The pop superstar visited a traditional country pub known for classic British dishes and cosy interiors
Taylor Swift (Image: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Nestled amongst picturesque countryside and meandering lanes sits a small English village that has discreetly emerged as a haven for celebrity visitors. Despite its tranquil atmosphere and a population numbering only in the hundreds, this rural gem has drawn international stars, film crews and intrigued tourists eager to discover where certain surprising celebrity encounters took place.
Great Budworth, a historic Cheshire village, might seem like a place where time stands still, with its sandstone structures, traditional inns and verdant surroundings.
However, throughout the years, it has served as an unexpected setting for television filming and notable celebrity appearances. One of the most discussed incidents occurred during the whirlwind romance between Taylor Swift and Harry Styles in 2012.
At the height of their relationship, the pop stars were spotted enjoying time together in the village. The pair were seen at the George & Dragon Hotel, a traditional country pub known for classic British dishes and cosy interiors.
Their visit came as Swift’s Red era dominated the charts while Styles was riding the global success of One Direction. The pub, whose origins date back centuries, has long been a focal point of the village. Although refurbished in 2010, the George & Dragon Hotel dates back to 1722 and remains one of the area’s best-known landmarks.
Their appearance coincided with Swift’s Red album dominating music charts whilst Styles enjoyed worldwide fame with One Direction. The establishment, whose history spans several centuries, has remained a central feature of village life, reports the Express.
Though renovated in 2010, the George & Dragon Hotel’s foundations stretch back to 1722 and it continues to be amongst the region’s most recognisable attractions. Great Budworth’s tranquil appeal has drawn the attention of television producers throughout the years.
The village’s charming lanes have featured in numerous programmes, including the BBC’s version of War of the Worlds, where sections of Great Budworth stood in for 19th-century Hastings.
Great Budworth has become a celebrity hotspot in recent years(Image: MEN)
A particularly memorable occasion saw camels strolling along the High Street whilst filming took place for the BBC drama Our Zoo. Yet despite these occasional encounters with the entertainment industry, the village maintains its rich historical heritage.
Standing at the community’s centre is St Mary and All Saints Church, an impressive sandstone structure featuring a notable tower. The church previously had connections to Reverend John Bracegirdle, who is thought to have christened the offspring of playwright William Shakespeare.
Apart from its heritage and television appearances, the surrounding landscape significantly contributes to the village’s attraction. Walkers and cyclists frequently discover the picturesque routes winding through the locality, where forest footpaths, riverside panoramas and compact metal footbridges form picture-perfect vistas.
Local attractions feature mini-golf, soft play facilities, a gemstone cove for budding treasure seekers and a gaming arcade – plus what numerous visitors regard as one of the area’s most extensive ice cream selections. The village’s historic pubs continue to attract tourists.
Besides the George & Dragon, the Cock o’Budworth pub holds Grade II listed status, featuring low beams, intimate snugs and crackling fires during the colder months. Whilst the village has stayed predominantly untouched, the wider area has welcomed additional celebrity appearances.
In nearby Bamford, Swift and Styles were spotted enjoying a festive meal again at the Rising Sun pub during the early days of their relationship.
The pair reportedly dined with Styles’ sister Gemma and her boyfriend while celebrating Swift’s birthday.
The couple sampled a Yorkshire pudding and onion gravy starter followed by roast turkey, and even chatted with locals about a recent trip to Windermere in the Lake District.