Born in Colchester, Essex, in 1970, Jules Hudson was raised in a bed and breakfast run by his mother, where he developed an early appreciation for architecture and storytelling. He studied Field Archaeology at Lampeter University in Wales, followed by a master’s degree at Durham University.
Jules Hudson | Early Career
Jules’s early career was shaped by a deep passion for history, archaeology, and storytelling. After university, Jules pursued a path that combined academic rigour with practical fieldwork. His early professional experiences included archaeological fieldwork and consultancy, which allowed him to develop a profound understanding of Britain’s historical landscapes.
Transitioning into media, he began working behind the scenes as a researcher and producer on documentary projects such as Time Team for Channel 4 and Horizon for BBC Two. His work at this stage was characterised by a commitment to bringing history and heritage to a wider audience, while honing the skills that would later make him a captivating on-screen presence.
He developed and presented the living history series Revival for ITV, which gained him a Royal Television Society nomination in 2005, and presented The Peoples’ Museum, for BBC Daytime, which gave him his first network break in 2006.
Jules Hudson | Successful TV Presenter
Jules’s career reached new heights in 2007 when he became the main presenter of the BBC’s Escape to the Country, a role that catapulted him into national recognition. This popular series, which helps house hunters find their dream rural homes, perfectly matched his knowledge of architecture and passion for countryside living.
The show’s success has been a cornerstone of Jules’s media presence, and he has since become a familiar face in British households. Other TV credits include presenting roles on Countryfile, Britain’s Heritage Heroes, Britain’s Empty Homes, and historical programs such as Defenders of the Sky and Dig 1940.
Jules’s experience and expertise in history, rural affairs and property, combined with his warm and engaging style have established him as a versatile and popular presenter.
Having spent most of his life in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid-Wales, renovating his own Escape to the Country, he now lives in Herefordshire, once again passionately restoring a period gem.
Jules Hudson | History Presenter
In Spring 2012, Jules teamed up with fellow Countryfile presenter John Craven as they embarked on an ambitious fifteen-part series exploring the challenges facing our heritage, Britain’s Heritage Heroes, whilst listeners to Radio 4s Open Country can hear regular contributions from Jules as the latest member of this long-running and popular countryside magazine show.
Jules’s interest and expertise in military history also came to the fore in Celebrity Mastermind in late 2011.
Since then, Jules has gone on to present How We Won the War, a ten-part series for BBC 2, and more recently, Dive WW2 and Battle of the Atlantic, a two-part special for BBC Northern Ireland soon to be released to the BBC Network.
Jules Hudson | Social Media
Jules maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms, offering fans an intimate look into his life and work beyond television. On Instagram, where he has over 67,000 followers, he shares updates from his filming projects, personal ventures like furniture making, and glimpses into his countryside lifestyle.
Additionally, he has launched a YouTube channel titled Jules Hudson’s Rural Roadtrip, where he documents his travels across the UK, exploring rural communities, heritage sites, and countryside crafts.
Jules Hudson | Writing
Jules is the author of The Escape to the Country Handbook, published in April 2020 by National Trust Books. This comprehensive guide draws upon Jules’s extensive experience as the presenter of the BBC’s Escape to the Country, offering practical advice and inspiration for those considering a move to rural Britain.
He has also published Walled Gardens (2018), a beautifully illustrated exploration of these unique spaces, published by the National Trust. In this book, Jules delves into the history, design, and cultural significance of walled gardens, drawing from his own extensive knowledge of heritage and countryside life.
In addition, Jude has contributed articles to publications such as Countryfile Magazine, Homes & Gardens, and Welsh Border Life, where he shares his expertise on rural living, heritage conservation, and restoration projects.
