What TV Show Was Filmed in the Cotswolds? Unveiling the Magic Behind Beloved Series

For many of us, a picturesque village dotted with honey-colored stone cottages and rolling green hills conjures images of idyllic English countryside. It’s a vision that’s deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness, and when I first stumbled upon a particularly charming village, it struck me: this place looks like it’s straight out of a television show. This experience sparked a curiosity that led me down a rabbit hole, eager to discover precisely what TV show was filmed in the Cotswolds, and indeed, how this enchanting region has become such a sought-after filming location. The answer, as it turns out, is not just one show, but a veritable tapestry of them, each weaving its own narrative into the fabric of this stunning landscape.

The Enchanting Appeal of the Cotswolds for Filmmakers

The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-central England, is renowned for its quintessential English charm. Its rolling hills, valleys, and ancient woodlands are dotted with idyllic villages characterized by their distinctive honey-colored limestone buildings, historic churches, and market squares. This timeless aesthetic provides a perfect backdrop for a wide range of stories, from historical dramas and cozy mysteries to heartwarming family tales and even whimsical fantasies. The inherent beauty and preserved character of the region mean that filmmakers often need minimal set dressing, allowing the natural landscape to tell a significant part of the story.

It’s not just the visual appeal, though that’s undeniably a massive draw. The Cotswolds offers a sense of authenticity and history that’s palpable. Walking through a village like Bourton-on-the-Water, with its low bridges spanning the River Windrush, or Stow-on-the-Wold, with its ancient market square, feels like stepping back in time. This sense of continuity and enduring tradition is something that resonates deeply with audiences, and thus, with the creators of television content.

Moreover, the infrastructure within the region is also conducive to filming. While maintaining its rural charm, the Cotswolds benefits from good transport links and a welcoming community. Local councils and residents are often accustomed to and supportive of film crews, understanding the economic and cultural benefits that such productions can bring. This logistical ease, combined with the unparalleled beauty, makes the Cotswolds a relatively straightforward, albeit sometimes challenging due to weather or accessibility, location to work with.

The Crown: A Royal Affair in the Cotswolds

Perhaps one of the most prominent and critically acclaimed series to extensively utilize the Cotswolds is Netflix’s The Crown. This historical drama, chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, has a particular affinity for the region’s stately homes and picturesque villages, which often stand in for royal residences or other significant historical settings.

One might recall scenes from The Crown where the grandeur of Balmoral Castle is depicted. While Balmoral itself is in Scotland, certain exterior shots and establishing scenes that evoke the royal family’s Scottish retreat have been filmed in the Cotswolds, taking advantage of the similar undulating landscapes and expansive estates. More directly, some of the more intimate royal family moments, often set against the backdrop of their country estates, have found their perfect visual match in the rolling hills and stone manors of the Cotswolds.

The series meticulously recreates historical periods, and the Cotswolds’ architectural heritage provides an authentic canvas for this. Villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries can effortlessly portray the settings of the mid-20th century, a period where many of these areas were still very much at the heart of British rural life. The preserved architecture, from the grand country houses to the humble village pubs, offers a visual vocabulary that The Crown leverages to immerse viewers in the lives of the monarchy.

The production team behind The Crown has been known to seek out locations that not only look the part but also offer a sense of privacy and grandeur. The large country estates and secluded hamlets within the Cotswolds provide just that, allowing for the discreet filming of sensitive scenes. The use of these locations lends an air of authenticity and gravitas to the series, reinforcing the historical narrative and the perceived reality of the events depicted. It’s this ability to transport audiences to another time and place, a feat significantly aided by the Cotswolds’ timeless beauty, that makes it such an invaluable asset to a show like The Crown.

Downton Abbey: Echoes of Aristocracy

While Downton Abbey is famously associated with Highclere Castle, its expansive grounds and the surrounding countryside have also seen considerable filming within the Cotswolds. The beloved period drama, which follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, often sought out locations that could convincingly portray the lives of the landed gentry and the rural communities that supported them.

