Insider's Guide

Insider’s Guide with Charlie Longsdon

4th February 2025

We are delighted to be joined by racehorse trainer Charlie Longsdon from Hull Farm near Chipping Norton, as he shares his tips and tricks for navigating the Cotswolds.

Charlie spent his summers from university working for national hunt trainers: Oliver Sherwood and Nigel Twiston Davies. On graduation, he spent time breaking in youngsters on a game reserve in Kenya before returning to England to work for national hunt trainer Kim Bailey before working for champion trainer Nicky Henderson. He spent time in the US, working for flat trainer Todd Pletcher, before taking his licence out in 2006. From his National Hunt yard near Chipping Norton, Charlie has since trained over 700 winners with numerous wins at Aintree, Cheltenham, Kempton and Sandown races.

How long you have visited and or lived in the Cotswolds?

I have lived in the Cotswolds all my life; I grew up in Southrop and now live with my family just outside Chipping Norton.

My favourite spot is…

Hull Farm, Chipping Norton.

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My favourite view of the Cotswolds is…

Along the valley looking towards Swerford out my kitchen window.

My favourite place to escape in nature is…

On a beach or on Safari in Kenya.

The best place to go early in the morning is…

My Gallops!

Something only locals know is…

The best place to get your Tyres changed in Chipping Norton!

My foodie go-to is…

A Ruby Murray.

My cultural fix is…

Going to the Rec to watch Bath play rugby, not the most cultural place in Bath, but my favourite!

My nighttime escape is…

Bourton-on-the-Water mid-summer.

A misconception about the Cotswolds would be…

It’s all pretty and manicured, there are some really amazing wild untouched areas still in the Cotswolds if you look really hard!

Three words to describe the Cotswolds…

Home, beautiful, fun.

All imagery is kindly shared by Charlie. To find out more about Charlie Longsdon Racing, click here, or visit their Instagram here.

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Mark The Card

We are delighted to welcome our long time friend Charlie to host an exclusive supper club in celebration of Cheltenham Festival, at The Fox. We will be joined by leading and renowned trainers, jockeys and breeders for one night only, who will share their unique insights for the sporting week ahead.

Kickstart the jump racing event of the year properly.

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