From sprawling country piles to five-star retreats, the Cotswolds has long been a rural escape for those in the know. Over the last year, it seems this sleepy pocket of England has taken on a new identity, celebrities. More than just a weekend bolthole, is it now Britain’s answer to Los Angeles? Only with more sheep and probably slightly less sunshine.
In recent months, A-listers have been spotted everywhere from Stow-on-the-Wold to Charlbury. Kourtney Kardashian surprised fans when she shared a snap from the centre of Stow enjoying a low-key moment among honey-stone buildings and vintage shops. Taylor Swift reportedly took a countryside break in the Cotswolds during her 2023 Eras Tour. It’s the perfect place to slip under the radar with her usual ease. Supermodel Kate Moss has long been based here. Her home near Little Faringdon places her firmly in the heart of Cotswold cool.
The Beckhams
The Beckhams are perhaps the unofficial poster family for celebrity life in the Cotswolds. David and Victoria Beckham bought their converted farmhouse near Chipping Norton back in 2016. They’ve spent nearly a decade making it their rural sanctuary. Surrounded by wildflower meadows, their estate includes tennis courts, a wine cellar and a traditional Estonian sauna. This hideaway is perfect for weekend visits from Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. Their presence has helped cement the area’s reputation as a playground for the stylish and well-connected.
Celebrity Events
It’s no surprise, then, that the Cotswolds has become the location of choice for major celebrity events. In July, Eve Jobs – daughter of Apple founder Steve Jobs – married Olympic showjumper Harry Charles at Estelle Manor. Guests included former Vice President Kamala Harris, a close friend of the bride’s mother, Laurene Powell Jobs, as well as Jennifer Gates Nassar, daughter of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, and fellow equestrian Jessica Springsteen, daughter of Bruce Springsteen.
The Bull & Charlbury
During her trip to the Cotswolds Kamala Harris was spotted enjoying a relaxed evening at The Bull, a much-loved pub in Charlbury known for its warm welcome and local charm. Charlbury itself has seen a rise in attention of late with a recent visit from U.S. senator J.D. Vance adding a touch of international intrigue to this quintessential English town. With a direct rail link to London, this charming village is perfectly placed for a relaxing weekend escape from the city.
Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse, the rustic-chic members’ club nestled in Great Tew, continues to be a favourite for stars seeking style and privacy in equal measure. It’s long been a retreat for those wanting countryside luxury with a relaxed, social vibe. It was even the location of Meghan Markle’s hen party in 2018, a moment that cemented its status as one of the region’s most exclusive and stylish escapes.
The Quiet Corners
For those hoping to soak up the beauty without the crowds, it’s still possible to find quiet corners. Head to the sleepy village of Naunton, where the River Windrush trickles past storybook cottages. Or take a walk through the hidden Slad Valley, where Laurie Lee once wandered, it’s a world away from red carpets and paparazzi. In Frampton Mansell, a lesser-known village near Minchinhampton, you’ll find a pub with a glorious garden and wide-open views plus beautiful walks lead right from the doorstep. Further east, Southrop and Eastleach are two of the prettiest villages in the region. Just a short hop from Lechlade and Fairford, they’re connected by peaceful footpaths and surrounded by classic countryside.
The Cotswolds may be basking in the spotlight, but its charm lies in contrasts. Low-key yet luxurious, bucolic yet effortlessly stylish, it offers the kind of understated glamour that’s hard to resist. While it might not have Rodeo Drive, it certainly knows how to roll out the welcome mat.