Jonathan Thomas (00:00) more than once but usually I get through it in one go so all right we are now recording let me make sure that we are recording yes let's see you are recording let me make sure you're uploading though says it's Does it say that it's uploading on your end? Roanna STROMBERG (00:36) capture service running. I've got, I've got it says 86 % at the top, at the top left. Does that help? Jonathan Thomas (00:39) Okay. Okay, good. Yeah, that does, because it's not saying anything on my end, so that tells me that it's working. So we're good. We're good to go. All right. Roanna STROMBERG (00:55) Okay, and should I have you, I've got you full screen and me in the corner. Does that sound right? Jonathan Thomas (01:02) Yeah, that's fine, because it'll be video mixed later. So however you have it displayed doesn't affect it. I have the camera right in front of me, and you're right behind the camera on my screen. So hopefully I look at you and not myself. So there we go. Roanna STROMBERG (01:07) Thanks. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah, gosh, yeah. I was gonna say, where's the best place for me to look, just at you? Jonathan Thomas (01:24) Yeah, just straight ahead like we're having a conversation. So, all right, I'm going to start. I'm to clap because it helps with the audio. Welcome to the Anglotopia podcast where we explore British history, travel and culture. This week, we're delving into the enchanting worlds of the Cotswolds, one of England's most beloved and picturesque regions and also one of my favorites. I'm your host, Jonathan Thomas. And today I'm joined by Roanna Stromberg-Smith. Roanna STROMBERG (01:28) Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (01:53) CEO of the RSS brand, a luxury Cotswold concierge and tour guide service. Based in the charming riverside town of Lechlade which I probably pronounced incorrectly, Roanna has built a reputation for providing exceptional guided experiences that showcase both the famous landmarks and the hidden treasures of the Cotswolds. In our conversation today, we'll explore how Roanna's journey led her to become a tour guide, discover what makes the Cotswolds so magical for American visitors, and learn about the unique perspective she's gained from showing countless travelers around the honey-colored villages, rolling hills, and centuries of history that define this quintessential English landscape. We'll also discuss how tourism in the Cotswolds has evolved in recent years and the challenges of balancing visitor interests with preserving authentic local character and gain insights into what makes for a truly memorable experience for travelers in Britain. Welcome to the podcast, Roanna. Roanna STROMBERG (02:53) Jonathan, thank you so much. Thrilled to be here today. Jonathan Thomas (02:56) Thank you for being on the podcast. We love having a variety of guests and I love talking to tour guides because there's nothing better than talking to an expert on a place because they always are passionate about it. Roanna STROMBERG (03:08) Well, they're local insider. That's the thing. And I'm looking forward to deep dive with you and going, know, turning stones, you know what I mean. Jonathan Thomas (03:12) Yeah. So let's go back to the beginning here. What inspired you to start your company and become a Cotswold tour guide? How did you end up where you are now? Roanna STROMBERG (03:31) Well, it's a relatively new business. And I'm proud female founder. I launched a business in my 50s. And it's the first time I've worked myself. And it was a sort of melting pot schmores board of everything that I've done in the past coming together. And I had a bit of a light bulb moment that I could do this. But it's a new sector for me to be in travel and tourism. But I believe it's showcases my skills pretty well. My background is in retail. I've always been a retail professional. And you'll have heard of Marks and Spencer's, the great British brand. And that's where I started my career when I left school after A-Levels. And I won a coveted place on their management training scheme. So I was a commercial manager in stores. And from there, segued into buying at their iconic. Jonathan Thomas (04:10) Yes. Roanna STROMBERG (04:27) headquarters on Baker Street a long time ago, but a very good grounding. And then later I actually worked for an American brand, Toys R Us, and I was buying toys. And so it was a career that sort of me, sprinkled me across lots of different retailers. And then later when I had my children, I worked for some smaller independents. But basically the grounding is customer service, customer facing, know, luxury and good quality. And I've always liked products and people and you know, I like fashion and interiors and I like to know what's going on wherever I've lived. So, and I love meeting people. So, That's where the idea for the business came when I moved back to the Cotswolds about five years ago. Jonathan Thomas (05:29) So that leads to my next question. Why Lechlade? And did I say it right? And why drew you to settle in that particular area, the Cotswolds? Roanna STROMBERG (05:38) Yeah, well, Letchlade on Thames is the correct name. And there's some discussion here whether we live in a village or a town. So I like to call it a village. Yes, there's some discussion. But we're calling it a village for the purposes of today. Letchlade I didn't know at all, actually. But my long association with Cotswolds goes back 35 years, because my parents moved here when I was 18. But not to Letchlade. Jonathan Thomas (05:47) it's important distinction. Roanna STROMBERG (06:06) They lived on the other side of the Cotswolds, and I know you've been there recently, what I call the Stroud Valley side. So I know you were recently or last year at the Slad Valley. So my parents lived that side, quite close to a town called Nalesworth and in a little village. so I was married from there. Jonathan Thomas (06:20) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (06:31) I never lived there, but I was married from there and that's where my parents stayed for many years. But the family house has recently gone. my marriage and my life took me to different places. And I moved back here actually just after COVID to come back to this area because it kind of drew me. And I like its proximity to London because I like theater and dance. and opera, so I like to have access to that. But I also wanted to be back somewhere I was comfortable with. But this actual town, this village is new to me and it's been great. It's very interesting because it's the first navigable part of the River Thames. So let's say it's the first place we can put a boat on the river. So from my house, I can actually walk onto the Thames path. Jonathan Thomas (07:24) Nice. Roanna STROMBERG (07:24) which if you wanted to, could, which I have not done yet, but I wanted to, I could walk it in stages all the way to London and it takes you out at the Thames Barrier. So I know the walks, I love walks like that where you sort of got a stage thing, but I'd have to break it off in weekends with friends or something. And the other interesting thing is, but let's say it was a port. I mean, it was actually an inland port. Jonathan Thomas (07:36) I would love to do that. That's because it's a long walk everybody. Roanna STROMBERG (07:55) So the other interesting thing about where I live is it's actually, it's at the point of three counties. So I live in Gloucestershire, but just over