Cotswolds Explorer Robin Shuckburgh: An “Unlikely Influencer”

“I’ve seen views of the Cotswolds that nobody’s seen for 30 years.” Robin Shuckburgh has been exploring the region since his boyhood, when he toured medieval churches with his brother. He recalled that the buildings were completely open at that time, allowing them to climb spiral staircases to the roof and enjoy the beautiful views. Now in his 70s, Mr. Shuckburgh describes himself as “an unlikely influencer” as he uses his YouTube channel, The Cotswolds Explorer, to share stories from various parts of the Cotswolds. The channel was established eight years ago and has accumulated approximately 6.5 million views to date. However, Mr. Shuckburgh, who resides in Bampton, Oxfordshire, stated that he did not become The Cotswold Explorer until he formed an “unusual partnership.” He met producer Ross Arrowsmith on the set of a food and drink show, and together they created the channel. “He was 19 at the time and I was already 70 years old, so when I say I am an unlikely influencer, that’s the main reason why.” He mentioned that he had been considering retirement but found the new opportunity “extremely psychologically satisfying.” He added, “We’ve travelled some of the most beautiful country in the world and I think that’s why it seemed such a good idea.” Mr. Shuckburgh noted that the channel has grown “substantially” over the past couple of years. “We now have just over 67,000 subscribers all over the world and several million views a year.” He also commented on the personal change, saying, “It’s changed my life, to a degree, because I go out into the Cotswolds now with Ross and wherever we go, we are recognised and treated with enormous kindness.” He further stated that his dogs, Gizmo and Widget, who frequently appear in the videos, are “much loved all over America.” He added, “We read all our comments and they have been universally terrific.” Mr. Shuckburgh explained that their filming process begins by determining if the location they are visiting has a church. “Because churches are sort of core to the Cotswold villages and it helps us to give us an anchor,” he clarified. The channel’s first feature-length film, Stars of the Cotswolds, was recently released. It highlights Broadway in Worcestershire; Chipping Camden, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury in Gloucestershire; Burford in Oxfordshire; and Castle Combe in Wiltshire. “I just love Burford, I love the way it hides in the valley,” Mr. Shuckburgh said. “You can drive along the A40 and not even know it was there – the only thing you see is the church spire. It’s an extraordinary and incredible place.” Mr. Shuckburgh expressed their “keenness” to provide their films to Cotswold hospitality businesses. “We invite them to use our films by embedding them in their websites and social media. Let’s promote the area and grow our local businesses.” Their next endeavor is a series focusing on the grand country homes of the Cotswolds, starting with Stanway House in Gloucestershire. Mr. Shuckburgh remarked, “That series I think is going to be absolutely wonderful.”