Insider's Guide

Insider’s Guide with Lil Rice

23rd July 2024

We are delighted to be joined by Fools Delight Circus founder, Cyr wheel artist and singer Lil Rice.

From a young age, under the watchful eye of her aunt, circus founder and ring mistress Nell Gifford, Lil would assist at Giffords Circus, eventually going on to perform under the big top. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with world renowned clown, Sam Goodburn, that Fools Delight Circus was created. Along with Lil’s husband, Head Chef Dave Cross, the trio create and perform magical and theatrical shows hosted in between delicious food courses.

As Fools Delight returns to Ham Court, Bampton for its summer production this August, Lil takes time away from the final preparations to share her favourite spots, watering holes and foodie recommendations.

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

Since 2018.

My favourite spot is…

The Heavens in Stroud.

Image
Image
My favourite view of the Cotswolds is…

The view from Minchinhampton Common.

My favourite place to escape in nature is…

The lakes at Woodchester Park.

The best place to go early in the morning is…

Any river in the Cotswolds!

Image
Image
Something only locals know is…

… but that would be telling!

My cultural fix is…

Any of the old burial mounds; Wayland’s Smithy in Ashbury and nearby Uffington White Horse, the oldest chalk-cut hill figure in Britain.

My foodie go-to is…

Giffords Circus Sauce restaurant or our Fools Delight Circus dinner, obviously.

My nighttime escape is…

The Morris Clown in Bampton!

Image
Image
A misconception about the Cotswolds would be…

That it is always full of tourists – there are so many more secret lovely places to discover.

Three words to describe the Cotswolds…

Rolling, green, rivers.

Image
Image
Image
Image

All imagery is kindly shared by Lil, you can see her along with the rest of the Fools Delight Circus in SPINSTER, from 3rd to 18th August at Ham Court, Bampton, Oxfordshire.

Related Articles

View All
Chestnut Bubble & Squeak Recipe

Recipes

Chestnut Bubble & Squeak Recipe

20th December 2024

This recipe is the perfect for a Boxing Day ritual, made of the previous day’s leftovers and served hot out of the pan with cold cuts of turkey, ham or pheasant and some Piccalilli on the side. We like ours…...

Traditional Christmas Games

Goings On

Traditional Christmas Games

20th December 2024

Make time to switch off from electronic devices, phones and internet and partake in some old-fashioned games with family or friends.

Wreath Making

Goings On

Wreath Making

10th December 2024

A morning spent foraging in the hedgerows and woodland can produce an abundant harvest of berries, mistletoe and rich greenery – all perfect for winding into a beautiful festive wreath, and very easy to do at home....