Adam Henson has been a familiar face on British television since 2001, anchoring the beloved BBC rural affairs show Countryfile. At 59, his deep connection to farming enriches every episode he presents. But there’s much more to Adam’s story than his on-screen role.
Born and raised on Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, Adam’s passion for agriculture is deeply ingrained. After completing his education at Cheltenham College and Northleach, he pursued an HND in Agriculture at Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in Devon. During his college years, he formed a lasting partnership with Duncan Andrews. Together, they traveled across Australia and New Zealand, gaining invaluable farming experience, from sheep and arable stations to a kiwi plantation. In 1998, Adam and Duncan took over the lease of Bemborough Farm from Adam’s father, a farm they continue to manage jointly today.
Adam also oversees the thriving Cotswold Farm Park, initially established by his father, Joe Henson MBE. Attracting around 70,000 visitors annually, the park plays an important role in educating the public about rare breeds—a passion passed down by Joe, who founded the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
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The Henson family is steeped in creative and agricultural legacy. Adam’s grandfather, Leslie Henson, was a renowned comedian and actor. His uncle, Nicky Henson, found success as an actor, while his cousin Christian Henson is an accomplished composer.
Adam’s career with the BBC extends beyond Countryfile, including hosting Radio 4’s Farming Today and On Your Farm, as well as presenting shows like Lambing Live and Gardener’s World. He also co-starred in Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen alongside Nigel Slater. As an author, Adam has published over six books that reflect his expertise and passion.
Away from broadcasting, Adam’s family life has been a cornerstone for him. He and his wife Charlotte (known as Charlie) married during the pandemic after nearly three decades together. Their secret wedding was a poignant response to Charlie’s health battle—she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020 after months of unexplained symptoms. Adam has spoken candidly about the shock of her diagnosis, describing himself as “totally lost.”
Thankfully, after surgery and treatment, Charlie is now in recovery. Their ordeal brought the couple closer and inspired them to formalize their commitment in marriage—a step they had never felt necessary before. Charlie explained, “Having children with Adam was our commitment. But facing this, I wanted everyone to know how much I love him, and most importantly, I wanted him to know.”
The candid and heartfelt story of Adam Henson’s life off-screen resonates deeply with fans, reminding us of the person behind the presenter.
Countryfile airs Sundays at 7:00 PM on BBC One.