The Cotswolds’ picturesque villages, with their ancient churches and traditional pubs, have frequently served as stand-ins for the fictional village of Downton. Imagine scenes where characters are shown strolling through village markets, attending local events, or simply enjoying the quintessentially English countryside – these moments were often captured within the charming hamlets of the Cotswolds. The ability of these locations to retain their historical character makes them ideal for creating the immersive world of Downton Abbey.

Furthermore, some of the exterior shots of the smaller estates or the homes of supporting characters might have been filmed in the Cotswolds. The region’s numerous country houses, varying in size and grandeur, offer a diverse range of architectural styles that fit perfectly within the historical context of the series. The subtle nuances of these locations, the way the light falls on the honey-colored stone, the ancient trees that frame the landscapes, all contribute to the rich visual tapestry that viewers have come to expect from Downton Abbey.

The series, much like The Crown, benefits from the Cotswolds’ ability to evoke a bygone era. The careful preservation of its villages and landscapes means that filming doesn’t require extensive set dressing or CGI to create a historical atmosphere. Instead, the locations themselves become characters, breathing life into the narratives and allowing audiences to feel a genuine connection to the world of the Crawleys and the people who lived and worked around their grand estate. This, in essence, is the magic that the Cotswolds brings to productions like Downton Abbey.

Bridgerton: A Regency Romance Blooms in the Cotswolds

The global phenomenon that is Netflix’s Bridgerton has also found a captivating home in the Cotswolds. Shonda Rhimes’ adaptation of Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels, set in the Regency era of London high society, has masterfully used the region’s stunning estates and gardens to portray the opulent world of the Ton.

While much of the interior filming takes place on soundstages, the exterior shots and key scenes demanding the grandeur of aristocratic estates have frequently utilized Cotswolds locations. Think of those sweeping shots of vast country houses, manicured gardens, and idyllic parklands where lavish balls and clandestine meetings take place. Many of these breathtaking vistas were brought to life within the Cotswolds.

Specific examples, though often kept under wraps by production to maintain the illusion, include filming at grand country houses that, with the right styling and camera angles, perfectly embody the residences of the era’s most prominent families. The Duke and Duchess of Hastings’ country estate, for instance, or perhaps the ancestral homes of other influential characters, have likely benefited from the architectural splendor and expansive grounds found in the Cotswolds.

The series’ visual aesthetic is a crucial element of its appeal, and the Cotswolds provides an almost unparalleled natural and architectural palette. The rolling hills, often shrouded in a gentle mist, create a romantic and dramatic atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the dramatic romances and social machinations of Bridgerton. The honey-colored stone villages, while perhaps not always representing London itself, can effectively stand in for the more rural estates and retreats of the gentry, offering a contrast to the bustling city scenes and highlighting the different facets of aristocratic life.

The production team’s ability to find locations that are both historically evocative and visually stunning is key. The Cotswolds, with its carefully preserved villages and magnificent country estates, offers a wealth of such possibilities. It allows Bridgerton to transport viewers to a world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and societal pressures, all while being grounded in a landscape that feels both real and aspirational.

Other Notable Productions and Their Cotswolds Connection

The allure of the Cotswolds extends far beyond these high-profile Netflix dramas. The region’s charming villages and idyllic landscapes have served as backdrops for a multitude of other television series, each bringing its own unique flavor to the area.

Father Brown: This popular BBC mystery series, based on the character created by G.K. Chesterton, is perhaps one of the most intrinsically linked to the Cotswolds. Many of the fictional village of Kembleford’s scenes, including the titular Father Brown’s presbytery and the surrounding village streets, are filmed in and around the beautiful Gloucestershire town of Painswick, and the Cotswold village of Blockley has also been a prominent filming location, particularly for the parish church and surrounding areas.

The authenticity of these locations is paramount to the show’s appeal. Painswick, with its well-preserved medieval streets and historic church, provides a perfect setting for the 1950s period drama. Blockley, with its charming cottages and winding lanes, further enhances the sense of stepping back in time. The visual charm of these Cotswolds locations is not just window dressing; it’s integral to the show’s atmosphere and its ability to draw viewers into its gentle, yet intriguing, mysteries.

X Company: While not exclusively a Cotswolds production, this Canadian spy thriller set during World War II utilized various locations in the UK, and certain scenes might have found their way to the Cotswolds for its picturesque and historically resonant countryside, which can often double for rural France or other European settings.

