Smart, quirky or just purely entertaining, here are some events to see and be seen at.
January - March
The Cotswolds in winter are a well-kept secret, perfect for lovers - there’s something about a brisk walk followed by dinner in front of a log fire that brings out the romantic in everyone. At the National Hunt Festival, Cheltenham, the Gold Cup Festival is the highlight of the jump racing season.
April
‘Open Gardens’ scheme. A bit like peeping into a friend’s bathroom cabinet at a party, the National Garden Scheme provides the opportunity to look around other people’s private gardens – and all for charity. Great fun.
May
The Cotswolds go smart and horsy again in May, with the Badminton Horse Trials. We also turn a little eccentric with Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill and Woolsack Racing at Tetbury. The South Cotswolds is a cool arts centre these days with names like Damien Hirst and Cleo Mussi at work here. Look out for Stroudwater Textile Festival and others or just hit the Gallery Trail.
June
It’s Rose Week at Sudeley Castle and in general this is a great time to visit Cotswold Gardens, such as the National Trust garden at Hidcote. Cotswold pubs are a real pleasure in the summer months.
July
Cheltenham Cricket Festival is a joy to those who love their cricket in civilised surrounding. Those in the know head for Longborough Opera or the annual Concert with Fireworks at Westonbirt Arboretum. No Cotswoldian would miss the Cotswold Show at Cirencester.
August
In Summer, there’s jousting at Blenheim Palace and Horse Trials at Gatcombe Park. Don’t miss the retro Giffords Circus, a Cotswold country circus in traditional style that has been reviewed by Vogue.
September
Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural Show is like stepping back to the 1950s. The Painswick Churchyard Clypping ceremony is another example of a genuinely eccentric local event with deep roots in the past. Check what’s on at any time at www.cotswolds.com
October - December
Autumn colours reign supreme in the Cotswolds. Cheltenham hosts a world-standard International Festival of Literature whilst the Cotswolds Antique Dealers Association Autumn Sale Fortnight is a must see for dedicated browsers. At Christmas and New Year, our hotels are usually the centre of the community and, as such, the place to be!