Jeremy Clarkson's popular Diddly Squat Farm shop has ignited fresh controversy with the introduction of a strict new entry policy that's leaving many visitors locked out. The celebrity farmer now requires all guests to pre-book their visits online, a move that's not going down well with locals and tourists alike.
The Booking System Backlash
Located in the picturesque village of Westwell, Oxfordshire, the farm made famous by Amazon's hit series Clarkson's Farm has implemented a mandatory online booking system. Visitors hoping for a spontaneous trip to browse the farm's produce and merchandise now face disappointment unless they've planned ahead.
The new policy states clearly: "Please note that you MUST book a time slot online before visiting the farm shop. We cannot guarantee entry to anyone who hasn't pre-booked." This dramatic shift from the previous casual access has sparked frustration among those who've made the journey to the rural location.
Local Reaction and Tourism Impact
Local residents and business owners are expressing concern about the impact on tourism in the Cotswolds area. Many visitors travel significant distances to experience the farm made famous by Clarkson's agricultural adventures, only to find themselves turned away at the gate.
One disappointed tourist shared: "We drove two hours to visit Diddly Squat, only to be told we couldn't enter without a booking. There's no mobile signal in the area to make one on the spot. It's completely impractical for a rural farm shop."
From TV Fame to Real-World Farming Challenges
The farm shop's popularity skyrocketed following the success of Clarkson's Farm, which documented the former Top Gear host's often chaotic attempts at running a working farm. What began as a small-scale operation has transformed into a major tourist attraction, bringing both economic benefits and logistical headaches to the quiet Oxfordshire countryside.
While the booking system may help manage crowds and reduce traffic congestion in the narrow country lanes surrounding Westwell, it represents a significant departure from the accessible, community-focused farm ethos the series initially promoted.
The ongoing tension between maintaining the farm's authentic character and managing its unexpected celebrity status continues to challenge both Clarkson and the local community that surrounds his agricultural enterprise.
