Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has declared that Cirencester and Siddington in Gloucestershire's Cotswold District are "extraordinary" destinations, steering attention away from the more famous villages of Bibury and Castle Combe. The interior designer, who has lived in a 17th-century Grade II-listed manor house in Siddington since 2007, shared his top recommendations for the area, which has seen a surge in tourism.
Why Laurence favours Cirencester over Bibury and Castle Combe
Bibury is widely regarded as one of England's most scenic villages, particularly known for Arlington Row, a stretch of historic weavers' cottages that ranks among the Cotswolds' most photographed sights. It attracts thousands of tourists annually, especially in spring and summer. Castle Combe, with its stone dwellings, medieval market square, and picturesque lanes, has served as a backdrop for films like War Horse and Stardust. However, Laurence insists that Cirencester and Siddington deserve equal recognition.
"It's extraordinary," Laurence told us. "We moved here 20 years ago, so we were well ahead of the curve." He noted a substantial rise in tourism but expressed relief at not living in what he calls the "celeb end" of the Cotswolds, which includes figures like David and Victoria Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson, and former Prime Minister David Cameron. "We're in the slumming end with the King and the late Jilly Cooper and Princess Anne," he joked.
Independent businesses and local attractions
Describing Cirencester as "a wonderful place," the former Changing Rooms star highlighted its thriving independent business community as a major draw. "It's all about start-ups," he explained. "It's all about people who've got a real passion for what they do, be that furnishing accessories, be that fashion, be that coffee, be that restaurants. We've got some incredible restaurants in Cirencester now as well."
Key attractions include the Corinium Museum, where visitors can explore Cirencester's Roman heritage through mosaics and artefacts, and The Barn Theatre. Other popular spots are the Church of St John the Baptist, the historic Market Place with independent retailers and regular markets, and Cirencester Park for rural walks. The town also offers antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries in traditional Cotswold stone buildings, along with diverse dining options from cosy cafés to high-end restaurants serving local produce.
Laurence's art tour and growing tourism
The Cotswolds and neighbouring areas have become increasingly popular among celebrities, including Jeremy Clarkson, who owns Diddly Squat Farm near Chadlington in Oxfordshire. Laurence acknowledged the rise in tourism but remains grateful for his quieter part of the region. His touring exhibition, Drawn to Adorn, in partnership with Buckingham Fine Art, will visit the Cotswolds among other UK locations. The collection features large-scale works on paper inspired by Baroque botanical prints and 1980s post-punk cinema. The tour runs from 27 June to 11 July 2026.
