Charlbury, located in Oxfordshire and nestled among the scenic Cotswolds, has managed to retain its charm amidst the bustling tourist attractions of the region. Renowned for its honeycomb houses and rolling hills, Charlbury has emerged as a hidden gem with a burgeoning music scene, earning it the moniker ‘Notting Hill-on-the-Wolds’.
The town has become a cultural hub, attracting notable figures like David Beckham and former Archbishop Rowan Williams. Local actor Toby Shadow hails from Charlbury, while Jeremy Clarkson’s farm, just a stone’s throw away, supplies fresh produce to the town’s pubs.
Although Charlbury may not draw crowds like Bibury or Castle Combe, it comes alive during events like the Wilderness Festival in nearby Cornbury Park and the Riverside Festival in July. The Rose & Crown pub also hosts beer festivals in June and October, adding to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Recognized for its music scene, Charlbury has been likened to London’s trendy Notting Hill by The Telegraph, appealing to England’s hip crowd. The Pelican gastropub from Notting Hill even hosted a pop-up in town, attended by notable personalities like Boris Johnson.
Charlbury’s culinary scene boasts historic pubs like The Bull, known for sourcing mushrooms from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm. The town’s food diversity extends to the upcoming Amarelo Bistro, featuring Brazilian cuisine, set to open this month in a former Post Office building.
Despite its picturesque appearance, Charlbury offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a dynamic destination for visitors seeking a unique English experience.
