Events in the Cotswolds 2020

What’s on in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is a region bursting with unique events and lively festivals throughout the year. From jazz music, wacky races and walking festivals, to cheese rolling, gardening shows and even a Jane Austen Festival, there is an abundance of great days out in the Cotswolds for the whole family. Experience major musical events such as The Big Feastival, Cornbury Festival and the Wilderness Festival, as well as arts and literature festivals, horse racing and food and drink festivals.

If you’re searching for things to do in the Cotswolds, we have created a calendar of events in the Cotswolds to help you make the most of your stay.

Spring events in the Cotswolds

Spring is a wonderful time to visit this beautiful region as the trees begin to blossom and dazzling daffodils line the quaint streets of its historic market towns. Spend a short break in the Cotswolds feasting on the musical delights of Cheltenham Jazz Festival, perhaps stopping for lunch at The Daffodil Restaurant, a converted Art Deco cinema, then head to Tetbury for its Wacky Races.

March 2020

Cheltenham Racing Festival | 10-13 March | Cheltenham Racecourse

Essential info: Tickets from £43 (best to book in advance), assistance dogs only.

The VWH Hunt Point to Point | 21 March | Siddington Races

Essential info: Admission is £12 per person on the day, reserved car park spaces are available with numbered spaces, licenced bar available, picnics are welcome.

May 2020

Badminton Horse Trials | 6-10 May | Badminton Estate

Essential info: Tickets are available to book online at various prices – there is an Early Bird Offer if you book before the 31st March 2020.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival | 5-10 May | Montpellier Gardens

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in-person (must be booked at least 45 minutes before each performance) - see website for prices. The easiest places to park are the two Park & Ride centres at Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Malvern Spring Gardening Show | 7-10 May | Three Counties Showground

Essential info: Early Bird tickets can be purchased online by the 31st October to save 20% on the gate price - ticket cost varies per day and is discounted for RHS members. Assistance dogs only.

Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival | 9-17 May | Stratford Artshouse

Essential info: Tickets for workshops, readings and events are available to purchase online (check individual events for prices). A café, pop-up bookshop and stalls are available, plus an evening bar.

Bath Festival | 15-24 May | Bath city centre

Essential info: There is a range of venues across the city and it’s advisable to book tickets for each event in advance via the Bath Box Office online, over the phone or in person. Tickets vary in price per event.

Winchcombe Cotswolds Walking Festival | 15-17 May | Winchcombe

Essential info: There are various walks available ranging in levels of difficulty which need to be booked in advance, prices start from £2 per walk and can range up to around £21.

Lechlade Music Festival | 24-26 May | Lechlade

Essential info: Early Bird tickets can be purchased online at a reduced rate or standard tickets can be purchased on the gate subject to availability. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Tetbury Woolsack Races | 27 May | Tetbury

Essential info: There is ample parking arranged in the town, for a small fee, and then no cost to enter the town and watch the racing spectacle.

South Cerney Street Fair and Duck Race | 27 May | South Cerney

Essential info: All vehicles must park in the free car park located off Northmoor Lane (postcode GL7 5QD). A complimentary bus service operates to take you the short drive to the fair. 

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling | 25 May | Cooper’s Hill, Gloucester

Essential info: The festival is relatively informal, anyone can participate - no applications, registration fees or qualifications. Make sure to get to the hill extra early to grab a spot on the side-lines. The best seats are at the bottom of the hill where you can see the entire field.

Cotswold Olimpick Games | 29 May | Chipping Campden

Essential info: All events are free to enter, but you do need to buy a ticket on the gate for the games, £7 adults and £3 children.

Wychwood Festival | 29 - 31 May| Cheltenham Racecourse

Essential info: Early Bird tickets can be purchased online, please see website for prices. Assistance dogs only.

Summer events in the Cotswolds

If you’re enjoying a family holiday in the Cotswolds this summer, kids are sure to be amazed at the Cheltenham Science Festival where families can enjoy hands-on experiments and fun activity trails, while those interested in history can delight in the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival and avid gardeners will be in their element at the Blenheim Palace Flower Show  - a fantastic celebration of lifestyle and the great outdoors.

June 2020

Cheltenham Science Festival | 2-7 June | Cheltenham

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in-person (must be booked at least 45 minutes before each performance) - see website for prices. The easiest places to park are the two Park & Ride centres at Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Forest Live | 11-14 June | Westonbirt Arboretum

Essential info: Forest Live tickets include day access to the Arboretum on the day of the concert. A fully licenced bar and a variety of hot food outlets are available. Assistance dogs only.

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival | 19-21 June | Montpellier Gardens

Essential info: Tickets are available online or on the gate and are discounted if purchased in advance, see website for prices.

Malvern Royal Three Counties Show | 12-14 June | Three Counties Showground

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased online or on the gate, see website for prices. Only participating and assistance dogs are permitted on the showground. 

Blenheim Palace Flower Show | 26-28 June | Woodstock

Essential info: Early Bird tickets can be purchased online with a broad variety of ticket options; your visit may also include a tour of the Palace or Parks and Gardens – or even both. 

July 2020

Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival | 4-5 July | Stratford-upon-Avon

Essential info: Entry is free.