the bridge is Wiltshire, which is that next county. And then just the other way, I'm into Oxfordshire. So I'm at the sort of convergence, know, some towns in England are like this, villages are like this, where you're at the three different points of three counties. So it's been great. And I had a bit of a fresh start moving here after some big life changes. So it was actually quite nice to arrive somewhere new and make my life here. I rented a house, which was lovely and just was perfect for what I wanted. And I've now, I've been able to buy the house and this is where I'll stay. And then the business idea was starting to trickle in. And then I had to make it and do it and create it. And of course you can get stuck in creation mode, but luckily I launched. Jonathan Thomas (09:04) Yeah, well good. Well, I mean living at the confluence of Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, sounds like England's England. That sounds like the perfect place to live for me. That sounds like a nice place I could live. Roanna STROMBERG (09:17) It's, yes, it's quite, it's quite middle England. It's, yeah, I'm happy here. And proximity is good, you know, to Oxford, I can get to Bath in an hour, Oxford in less than an hour, Cheltenham, Sirencester, I'm about 20 minutes from, Burford, you all know, I'm sure, you've been to Burford with Jackie, 15 minutes. You know, it's pretty lovely. Jonathan Thomas (09:37) Yeah. Yeah, that sounds... Roanna STROMBERG (09:44) Basically, if a friend comes for the weekend, you can wow them at every turn. I mean, that's just the pubs. That's just the pubs. Jonathan Thomas (09:50) Yeah, that's the thing is, that part of the Cotswolds, can't throw a stone without hitting a stately home or a church or an abbey or something, or national trust property or something worth seeing. Roanna STROMBERG (10:06) Yeah, I love it. mean, an example, last Saturday, I was working and then needed to sort of get some fresh air and have a leg stretch out and, you know, decompress. So close to me, my nearest National Trust is literally 10 minutes. It's called Buscot Park. Lord Farringdon's house. I don't know if you've been, but one day you must see it if you haven't. And I'm a National Trust life member. So Jonathan Thomas (10:27) haven't. Roanna STROMBERG (10:32) I can just go after work and have a walk for an hour in the grounds. And it is the grounds of a stately home with a walled garden, the rose garden. he's got beautifully collected sculptures. And there's lots of sculpture dotted around the garden. I do think that it's nice to be able to walk somewhere after work that's so special. Jonathan Thomas (10:55) That does sound nice. I walk every day or almost every day. I shouldn't lie. I walk almost every day here in Indiana, but I can only walk down the road from my house along the busy road. There's no National Trust Park to go for a walk to. I'm jealous. Roanna STROMBERG (11:09) No, no, I found this with clients when we've been out and it's that sort of network of British countryside paths and footpaths and bridleways that is unusual for you, for Americans, because you're and of course I've grown up with it and it's all I've known. So in fact, we were quite a big walking family and my parents were big walkers. So there was a lot of late district walks. Jonathan Thomas (11:25) Yeah. Yeah, we just don't have that right of way here that the English have. And it makes me jealous every time I travel there. Because, you know, I live in a pretty, pretty part of Indiana, but unless it's part of the national park or the state park, you can't walk there. It's no trespassing, private property. If you attempt to walk on it, you're going to meet some of end of a shotgun and an angry farmer. mean, it's not, it sounds like a joke, but it's not a joke. Roanna STROMBERG (12:02) Yes, yes, that reminds me of this. No, it's not a joke. Now that reminds me of a story I had. In fact, one of my very first clients was a couple with and they came with their son, who was 16, but very mature 16. And we ended up we ended the tour at Broadway Tower, which hopefully you know. And it was actually winter. So it was quite it was quite eerie and dark about 430. So we got some amazing photos. They took some amazing photographs. Jonathan Thomas (12:23) Yeah, yes, yes. Roanna STROMBERG (12:32) But their son was really nervous because we parked up in the lay-by. My driver left us there and then we went in and he thought we were breaking in because it was sort of after dark and we had to go through a gate. And yeah, it's interesting that cultural difference. And I said, no, no, it's fine. We're safe. Nothing will happen. And he talked about, he said about a shotgun, know, and his dad just reassured him. But yeah, it was... It was an interesting experience. Jonathan Thomas (13:05) Yeah, I love Broadway Tower. I visited... 2018. The views from the top are incredible. And apparently I didn't have... Yeah. Go ahead. Roanna STROMBERG (13:20) It's such a good spot. It's such a good spot. it's, I forget whether it's 10 counties or 12 counties, you can see from up there on a clear day. But I think it's, you know, I do like to take clients to Broadway. Such a nice town. Such a nice town. It's actually Worcestershire. It's, as you know, the very north of Cotswolds. But the tower gives you that overview. And it's a place to sort of have a cup of tea or sometimes I do a sort of sunset drink there with somebody if it's a special occasion. Jonathan Thomas (13:34) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (13:54) And if you want to, there's a nuclear bunker there to see as well. I don't know if you knew that. Jonathan Thomas (13:58) I was just going to say that most people don't know that it's a beautiful tower, but it's also it was an important signal station and there's a nuclear bunker right underneath it, which is so bizarre. Roanna STROMBERG (14:09) I don't It's quite interesting for the right person who wants to see it. And then also there's a quite a moving memorial to an R there was an RAF. There was a plane crash there. So there's a memorial to the people that died from that flight. But yeah, it's also extremely photogenic. That place, to me, it ticks all the boxes when you're bringing people to the area. Jonathan Thomas (14:12) Yeah. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (14:39) And one day, one year, I walked with a group, as you know, the Cotswold Way, which is that sort of 100-mile walk from Chippincampden to Bath. Some of it goes through Broadway. And we did a walk that starts in Broadway Village. And you go up very steep, up to the tower, round to Snow's Hill, and then back down around. I think it was about an eight-mile walk. But if someone's got the time, I think that's a lovely way to put yourself in the Cotswolds' landscape. Jonathan Thomas (15:10) Well, and especially a visit to Snow's Hill is a must. It's such a eccentric English place to visit. Roanna STROMBERG (15:16) Yeah. It's so sweet. it's got a little bit of TV starring Great Britain, know, filmed it with the Bridget, because it was used for Bridget Jones, the scene in the first film when she goes to his parents, Mark Darcy's parents house at Christmas. of course, they filmed the bit, it's a great snow. But it is charming in its own right. And a little story there, which is quite nice for me when I moved back here, I actually stayed in one of the National Trust cottages. Jonathan Thomas (15:38) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (15:47) where