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With an area spanning just over 800 square miles, you won’t be stuck wondering what to do in the Cotswolds. Here’s a taster of what’s on in the Cotswolds this Spring / Summer season.
April – June
Cheltenham plays host to a number of events over the spring and summer, starting with its Jazz Festival in Montpellier Gardens taking place between the 29th April to the 4th May 2026 features a top class line-up of performers including David Gray, Corrine Bailey-Rae and Jools Holland.
If you fancy a taste of Medieval history and a fun family day out, what could be better than the annual Jousting Tournament in the grounds of the fabulously baroque Blenheim Palace? Visitors can also enjoy the ancient arts of falconry and archery. Saturday 2nd to Monday 6th May 2026.
Roll up! Roll up! The circus is in town! Giffords’ national tour takes in Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe 23rd April to the 5th May and then Blenheim Palace from the 8th to the 18th May.
Gastronomes will delight in the Blenheim Palace Food Festival with its vast array of artisanal and international food and drink on offer over the May Bank Holiday weekend – 23rd to the 25th May 2025.
On Monday, May 26th, if you’re a fan of the unusual, you could head to Coopers Hill in Brockworth and watch the annual Cheese Rolling competition. Or perhaps you’d prefer to see the herculean efforts of competitors heaving heavy woolsacks up a steep hill in the Tetbury Woolsack Races.
Or, odder still, take a ringside seat at the Cotswold Olympick Games in Chipping Campden on Friday 29th May 2026, where you can witness a variety of old-fashioned sporting shenanigans such as the world shin kicking competition… ouch!
June/July
The Cheltenham Science Festival combines fun and learning for all the family. The children can meet some of the world’s greatest scientists, futurologists and through leaders as part of the Science for Schools programme. It next takes place in Imperial Gardens June 2nd to 7th 2026.
The Blenheim Palace annual Flower show is not to be missed in 2026, taking place from 19th to the 21st June 2026, with talks, demonstrations, live music, food, drink and more.
The annual Cheltenham Music Festival runs from July 3rd to 11th in 2026, across a number of venues in the regency town and celebrates all that is great about classical music.
July/August
The Bank Holiday weekend of August 28th – 30th will see you spoilt for choice. The Big Feastival at Alex James’ farm is The Cotswolds’ equivalent of Glastonbury. Come for a day, camp all weekend or check out our collection of Big Feastival accommodation.
The Phoenix Festival in the grounds of Cirencester Abbey is a family-friendly volunteer-run free music and arts event for all the family.
And Gloucester Goes Retro is a street festival celebrating vintage cars, clothes and music.
September/October
As summer fades, the Cotswolds takes on a different pace, with harvest season, food festivals and cultural events coming to the fore.
One of the highlights is the Cheltenham Literature Festival, held each October (the 9th to the 18th in 2026), which brings together leading authors, journalists and public figures for a packed programme of talks, signings and events across the town.
Food and drink also take centre stage during this time of year, with a number of local harvest celebrations and seasonal menus appearing across pubs and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a cosy dog-friendly pub or fine dining in a Michelin star restaurant, the Cotswolds has you covered. The end of summer going into autumn is an ideal time to visit for those looking to enjoy the countryside at a slightly slower pace, with autumn colours adding to the appeal.
November/December
As winter approaches, the Cotswolds becomes known for its festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets, late-night shopping events and beautifully decorated villages.
Many of the region’s towns, including Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Burford, host Christmas markets and seasonal events, offering everything from local crafts to food and drink. These tend to take place from mid-November onwards and continue into December.
A particular highlight is the series of Christmas events at Blenheim Palace, where the historic grounds are transformed with illuminated light trails and festive installations, making it a popular evening attraction. There is also the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle, the Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park and the Cheltenham Christmas markets running over weekends in November and December each year.
Throughout December, you’ll also find:
- traditional carol services in historic churches
- festive afternoon teas and seasonal menus
- cosy pub experiences with roaring fires
For families, there are often Santa’s grotto experiences and winter-themed activities across the region, making it an ideal destination for a festive break. Take a look at our things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds.
With so much on offer to keep you and your family entertained, what’s not to love about all these fantastic ideas about what to do in The Cotswolds? If you’re planning a visit, browse our collection of Cotswold holiday cottages and find the perfect place to stay!
Don’t forget to check out our other seasonal “what’s on in the Cotswolds” advice, including what to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds!
