The small rural village where popstar Sam Smith grew up

Sam Smith is a well-known British singer who has so far scored eight number one singles and had the biggest selling debut album of the decade. But before they were a pop star, they were living in a tiny village deep in the Cambridgeshire countryside.

The non-binary singer has had great success since making a name for themselves in the industry in 2012. Loved by fans for their catchy songs and powerful voice, their most famous songs include 'Stay With Me' and the more recent 'Unholy'.

Sam Smith was originally born in London but moved with their family when they were young to Great Chishill. The small village near the Hertfordshire border is in a beautiful part of South Cambridgeshire, surrounded by fields and with its very own historic windmill.

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Whilst living here, Sam attended Thomas More Primary School in Peterborough and also attended schools in Bishop Stortford and Saffron Walden.

Sam eventually moved back to London to pursue their music career, but they did not lose touch with their Cambridgeshire roots. In 2019, they returned to help formally reopen the historic Chishill Windmill to the public. Sam's ties to this village have meant that they have become a treasured member of the Great Chishill community.

But there is so much more to this village than simply the celebrity status of one of its former residents. This unassuming little place actually has a lot to offer.

Home to a striking Medieval Church and a pub called The Pheasant, Great Chishill also happens to be the highest point in Cambridgeshire.

Half a mile east of St Swithun's Parish Church in Great Chishill, the land is exactly 146 m (479 ft) above sea level. This highest point is a popular hiking area and, although Cambridgeshire certainly isn't known as a mountainous county, it is still a lovely scenic place to visit.

Great Chishill's main attraction is Chishill Windmill which dates back to the 19th century. The windmill was recently restored and reopened to the public, with the help of Sam Smith who attended the ceremony.

Today Sam Smith owns properties in Hampstead, North London and Buckinghamshire.