The English countryside is no stranger to famous visitors, but few have left quite the mark as Vice President JD Vance did during his recent family summer vacation. What was billed as a leisure trip quickly turned into a headline-grabbing saga of protests, political intrigue, and viral mishaps, drawing the attention of locals, politicians, and the international press alike.
Vance, accompanied by his wife and children, arrived in early August 2025 for what seemed to be a classic getaway in the picturesque Cotswolds, a region often likened to the "Hamptons of England" for its rolling hills, charming villages, and well-heeled residents. According to The Independent and The Guardian, the Vice President and his entourage settled near the small village of Dean, staying in a lavish Georgian manor reportedly arranged by former British finance minister George Osborne. The area, already known for celebrity neighbors like Jeremy Clarkson and former Prime Minister David Cameron, was about to get a taste of American political spectacle.
From the moment Vance’s 18-car convoy rolled into town, locals sensed this was no ordinary holiday. Roadblocks, police door knocks, and a visible Secret Service presence became the new normal. Residents told The Observer and CNBC that officers asked for personal details, prompting some to question whether the security was for their benefit or Vance’s. "At least they were honest and said it is for him and that it will all be passed on to the American security people," one local remarked to The Observer.
The disruption was more than just an inconvenience. As Jonathan Mazower told The Telegraph, "JD Vance has taken over my village – send help. We've been completely sealed off from the outside world." Even Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken TV personality and local resident, weighed in. He posted a map on Instagram to highlight the no-fly zone imposed for Vance’s visit, lamenting the loss of drone shots for his farm show. Later, Clarkson downplayed the chaos, posting videos of peaceful countryside scenes and poking fun at the media’s depiction of turmoil.
Yet, for many in the Cotswolds, the Vice President’s presence was anything but peaceful. Demonstrators organized a “Dance Against Vance” party in nearby Charlbury, brandishing signs that read “JD Vance Thinks The Moon Is ‘Just A Rumor’” and “Bullies Not Welcome Here.” According to The Guardian, about a hundred protesters attended, some waving memes of Vance depicted as bald with a bloated baby face—a viral image that even led to rumors (denied by Homeland Security) of a tourist being turned away from the U.S. for having it on his phone.
The protests weren’t limited to memes and witty placards. Local frustrations boiled over as the Vice President’s security detail reportedly blocked small roads and even occupied disabled parking spaces, as reported by The Daily Mail. There were claims of police going door-to-door asking residents for their social media details, though British authorities later denied such questioning took place. The “Men in Black” level of security, as one local official described it, seemed excessive to many, especially given the area’s history of hosting politicians and celebrities with far less fanfare.
Why all the fuss? Some residents and commentators suspected political motives behind Vance’s visit. As one local named Helen put it to The Telegraph, “No one comes to the British version of the Hamptons...for a rest. JD Vance...has chosen the axis of privilege, wealth and power...for one reason only: influence.” There was speculation that Vance was seeking closer ties with the UK’s Conservative and Reform UK parties, mingling with right-wing politicians like Robert Jenrick and Nigel Farage. The Vice President’s meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy—a center-left figure—raised eyebrows, especially after Vance warned that Britain was heading down "a very dark path" on free speech during their conversation, as reported by The Guardian.
Vance’s UK holiday wasn’t all politics and protest. There were lighter moments, too—though not always flattering. After leaving the Cotswolds, Vance traveled north to Scotland, where he played a round of golf at President Donald Trump’s Turnberry course in Ayrshire. The outing, however, became an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons. According to The Daily Mail, Vance struggled mightily, taking four putts to sink the ball—a performance well below the typical two-putt standard. The Vice President couldn’t hide his frustration, throwing his arms in the air after missing the cup. Social media users were quick to pounce, with one bluntly commenting, “Absolutely fing dogs putting technique.” Another quipped, “He plays golf the way he plays politician: incompetent.”
The Scottish leg of Vance’s trip was no less controversial. He and his family arrived at Prestwick Airport on Air Force Two before heading to the luxury Carnell Estates, a 14th-century mansion with over 2,000 acres of parkland. The estate, previously visited by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, became a focal point for protests. Activists gathered at the gates waving Palestinian flags and placards, while police implemented airspace restrictions around the property, as reported by The Daily Mail. The Scottish Government, aware of the potential for unrest, coordinated closely with UK authorities and Police Scotland to manage the visit’s impact.
Even outside of the UK, Vance’s vacations have sparked debate. Earlier in the summer, his family’s trip to Disneyland in Los Angeles led to parts of the park being shut down, causing longer lines for regular visitors. Vance later apologized on a podcast, saying, “Sorry, to all the people who were at Disneyland, for the longer lines. But we had a very good time.” And in Ohio, the Army Corps of Engineers altered a lake’s outflow to create "ideal kayaking conditions" for Vance, though his office denied prior knowledge, insisting it was for security reasons.
All of this has only added to Vance’s reputation as a polarizing figure. Once a fierce critic of Donald Trump—he famously called Trump "America’s Hitler"—Vance’s political transformation and embrace of Trumpism have drawn scrutiny. His warnings about Britain’s alleged decline in free speech, his mingling with both right- and left-leaning UK politicians, and his penchant for high-profile, security-heavy vacations have made him a lightning rod for both criticism and satire.
For the residents of the Cotswolds and Ayrshire, Vance’s visit will be remembered less for its diplomatic overtures and more for the disruption, protests, and viral moments it left in its wake. Whether seen as a quest for influence, a symbol of shifting political tides, or simply a holiday gone awry, JD Vance’s UK summer adventure has become a telling snapshot of the complexities—and contradictions—of contemporary political celebrity.
