Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, celebrated interior designer and longtime resident of the Cotswolds, has named a remarkable location in Gloucestershire’s Cotswold District that often flies under the radar—Siddington and nearby Cirencester, rather than the famed Bibury or Castle Combe.
While villages like Bibury and Castle Combe are celebrated for their timeless charm—Bibury’s Arlington Row with its quaint weavers’ cottages and Castle Combe’s medieval streets and stone cottages—Laurence believes that Siddington and Cirencester deserve equal admiration.
Laurence and his family settled in a 17th-century Grade II-listed manor house in Siddington back in 2007. Since then, the area has blossomed in popularity, partly due to its proximity to high-profile residents such as Jeremy Clarkson, who owns a farm nearby in Oxfordshire.
READ MORE: Plan for Better Buses as £75m Forest Gateway Bypass Delayed Indefinitely
READ MORE: A48 Road Closed Due to Unsafe Railway Crossing – Latest Updates
Despite the growing number of visitors, Laurence appreciates living away from the so-called “celeb end” of the Cotswolds. Referring to his neighborhood humorously as “the slumming end” with local figures like the late Jilly Cooper and Princess Anne, he reflects on how the area has changed over the past two decades.
Highlighting Cirencester as “a wonderful place” to visit, Laurence praises its vibrant independent business community. Unlike typical tourist towns filled with chains, Cirencester boasts passionate local entrepreneurs excelling in furnishings, fashion, coffee, and dining. The town now offers an impressive array of independently run restaurants renowned for their quality.
Key attractions Laurence recommends include the Corinium Museum, which showcases Cirencester’s rich Roman past through mosaics and artifacts, and The Barn Theatre, a hub for local arts. Visitors can also explore the historic Church of St John the Baptist, the lively Market Place lined with independent shops and cafes, and Cirencester Park, perfect for relaxing countryside walks. The town’s quaint antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries are housed in charming Cotswold stone buildings, adding to its appeal.
Culinary options in Cirencester cater to all tastes, from cozy cafés and traditional pubs to esteemed restaurants offering locally sourced dishes and classic afternoon teas, making it a wonderful destination for food lovers.
Laurence’s connection to the Cotswolds also extends to his artistic career. He will be featuring the region as part of his touring exhibition, Drawn to Adorn, in partnership with Buckingham Fine Art. This series of exhibitions will bring his glamorous, decorative works on paper to audiences across the UK, celebrating eclectic inspirations ranging from Baroque botanical prints to 1980s post-punk cinema.
Drawn to Adorn’s technically accomplished, large-scale artworks will be curated uniquely at each venue, with showings scheduled from 27th June to 11th July 2026. This tour offers fans and newcomers alike a rare opportunity to experience Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s original creative expressions in person.