Poldark: While much of the filming for this popular historical drama is set in Cornwall, the dramatic landscapes of the Cotswolds, particularly its more rugged areas, have been used for certain scenes that require expansive, untamed wilderness. The rolling hills and valleys can convincingly portray the wilder stretches of 18th-century Britain.

The Casual Vacancy: J.K. Rowling’s adult novel, adapted into a BBC television series, explored the darker underbelly of village life. The Cotswolds’ seemingly idyllic facade provided a perfect contrast to the dramatic and often unsettling events of the story, with filming locations in villages like Painswick and Stroud.

The Thirteenth Tale: This gothic mystery, based on Diane Setterfield’s novel, features atmospheric locations that capture a sense of old England. While specific details are scarce, the general aesthetic of the Cotswolds – its ancient buildings and secluded settings – makes it a plausible and likely location for such a production.

Under the Greenwood Tree: This BBC adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel, set in rural England, would undoubtedly have found the Cotswolds to be an ideal setting for its pastoral themes and period details.

The common thread running through these diverse productions is the Cotswolds’ unparalleled ability to embody a timeless, quintessentially English spirit. Whether it’s the stately grandeur of a country estate or the humble charm of a village lane, the region offers a rich visual vocabulary that filmmakers consistently turn to.

A Checklist for Aspiring Cotswolds Filming Locations

For filmmakers and production scouts considering the Cotswolds as a filming destination, a structured approach can be incredibly beneficial. While the region’s beauty is self-evident, navigating the practicalities of shooting requires careful planning. Here’s a simplified checklist that can help:

• Define Your Visual Needs: What kind of atmosphere are you trying to achieve? Are you looking for grand country estates, quaint village streets, rolling hills, or ancient woodlands? The Cotswolds offers a diverse range, so clarity here is key.
• Research Specific Villages and Towns: Each Cotswolds village has its own unique character. Bourton-on-the-Water might offer picturesque river scenes, while Stow-on-the-Wold provides a historic market square. Chipping Campden offers architectural beauty, and Bibury is famous for its Arlington Row. Identifying the right village is crucial.
• Identify Suitable Estates and Properties: For grander scenes, research country houses and estates within the Cotswolds. Many are privately owned, but some are managed for events and filming. Websites like VisitCotswolds or specific film location directories can be a starting point.
• Contact Local Film Offices or Location Managers: Many counties have dedicated film offices that can assist with location scouting, permits, and local contacts. For the Cotswolds, this might involve liaising with Gloucestershire County Council or Oxfordshire County Council, depending on the precise location.
• Consider Accessibility and Logistics: While beautiful, some Cotswolds villages can be narrow and difficult to navigate with large film crews and equipment. Assess road access, parking availability, and the potential for temporary road closures or diversions.
• Assess Seasonality and Weather: The Cotswolds is beautiful year-round, but consider the impact of different seasons on your desired look and on filming conditions. Spring blooms offer vibrant colors, summer provides long daylight hours, autumn brings a dramatic palette, and winter can offer atmospheric mist and snow.
• Engage with Local Communities: Building a good relationship with local residents and businesses is vital. Understanding their concerns and seeking their cooperation can smooth the filming process considerably.
• Secure Necessary Permits: Filming on public land, and sometimes even on private land with public access, will require permits from the relevant local authorities. This process can take time, so start early.
• Budget for Location Fees and Potential Disruption: While the Cotswolds offers stunning backdrops, there will be costs associated with filming, including location hire, potential accommodation for cast and crew, and measures to mitigate disruption to local life.

The Economic and Cultural Impact of Filming in the Cotswolds

The presence of major television productions in the Cotswolds has a significant positive impact, both economically and culturally. For local economies, it means jobs for local residents, increased business for hotels, restaurants, and shops, and a boost to tourism. When a show like The Crown or Bridgerton films in the area, it brings a considerable number of cast and crew members who require accommodation, catering, and other services.

Furthermore, the exposure that these television shows provide can lead to a surge in tourism. Visitors flock to the region, eager to see the real-life locations that have graced their screens. This creates a virtuous cycle: the filming brings revenue, and the fame generated by the filming attracts more visitors, who in turn contribute further to the local economy. Many villages that have featured prominently, like Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury, are already popular tourist destinations, but filming can elevate their profile even further.

