Numerous popular TV series have filmed in the Cotswolds, including major dramas like Downton Abbey (using Bampton for the village), the crime series Father Brown (filmed in Blockley), and historical dramas like Poldark (using Chavenage House). Other productions include This Country, Sister Boniface Mysteries, and features like Bridget Jones's Diary, showcasing the region's iconic villages and stately homes.
The Cotswold village of Bampton doubles as the fictional village of Downton in the hit drama series Downton Abbey. Many of the houses, church and pub exteriors have been used in the filming.
A young Jersey actress has landed a role in Disney+'s latest series of Rivals, the comedy-drama based on Dame Jilly Cooper's bestselling novel. Amelie Child-Villiers, 17, plays Beatrice Baddingham, the on-screen sibling of David Tennant's real life daughter, Olive in the 1980s drama set in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds is home to numerous celebrities seeking rural charm, including David & Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Jeremy Clarkson, Hugh Grant, Simon Cowell, and Alex James, while royals like King Charles III and Princess Anne have estates nearby, and recent reports suggest Beyoncé & Jay-Z are building there, making it a celebrity hotspot. Other stars spotted include Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Dornan, Damien Hirst, and J.K. Rowling, drawn by privacy, beauty, and proximity to London.
This is probably the most iconic village in the Cotswolds — the view from the bridge looking toward the old weavers' cottages is one you'll have seen all over Instagram, but it still feels magical in person. There isn't a long list of things to do here, and that's part of the charm.
He has since chosen to opt for a quieter life with a move to the British countryside, with a manor house close to Wadhurst in East Sussex. Many had wondered why Mr Depp had not chosen a property in the Cotswolds instead, due to its increasing celebrity nature in recent years.
In November 2024, Ellen and her wife – former Arrested Development star Portia de Rossi – swapped out the luxuries of LA life for the bucolic comforts of the Cotswolds.
Where is the most photographed place in the Cotswolds?
Today, we spotlight what is arguably the most photographed location in this picturesque region: Arlington Row in Bibury. Known for its enchanting charm and historical significance, Arlington Row captivates visitors from around the world, making it a must-visit destination for photographers, tourists, and locals alike.
And Ellen is just the latest American flocking to this stretch of the British countryside. She's joined by home owner in the area, Brad Pitt, while Tom Cruise and Ariana Grande have both spent time staying there. Oh, and then there's her new friend, Kate Moss, who has a home 30 minutes away in Little Faringdon.
What is the famous row of houses in the Cotswolds?
The picturesque Arlington Row was built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century. It's in the charming village of Bibury, on the banks of the River Coln, full of traditional stone cottages and green spaces.
The Cotswolds are a popular filming location for many TV series, including historical dramas like Downton Abbey (using Bampton as Downton village) and Poldark (using Chavenage House), comedy mockumentaries like This Country, mystery shows such as Father Brown (filmed in Blockley), and fantasy/sci-fi productions, with locations like Puzzlewood appearing in shows like Merlin and Doctor Who. Other notable shows include The Diplomat, Sister Boniface Mysteries, and The Buccaneers.
Arlington Row on Awkward Hill is a nationally notable architectural conservation area depicted on the inside cover of all United Kingdom passports. It is a popular visitor attraction, reportedly one of the most photographed Cotswold scenes.
While beauty is subjective, Castle Combe (Wiltshire) and Bibury (Cotswolds) are consistently named England's most beautiful villages, famed for their idyllic Cotswold stone cottages, historic charm, and picturesque settings, with Bibury's Arlington Row being especially iconic and Castle Combe often called "the prettiest" and a film-set favorite. Other contenders include coastal Robin Hood's Bay (North Yorkshire) for its smuggling history and sea views, and Mousehole (Cornwall) for its quaint fishing village vibe.
What is the new drama on bbc1 with Sheridan Smith?
Sheridan Smith Stars in New BBC Crime Drama The Cage Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha are set to lead The Cage, a brand-new Liverpool-set crime drama heading to BBC One and iPlayer. Created by The Responder writer Tony Schumacher and directed by Al Mackay, the series promises suspense mixed with warmth and humour.
