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Top Gear star James May is back on our TV screens where he follows the journeys of three historical explorers.
James May’s Great Explorers, made up of three 90-minute episodes, sees the TV presenter charting the journeys of Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Raleigh and Captain James Cook.
The series will officially start airing on Channel 5 on Thursday (February 13) at 9pm. It’s the latest TV project for the presenter after ending his on-screen partnership with and Richard Hammond on Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
James May has shot down any suggestions he will reunite with his friends and recently said it was time for a new generation of motoring presenters to take over.
Beyond his life on TV, James May is notoriously private and typically refrains from divulging too many personal details on social media and on TV.
But what do we know about his life including his partner and pub in a stunning village in England?
Is James May married?
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James May is not married but he has been with his partner, Sarah Frater, for around 25 years.
Having started their relationship back in 2000, Sarah also enjoys a close bond with Richard Hammond’s now estranged wife, Mindy Hammond.
Sarah has an impressive background in art criticism, primarily focusing her reviews on dance for a range of respected outlets.
Does James May have children?
James May during filming of a show (Image: PA)
James May has no children with his long-term partner Sarah. In a previous session on the Driven podcast, May ascribed this to “being a late developer” stating, “I think it was just a result of life, let’s put that down to being a late developer.”
Despite the absence of kids in their lives, James enthusiastically assumes the role of uncle, relishing time spent with his nieces and nephews and thrives when working alongside younger colleagues, especially those in their twenties.
“That’s the nature of TV, it has a big influx of people of that age who disperse and move on to other things, it’s all very fluid,” he revealed.
Inside James May’s pub in scenic village
James May owns The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire (Image: Hannah Molnar/Wiltshire Live)
When James May isn’t travelling the world and presenting shows, you may see him at his pub in the West Country.
James May purchased The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe near Tisbury and Salisbury in Wiltshire with Chris Byett after the venue was closed down in March 2020.
It describes itself as ‘an award-winning country pub and hotel situated in the picturesque village of Swallowcliffe. With a wonderful blend of traditional 18th-century architecture and stylish, modern interior design, The Royal Oak is the perfect rural hideaway’.
The TV personality owns a home in the area and was a regular at The Royal Oak before he invested and often goes in for a pint between filming.
The once rough, over-grown and neglected building received a large cash-injection several years ago, in a massive renovation project which saw the addition of the oak room, kitchen and toilet block, while the upstairs was redeveloped into six letting rooms.
Chris Byett previously told “I think we’ve done a good job, I think the staff are a lot better, a lot stronger and we have a great kitchen team headed by Jonny Sutcliffe who was the previous head chef and the food has always been well respected.”
Since Chris and James took over The Royal Oak during lockdown in 2020, the pub has received interest from all over the world. Chris said: “I think we might be quite surprised at the distances people are prepared to travel just to come and have a meal in James May’s pub.”
The pub accounts manager, Jamie confirmed this, revealing that the pub has welcomed tourists from Canada, America and Singapore in recent weeks. Chris added: “The nature of our businesses hasn’t been massively affected by because we’re not a boozer, we don’t have people all rammed together.
“We’ve very much got a book first culture, because it’s a popular place and we don’t want to disappoint people so we do encourage bookings.”
Where does James May live?
James May shares a home with Sarah in the sought-after London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The pair have made their home in Hammersmith and once spoke about achieving their dream of constructing their ideal residence, having lived previously in “places on the way”.
Reflecting on his sentiments about the home, May opened up to The Times: “I’m living in a house that feels like a destination, and it’s slightly disturbing. I’m just worried I’ll end up thinking, right, I’ve done all that now.
“I had a good crack at it and was very fortunate and now I’ll – and I can’t stand this expression – ‘enjoy the rest of my life’.
“Because I don’t think I will. I’ll just be sitting there, waiting for The End.”
Following the demolition of an old West London property and a gruelling five-year renovation project, James finally completed his new home in March 2023. The house provides ample space for his remarkable collection of vehicles.
His residence is a sanctuary for his cherished transport collection, housing 40 motorbikes, a Rolls-Royce, a rare Ferrari 458 Speciale, a Porsche 911, and even a Fiat Panda.