YOU can barely explore the Cotswolds without bumping into a famous face or two.
While not strictly true – the region stretches 800 square miles after all – it is certainly the spot outside of London which has the highest proportions of A-Listers.
The most popular place is Chipping Norton, with everyone from David Cameron to Jamie Oliver living nearby.
Yet many of them have chosen to live in the smaller villages to get away from any overzealous tourists wanting to catch them.
So here are some of the lesser-known villages which have welcomed famous faces over the years, as well as what to do in each destination.
Coates
Liam Gallagher is the latest celebrity to move to the Cotswolds, choosing Coates for his home.
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The tiny village doesn’t have any pubs or shops, but there is the nearby Coates Roundhouse, one of the few remaining on the River Thames, as well as the Sapperton Canal Tunnel.
Otherwise you will have to head to the the nearest pub just down the road, the Thames Head Wharf, or to Cirencester which is a 10 minute drive.
Great Tew
The Beckham’s famously live near Chipping Norton, but they are in the village of Great Tew.
Here you’ll find the 16th century Falkland Arms pub, which also is a four-star hotel.
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And next door is the thatched roof Quince and Clover at Great Tew, for a tea and cake.
For other activities, just outside the village is everything from celeb-loved Soho Farmhouse, to clay pigeon shooting and flying schools.
Chadlington
Another member of the Chippy Crew, Jeremy Clarkson famously lives near Chipping Norton and the village of Chadlington.
It has the cosy Cafe de la Post, run by an Australian couple with freshly made pastries and breads, or The Tite Inn pub with a popular beer garden in the summer.
Pick up some bits from the local Chadlington Quality Foods deli, or hop down the road to Clarkson’s Diddly Squat.
Little Farringdon
Near Lechlade is the tiny village of Little Farringon – where model Kate Moss is said to love.
Due to its size, you won’t find much to do here. However, it is right by Horseshoe Lake, a massive water activity centre with everything from kayaking and sailing to swimming and paddleboarding.
For pubs, cafes and hotels, the town of Lechlade is a three minute drive – make sure to pop into the aptly named The Riverside pub for a pint and place to stay right by the water.
Bisley
Home of the former Rivals author Jilly Cooper until her death last year, Bisley is another small village off the beaten track.
The only thing to do in the village is head to the 17th century The Bear Inn pub, which has been praised for its old world vibes.
Time is right and you might stumble into their annual flower show, or annual music festival in the summer.
Chalford
The home of actor Jamie Dornan, the larger village of Chalford is to the west of the even bigger Cirencester.
Bizarrely, it has previously been compared to Switzerland due to its steep hills and alpine feel.
Otherwise there is RMC Retro, a technology museum with vintage consoles and arcades, as well as a number of art galleries.
Grab some fresh produce at the local Chalford Village Shop, before stopping for lunch at the Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop.