Stunning village in the Cotswolds, popular with Hollywood buffs

The Cotswolds has become a hotbed for tourists, day-trippers and even celebrities looking for a rural retreat from their busy London lives. It is undoubtedly the ideal location to stay under the radar and enjoy beautiful countryside and a better quality of life.

An idyllic village about 30 minutes from Bristol with plenty of celebrity attraction is Stinchcombe. Set in the Gloucestershire countryside between Dursley and North Nibley, the community is home to just under 500 people and consists of a church and beautiful stone houses synonymous with the region.

The village takes its name from nearby Stinchcombe Hill and has open views over the Severn Valley.

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Considered one of the area’s ‘hidden gems’ to visit, it may no longer have a post office or village shop, but it has plenty of beautiful English countryside and some charming places to eat, drink and stand at the door The picturesque village is also said to be the haunt of Love Actually and Bridget Jones star Hugh Grant.

The English actor has long been rumored to have bought an incredible medieval mansion and country estate in the heart of Stinchcombe, close to his former flame Liz Hurley’s Barnsley home, in 2003 for £2 million.

According to Stinchcombe Parish Council website, the actor actually pulled out of the potential acquisition before it was finalized. However, you might spot The Gentleman actor here; the golf-mad celebrity was frequently spotted at Stinchcombe Hill Golf Course.

That’s not the only celebrity connection the miniature village can boast of, either. The famous English writer and journalist Evelyn Waugh lived at Piers Court, an equally magnificent listed property in Stinchcombe, for 20 years in the mid-20th century, even acting as Chairman of the Parish Council and writing his masterpiece here literary Brideshead Revisited.

Although literary fans cannot enter the property, which is privately owned, there are a number of public footpaths near Piers Court. Outdoor enthusiasts will also want to climb Stinchcombe Hill, which offers incredible views of the surrounding Severn Valley and the Cotswold Way, or head over to the Tyndale Monument near North Nibley. Another exceptionally beautiful site of interest worth visiting while in Stinchcombe is St Cyr’s church.

There are plenty of options in the surrounding area for food or drink that only require a short walk or drive to get to. The nearby town of Dursley, for example, has everything from traditional pubs to takeaways and cafes.

The picturesque Old Spot Inn is a particularly well-rated pub. Ranked #1 in the area by Tripadvisor users, this place is loved for its real ales, classic dishes and relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.

But if you want a delicious Sunday roast dinner and a sunny beer garden to while away an afternoon, there’s also the King’s Head. Each is just five minutes from Stinchcombe by car or approximately 42 minutes on foot.