FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Notswolds is both a place and a platform. A region of open skies and limestone villages, and a creative movement celebrating the people, crafts, and stories of England’s forgotten heartland.
These are some of the questions we’re most often asked about the region and the work we do here.
VISIT
For travellers and anyone curious about the region.
What is the Notswolds?
The Notswolds is an emerging region in the centre of England. A landscape of stone villages, historic homes, and thriving market towns set amid farmland and open skies. Long shaped by those who work the land, it remains a place where craft and countryside meet, inspiring new ways of making, growing, and living.
Today, a new generation of designers, growers, and makers are reviving traditional skills and redefining rural life for the present day. Authentic and quietly unfolding, the Notswolds is often overlooked yet deeply remarkable. Rooted in heritage, alive with energy, and grounded in the quiet rhythms of English country life.
Where is the Notswolds?
The Notswolds lies north of the Cotswolds, where the oolitic limestone seam that built much of England’s timeless architecture begins to ripple through England’s central counties. At its heart is Rutland, with the region extending into neighbouring Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire.
Just an hour by train from London, the Notswolds offers a rare balance of space and accessibility. Perfectly placed between Birmingham, York, and the capital, it sits at the heart of England, around two hours by car from each.
What is the Notswolds region known for?
The Notswolds is known for its unspoilt countryside, thriving market towns, and long tradition of working the land. It’s home to some of Britain’s most iconic independent heritage houses and estates — Burghley House, Belvoir Castle, and Boughton House among them — set within a landscape of quintessential English villages and expansive vales. At its centre lies Rutland Water, surrounded by countryside made for walking, cycling, and riding.
This has long been one of Britain’s most agriculturally significant regions, supplying produce to much of the country. Home to Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray pork pies, and Lincolnshire sausages, its farm shops, markets, and field-to-table restaurants are a living expression of the land itself.. There’s a flourishing cultural scene too, with open-air opera at Nevill Holt, theatre at Tolethorpe, and independent galleries such as Gladwell & Patterson and Goldmark.
A place where heritage, food, and creativity meet, the Notswolds continues to evolve — grounded, well connected, and quietly full of possibility.
How do I get to the Notswolds?
Around an hour from London, with mainline stations at Stamford, Oakham, Peterborough, and Grantham, the Notswolds is one of England’s best-connected countryside regions.
It sits within easy reach of the North, close to major road routes such as the A1 and A47, and accessible from East Midlands, Luton, and Stansted airports.
Once here, most towns and villages are within a scenic drive, surrounded by open countryside and winding rural lanes.
ABOUT US
For those who want to know the story and people behind the brand.
What is Notswolds as a brand and platform?
Notswolds is a design, culture, and lifestyle platform that connects the people, places, and independent businesses shaping this region.
Founded by creatives who call the area home, Notswolds exists to celebrate the spirit of this landscape and the people shaping its future. Through stories, films, and experiences, we highlight the craft, character, and quiet innovation that define life here today.
Who are the people behind Notswolds?
The Notswolds began while decorative painter Laura Jekyll was working from her studio in rural Lincolnshire and meeting other makers and creatives across the area. What started as a personal network of craftspeople and shared conversations soon revealed just how much creativity and quiet industry were thriving here. That sense of connection — to craft, place, and people — became the starting point for The Notswolds.
Together with filmmaker John Davison, her partner and co-founder, the two began documenting and celebrating the region they had made home after years in London.
John, a cameraman, brings decades of experience in visual storytelling and production on BAFTA-winning projects, while Laura’s background in brand strategy and design-led marketing in The City adds creative vision and direction.
They are joined by Bronya Hallett, who leads press and media relations, drawing on her national network to connect stories, people, and ideas. Bronya’s passion for design informs the ethos of her studio, Sedere & Co, which creates bespoke club fenders with a rapidly growing international reputation for craftsmanship.
Chris Young advises on planning and strategy, informed by his career in print and digital media, including work for the RHS and DK Books. He runs CY Gardens, a bespoke garden and landscape studio known for thoughtful designs rooted in place and purpose.
How do you choose who and what to feature on your platform?
Every maker, place and experience we share is chosen because we genuinely love and believe in it . We don’t run advertising or accept sponsored posts. We feature only the people, places, and projects we truly admire — chosen for their craftsmanship, creativity, and connection to place, not for payment or promotion.
Do you run events or workshops?
We’re shaping a calendar of seasonal gatherings, creative workshops, and community events that bring people together around craft, food, and place. These will evolve through the year, from intimate sessions to larger celebrations, each reflecting the people and stories of the region.
Watch this space — details to follow.
How can I get involved?
We love hearing from people across the region, whether you’d like to join a workshop, recommend your favourite local place, share your story, or collaborate on something creative. However you get involved, you’ll be part of a community that values craft, culture, and connection to place.
COLLABORATE
For businesses, brands, and creatives.
I’m a local business or creative - can we get involved?
Yes! We love to chat with people who share our belief in good design, honest work, and belonging.
There are two main ways to be part of the Notswolds story - through features, and collaborations.
Features highlight the independent businesses and makers quietly shaping the character of the region. Shared across our website, social channels, and regional directory, each feature is editorial and independent, chosen for the quality and authenticity of its offering.
Collaborations bring these values to life through events, workshops, seasonal gatherings, and product partnerships.
Every partnership begins with an open conversation and a shared wish to create something meaningful, inspired by the landscape and the people who call it home.
If you think your work aligns with what we do, we’d love to hear from you. Just get in touch via our contact form or email us to introduce your business or idea.
Do you offer sponsored content or advertising?
No — we don’t offer paid advertising or sponsored features. Every recommendation and story we share is chosen on merit, guided by integrity, quality, and authenticity.
We do, however, collaborate selectively on editorial projects, films, or experiences that align with our values and genuinely reflect the spirit of the region. If you think your work belongs in that conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
Can Notswolds help us with content creation?
With growing interest from local businesses inspired by Notswolds’ storytelling and aesthetic, we’ve launched our content studio, Lionfish House.
We help brands tell their story in a way that feels genuine and distinctive, capturing their voice and connecting naturally with their audience.
To start a project, get in touch via our contact page or email us with a few lines about your idea — we’d love to hear from you.