Culturally, the Cotswolds gains international recognition as a desirable destination. The image of the region is broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing its beauty, history, and unique character. This can foster a sense of pride among residents and encourage the preservation of its heritage. The association with high-quality television productions also enhances the Cotswolds’ reputation as a place of enduring beauty and cultural significance.

It’s also worth noting that the film industry often supports local artisans and suppliers. From catering services to skilled craftspeople who can help with set dressing or repairs, productions can tap into the local talent pool. This not only provides employment but also helps to sustain traditional crafts and skills within the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About TV Shows Filmed in the Cotswolds

What is the most famous TV show filmed in the Cotswolds?

While “famous” can be subjective and depend on audience demographics, several TV shows filmed in the Cotswolds have achieved significant global recognition and critical acclaim. Among the most prominent and widely discussed are:

The Crown: This Netflix historical drama, which delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, has extensively utilized the Cotswolds for its picturesque landscapes and stately homes. The region’s ability to evoke a sense of enduring tradition and royal grandeur makes it an ideal backdrop for the series’ depiction of British history.

Downton Abbey: Although primarily associated with Highclere Castle, the charming villages and countryside of the Cotswolds have also played a role in creating the immersive world of the aristocratic Crawley family. These locations have been used to depict the fictional village surrounding Downton, capturing the essence of early 20th-century rural English life.

Bridgerton: Netflix’s wildly popular Regency-era romance series has also found its picturesque setting in the Cotswolds. The region’s grand country estates and beautiful gardens have been instrumental in creating the opulent and romantic world of the Ton, providing the stunning backdrops for the high-society drama.

Father Brown: This beloved BBC mystery series is particularly tied to the Cotswolds, with many of its scenes filmed in villages like Blockley and Painswick, which stand in for the fictional village of Kembleford. The timeless appeal of these Cotswolds locations perfectly suits the show’s mid-20th-century setting and cozy mystery genre.

Each of these shows, in their own way, has brought the unique beauty and character of the Cotswolds to a global audience, solidifying its reputation as a premier filming location for productions seeking authentic and visually stunning backdrops.

How does filming impact the local Cotswolds communities?

Filming in the Cotswolds has a multifaceted impact on the local communities, predominantly positive, though it can also present challenges. On the economic front, productions bring significant investment. This includes:

• Job Creation: Local residents can find employment as extras, crew members, drivers, caterers, and in various support roles. This provides a welcome economic boost, especially for those with specialized skills.
• Support for Local Businesses: Cast and crew members need accommodation, food, and other services. This translates to increased business for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and local shops. Even small villages can see a noticeable uptick in revenue when a production is in town.
• Tourism Boost: The visibility gained from television shows often translates into increased tourism. Visitors are inspired to visit the real-life locations they see on screen, leading to further economic benefits for the region. This can create a sustained positive effect long after filming has concluded.

Culturally, filming can foster a sense of pride and connection to heritage. The widespread recognition of the Cotswolds as a beautiful and historic filming location enhances its profile on a national and international stage. It can also encourage the preservation of the region’s unique architectural and natural heritage, as these are the very qualities that attract filmmakers in the first place.

However, there can be challenges. For instance:

• Disruption to Daily Life: Temporary road closures, increased traffic, noise, and restricted access to certain areas can be inconvenient for residents. Production companies usually work closely with local authorities and communities to minimize disruption, but it’s an unavoidable aspect of large-scale filming.
• Impact on Tourism during Filming: While filming can boost tourism overall, during the actual shooting period, certain popular spots might be temporarily inaccessible to the public, which can be a short-term inconvenience for regular visitors.
• Maintaining Authenticity: There’s a delicate balance to strike between accommodating filming needs and preserving the authentic character of the villages and landscapes. Over-commercialization or a perception of the area being solely a film set can detract from its genuine appeal.

Overall, with careful planning, open communication between production companies and local communities, and effective management by local authorities, the impact of filming in the Cotswolds is overwhelmingly beneficial, supporting the local economy and celebrating the region’s enduring charm.

Why are the Cotswolds such a popular filming location for period dramas?

