As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to return to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet, speculation has centred on the Cotswolds as a possible destination. A recent arrival to the region, who spent years visiting friends and family there before relocating, has highlighted five places the couple might appreciate.
Cirencester Park Offers Vast Countryside
Cirencester, often described as the capital of the Cotswolds, features independent boutiques, cafés, historic grounds and Roman ruins. Among its attractions, Cirencester Park stands out with 3,000 acres of countryside. The park is privately owned by the Bathurst Estate, which also runs the Cirencester Park Polo Club, where King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry have occasionally played polo.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park and The Slaughters
The Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens houses more than 1,500 animals from 250 species, making it one of the largest zoological collections in the UK. The couple's early romance included a safari in Botswana, and the park could offer a family-friendly alternative.
Nearby, the villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter provide a quieter experience than busier spots like Burton-on-the-Water and Bibury. The two villages are linked by a walking trail and feature honey-coloured stone architecture and riverside surroundings.
Soho Farmhouse and Lavender Fields
Soho Farmhouse, a private members' club set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, hosted Meghan's hen do in 2018. It is part of the Soho House portfolio, which includes more than 28 Houses worldwide.
The Cotswolds Lavender Fields offer summer visits with opportunities for family photographs and products made from the site's own lavender, fitting with Meghan's known interest in natural produce and the outdoors.
