In the realm of popular tourist destinations in Britain, the Cotswolds stand out as a magnet for visitors. However, amidst the bustling crowds, one quaint town nestled in the scenic Cotswold hills has managed to maintain its charm and tranquility. Charlbury, located in Oxfordshire, has recently gained recognition for its burgeoning music scene, earning it the nickname ‘Notting Hill-on-the-Wolds’.
Charlbury has evolved into a vibrant hub for festivals and a thriving pub culture, drawing in notable figures like David Beckham and former Archbishop Rowan Williams. Actor Toby Shadow of “Long Shadow” fame hails from Charlbury, while Jeremy Clarkson’s farm, just a short distance away, supplies fresh produce to the town’s pubs.
Although Charlbury may not attract as many tourists as nearby hotspots like Bibury and Castle Combe, the town comes alive in August during the Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park. The Riverside Festival in July and beer festivals at the Rose & Crown in June and October also add to the town’s lively atmosphere.
Acknowledged for its musical influence, Charlbury has been likened to Notting Hill by The Telegraph, appealing to England’s trendy crowd. The Pelican gastropub from London’s Notting Hill even held a pop-up event in Charlbury, attended by prominent figures like Boris Johnson.
Charlbury’s culinary scene boasts connections to famous personalities, such as sourcing mushrooms from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm at the 17th-century pub, The Bull. The Rose & Crown also stocks Clarkson’s Hawkstone ales and cider, further intertwining the town with celebrity food ventures.
Despite its quaint appearance reminiscent of an old English postcard, Charlbury surprises with its diversity, exemplified by the upcoming Amarelo Bistro featuring Brazilian cuisine, set to open in the former Post Office building this month.