is as beautiful as the postcards – and Instagram posts – would have you believe. The region that spans parts of six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset) has always had a touch of glamour to it: it's been a hub for the wealthy since the heyday of the wool trade in the late Middle Ages. And more recently, the region I call home has been drawing the great and the glamorous from both sides of the pond. Taylor Swift based herself here for her London Era tour dates, Shonda Rhimes filmed Bridgerton on the streets of Bath and Jeremy Clarkson continues to cause traffic jams by selling pork scratchings to queues of Clarkson's Farm fans. Ellen DeGeneres briefly moved here with her wife Portia De Rossi (although she's just put her property up for sale). We've even had the ultimate seal of American approval – a visit from a Kardashian. Kourtney was recently spotted at Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton. So what exactly is the appeal for transatlantic tastemakers? For one, the Cotswolds is, simply, breathtaking, in a seen-it-on-the-telly sort of way. Gorgeous, untouched villages such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe seem tailor-made for Instagram posts, sitting among golden hills, babbling brooks and gastropubs serving £18 sticky toffee puddings. For Americans raised on fantastical versions of British life (think Downton Abbey, The Holiday and Harry Potter, all filmed here), it's a concentrated dose of British fantasy: the accents, the bunting, the Range Rovers. And this isn't just an American fascination. The British elite are still rushing to join the 'Chipping Norton set', so-called as they tend to land among covetable postcodes in the north of the Cotswolds. Everyone from Kate Winslet to Kate Moss – and former prime minister David Cameron – have called it home. But the influx of celebrities, Veeps and, increasingly, busloads of TikTok-fuelled day-trippers have taken their toll on the Cotswolds, straining local infrastructure and disrupting community life. In 2023, the region welcomed over 23 million visitors, a sharp rise from 16 million in 2018. The area is usually home to 140,000 people. Some of the Cotswolds' prettiest, most untouched villages now face daily congestion, their narrow lanes overwhelmed by tour buses as well as increased litter and noise. The tourism economy, one of the area's largest incomes, supports jobs but inflates property prices, creating a housing shortage in which thousands of covetable cottages have been converted into holiday lets. I live in a wonderfully un-touristy corner of the Cotswolds (visitors often don't realise it's big enough to have plenty of 'normal' towns and communities). Last month, I stayed in Castle Combe, often dubbed 'the prettiest village in England'. Around 350 people live here, but I didn't see a single local – the narrow streets were thronged with international influencers busily filming videos. Charming cottages, with roses around their doorframes, were plastered with signs begging visitors not to fly drones. It felt closer to a visiting a theme park than a tucked-away treasure. And yet it's still possible to find magic in the Cotswolds, and I think to write off the region William Morris called 'heaven on earth' as a playground for the posh is a disservice. Stunning villages such as Snowshill and Guiting Power offer tranquil walks and pint-sized pubs. The market town of Cirencester will please photographers but is still a proper community with a great foodie scene, while Tetbury groans with antiques. Stroud sits jewel-like in the heart of the Five Valleys, its rolling green hills perfect for escaping the madding crowds. Or visit spots that are actually equipped to welcome tourists. Stroll among autumn colour at Westonbirt Arboretum, explore National Trust sites such as Chedworth Roman Villa or spot wildlife at Cotswold Water Park. Avoid Airbnbs and stay instead in a boutique hotel. The Painswick sits in a chocolate box village while Wild Thyme and Honey has a relaxed, pubby vibe. Cowley Manor offers heated indoor and outdoor pools, plus an award-winning restaurant. Or simply head right out of this corner of the country completely. The Shropshire Hills are far quieter than the Cotswolds. The Suffolk coast and many corners of Somerset offer chocolate-box charm without the Instagram hoards. The Cotswolds will no doubt remain catnip for celebrities and clout-chasers, but for those in search of real countryside calm – and a Britain less filtered – it's worth taking the road less travelled. After all, who wants exactly the same holiday snaps as JD Vance?
