Inside stunning unspoiled Cotswold town dubbed 'Notting Hill-on-the-Wolds'

07 October 2023 , 06:19

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Charlbury is nowhere near as touristy as the likes of nearby Bibury and Castle Combe, but has a flourishing culture scene (Image: Getty Images)

When it comes to Britain's biggest tourist traps, the Cotswolds are among the most heavily-descended upon spots in the country.

But one small town nestled in the rolling hills known for their picturesque honeycomb houses has remained relatively unscathed by the throngs of visitors and has been highlighted for its up-and-coming music scene which has earned it the title of 'Notting Hill-on-the-Wolds'. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, is another postcard perfect town offering delicious food and stunning scenery.

The town has become a hub for festivals and the pub scene in recent years, and a regular haunt for the likes of nearby resident David Beckham and former Archbishop Rowan Williams. The Long Shadow actor Toby Shadow meanwhile grew up in the town, while Jeremy Clarkson's farm is just a few miles away and provides food for its pub menus.

The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton railway opened the station in 1853 (Getty Images)

While relatively quiet in comparison with nearby tourist hotspots of Bibury and Castle Combe, Charlbury becomes abuzz with visitors in August as Wilderness Festival in nearby Cornbury Park kicks off. July also sees the popular Riverside Festival, while favoured boozer the Rose & Crown hosts beer festivals in June and October.

Its firm place on the musical map has earned the town the 'Notting Hill' title from The Telegraph, which describes it as "on the radar of England's hip set". The trendy gastropub in its London namesake borough The Pelican meanwhile recently hosted a pop-up in the town, with its New Year's party attended by ex-PM Boris Johnson.

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Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park (Getty Images)

Boris isn't the only famous name linked to Charlbury's food scene either, as 17th-century pub The Bull has been known to source mushrooms from Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm. His Hawkstone ales and cider are also stocked by rival pub, Rose & Crown.

While Charlbury may seem the quaint Olde Worlde English town from the front of a postcard, don't be fooled into thinking it lacks any diversity. Amarelo Bistro - set to open this month in what was the old Post Office - showcases the best of Brazilian cuisine, too.

Susie Beever