7 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds in Spring
A visit to the Cotswolds in spring serves up a veritable cornucopia of wonderful things to see and do. From world-famous sporting events and eccentric ancient festivals to blooming gardens and wildlife meadows, there’s fun for all the family. So shake off the winter cobwebs, embrace the warmer temperatures and enjoy these 7 great reasons to visit the Cotswolds in spring.
Quirky Cotswolds Festivals
Britain is renowned around the world for its offbeat traditions and the Cotswolds no different. The Spring Bank Holiday in May is when events reach the peak of their quirkiness in the region. At Cooper’s Hill, between Cheltenham and Gloucester, brave souls chase an eight-pound round of Double Gloucester cheese down a near-vertical hill during the Cheese Rolling. Down the road in Tetbury, locals continue almost 500 years of traditions at the annual Woolsack Races. On the Friday after the holiday the postcard-perfect village of Chipping Campden bursts to life for the Cotswold Olimpick Games. Some say events such as shin kicking and tug-o-war were precursors to the modern Olympics.
Wildflower Meadows and Blooming Gardens
Once the winter frost has gone its time for the region’s breath-taking countryside and manicured gardens to bloom in a dazzling array of colour. Batsford Arboretum and Westonbirt Arboretum are great spots for admiring bluebells, primroses and magnolias. Wander amid beguiling carpets of wildflowers at Dyrham Park and Sherborne Park Estate. Both are National Trust properties and steeped in regional history. Another property on the National Trust list is Hidcote. Spring is the time of year when its gardens become decorated with crocuses, daffodils and tulips.
Outdoor Adventures
The milder weather of springtime invites visitors to the Cotswolds to get out and get active. At South Cerney’s Cotswolds Water Park, near Cirencester, there’s opportunities for fun on some 150 lakes. Try kayaking, paddle boarding, wake boarding, windsurfing and more. If watersports are your thing then check out the times of the Severn Bore, which is the world’s third highest tidal wave. Watch surfers ride this natural phenomenon from the banks of the River Severn and the garden’s of riverside pubs.
Wildlife Encounters
Spring is a wonderful season to go wildlife spotting. You can expect to hear the calls of cuckoos, kingfishers and warblers at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Take a walk on the wild side at Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens. Giraffes, lemurs, lions and zebras all call this popular Burford attraction home. Our nature reserves are also teeming with fascinating critters. Keep an eye out for bats, butterflies and nut catchers at Foxholes Nature Reserve. A villa isn’t the only remnant of the Romans at Chedworth. In the warmer months the rare Roman snail makes an appearance at the Chedworth Nature Reserve.
Family Friendly Cotswolds Walks
Few things epitomise the Cotswolds more than strapping on a pair walking shoes and rabbling across sprawling rural landscapes. Nestled at the southern edge of Gloucestershire, Newark Park is worth a visit for its dense woodland and masses of wild garlic. Plan a daytrip to beautiful Broadway and hike up to Broadway Tower for panoramic views. Talking of views, it’s hard to beat the images captured while walking over Cleeve Hill. On clear days you can even see as far as the Black Mountains in Wales. The Blossom Trail has put the market town of Evesham on the map of interesting places to visit in the Cotswolds. Delight in the pink hues of cherry and apple blossoms and white tone of pear and plum trees along this 45-mile-long route.
A Day at the Races
A feverish atmosphere engulfs Cheltenham in early spring, when hundreds of thousands of racegoers descend upon Cheltenham Racecourse. Culminating in the legendary Gold Cup Day, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious National Hunt racing events in England. Dress up, join the crowds, place your bets and cheer your horse and jockey to the finish line. Even if you can’t get tickets, a carnival atmosphere takes over the town with live music filling the air and joyful chatter resonating from pubs.
Easter Extravaganzas
From egg hunts to bouncing bunny rabbits and ewes taking their first steps, Easter is a special time in the Cotswolds. Drop by Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park to feed newborn lambs and baby goats and hold cute little chicks. Or go in search of the Easter chicks that sit hidden around the rooms of the thousand-year-old Sudeley Castle. An eggcellent and eggstatic time is all-but guaranteed.