The Cotswolds: It Doesn't Get More English than This!

The 'Heart of England' is quainter than the Queen, just as you know it from English films. Welcome to the Cotswolds!

Bombay Sapphire Gin, Pimm's, or Champagne, or maybe mineral water? What does model and actress Elizabeth Hurley drink when she visits the Village Pub, the country inn in Barnsley?

The man behind the bar smiles dreamily, shakes his head, and remains silent. Discretion is key in the countryside, and no amount of tipping can buy it.

That's one of the many reasons more and more British celebrities are moving from London to the countryside. At the top of the wish list are the Cotswolds, only a 90-minute drive from London. For comparison, getting to Cornwall, another desirable UK destination, takes at least 4.5 hours from London.

The 'Heart of England,' as the Cotswolds are also called, is just how you imagine the English countryside from films: Small, ivy-covered cottages made of honey-colored sandstone are nestled in narrow lanes. Rambling roses and rhododendrons encircle the ancient buildings - old pubs invite you for a pint of robust beer and hearty sausages.

Nowadays, you'll also find Michelin-starred kitchens in the region. For example, at the upscale Hotel Whatley Manor, where Martin Burge has earned two stars. Another top English chef, Michael Bedford, owns the high-end pub "The Trouble House", outside of Tetbury, which has also been awarded a star. Despite the gourmet fare, Bedford charges reasonable prices: The 'Wild Sea Trout' on leeks costs about 28 USD.

The term Cotswold - the region is neither a county nor an administrative unit - combines two Old English words 'Cots' (enclosed sheep pastures) and 'Wold' (gentle hills). Indeed, the Cotswolds is a hilly and river-valley-rich area that stretches about 100 miles and was the center of a thriving wool trade in the Middle Ages.

The wealth is evident everywhere. A landscape crisscrossed by stone walls (meant to keep sheep herds contained) and magnificent country homes and churches bear witness to the villages' prosperity. One of the most famous locales: Bourton-on-the-Water - the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.

In this town, a series of charming bridges span the Windrush River. Numerous shops and traditional tea houses provide a Jane Austen-like ambiance.

Historically, Cirencester is considered the 'capital' of the region, offering great shopping and a magnificent cathedral. Fairford, located on the River Coln, boasts stained glass windows in St. Mary's Church that are worth admiring and make for a great outing. Known as the 'Queen of the Cotswolds,' the town of Painswick is a gem of medieval architecture, perched on a hill. Moreton-in-Marsh, however, was established in the 13th century. Every Tuesday, it hosts the region's largest market.

Speaking of markets: Elizabeth Hurley can often be seen at the Cirencester 'Organic Food Market.' She has established herself as an organic farmer and sells 'Old Spot' pork sausages with a staff member from her estate. Her farm breeds the pigs, and their meat is considered a delicacy. Her farm's granola bars and meat snacks (naturally low in calories) are now also sold at Harrods in London.

Hurley, who you might see in London only in high heels and tight, low-cut dresses, slips into wool sweaters, jeans, and rubber boots in the countryside. Here, comfortable footwear or 'Wellies' (Wellington boots) are the norm, giving rise to the oft-used English term 'Wellie Brigade.'

But it's not just famous Londoners like artist Damien Hirst, designer Jasper Conran, or colleague Stella McCartney who find respite in the Cotswolds. Nobles, lawyers, and bankers too hop into their Range Rovers, especially Friday afternoons, to escape London's hustle and indulge in the quintessentially British hobby of gardening.

The Cotswolds indeed are a crown jewel: The National Trust's "Hidcote Manor" garden and the "Rococo" garden in Painswick near Stroud are wonderful examples of garden art and passion.

One of the most beautiful gardens in the area is Highgrove Garden owned by Prince Charles. Though known for speaking to his flowers, Prince Charles is not only a gifted rose whisperer but also has a keen business sense. Alongside organic cookies and jams, he sells accessories on his Highgrove website that embody true British country love: A gentlemen's gift set for 230 USD includes a wool scarf (made from sheep raised on Highgrove), a silver flask, a leather-bound picture frame, and vodka-infused ginger liqueur.

Don't want to wait long? Prince Charles' gardening skills are also celebrated in a lavish photo book published in German: "The Garden of Highgrove" (Busse Seewald Verlag).

The central places of Britain's celebrity country catwalk are the three towns of Barnsley, Bibury, and Burford. Top model Kate Moss (who married here), Kate Winslet (who keeps the property she bought with her ex, Sam Mendes), and artist Damien Hirst own homes here. Often these are more expensive than their London residences.

Yet, the previously sparsely populated area has another draw for celebrities: The Cotswolds offer, in a concentrated form, all the service and glamour that stars are accustomed to in the British capital. Small, elegant cappuccino bars, outstanding restaurants, and opportunities for power shopping (in the countryside, antiques are more interesting than high heels).

Most tourists flock to the small town of Tetbury, southwest of Barnsley, where Prince Charles, Prince William, and his Catherine, Prince Harry, Princess Anne, and Zara Phillips have their country estates. Walking along Tetbury's main street, displays in bakeries, bookstores, or cheese shops showcase Prince Charles' coat of arms.

'Charlie' may be battling for the throne at Buckingham Palace, but in Tetbury, he is already the king. Ask all you want, but the 2,000 residents keep quiet, remaining absolutely loyal to Charles, spilling no gossip, not even revealing his favorite cheese or recent book purchase.

By the way, if you want to play the English societal game: The Duke of Beaufort holds the top address. Known for his prestigious (and highly controversial) hunts, an invite to such an event supposedly confirms your entry into the upper class.

However, most Brits would be content owning a small cottage. They might not consider themselves part of the upper class, but they would feel like they're in seventh heaven.