my children were quite little with a girlfriend, we rented it and took our kids away there. So there's a little row near the church of National Trust houses and you can rent them and stay in them. So it's charming. Jonathan Thomas (16:00) Yeah, that's one thing a lot of people don't know is that the National Trust is one of the biggest self catering agencies in Britain. They have hundreds of cottages and interesting places that you can rent for a reasonable price too. Roanna STROMBERG (16:07) Yes. Yes, yes, some of them are. Yes, yes, some of them are a little bit basic. I wouldn't say they were luxury, but you know, that's fine. They're in beautiful locations. There's actually one at Buscot you can say, which is interesting. The other the other I'm calling it a charity. I think it's charity. Maybe you've heard of it. The Landmark Trust. Had some very beautiful houses. Jonathan Thomas (16:36) Yes. Roanna STROMBERG (16:40) and one houses, properties, sorry, one of note is the bank, I think it's called the Bankerty House in Chippin camden, which you can stay in, which it's like a folly, which looks gorgeous. I'm unsure one day I'll direct a client to stay there. Because quite often I end up advising people where to stay as well. You know, we've digressed, haven't we? Hugely, we've gone off track. Jonathan Thomas (17:01) So. So. No, it's fine. That's what I want. But as we go back on the track, that's a good segue into talking about your clients. Was there a particular moment when you realized that, you know what, I want to be a Cotswold tour guide. I think that I could make this a proper job. Roanna STROMBERG (17:12) Yeah. Yeah, as I say, I think I felt that I was moving back to the Cotswolds. It was an opportunity. I knew how beautiful it was and I decided that I could showcase it. And it was more that with my background and my skills, I'd always worked for other people and monetized for them and, you know, given my all and my best. And then I thought, well, how can I do this for myself and actually make the most of what I can offer? And that's where the idea came up. And my knowledge, particularly my parents' size of the cot swords is very good. And I also have got a particular sort of knack, maybe it's a little bit of a superpower, of when, because I've moved a lot with my background. I was married to a British Army officer, so we moved a lot when my children were little and as they grew up. And I'm particularly good at moving to an area and knowing what's going on. Because I'm nosy and I talk to people and I read papers and I read the posters and leaflets. I always like to think that I know what's going on and I don't miss stuff so I can make sure that people are aware of garden openings or outdoor theaters or picnics or new shop openings or whatever it might be. And so I think I just, that all blended rather nicely to be an idea for my business where I could. I knew it would be luxury and premium brand and that I would work with chauffeur drivers and I've just gradually worked out and now it's happened. And it's funny, you imagine it in your brain and you're sort of playing it through like a film and then actually the brand is born and it's quite a few things I wanted to happen have happened, which is lovely. Jonathan Thomas (19:16) Yeah, as a fellow business owner, and I've been at this for coming up on 18 years, it's always you always have to pinch yourself when you're in a moment where you're like, this really is happening and I actually did this. This feels good. Roanna STROMBERG (19:23) Bye. Yeah, I mean, whether you believe in the universe or manifestation, you know, I happen to, but it's, you know, I always wanted to deliver the secret gardens of the Cotswolds to a client. And, you know, I'm doing that in about four weeks' time. It's a dream brief to, you know, Jonathan Thomas (19:54) Nice. Roanna STROMBERG (19:58) showcase the gardens and flowers of the Cotswolds. So that's landed for me, which is beautiful. And hopefully I want to build on that sort of experience to us that are, you know, quite niche in a way. Obviously, I do quite a lot of Cotswold overview for people. And then also, it's so nice when somebody returns and I've got a returning client this year. So I like to leave them wanting more. Jonathan Thomas (20:30) So kind of take me through, so Americans have a lot of options for tours and guided tours when they come to Britain. There's no shortage of tour buses from London and guided tours. kind of take us through what a tour with you is like? What makes it different than a typical tour of say the Katz-Waltz? Roanna STROMBERG (20:54) Yeah, yeah, of course. Thank you for that question. My difference, think, is I set out to be different is that I host the tour. So I'm not driving the vehicle. We've got an executive saloon car, chauffeur driver who's with us all day. So if you're a client, I would have spoken to you, you know, we're speaking and planning a trip, I would have had a Zoom call with you, where I've spent probably about an hour getting to know you, finding out your interests and needs so I can tailor make a bespoke experience for you. And then I might well have advised you on where to stay because I think there's a lot of noise around, you know, which village, which town, which hotel, you know, there's so many options, how do you narrow it down? So I do offer a travel consultation as well. If people don't want a tour, but they just want the advice, they can have a session with me where I just help them narrow it down and sort of. they're confused, but I can bring them to clarity. So back to the tour, so that I would have had a chat with you over Zoom, and then you booked and you're coming, and I would arrive with the driver, pick you up at your hotel or accommodation, and then whisk you off for your day, which would involve quite a lot of touch points of what you're personally interested in, as well as lots of time for photo opportunity stops, you know, and obviously refreshments, afternoon teens. the views, the countryside. So really, I'm bespoke, I'm hands-on, I'm very warm but professional, and hopefully you're feeling that you've had an immersion into English life with me. Jonathan Thomas (22:39) That's really appealing to me personally and to lot of Americans is when I travel to Britain, I really want to have that local experience. I want to feel, I want to experience Britain the way that English people would experience it, not as the way an American should experience it because they're there on a vacation. it gives authenticity. Roanna STROMBERG (22:55) Mm, yes. good word, yeah, insider, insider knowledge. And it's a bit overused hidden gems. But you know, the sort of things that there are the tourist places, you know, bought and on the water by Bri, but I go a lot deeper than that. And a lot rarer than that. And we'll stop at a church that's special that they wouldn't particularly be taken to. And the difference is, you know, the car is their own, the day is their own. So Jonathan Thomas (23:10) Ha Roanna STROMBERG (23:31) I hasten to add the price point reflects that because it's a high level of service. But it means that if we decide to ditch part, know, we don't let's not go there. We see something, let's go there. We can always be flexible. My drivers are all hand-picked. I have a bank that I use and they love doing it because these chats are often doing sort of, know, lots of airport runs and stuff like that. Whereas this