Our Guide to Summer in the Cotswolds
It’s good to be in the Cotswolds during the summer. Not only can you luxuriate in the beauty of the English countryside, you can also explore all the goings-on across the county in glorious weather. Let us help you create the perfect itinerary with our guide to summer in the Cotswolds.
Castles, Country Estates and Gardens
A summer holiday in the Cotswolds is an excellent time to visit grandiose houses and see gardens bursting in a riot of colour. Enjoy the aromas of 80 rose varieties at Sudeley Castle, admire the extraordinary, tree climbing rose at Kiftsgate Court Gardens and appreciate the overflowing borders at the National Trust’s Hidcote Manor Garden. Book ahead for a visit to Prince Charles’ immaculate Highgrove House garden. Dozens of private Gloucestershire gardens also open their doors to visitors as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.
History, Farming and Sports
Cotswold attractions are all fully open in the summer months and many are at their best when the sun shines. Did you know Winston Churchill was born in the Cotswolds? Take a tour of the sumptuous interiors and gorgeous parkland of his childhood home, Blenheim Palace. Over at the hilltop Cotswold Farm Park, BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson invites you to take part in farming activities. Why not hit the beach, partake in watersports and camp by a lakeside at action-packed Cotswold Water Park, in South Cerney.
Views from Above
Want to catch a glimpse of the scenery that makes the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so cherished. Gaze over rolling hills and as far as Wales on a clear day from the top of Broadway Tower. There’s a lovely walk from here to Chipping Camden, which is part of the gloriously scenic Cotswolds Way. Once you reach Chipping Camden, do muster up the energy to hike up to Dover’s Hill for a postcard-perfect panorama. Pack a picnic full of local goodies to feast on at any of the nearby Cleeve Hill, Crickley Hill and Robinswood Hill. Talking of natural scenery, make an effort to explore the wildflower around Minchinhampton and Rodborough.
Quintessential English Village Fêtes
A Cotswold tip you probably won’t find in the guidebooks is the atmospheric fêtes held at pretty villages. Villagers come out in force to peruse second-hand and bric-a-brac stalls for bargains and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. There’s usually homemade cakes and teas to enjoy and fun and games for all the family. Every July the banks of the River Eye in our quaint village provide the venue for the Upper Slaughter Village Fete — kids will love the duck races on the river. On August Bank Holiday it’s the turn of Bourton on the Water to hold a fête. It coincides with the town’s eccentric Football in the River on the ankle-deep River Windrush.
The Circus Comes to Town
Roll up, roll up, the Cotswold’s very own Giffords Circus begins its tour of market towns and parks in May. Expect a themed evening of jaw-dropping human acrobatics. On a warm night with the (fairly) Big Top backlit by the setting sun, it is pure magic. Book early because tickets sell out fast thanks to the masses of celebrities who swoon over the show.
Upcoming Summer Events
There’s a lively program of summer events held at jaw-dropping locations amid the English countryside.
June 1-August 3: Longborough Festival Opera — Intimate opera performances set on a quiet hillside overlooking the stunning Cotswold countryside.
June 24-September 4: Outdoor Cinema at Cowley Manor — Classics such as Back to the Future and E.T. screened on the lush lawns of the opulent Cowley Manor hotel.
June 25-27: Blenheim Palace Flower Show — A weekend extravaganza of flowers, plants, garden talks and alfresco dining.
July 3-4: Cotswold Show and Food Festival — BMX stunt displays, dog shows, live music and clay shooting at Cirencester Park.
July 23-August 1: Guiting Power Music Festival — The village green a Guiting Power is the venue for open-air blues, classical and jazz concerts.
August 15-22: Nibley House Wild Festival: The nationwide Wild Festival comes to Gloucestershire with two days of eclectic live music, artsy workshops and pre-festival camping.
August 20-22: Blenheim Palace Food Festival — A weekend of street food, organic produce, cooking demonstrations and workshops in the palace’s lush parkland.
August 27-29: Big Feastival — Big names from the world of music take to the stage at the Cotswold farm of Blur bassist Alex James; don’t miss the mouthwatering culinary experiences.
September 4: Moreton-in-Marsh Show — The UK’s biggest one-day agricultural show brings livestock parades, equestrian shows, a food market and farming-goods trade stands to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Once you’ve had your fill of all that is on offer, retreat back to the most decadent hotel in the Cotswolds.