Topic overview
In brief
- Diddly Squat Farm shop in the Cotswolds saw long queues of fans during the summer holidays.
- Visitors experienced wait times of up to three hours, prompting the use of overflow parking.
- Jeremy Clarkson's team is seeking to extend the temporary car park's permission until 2030 due to increased visitor demand.
Summary
In the summer of 2026, hordes of Jeremy Clarkson fans flocked to his Diddly Squat Farm shop located in the Cotswolds, England, during the school holidays. Families were seen queuing for hours, with some waiting nearly three hours to enter the shop. The influx of visitors led to the use of overflow car parks, as the main parking area became overwhelmed. The queue extended from the shop across the car park and into a neighboring field, highlighting the popularity of Clarkson's venture. This surge in visitors prompted Clarkson to request an extension of the temporary car park's permission until December 31, 2030, as the original conditions required the land to revert to its original use by June 2026. The West Oxfordshire District Council had initially granted permission for the car park extension in June 2023, but with a deadline looming, Clarkson's representatives argued that the extension was necessary to accommodate the growing number of customers. They noted that a new season of his Amazon Prime show had been commissioned, set to air in the summer of 2027, which would likely increase visitor numbers further. The Planning Inspectorate had already approved the car park extension, but the representatives insisted that the original conditions needed to be amended to reflect the ongoing demand. The temporary car park was opened in August 2023, and Clarkson was personally involved in its construction, overseeing the works while wearing a hard hat and high-visibility jacket. As the popularity of Diddly Squat Farm continued to rise, staff had to open an additional field for parking, accommodating another 100 cars just a short walk from the shop. In April 2026, Clarkson was also reported to be trademarking products related to Diddly Squat Farm, including clothing and homeware, as well as new drinks from his Hawkstone Brewery. This expansion of his brand indicates a strategic move to capitalize on the growing interest in his farm and its offerings.