The Cotswolds’ popularity as a filming location, particularly for period dramas, stems from a confluence of factors that make it exceptionally well-suited to portraying historical settings. The primary reason is its remarkable preservation of historical architecture and its unspoiled natural landscapes.

Architectural Authenticity: The region is famed for its distinctive honey-colored limestone buildings, which have been used for centuries. Many villages and towns boast architecture that has remained remarkably unchanged since the medieval, Tudor, and Georgian periods. This means that filmmakers can find authentic exteriors and streetscapes that require little to no modification to represent historical eras. Unlike many other locations that might have modern intrusions, Cotswolds villages often present a visual continuity that is incredibly valuable for period dramas. The sheer density of well-preserved historic buildings across numerous villages offers a wide palette for different settings.

Timeless Charm and Atmosphere: The rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and the overall pastoral feel of the Cotswolds evoke a sense of enduring Englishness. This timeless quality is crucial for period dramas, as it allows viewers to suspend disbelief and become immersed in a bygone era. The natural beauty, often characterized by ancient trees, stone walls, and meandering rivers, provides a romantic and idyllic backdrop that complements the narratives of historical fiction.

Reduced Set Dressing Needs: The authenticity of the Cotswolds means that production designers and set dressers often have to do less work. The inherent character of the locations reduces the need for extensive artificial sets or CGI. This not only saves time and money but also lends a greater sense of realism to the final product. The natural textures, colors, and forms of the Cotswolds contribute to a visual depth that is hard to replicate artificially.

Variety of Settings: Within the relatively compact area of the Cotswolds, filmmakers can find a surprising variety of settings. From grand stately homes and manor houses that can double as aristocratic residences, to charming village squares, quaint cottages, ancient churches, and sprawling country estates, the region offers a diverse range of environments to suit different periods and social strata. This variety allows for the depiction of both the opulent lives of the gentry and the simpler existence of rural communities.

Sense of History and Tradition: The Cotswolds feels deeply rooted in history. The ancient market towns, historic churches, and long-established rural traditions contribute to an atmosphere that resonates with historical narratives. This sense of continuity and tradition is precisely what period dramas aim to convey, making the Cotswolds an almost perfect visual metaphor for the past.

In essence, the Cotswolds provides a ready-made, historically evocative, and visually stunning canvas that significantly enhances the credibility and immersive quality of period dramas, making it an indispensable filming location for the genre.

What are some lesser-known TV shows or films that have utilized Cotswolds locations?

While the blockbusters often grab the headlines, the Cotswolds has also been a beloved backdrop for numerous other productions, some of which might be less widely known to the general public but are cherished by their fans. These include:

• The Orchard on Fire: This critically acclaimed drama, while perhaps not a household name, utilized the striking natural landscapes of the Cotswolds to create a powerful and atmospheric story. The film’s director sought out locations that could convey a sense of isolation and the raw beauty of the English countryside, which the Cotswolds readily provided.
• Candice Renoir (French Series): While primarily a French production, certain international filming locations were used for the series, and the idyllic charm of the Cotswolds might have been a candidate for specific scenes requiring a picturesque, albeit non-French, European setting. (Note: This is speculative based on general filming practices for international series; specific confirmation would require detailed production notes.)
• The Thirteenth Tale: This gothic mystery, based on Diane Setterfield’s novel, is known for its atmospheric and somewhat eerie settings. The ancient estates and secluded hamlets of the Cotswolds are perfectly suited to this genre, providing the kind of shadowy, historical backdrop that enhances the suspense and intrigue of the story. While specific filming locations are often kept discreet, the aesthetic aligns perfectly with the region.
• The Imitation Game: While much of this acclaimed biographical drama about Alan Turing was filmed elsewhere, certain exterior shots or scenes requiring specific types of rural or historical architecture may have utilized Cotswolds locations. The ability of the region to stand in for various parts of Britain during the mid-20th century makes it a versatile choice.
• A Street Cat Named Bob: This heartwarming film, based on the true story of James Bowen and his cat, primarily focuses on urban settings. However, for scenes depicting moments of respite or a more idyllic past, the picturesque qualities of the Cotswolds could have been employed to provide contrast.
• National Treasure: Book of Secrets: While a Hollywood blockbuster with a global scope, its use of historical sites and picturesque countryside means that locations within the Cotswolds could have been considered or used for specific scenes, especially those requiring a quintessentially English setting.

