The Cotswolds has quietly become the go-to bolthole for A-listers looking to trade the chaos of the city for a bit of headspace. For the Hollywood set, there’s a certain magic in the rolling hills that London’s streets just can’t replicate. You’re now just as likely to see a global icon in a pair of muddy wellies at the local farm shop as you are on a red carpet. We’re taking a look at why everyone is calling this corner of England the ‘New LA’ and more importantly, where you can grab a drink and soak up the same views.
Chipping Norton
There’s a reason Chipping Norton is frequently talked-about. With its massive estates and quiet lanes, it’s become a sanctuary for names like Simon Cowell and Jeremy Clarkson. It’s managed to keep its charm as a working market town while becoming a home-away-from-home for the likes of Patrick Stewart and Amanda Holden, who come here for the privacy and the scenery.
One of the biggest draws lately is Diddly Squat Farm Shop, owned by Jeremy Clarkson. Since his Clarkson’s Farm series hit the screens, it’s given everyone a real look into the highs and lows of British farming, while putting his own Hawkstone Brewery firmly on the map. If you’re not there for the farm shop buzz, Chipping Norton is also home to some of the most scenic countryside walks in the UK. You can spend the morning exploring the trails, take a dip in the historic Chipping Norton Lido, and then finish the day exactly like a local: tucked away in a traditional country pub with a proper pint.
Our properties in Chipping Norton >>
Great Tew
Great Tew has been iconic for years, with its winding lanes of thatched cottages and golden stone offering a glimpse into the past. However, it’s now just as famous for being the home of David and Victoria Beckham. The couple has spent years transforming a cluster of derelict barns into a world-class estate, complete with a professional-grade football pitch, a traditional Estonian sauna, and even David’s own beehives. It’s a place where they’ve swapped the red carpet for countryside living often sharing glimpses of their rustic kitchen and honey-making on Instagram.
No mention of Great Tew is complete without Soho Farmhouse. This exclusive retreat is the reason so many A-listers have migrated to the area. It serves as a rural hideaway for stars like Harry Styles and James Corden, providing a private space to unwind. It’s also a top-tier party destination; Tom Cruise even hosted his 60th birthday bash here, cementing the Farmhouse as the most glamorous spot in the Cotswolds.
Cirencester
When you’re in town, catch a bit of history at the Corinium Museum or head to The Barn Theatre for West End-quality shows in a stunningly converted setting. For a bit of fresh air, the Abbey Grounds is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and admire the historic architecture and independent shops that make Cirencester so unique.
Cirencester is widely considered one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, so it’s no surprise the celebrities are moving in. From Johnny English star Ben Miller to Oasis icon Liam Gallagher, the town is becoming a bit of a star-studded hub. Liam recently made headlines by purchasing a £4m mansion in the area, hilariously telling his X followers: “To all the BEAUTIFUL people from The Cotswolds I come in peace you won’t even know I’m there I’m not like all those divvy celebrities who like to show off I’m LO FI as you were LG x”
Tetbury
Tetbury has recently been in the spotlight as the backdrop for the hit series Rivals, but it’s long been a favourite of the Royal Family. It is home to King Charles III, whose private residence, Highgrove, is a masterclass in English gardening. Managed with a strict focus on organic and sustainable practices, these grounds have become a sanctuary for local wildlife. The King has owned Highgrove since the 1980s and continues to open its gates every year, allowing visitors to experience the incredible beauty of the estate first hand.
It’s not just the King who calls Tetbury home, either. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is a local too, and his manor house is a total celebration of his maximalist style. Expect to find plenty of bold, eccentric patterns and rooms soaked in rich colours. It’s a one-of-a-kind home that feels just as flamboyant and unapologetic as the man himself.
For the perfect Tetbury day out, explore the independent shops on the high street before heading to Highgrove Gardens. For nature lovers, Westonbirt Arboretum offers miles of stunning trails just a short drive away.
Our properties in Tetbury >>
Oxfordshire
It’s easy to see why the Oxfordshire side of the hills is so popular with the celebrity crowd right now. Kate Moss has been a local for a while, living in a gorgeous 10-bedroom mansion in Little Faringdon that’s just as whimsical as you’d expect. It’s the perfect spot for her to escape the city noise. She’s been joined recently by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who decided to make a permanent move here after the US election. They’ve swapped Hollywood for a $30 million estate in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire filled with their pets and horses, and Ellen has even been sharing her story during live talks at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre.
Our properties in Oxfordshire >>
Coming Soon:
Even More Star Power Just when you thought the area couldn’t get any more star-studded, two global icons are rumoured to be joining the local ranks. DJ Calvin Harris is expected to settle near Moreton-in-Marsh, while music royalty Beyoncé has her sights set on Wigginton, near Banbury. It seems the pull of the Oxfordshire-Warwickshire border is stronger than ever – keep your eyes peeled for some very famous new faces in the local pubs soon.
The list of famous locals doesn’t end there. From screen stars like Josh O’Connor to culinary icons like Prue Leith, it seems the pull of the countryside is stronger than ever. Even the Royal Family remains rooted here, with Princess Anne and Zara Tindall living in the heart of Gloucestershire.
At Bolthole Retreats, we know this region better than anyone, and we specialise in finding those tucked-away gems that offer the same privacy and charm the A-listers love. Ready for your own escape? Explore our collection and find your perfect Cotswold bolthole today.