Jeremy Clarkson shares the small but important rule at Diddly Squat Farm
Jeremy Clarkson has shed light on one of the lesser-known rules at his Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Oxfordshire, after a fan questioned whether dogs were allowed inside the popular tourist attraction.
The 65-year-old television presenter and former Top Gear host has owned the 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm, located in Chadlington near Chipping Norton, since 2008. The site has since become world-famous thanks to the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, which documents his attempts to run the property with the help of young farmer Kaleb Cooper and his partner Lisa Hogan.
Clarkson and Hogan first opened the Diddly Squat Farm Shop in 2020, offering a range of locally sourced products including milk, honey, jams, candles, and Hawkstone lager and cider — the latter produced in collaboration with local brewers. The shop quickly became a magnet for fans of the show and day-trippers keen to sample goods from “the straight-talking farmer’s” land.
Following the shop’s success, Clarkson expanded the brand in 2024 with a pop-up version of Diddly Squat Farm Shop on the grounds of The Farmer’s Dog, the couple’s recently opened pub in the nearby village of Asthall. The pub’s launch in August drew hundreds of visitors and further cemented Clarkson’s status as one of Britain’s most unlikely farming entrepreneurs.
The Dog Dilemma
The latest stir around the farm shop began on social media, when a fan shared a photo of themselves queuing outside the Diddly Squat Farm Shop with their dog in tow.
Posting the image on X (formerly Twitter), the customer wrote:
“Tired little doggy waiting in the queue for the farm shop.”
Clarkson, who regularly interacts with fans online, responded affectionately with:
“Aww.”
However, another user quickly chimed in to note that dogs aren’t permitted inside the shop itself, writing:
“Dogs aren’t allowed in Diddly Squat Farm Shop.”
Rather than ignoring the comment, Clarkson decided to clarify the rule — revealing that the policy is not his personal choice but rather a legal requirement.
“Government rules,” he replied simply.
The brief explanation implies that health and safety or food hygiene regulations prevent pets from being brought inside the premises, a common restriction for establishments selling fresh produce and consumables.
Fans React to Clarkson’s Response
Fans of Clarkson’s Farm were quick to respond to his clarification, with many expressing understanding — though some joked about their disappointment that they couldn’t bring their dogs along for the full experience.
One follower commented: “Fair enough, Jeremy. I guess the government doesn’t trust muddy paws near the cheese counter!” while another added, “Makes sense — can’t have Kaleb chasing dogs and customers at the same time.”
The exchange once again highlighted Clarkson’s ability to connect with his fans in an unfiltered, down-to-earth manner that mirrors his on-screen persona.
Clarkson’s Farm Series 5 Wrapped
In other news, filming for Clarkson’s Farm season five officially wrapped last month. The upcoming series is now in post-production, with editors piecing together what promises to be another mix of humour, hardship, and heart from rural Oxfordshire.
While Amazon Prime Video has not yet announced an official release date, insiders expect the new episodes to follow the usual pattern and premiere sometime in spring 2026.
The fifth season is anticipated to continue exploring the daily challenges faced by Clarkson and his team — including his right-hand man Kaleb Cooper, land agent Charlie Ireland, and farm manager Lisa Hogan — as they balance environmental regulations, unpredictable weather, and the ever-changing economics of modern farming.
Despite occasional controversies, Clarkson’s Farm has become one of Amazon’s most-watched factual series, praised for its humour, authenticity, and surprising emotional depth.
As Clarkson continues to juggle his life as a farmer, pub owner, and television personality, even small moments — like explaining why dogs aren’t allowed in his shop — serve as reminders that life at Diddly Squat is never short of entertainment.