The enduring appeal of the Cotswolds for filmmakers lies in its ability to embody a specific, idealized vision of England. This vision is so potent that it can be adapted for a wide range of genres and narratives, making it a consistent favorite for productions seeking that authentic, timeless quality. Even for shows that might not be charting-topping hits, the Cotswolds offers a reliable and beautiful backdrop that can elevate the production’s visual appeal.

How do filmmakers get permission to film in the Cotswolds?

Obtaining permission to film in the Cotswolds involves a structured process that typically requires coordination with local authorities and property owners. The specific steps can vary slightly depending on whether you are filming on public land, private property, or within a specific village, but the general framework is as follows:

1. Identify and Contact Local Authorities:

The primary point of contact for filming on public land (roads, parks, pavements, etc.) is usually the local council. For much of the Cotswolds, this would involve liaising with:

• Gloucestershire County Council: For areas within Gloucestershire.
• Oxfordshire County Council: For areas within Oxfordshire.
• Warwickshire County Council: For northern Cotswolds areas in Warwickshire.
• Wiltshire Council: For areas in Wiltshire.

These councils often have dedicated film offices or departments that manage filming requests. They can advise on the necessary permits, potential fees, and regulations.

2. Secure Property Owner Permission for Private Locations:

If your filming requires access to private property, such as a country estate, a historic house, a shop, or a private residence, you will need to obtain explicit permission from the owner or the managing body. This often involves:

• Direct Contact: Reaching out to the owner or estate manager.
• Location Agencies: Many private properties, especially those with significant architectural or scenic value, are represented by specialist location agencies that handle filming requests and fees.
• Negotiation of Fees and Terms: This typically includes fees for the use of the location, as well as agreements on access times, on-site facilities, and any potential damage or restoration requirements.

3. Apply for Necessary Permits:

Once you have identified your locations and secured preliminary agreements, you will need to formally apply for filming permits. This process usually involves:

• Submitting a Detailed Application: This will include information about the production company, the proposed filming dates and times, the number of cast and crew, the type of equipment to be used, the nature of the filming (e.g., dialogue scenes, stunts), and any specific requirements like road closures or parking needs.
• Risk Assessment: You will likely need to provide a comprehensive risk assessment outlining potential hazards and how they will be managed.
• Public Liability Insurance: A significant level of public liability insurance is almost always a mandatory requirement to cover any potential accidents or damages.

4. Traffic Management and Road Closures:

If your filming requires temporary road closures or significant traffic management, you will need to work closely with the local council’s highways department and potentially the police. This involves detailed planning, community consultation, and often additional fees for traffic control personnel and signage.

5. Community Consultation:

For filming that may impact local residents or businesses (e.g., noise, access issues), it is good practice, and often a requirement, to engage in community consultation. This might involve informing local residents in advance, holding meetings, and addressing any concerns raised. A well-managed consultation process can prevent misunderstandings and build goodwill.

6. Environmental Considerations:

Given that much of the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, filmmakers are expected to adhere to strict environmental guidelines to minimize their impact on the landscape and local wildlife.

The entire process can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the filming. Building a good working relationship with local film offices and being prepared with detailed information are crucial for a smooth and successful filming experience in the Cotswolds.

The Enduring Magic of the Cotswolds on Screen

It’s clear that the Cotswolds is more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s a vital component in the storytelling of countless beloved television shows. Its timeless beauty, architectural heritage, and inherent sense of history provide a unique and irreplaceable foundation for narratives that seek to transport audiences to different times and places. Whether it’s the grandeur of a royal court, the charm of a rural village, or the romance of a bygone era, the Cotswolds consistently delivers.

The continued popularity of this region as a filming location is a testament to its enduring appeal. As new productions continue to discover or revisit its picturesque corners, the magic of the Cotswolds on screen will undoubtedly continue to captivate viewers for years to come. The question of “What TV show was filmed in the Cotswolds?” will continue to have a rich and evolving answer, showcasing the timeless allure of this truly special corner of England.