Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson (Image: Getty) Countryfile: Adam Henson on sending ewes off to market

Adam Henson has been a regular face on our TV screens for more than 20 years thanks to his time on Countryfile. The 58-year-old has been sharing tips and animal insights from his Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire since 2001.

Adam has also worked on BBC programmes including Gardeners' World, Springtime on the Farm and Lambing Live and become a friendly face to many. Adam was inspired by his father to enter farming and TV and once recalled his father's unwavering support, recalling how Joe would always call after each episode to either congratulate him or offer constructive advice.

Here is Adam Henson’s life off TV and how his famous relatives are.

Who is Adam Henson’s famous dad?

Countryfile TV presenter Adam Henson with father Adam Henson (Image: Sean Malyon)

Joseph Leslie "Joe" Henson, was a farmer who appeared as a presenter on BBC shows such as Animal Magic and In The Country and he also founded the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Joe opened up Cotswold Farm Park to the public in 1971 and sought to keep rare breeds of animals.

His love of animals and conversation saw him awarded an MBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Adam described his dad, who was also a farmer, as a "TV natural" and a "fantastic storyteller". The pair briefly worked together on Countryfile years after the BBC host secured the gig, adding "the producers and directors loved him".

The farming expert added: "He was also my biggest supporter and always rang after the programme to congratulate me or offer gentle pointers."

Joe sadly died in 2015 at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.

Addressing the heartbreaking loss of his father the following year, Adam mused: “It’s devastating for anybody to lose a parent, but my relationship with Dad was particularly close.”

He added: “Right from my first days, he was my rock, my mentor, my hero. It’s no exaggeration to say he taught me virtually all I know about farming and television.”

Adam's grandfather, namely Joe's father, was also a famous face as he was British actor and comedian Leslie Henson.

Inside Adam’s family life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Adam Henson and his wife Charlie have been through an ordeal due to her cancer battle (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)

Away from the screen, the TV star loves spending quality time with his wife Charlotte and their two adult children Alfie and Ella. Adam and Charlotte had been together since their teenage years and were happy co-habiting with each other and their children.

Adam previously revealed he wanted his children to have a childhood like him and take on active roles in the daily running of the farm.

His wife, known affectionately as "Charlie”, was diagnosed with stage one pancreatic cancer after falling ill over Christmas 2020. Adam married Charlotte in a secret wedding in front of close family during the Covid-19 pandemic and a day before her key operation.

Speaking with the Mirror in October 2023, Adam recalled: "We cried a lot. Those vows cemented my emotions and let me say from the heart how I feel about Charlie. The registrar wasn't aware of our situation and said she'd never had such an emotional couple. For us, it was a way of saying goodbye to everyone."

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240806.min.js"

In the same interview, Charlie added: "It was a horrible position to put everyone in because you're trying to be happy, but I was going into hospital the next day and didn't know if I'd be coming out. It was the best possible last day I could have had."

Thankfully, the risky surgery was a success, and two years after their ordeal, the couple revealed that Charlie had returned to work part-time while living from one six-monthly scan to the next. Looking back on how this terrifying time had shifted their perspectives,

Adam shared: "Friends and family are even more important to us now - they've been so supportive. In the past, I'd push the children to be more career-focused and get ahead. But now I'm kind of - just have a lovely time. Look after yourselves - but have a lovely time doing it, because you just don't know what's around the corner."

Inside Adam Henson's own farm

Adam Henson at his Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire (Image: PAUL NICHOLLS )

Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park is in the heart of the Cotswolds and in the tiny Gloucestershire village of Guiting Power. The Farm Park’s Discovery Barn offers visitors the chance to learn about a variety of small animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs. This educational space will encourage curiosity and sensory development in young minds.

The Adventure Barn provides a safe indoor play area where kids can explore, climb and play, with a sand pit, traversing wall, soft play area and ride-on tractors while adults take can take a hot drink from The Shed Cafe.

Outdoor activities such as bouncy pillows, swings, sandpits, pedal tractors and play areas are also on offer to help foster children’s imagination and provide a place for them to let off some steam.

Earlier this year, the farm welcomed 900 adorable new animal arrivals and visitors could witness newborns taking their first steps. Experts from the farm are on-hand to share their knowledge with daily lambing talks to help visitors learn all about the new arrivals.

Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm

Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm

Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm

Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm

Countryfile host Adam Henson's family life off TV and his huge farm