Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop and associated businesses in the Cotswolds are drawing significant international attention, with fans traveling from across the globe for tours and to visit the popular sites. However, the surge in tourism has led to concerns among some local residents about the changing character of the area, with one resident describing the phenomenon as the "Clarksonification of the Cotswolds."
GoTours guide Glenn reported that his day trips, which include stops at the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, Hawkstone Brewery, and The Farmer's Dog pub, are consistently booked out weeks in advance. These tours attract visitors from countries including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, Canada, and the United States, many of whom plan their entire UK trips around visiting Clarkson's ventures. Fans interviewed expressed strong admiration for Clarkson, with some describing their visits as a "personal dream tour" and stating that the show has "changed their life."
Despite the enthusiasm of international visitors, the popularity of Clarkson's businesses has created challenges for the local community. The farm shop itself can experience such long queues that visitors are sometimes unable to purchase goods and must rely on refreshments or merchandise available at the brewery and pub. Local parish council minutes have noted issues such as loud music and excessive lighting from The Farmer's Dog pub, as well as numerous applications for expanded parking facilities, including the permanent use of a field for overflow parking for 360 cars. Some residents feel the area is becoming a "theme park" and worry about the impact of increased air, noise, and light pollution.
Clarkson's ventures, particularly his Amazon Prime Video show "Clarkson's Farm," have been credited with raising awareness for British farmers. However, the show has also received mixed reviews, with some critics giving it low ratings. Viewing figures for the latest series have reportedly declined. Even some farmers, while generally supportive, have noted that Clarkson does not face the same financial pressures or anxieties as those who rely on farming for their livelihood, as his ventures are financially backed by Amazon.
Locals not involved in the tourism surrounding Clarkson's properties often avoid his businesses. Some residents express a lack of interest in the merchandise, stating that the attractions are "none of it for locals." Others, like Chadlington Quality Foods owner Laura, appreciate that tourists tend to stay within the "Clarkson compound" and do not venture to other local businesses, though she added, "we don't want to encourage them."
Despite the local concerns and mixed reviews of the show, the appeal of Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat empire continues to draw a global following, highlighting a divide between the excitement of international fans and the impact on the rural Cotswolds community.