is more interesting work and that they always add their take. But it's, it's yeah, I do like to go insider and then quite often, I've got I've been building a little my little black book of the Cotswolds, I call it and with all my contacts, I can often add an extra layer of something special, whether it's meet the owner or go and see the artist in his studio, or a private tour of somewhere. For example, some of the gardens we're going to, you we'll be meeting the owner and having them take us round and then drinks and conversation with them afterwards. So it really will be an extra layer of specials on top of a basic tour. Jonathan Thomas (24:42) That sounds really nice. So, all right. So moving on from the mechanics of the tour business, let's talk about the Cotswolds. Now for people who may not be familiar with the Cotswolds, explain the Cotswolds what they are. Cause it's not a county, it's not a town, it's a geographical area. And why is it so important? Why do Americans love it? And why does... Roanna STROMBERG (24:44) Yeah. Yay! No. Jonathan Thomas (25:11) British tourists love it and why it's wider as... yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (25:13) It's, well, in a nutshell, it's the Cotswolds, not the Cotswilds, which sometimes it gets called, which is funny. It's an 800 square mile area. So that's big. And it's an area of outstanding natural beauty, AOMB in Britain. It's basically famous because of sheep and wool. which made a lot of wealthy wool merchants. And then a lot of the wool churches were built. A lot of the wool towns were built. And that's why places like Chippencamden and Stowe are, you know, with their hully-colored stone, so sort of iconic. And you can feel the wealth there. And that's how these wool towns all built up. And I think it's close proximity to London, relatively, two hours, makes it accessible. But it's also got rolling hills, quintessential countryside, villages. It's got a little bit of everything, really. But it isn't remote. But there's a lot more history to go into. And one of the places I take people to on tour. is lovely for that and it's in a village called Pilkins which we can talk about later or people can find out if they contact me. Jonathan Thomas (26:46) Talk about. you talk about it now. I've actually been there, so I'm. Roanna STROMBERG (26:51) Rita Filkins, do you know about, have you met Richard at Cotswold, Will and Weavers? Jonathan Thomas (26:53) Yeah. I haven't met him, but I've been to Cotswold Woolen beavers. So I've been to the mill. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It was lovely. I, we, you know, we, was in 2013, I think we had a six month old baby with us and it was our first time trap. was our first time traveling anywhere with our, with our baby. And we had a Roanna STROMBERG (27:02) I'm so glad you've been there. It's a lovely place, isn't it? What's your memories of it? Jonathan Thomas (27:27) we had an itinerary put together by Visit Bath. No, not Visit Bath. The Visit Oxfordshire Cotswolds. they, yeah, yeah, it's probably changed now. And they gave us like an itinerary of everything to do and it was on a list of things to do and. Roanna STROMBERG (27:31) Yes. But yes, yes, or coastal tourism or something, yeah. Hmm. Jonathan Thomas (27:52) So we were ticking off the list as driving through the day to hit everything we were supposed to. Roanna STROMBERG (27:56) So you didn't have a driver, you drove yourself, Johnston, yeah? Jonathan Thomas (28:01) Yeah, we were driving ourselves. We ran out of car and we drove ourselves and we went to the Woolen Mill and I remember like We were like the it was like a weekday in the middle of May. It was right before the diamond Jubilee Earth's right Earth's early June I think and the weather was beautiful. The countryside was beautiful the mill was beautiful but we were like the only people there and you could just walk through and see everything and Roanna STROMBERG (28:27) It can be really quiet. I just think it's fantastic. I live about 12 minutes from there, but it's the owner, Richard, and if I'm coming with clients, he'll always be available so that they get a lovely conversation with him, which is a deeper dive and experience. it's basically, that place is about the wool and the mill, but it's also about stone, because there's a stone mason there, and obviously you'll know about the cocksore stone and the honey colored. Jonathan Thomas (28:30) Yeah. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (28:54) But it's a really nice start to a tour to sort of cement people in the history of it and they understand it. And then there's a beautiful little place to have coffee there, you know, and there are things to buy. He's got a beautifully curated shop. Tweed hat? Yeah, yeah. And I mean, if you were there in 13, that's some time ago now, so what, 12 years on and it's probably evolved even further, but. Jonathan Thomas (29:06) Yeah. Yeah, I bought a, I bought a hat. saw, yeah, I bought a tweet hat and I still have it somewhere. don't know where it is, but I still have it. Roanna STROMBERG (29:22) Richard's great. mean, and that village is particularly special. And again, it's a bit off the off the normal track. That would be a yes. Yes. Jonathan Thomas (29:30) It is. And that's, and that's, that's the thing. And that's why, that's why I wanted to talk to you because it's, it's you provide access to the Cotswolds that Ameri- a lot of Americans wouldn't normally visit simply because a lot of Americans don't want to drive themselves. so booking a concierge service like yours is a great way to see these places that Americans wouldn't normally go to for that more authentic experience simply because Roanna STROMBERG (29:48) Yeah. Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (29:59) They're being driven everywhere. Roanna STROMBERG (29:59) Yes, absolutely. also, know, often, standard too is a bit of a cookie cutter, right, we're doing this, this and this. Whereas with me, can do a lot more. And we can flex. And then some of the loveliest moments for me with clients have been in the car. You know, it's the conversation between places. Jonathan Thomas (30:10) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (30:27) And I would say if you're coming here, allow lots of time, because the Cotswolds is the place to savor and soak up and enjoy. It's not a place to be rushed. Jonathan Thomas (30:38) Yeah. And that's, and that's really hard for Americans to do. we get limited amount of vacation and we have a lot of pressure to, to see everything we can in a short amount of time. And that's why we would like to say the same thing. If you're going to go to the Cotswolds or somewhere like it, you gotta slow down. and just, if you don't slow down, you're going to miss how wonderful the Cotswolds are because one thing I love about the Cotswolds is the silence is the sheep is the Roanna STROMBERG (30:58) Yeah. Yeah. Bye. Jonathan Thomas (31:08) the sounds of Mother Nature. And you don't hear that if you're rushing around. Roanna STROMBERG (31:12) No, no. And I always say less is more. And one of my jobs when I'm first talking to visitors that want to book me is to manage their expectations. You know, it's not one day in the pot, then we'll drive to Scotland and then we'll just squeeze in Wales. so I try and gently manage expectations. But I also tend to ask which, well, you tell me if this is a good question, but I tend to say to people, you know, Do you want a