The Cotswold Show and Food Festival | 11-12 July | Cirencester Park

Essential info: Gate price tickets £15.00 (valid for one day only), children under 14 are free. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Cornbury Music Festival | 10-12 July | Great Tew

Essential info: It’s best to buy tickets in advance as there will be limited numbers available on the gate (see website for prices). Only assistance dogs are permitted.

Royal International Air Tattoo | 17-19 July | RAF Fairford

Essential info: Under-18s are free (with a paying adult) – see website for ticket prices.

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival | 11-12 July | Tewkesbury town centre

Essential info: Entry is free, parking £5.00 per car per day. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Classic Ibiza Concert | 25 July | Bowood House

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased in advance online, see website for prices. Assistance dogs only.

August 2020

Wilderness Festival | 30 July - 2 August | Cornbury Park

Essential info: Tickets are available online with a discounted Early Bird option, see website for prices.

Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza | 31 July - 2 August | South Cerney Airfield

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased in advance online, see website for prices. Dog show is £2 per entry per class.

The Big Feastival | 28-30 August | Alex James’ Farm

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased in advance online, see website for prices. Assistance dogs only. This is a very child-friendly festival - children’s earmuffs and earplugs will be available at merchandise stands and there are nappy changing facilities and feeding areas.

The Phoenix Festival | 29-30 August | Cirencester

Essential info: Free entry for adults, children and dogs. There is lots of entertainment for all ages.

Foodies Festival | 29-31 August | Oxford

Essential info: Tickets including VIP tickets can be purchased in advance online, see website for prices. Dogs are allowed into the festival if they are kept on a short lead. 

Autumn events in the Cotswolds

Autumn in the Cotswolds is made for book lovers. The Cheltenham Literature Festival features more than 600 of the most prominent writers, poets, comedians, politicians and actors, all giving talks, interviews and workshops about the written and spoken word. If that’s not enough, maybe you’ll find your very own Mr Darcy at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath!

September 2020

Moreton-in-Marsh Show | 5 September | Moreton-in-Marsh

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased online or at various ticket outlets around the Cotswolds (see website for details). Advanced ticket prices start from £16.00 for adults and £6.00 for children.

Prescott Hill Climb | 5-6 September | Gotherington

Essential info: Tickets are available in advance via the website or they can be purchased on the gate on the day of the event. Advance ticket rates are discounted. Ticket prices include car parking and full access to all the public areas including the paddock. Children 14 years old and under are free. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the venue or Estate.

Northleach Steam Show | 12-13 September | Northleach

Essential info: Adults £6.00, concessions £4.50, under 16s are free. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Jane Austen Festival | 11-20 September | Bath

Essential info: Most of the event tickets are sold through Bath Box Office or The Theatre Royal Box Office and can all be purchased in advance. Promenade tickets are available to buy on the day at £14 each in cash – come in costume.

The Blenheim International Horse Trials | 17-20 September | Blenheim Palace

Essential info: Booking in advance is advised – there is an advanced discounted rate until the 18th September. Children 12 years of age and under can enter the event for free when accompanied by an adult, they do not need a ticket. Dogs are welcome in the Marlborough Pavilion garden area. 

October 2020

Tetbury Musical Festival | 26 September-4 October | Tetbury

Essential info: Tickets can be booked online, on the phone or in-person at the Tetbury Visitor Information Centre, see website for prices.

Cheltenham Literature Festival | 2-11 October | Cheltenham

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in-person (must be booked at least 45 minutes before each performance) - see website for prices. The easiest places to park are the two Park & Ride centres at Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Winter events in the Cotswolds

If you’re thinking of spending Christmas in the Cotswolds, there are a plethora of festive events happening all across this magical region. Wander the cinnamon fuelled markets in Bath or Cirencester, a mug of mulled wine in hand, or take the kids to see the enchanting light displays at Westonbirt Arboretum.

December 2020

Bath Christmas Market | 28 November-15 December | Bath

Essential info: This is a free event - anyone can come and enjoy the atmosphere and browse for Christmas gifts. Although dogs aren’t prohibited, it’s not recommended to bring them as the market can get very busy, especially at weekends.

Enchanted Christmas | 29 November-22 December | Westonbirt Arboretum

Essential info: Advanced booking is essential – adults £15.00, concessions £13.00, children £7.50, under 5s go free. Time slots are every 20 minutes from 5pm – 7.40pm. Dogs are not permitted on the illuminated trail, except assistance dogs. 

Spectacle of Light | TBC | Sudeley Castle

Essential info: Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day – discounted Early Bird tickets are available. There are six entry time slots from 4.45pm onwards. Free car parking is available for all visitors.

Where to stay in the Cotswolds?

After a day well spent at one of these Cotswolds events, you’ll be needing somewhere to put your feet up and rest your head. Our holiday cottages in the Cotswolds are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Cotswold life – think cosy corners, log fires and sumptuous interiors. Why not have a browse and start planning an idyllic staycation in one of the most picturesque corners of the UK?

*Prices and dates are correct at the time of publishing; however, they are subject to change. Please check the event’s website for more information before you book/attend.