If you’re thinking of a luxury cottage holiday in the English countryside, there are plenty of summer events in the Cotswolds to inspire your trip. There’s truly something for everyone, from music festivals and air shows to quirky events that really are something to be seen.
For a fantastic family-friendly event in the Cotswolds, book tickets for Giffords Circus. This vintage village green circus is a magical show filled with nostalgia, laughs and wow moments with a glamourous twist. Held inside a huge tent, the stage is set for thrilling performances by acts such as acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians and dancers.
Gifford Circus goes on tour in England every summer. 2023 dates include Daylesford Farm from 27th April to 8th May, Blenheim Palace from 18th to 30th May, and Barrington from 27th July to 7th August.
For opera-lovers, Longborough Festival Opera is one of the best summer events in the Cotswolds. It takes place in an intimate, 500-seat purpose-built opera house in the grounds of the festival founders’ home. The programme includes performances created just for the festival and up-and-coming artists.
Each performance includes a 90-minute interval, so there’s time to enjoy the views over the rolling hills of the Evenlode Valley. Bring a picnic, or for a little more comfort, book a table at one of the on-site dining venues.
The event takes place from 29th May to 3rd August 2023.
Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games is a quirky event with origins spanning back 400 years. It takes place at Dover’s Hill where there are incredible countryside views all around.
Participants compete in a variety of events including running races and tug o’ war, as well as shin-kicking. However, the ultimate challenge is ‘king of the hill’ including hammer throw, shot put, static jumping (jumping from a standing position) and spurning the barre (like tossing the caber).
The event takes place on Friday 2nd June 2023.
The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is set in a beautiful stately home location. It’s a fantastic place to see your favourite flowers and discover new plants in an array of displays in the grand Floral Pavilion. Here, expert growers are on-hand to give you gardening advice and inspiration.
With a programme of talks and demonstrations, as well as the opportunity to shop for all things to do with gardening and outdoor living, it’s a must for those with green fingers. There are food stalls and live entertainment too. The perfect summer event in the Cotswolds.
The event takes place from 23rd to 25th June 2023.
Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival is a great day out for families or groups of friends. Expect everything from wine-tastings to sampling foods by artisan food and drink producers. Amongst the highlights are live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs and the opportunity to join masterclasses.
There are plenty of places to eat local and international cuisine too. Meanwhile, have your shopping bags ready. There is everything from local meat and vegetables, jams and chutneys, to baked goods, real ales and more. Perfect for stocking up for dinner back at your cottage.
The event takes place from 23rd to 25th June 2023.
Battle Proms at Blenheim Palace is a hotly anticipated event in the Cotswolds. It takes place in the shadow of the iconic Column of Victory in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
A tribute to wartime nostalgia, the event includes battle re-enactments, and air and cavalry displays. It starts in the late afternoon, so sit back, savour your picnic dinner and enjoy the entertainment.
As the evening comes round and champagne corks begin to pop, a music concert commences. Featuring toe-tapping vintage songs, opera and a full orchestra, with a spectacular fireworks finale, Battle Proms is always very memorable.
The event takes place on 1st July 2023.
The Cotswold Show has been running since 1989 and is held in 100 acres of Cirencester Park. A showcase of country life in the Cotswolds, it offers an action-packed line-up of events.
These may include falconry, stunt bike displays, horse shows and dog shows, while, there is the opportunity to find out more about country pursuits and rural crafts.
Add to this children’s entertainment, live music and shopping in around 200 stalls, and it’s a fantastic family day out.
The event takes place on 1st and 2nd July 2023.
The Royal International Air Tattoo, held at RAF Fairford, is a must if you love aviation and the drama of a world-class air show. This annual summer event in the Cotswolds is one of the largest military air shows in the world.
A celebration of aviation history, the tattoo features modern military and classic aircraft, plus a host of military and aircraft-related stands. Meet RAF personnel, view aircraft up close and visit interactive exhibits designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
There’s music and a host of children’s activities too.
The event takes place from 14th to 16th July 2023.
Wilderness is a four-day, boutique festival that brings together live music, arts, performance, the outdoors and wellbeing activities.
Acts include singers, bands and late-night sets from DJs. Meanwhile, there are all kinds of interesting activities to get stuck into. If you love food, events include cooking demos and banquets in the woods.
To spark the mind there are inspirational talks from authors and debates with thought leaders. If you’d like to get more involved, there are activities such as poetry writing, photography workshops and axe-throwing. Meanwhile, the lakeside spa offers massages and there’s wild swimming too.
The event takes place from 3rd to 6th July 2023.
Big Feastival is held over the August Bank Holiday weekend at the farm of Alex James (a musician and bassist of the band, Blur). This fun-filled event encompasses the best of music, food and family-friendly entertainment.
Expect some of the UK’s biggest artists on the main stage, DJ sets and family-friendly silent discos. When it comes to the food, there are live cooking demonstrations from Michelin star chefs, street food stalls and cookery classes.
Specifically for children, there’s the Little Kitchen that offers cookery tips, crafting classes and meet and greets with special guests.
The event takes place from 25th to 27th August 2023.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
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