slow pace, a medium pace or a fast pace? And obviously it It depends. Yeah, it depends on people's mobility and sickness and you know, what are they celebrating? You know, in the summer I've got some honey mooners I'm taking out, which I'm thrilled. And you know, they're a fair bit younger than me. So I suspect the pace will be a bit faster and that's fine. You know, I have the energy and vitality for that. But other people... Jonathan Thomas (31:44) That's a good question to ask. Roanna STROMBERG (32:06) want to, you know, we can adapt and we can flex. But ideally, I'd have somebody for more than a day. I would recommend for a good immersion, three days in the Cotswolds is lovely. But probably stay in the same place. But then, as you know, it's geographically close enough to tour out from for most of most of those places to stay in one place. Jonathan Thomas (32:29) Yeah, and that's a mistake I've made. When we stayed over Christmas a few years ago, we stayed in the southern area, the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire. But the Cotswolds are huge. And so I'm like, well, let's go to Borton on the water. And it was like an hour and a half drive away because it's not. Roanna STROMBERG (32:42) Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (32:52) It's a very geographically stretched out area and you got to be careful those because there's no motor. There's only one motorway, but you're going to miss everything if you stick to the motorway. Yeah. And. Roanna STROMBERG (33:00) You don't want to be on the motorway. No, I mean, if you were coming from where I live at Let's Say to Bath, you know, you've got to allow an hour and 15 minutes for the traffic. But Bath is very edge of Cotswolds. I mean, if people do add it on. But I always think what's so lovely, though, is although there might be a drive up to North Cotswolds of 45 minutes or up to, say, Dalesford at Kingham, fine, there's a bit of traffic, but there's so many lovely things on the way. Jonathan Thomas (33:12) Right. Roanna STROMBERG (33:30) and views and places to stop. So it's never a chore. And I find people are just wanting to soak up the conversation and the things that we talk about in the car from sort of the dry stone walling to the plants, the trees, dare I say it, the people of the Cotswold, you what's being filmed here. So it's lovely and each conversation, no tutors I've done are the same. They are all unique and I'm very proud of that. There's nothing that's a cookie cutter. It's nothing out of box. It's tailor-made for you for your holiday, your trip. Jonathan Thomas (34:16) So now, so living in Letchlade puts you near both Bibury and Bampton where Downton Abbey were filmed. How has, yeah, see, like I said, I've given up trying to say them correctly. Roanna STROMBERG (34:25) Bibury Bibury Well, I'm just going to correct you because you don't mind. Bibury and Bampton. Yeah, Bibury is like maybe 20 minutes, 18, 20 minutes for me. Bampton is about the same. Jonathan Thomas (34:37) Yeah Roanna STROMBERG (34:46) The Bibury is gorgeous and it's one of the top rated places, as you know. If I take a client there, I would normally be going early in the day or end of the day because it's quite overcrowded and it's a small village and I don't want to put any more pressure on it myself. But it's a must see and it's a beautiful, as you know, that iconic Arlington Row cottages is a beautiful place to take a photograph. But there's a lot more to Bibury. I mean, there are places, I mean, I've done a beautiful hike around Bibury. I mean, a big one, but taking it into account. And there's a couple of other little places. I mean, there's the Trout Farm, but there's also one of my favorites. Do you like classic cars? Jonathan Thomas (35:36) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (35:37) Do you know about the classic car motor hub? Jonathan Thomas (35:41) no, I've seen the museum and in Bourton-on-the-Water Roanna STROMBERG (35:43) Bye! no, this is not the easiest. So now you're going to have to come back with Jackie because I'm going to personally take you there. it's just on the edge of Bibury and it's a bit hidden. I mean, they sell classic cars there, but it's a lot more than that. It's beautiful. Best coffee, bacon sandwiches, everything. So that's there. then for me, digging a little bit deeper into Bibury, the church is exquisite. Jonathan Thomas (35:51) You car. Roanna STROMBERG (36:17) And that's a bit hidden off the beaten track. How many people actually go in the church or do they just stop and take a photo? Church is lovely and they happen to have a beautiful literary festival there most years. So I often go to a talk there. And I think I'm at, I think you'll be a bit jealous of this. I actually was there last year and I heard Nicholas Soames speak, who of course is Churchill's great, Churchill's grandson. Jonathan Thomas (36:39) nice. Roanna STROMBERG (36:43) And that was very, very special. the village has very strong connections and the bicka is really well connected. But I remember after that talk, I walked through the village and did my sort of village walk, probably eight o'clock at night, 8.15 on a summer's evening after this six o'clock reception drinks in the church. I mean, there wasn't anyone there. And that's when you go and see it after hours. Jonathan Thomas (36:43) Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. On that, my, my one experience with Bibury is, I was, it was on a stop on a night's January. I had set for the day I got there and there was literally nowhere to park and all the car parks were filled with coaches. And so I just kept driving. And cause I was like, there's, there's no, there's no way. And, on your point about once the tourists leave, I love Castle Combe Roanna STROMBERG (37:28) Yeah, good call. Yes, so do I. Jonathan Thomas (37:38) And I stayed there several times at the hotel above the pub. And yeah, and it's mobbed during the day with tourists who just stopped to take a picture of the iconic scene and then they leave. But after like five o'clock, you can hear a pin drop in the village. it's paradise. Like, I love it. And I will go out on my way to stay there. Roanna STROMBERG (37:43) The manna, yeah. It's squizzit. That's, yeah. Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (38:04) simply because it's so quiet and it's also really quiet in the morning before the tourists start arriving late morning. And so you can go around for a walk, can enjoy the stream and the cottages and the pub and, know. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (38:09) Yeah, yeah, yeah. and then go off for your day and leave them to it. And I think, yeah, I try and obviously sprinkle in some of the hotspots. But there's a good part of me that likes to showcase other areas. And I've got nothing against Bolton on the water, but I don't love it. It's quite over touristy. I've got, most of my clients, we go to somewhere a lot more real with a lot more. Jonathan Thomas (38:34) No, no. Roanna STROMBERG (38:44) of independent shops and things and, but you know, it's the best time actually for on the water is Christmas because they put a Christmas tree in the middle of the water, you know, where it goes through the village. Jonathan Thomas (38:58) Yeah, I've been there at Christmas and it was nice. Roanna STROMBERG (39:01) yeah. well, Cotswolds at Christmas. mean, imagine all of this with a sprinkle of snow. Jonathan Thomas (39:11) paradise. Roanna STROMBERG (39:12) Did you ask me about Bampton? Should we just touch base on Bampton? Jonathan Thomas (39:16) Yeah, yeah, well, and the overall question was that is how has film tourism sort of changed what people would experience there? Roanna STROMBERG (39:31) think it's still growing. Funnily enough, Visit Britain this year, they've made a really, I don't know you've seen it, but they're doing this starring Great Britain promo. And I think there's a very high percentage of people that do want to come to locations. And I think it's great. I I feel that I'm encouraging people to come here and spend money, and you are too, and it's important for tourism. Jonathan Thomas (39:36) Yeah. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (39:59) I mean, I'm a member of Cotswold Tourism and that's what we're here for. My business is a sub member, although people think they're coming into a film set, it's actually, this is what it's like. I mean, we live here and this is real as well. So I think it's still growing and changing, but I guess the filming thing has only maybe been the last 15, 20 years. Bambton. Jonathan Thomas (40:15) Right. Roanna STROMBERG (40:28) I find really lovely because although somebody obviously wants to see Highclere Castle for Downton, which we can do, it's not, well, it's an hour, yeah. you can, Bampton is useful because it is more Cotswolds' Oxfordshire and it combines well with, say, Kelmscott where the William Morris House is. And we go on to Bampton and they can see the church where the filming was, the schoolhouse. And there's a charming little Bampton, Downton Abbey shock now. Jonathan Thomas (40:34) Which is not nearer, which is not near area. No Roanna STROMBERG (40:58) run by volunteers from the village. it's just, actually, I think the money raised for that shot was from the film crews, the money that the film crews have donated to the village. it just, for people that love downtown, it just gives them a little moment of seeing those film locations. And I think most people are very welcoming of it. There has been some press about overcrowding and stuff, but I think, you it's not like the great big, London film locations and stuff like that. Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (41:33) So we've kind of touched on over tourism a little bit and overcrowding. And so what are some of your hidden gems that you think many guidebooks kind of leave out that there's not a lot of tourists who come to see that are actually really worth seeing? Roanna STROMBERG (41:52) now I've got to divulge secrets. Jonathan Thomas (41:57) Hahaha Roanna STROMBERG (42:00) Well, okay, a couple. like taking people to see the Rollight Stones? Have you heard of that? It's near, yeah, it's near Chastleton. And that's a National Trust house. But if you're keen on Stonehenge or Avery, Stonehenge is super busy over, I mean, amazing, but it's a slow trip to get there and everything. Avery Stones in Wiltshire, I think is far nicer, far more accessible. Jonathan Thomas (42:10) Okay, yeah, yes I have. Roanna STROMBERG (42:34) the stones actually set around the village. Whereas the Rollwright stones is also the Cotswold ancient stones, and it's very accessible. You can just pull into the lay by, wander through, and it's an easy one to add on as is walking through, going to see Chathamton House and the Jackabian Manor. So I do like to showcase a stately home or two. Buscot Park is another small, more under the radar one. I am particularly fond, because I adore William Morris and the Arts Across movement, Kelmscott Manor, which is William's summer home. Have you been? Jonathan Thomas (43:17) Yes, yeah, we went on that trip in 2013. And it was, it was well worth seeing. Again, like, you know, it's this thing where you have to park a little bit away from it, you have to walk to it. And then you get there and you're in the middle of the countryside in the spring. And it's, it's, it's, it's lovely. Roanna STROMBERG (43:20) Yeah. Hmm. Yeah, it's interesting because I mean, I love William Morris and art and design, etc. as I've alluded to. And it's funny how you attract clients who have got the same sort of interest quite often. So when I can do the Kelmscott bit, you know, it's a combination of, you know, seeing the river and the beautiful, really quiet part of a tributary of the Thames there, and then the house and then there's the plough in which is a charming pub, and then the church where William and his wife and his daughters are buried. So it's a whole package that. And I don't think that's on the main tourist trails. And I'm also a volunteer at Kelmscott So I'm a little bit under the radar anyway, and I know them. So I'm talking to them about doing a sort of bespoke experience for me there as well. The curator is fascinating. If you meet the cura... I mean, she's got a PhD in William Morris. Jonathan Thomas (44:32) It's a very niche thing to have a PhD in. That's right. Roanna STROMBERG (44:34) know, this, it's well, you, PhDs are niche, aren't they? But you can go, you can go, you can just go deeper and deeper here, you know. And we haven't even talked about, there's the festivals. I mean, I'm very fond of, you know, there's Chippin camden Literary Festival, there's a jazz, and there's a music festival, there's Cheltenham, there's the Bibury Festival. There's a lot of events. in the area which are really, really put on very well as well. So if you're here on the right weekend, you get to sometimes go to a village event or a village show, a village festival, example Barnsley, which is just outside Cirencester They have their summer festival in May. So I'll be going to that again this year. It's close to my birthday. Jonathan Thomas (45:27) So obviously you interact with lot of Americans in your line of work. What kind of cultural differences have you noticed in the way they travel when they visit the Cotswolds Roanna STROMBERG (45:41) The main concerns for them, worries before they come are about the driving. So I can solve that quite easily by either arranging a transfer to meet them in London or indeed to collect them from one of the train stations here. Most clients would come into Chalbury or Kemble or Moreton and Marsh. They're worried about the narrow roads, driving on the other side of the road. What happens if cars come in the other way? So they want to see the area, but I take that away with the driver. So that's great. They often ask me about what to pack and layers and the weather. So we will talk about that. What are the cultural differences? Probably the sense of history. It's the depth and the sense and the layers of history we have that they just find so fascinating and that I'm so proud to demonstrate with the places we go. Jonathan Thomas (46:52) So what's the kind of most common reaction you get when Americans experience a Cotswolds for the first time? it awe and wonder or is it, know, or is it? Roanna STROMBERG (47:03) It's really lovely. It's a lovely question. And this sometimes even happens when we meet at the station. For example, Kemble station, which is particularly picturesque and sort of oldie-woldie. And they just, my guests normally just go, wow. And I've had, it's like a movie. It's surreal. It's unreal. I think I'm in Harry Potter. It's so quaint and it is, or is a beautiful phrase, but it's also joy. It's a happiness that they're actually in it and they're in it and it's real and it's not a movie set and people live here and this is, I guess that's something for me, it's that gratitude of not forgetting that you live here and to be grateful that you're immersed in it and you can just go for a country walk after work. But I mean, hate to say the reactions are all similar. It depends. mean, most of my clients are discerning international travelers, so they've normally at least been to London. But I still think there's a big contrast between, you know, London parks and the Cotswolds Green, the Cotswolds Green and Pleasant land. So, yeah, hopefully that gives you an idea of the reactions, I guess. And it's a joy. I mean, it's happy. Jonathan Thomas (48:18) yeah. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (48:29) It's really happy and let's face it, in the world the way that today is, we need to find that joy and that happiness in sense of environment and place. Jonathan Thomas (48:40) I don't think it's possible for anybody to be in the Cotswolds and be unhappy at the same time. Roanna STROMBERG (48:45) True, true. And I I heard, I've got a friend, she's got a gorgeous cottage in the village of Sutherook, quite close to me here, near where the hotel time is. And she's got a booking coming up where I'm going to be helping some of her ladies who are staying. But they're staying for three weeks. Imagine having three weeks where you could really actually relax, enjoy the garden, go to the pub. You'd see everything. Jonathan Thomas (48:47) So. see everything. Roanna STROMBERG (49:15) And, you know, we all, yeah, anyway, I mean, this is where if you're lucky enough to be able to work remotely, you know, you can be with your laptop, can't you, and sort of immerse in a minguist cottage. Yeah, it's, I would hate to take it for granted. So I feel very lucky that I can do this. Jonathan Thomas (49:29) Immersion is always the best way. So what has been your most memorable or unusual experience when guiding visitors around? Roanna STROMBERG (49:46) That is, there was one day where I was with a couple. It was the same couple who had the son I mentioned about the Broadway Tower experience. And it was lovely for him, particularly for him and the parents. We were up in Great Tew, which as you'll know is quite an it's so farmhouse up sort of North Cotswoldy towards on the Oxfordshire side, Oxfordshire definitely in Oxfordshire. part of the Cotswolds, as you know, it's in several counties. And we were up there, we went to the Falkland Arms, which is the pub there, because we were having a little bit of pub experience. And it's a great pub with a really low ceiling and all the beer, glasses coming from the ceiling. And it's like, wow, it's a very quite dark wood. And then we took a stroll in the village. And to my delight, obviously, completely unplanned, unscripted, but perfect. There was the Thatcher, the master Thatcher was there. thatching a cottage, re-thatching a cottage, upper ladder, you know, I don't know if you've ever seen it, but it's a rural heritage skill. So then they were able to see it, take photographs of it. And it was a particularly, you don't see that very often, that you happen to be there on foot when there's somebody re-thatching a cottage. And that led into interesting conversations about heritage and rural skills and the fact that. how expensive it is. And, you know, the roof is not made of slate or stone. It's made of thatch, straw. Yeah, that was sweet. Jonathan Thomas (51:24) If I had been on that tour, I would have been thrilled to see that. Roanna STROMBERG (51:28) It was really sweet. I must admit, I went yes to myself because I just thought that was a gem. And of course, you can never plan for that. It's just kind of what might happen. But there's been a few little things like that where things have dovetailed. And there's been moments for the client that are sort of perfect. Sometimes it involves animals and things like that and what we might see on the side of the road and who we might bump into. But I want to be discreet. I can't give away. All of the little secrets. Jonathan Thomas (52:02) Yeah, I had a conversation with a guy who runs tours out of Bath, Jules Mitra. And he was very reticent to say all the secrets of the tours that he does because he doesn't want the places to get overrun and he doesn't want them to be destroyed by too many people visiting. And so he kind of keeps it close to the chest. I'm the same way too. I won't tell anybody our favorite pub. Roanna STROMBERG (52:10) Yeah. Jonathan Thomas (52:31) in Wiltshire, I won't say where it is or what it is because... Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (52:34) Okay, so when we're off there, I guess we'll talk off there. Oh, favorite pubs, I that's another whole discussion. I mean, they are with spoiled for that. And I'm slowly working my way around all the pubs. So I really have experienced all of them because it's one thing, know, what I don't do is recommend somewhere that I don't think is really good. And I have very high standards because I've been in the service industry. I mean, I'm pretty classy. So... Jonathan Thomas (52:42) Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (53:03) me it's about the people though and then you can tell when the people are well trained and obviously the food's good so yeah I can understand him doing that. Jonathan Thomas (53:11) So that's actually a segue into the rapid fire questions I'm gonna ask here at the end to test you here. So have you been to Jeremy Clarkson's new pub? Roanna STROMBERG (53:26) Yes, I have. Of course I have. Well, here we go. The day that I went, it was very busy. There's a field opposite, which loads of cars in. But we drove into the main car park and somebody was just leaving. So we did get a place by the door. wasn't, when was I there? maybe five, six months ago. There's a big terrace. Jonathan Thomas (53:28) Really, is it any good? Roanna STROMBERG (53:55) What it has got for itself is the views. The views are amazing across the countryside. As you know, it's it's on sort of roundabout on the A40. I was underwhelmed, if I'm honest. Little bit of a drink on the terrace. I've been there, I've done that. Funnily enough, I got some very good news while I was there. I got an important announcement when I was there, but we were there, we had a quick drink, and to be honest, we then moved to another favorite village close by called Astell. And we went to the three horseshoes in Astell to have our meal, which is one of the Dalesford pubs. It's where Astell Manor is, which occasionally the garden's open. And that's where the Midfifters sisters lived as children. So there's another whole story there. But it's yeah, some people want to see, Diddley's got a farm shop, they want to go there and it's on the map. But it's not hugely my thing. But you know, I'm amazed at what it's brought into the area. Jonathan Thomas (54:56) Yeah, and I think the next season of the show, which comes out in May, is going to cover his quest to open the pub, so that should be fun. Yeah, season four, yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (55:03) Is that season four or season four? Yeah, I mean, I do find the TV series hysterical and I love a show that I can watch on my own and sit on the sofa and that's Hute with Laughter. So it's fun and it's kind of on the map for me. But I wouldn't say many of my clients want to go there, but I mean, I don't mind going there. Trouble is the road around it is busy and clogged up, Jonathan. So who wants to waste their time sitting in that traffic? I mean, you can be dropped by the car, but... Jonathan Thomas (55:11) Yeah. