I live near the Cotswolds—there’s 1 popular place not worth the visit | UK | Travel
I live near the Cotswolds—there’s 1 popular place not worth the visit (Image: Sophie Harris)
I love visiting Cotswold villages, and I spend a lot of time there. From Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds are home to some of England’s prettiest villages. However, it’s also home to some viral social media locations that are simply not worth the visit.
Founded by Carole Bamford, Daylesford Organic Farm Shop has soared in popularity in recent years, with many people posting their trips on TikTok. Set amid their working organic farm, the shop is filled with breads, fresh produce, award-winning cheeses and homeware.
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The inside is aesthetic (Image: Sophie Harris)
The outside is so pretty (Image: Sophie Harris)
The estate is also home to several restaurants as well as a garden shop full of handmade tableware and antiques.
Yes, it’s beautifully branded, stunning inside, and incredibly aesthetic for those Instagram posts or TikTok videos, but it’s also eye-wateringly expensive and relentlessly busy.
On weekends in particular, it’s less like a rural farm shop escape and more like a busy supermarket with overflowing car parks, crowded aisles and lengthy queues.
That’s not to say Daylesford has nothing going for it, though. The cafe is lovely, and if you catch it at the right time, the service is great, and the food is tasty.
But beyond that, the prices are inflated, the atmosphere can feel more performative than peaceful, and the experience often stresses me out.
For example, a sharing pack of crisps was around £7, a flower-pressed chocolate bar was an eye-watering £15, and a bag of cookies was £9.
The items in the shop are overpriced (Image: Sophie Harris)
The fresh drinks were also extortionate, with a coffee costing £6.50. All of the produce is organic, which helps to justify the price, but I still thought they were pricey.
When it came to homeware, I couldn’t find any clear storage jars with Daylesford engraving on the lid for under £20. In fact, one of them retailed for a huge £45. I also picked up a basket bag for £60.
When the cafe was too busy to grab a hot drink, I headed outside to the van for a quick takeaway drink. However, I waited 10 minutes in a queue that didn’t move, and it really put me off visiting again.
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds and you’re nearby, it could be worth ticking off your list, but I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip there.
There are far better farm shops, far better home shops and far better locations to spend your time and money.
