13 Things Harry and Meghan Should Know Before Moving to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region of rolling hills, old stone villages, and flower-covered cottages in central England. It has become very popular with celebrities and wealthy people who want a peaceful life away from the city. Prince Harry and Meghan are rumored to be thinking about moving there, in part because it is close to King Charles's Highgrove Estate, where they recently paid him a visit. But the Cotswolds comes with some surprises that any newcomer should know about.

Many famous people already call the Cotswolds home. Singer Kate Moss was one of the first big celebrities to move there, buying a cottage in 2003. Since then, stars like David Beckham, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and Liam Gallagher have all settled in the area. Longtime local residents often have no idea who these celebrities are, though — except for Jeremy Clarkson, who is very hard to miss.

Winters in the Cotswolds can feel very lonely. Darkness falls as early as 3 p.m., and most village shops close shortly after lunch. If you need basic supplies on a cold Tuesday in February, you might find that the big Tesco supermarket is the only place still open. The thick stone walls of a historic farmhouse look beautiful, but they also make the silence feel very deep.

Getting around without a car is very difficult. Public transport is limited, and taxis are rare in many villages. Traveling even a short distance can cost a lot of money. Harry and Meghan are used to the easy, connected lifestyle of California, so the lack of nearby services could be a big adjustment.

Tourists flood the area, especially during summer. Some popular villages see up to 90 coach trips arriving every single day, all full of visitors hoping for cream teas and perfect photos. Harry and Meghan, who are already among the most photographed people in the world, could quickly become a tourist attraction themselves. That would be a problem if privacy is what they are looking for.

House prices in the Cotswolds have risen by about 22.8 percent in just five years. Only very wealthy people can afford the nicest homes there. When powerful, ambitious people move into a small village, even everyday events like the local flower show can become very competitive. Locals joke that the backstage drama can feel like a scene from a TV show about the super-rich.