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (55:33) There's better places to go and I think most people want a quieter, know, it's about as part of your holidays is your wellbeing and making you feel good, not like stressed by traffic. Yeah, so what was the next quick fire? Jonathan Thomas (55:53) So the next one, which I think I know the answer to is your favorite stately home in the Cotswolds. Roanna STROMBERG (55:58) Well, to find Stately Home, I mean, that's an interesting one because, okay, so I'm going to give you a dual edged answer to that one. Blenheim Palace, probably Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, amazing. I think a really amazing day out. Jonathan Thomas (56:01) Hahaha, yeah, that's a hard one, yeah. Okay. Well, okay. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (56:18) And like you, I'm rather fond of Churchill, but I do not have the knowledge you have on him. In terms of smaller special house, is Kelmscott Manor? Jonathan Thomas (56:29) Okay, those are two very good choices. Roanna STROMBERG (56:32) And yes, thank you. Coming from you, that means a lot. But Helm Scott, you know, as you know, William was, when William Morris said about Helm Scott, that it was, that place was heaven on earth. And I think that's a beautiful quote, that that was his heaven on earth. And I have actually, I do what occasionally do wild swimming with a group of mad group of women I'm in. And we have swam in the river there. Jonathan Thomas (56:35) Full marks. Roanna STROMBERG (56:58) And then you can be, obviously you're down in the river looking up through the reeds and I can just see the rooftops of Kelmscott. And that to me is just lovely for me because it's all of my sort of magic in one go. So yeah, Kelmscott and Blenheim probably, but there's a lot of niceness in between. Jonathan Thomas (57:18) yeah, I'm partial to Dyrham Park. Because of the remains of the day. Roanna STROMBERG (57:21) Yeah, and right, yeah. Yes, and right now that all the tulips, there's a huge tulip display there like now because they're just coming out. I mean, I don't know when this episode will go out, but obviously we're recording this in April. Jonathan Thomas (57:32) I wish I could see it. Yeah, this will probably come out in May. So what's your favorite film set in the Cotswolds? Roanna STROMBERG (57:46) you do like Snow's Hill. I know we've touched on it, but I do like Snow's Hill. But I do have to mention that we had a fantastic BBC adaptation last year of a book by Jilly Cooper called Rivals. I don't know if you saw it. It was super, because it was, yeah, it's very 80s. And, you know, I'm a bit older than you. So it was like when I was growing up, it was classic, fantastic show. Well, that was filmed at Chavenage House. Jonathan Thomas (58:04) Yeah, Rivals is great. Yeah, we did. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (58:18) Shave an edge, shave an edge, even I can't, I'm not sure of pronunciation. And that's it, and they're now opening it so you can go around and sit. So that's a fun one and a smaller one. Jonathan Thomas (58:28) Yeah, they have a YouTube channel now and they're chronicling their whole opening it up thing. Yes, it's very good. Roanna STROMBERG (58:33) Yes! Yeah. good. That reminds me to catch that. Chavenage house. I think the garden's quite nice there, So, yeah, that's the film set bit. But I could go on. I mean, it's not like there's one or two. There's lots. Jonathan Thomas (58:52) So have you encountered any celebrities in the Cotswolds? Roanna STROMBERG (58:56) I have indeed. Discretion is my middle name. And obviously I'm an elite premium business, but I was thrilled to I've met Richard E. Grant. in a better. Jonathan Thomas (59:14) Nice. Yeah. Roanna STROMBERG (59:17) But then, very close to where I live, in just literally the next village between here and Wilkins, is where Kate Moss lives. So, we do have Kate Moss in Letch Day quite often. Jonathan Thomas (59:33) And so what's your favorite village in the Cotswolds then? Roanna STROMBERG (59:34) Stay noble. Probably Kelmscott. Kelmscott. It's close to me. I can go there for a walk. It's rather magical. There's a lovely walk around the village. There's a walk to the river because of the house. Yeah, I'm very fond of Kelmscott. Also close to me is a village, have you been, called Eastleach. So in East Leech, we have a great pub called the Vic, but there's a really nice village to village walk. So you can walk from East Leech to Sutherup and do a circle. And there's a pub at each end. And it's about an hour and a half. So that's kind of two perfect little villages. Again, off the beaten track. That's the sort of walk I can do with a client easily and put it into an early evening day or long tour day. Jonathan Thomas (1:00:30) Well, that actually answered my next question, which was your favorite walk. I think, Roanna STROMBERG (1:00:35) Oh, well, that's a nice walk. Yeah, probably though my top walk one to end on is an estate, a National Trust estate, which is on the, which is just on the Cheltenham Road, from Berkford on the Cheltenham Road towards on the A40. And it's an estate called Sherbourne, as in a bit like Sherbourne in Dorset, the same spelling, I think. The Sherbourne estate, and that's a National Trust place. And I'm a National Trust Life member, so you can park there. And that's a beautiful walk with, it's just got a combination of views, village, woodland. You know, the last time I did it, the bluebells were out and the wild garlic was coming through. It's just a really nice walk and easy. yeah, that's another, and also the Windrush Valley, which is near me and that walking in the Cold Valley, the Windrush Valley, absolutely lovely. So I'm sitting here thinking I need to go on a walk. Jonathan Thomas (1:01:30) When I'm jealous you can just walk out the door and you're in the English countryside. Roanna STROMBERG (1:01:32) We need to do our 10,000 steps and today is a glorious day here. We're having a seasonally gorgeous April. I mean, it's been about 17, 18 degrees today. So, weather's good. I was supposed to be in Canada and I'm not there now this week and I think it's snowing there. Jonathan Thomas (1:01:37) Ugh. Yeah, we had snow I think yesterday, our spring is not in hurry to get here. Roanna STROMBERG (1:02:01) Do you have listeners across Canada as well as America? Jonathan Thomas (1:02:07) Yeah, we've got them all over the world. Half of our listeners are English, so it's bizarre. Roanna STROMBERG (1:02:10) They're just doing a deep dive on their own country because there's always something you don't know, right? Jonathan Thomas (1:02:17) Yeah. Exactly. So, well, thank you so much for joining us on the Anglotopia podcast, Rana, her bespoke Cotswold tour through the RSS brand can be booked on her website, which we will link in the show notes. If you enjoyed today's discussion about this enchanting region of Britain, please subscribe, like us or leave a comment. If you like the Anglotopia podcast, please consider joining the Friends of Anglotopia Club where you can get early access to new episodes. Roanna STROMBERG (1:02:32) Thanks. Jonathan Thomas (1:02:46) and exclusive writing about Britain. Join us next time as we continue exploring the treasures of British culture, history, and travel. And thank you, Rowena. Roanna STROMBERG (1:02:55) Jonathan, I've loved it. See you soon. Bye. Jonathan Thomas (1:02:58) All right.