The Cotswolds is packed with exciting events all year round. From incredible world famous international festivals – such as Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Jazz Festival, to the Royal International Air Tattoo, there is plenty to do and enjoy during your trip.
Here at Visit The Cotswolds, we’re on a mission to highlight the best Cotswolds events around, so you can fill your itinerary and enjoy family fun, no matter the time of year.
If you’re new to the area, and wondering what you should expect at some of the Cotswolds’ greatest events? Well, read on to find out more about some of our favourite events this year!
Winter Glow
Halloween at Hayles
Ballad of Birtha – half term family activity
Autumn Family Trail – The Ballad of Birtha
Wreath Making at Roots + Seeds
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Major musical events
Looking for an adventure filled with great music, delicious food and stunning scenery? Look no further than the vibrant music festival scene in the Cotswolds!
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham, Montpellier Gardens – 26th April – 1st May 2023
Immerse yourself in the world of jazz with a diverse line-up featuring international icons, emerging talents, and one-of-a-kind festival performances. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate all genres of jazz!
Lechlade Music Festival
Lechlade – 26th – 28th May 2023
Nestled in the picturesque market town of Lechlade and set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, this multi-award-winning festival is perfect for families and promises an unforgettable experience.
Wychwood Festival
Cheltenham racecourse – 2nd – 4th June 2023
Experience the ultimate three-day family-friendly festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire. In addition to an incredible music line-up, Wychwood Festival also offers workshops, comedy acts, a Children’s Literature Festival, and a Headphone Disco – there’s something for everyone!
Westonbirt Forest Live 2023
Westonbirt Arboretum – 8th – 10th June 2023
Forestry England’s Forest Live is a highly anticipated live music series held in the enchanting forest setting of Westonbirt. This year’s line-up features sensational artists such as Anne Marie, Madness, and Tom Grennan – get ready for an unforgettable musical experience!
Cheltenham Music Festival
Cheltenham – 8th – 15th July 2023
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of stunning venues and indulge in 8 days of exquisite classical music performances that are nothing short of extraordinary.
Wilderness festival
Cornbury Park – 3rd – 6th August 2023
Wilderness Festival is a four-day event spanning Music, The Arts, Food and Wellbeing, all set amidst the idyllic surroundings of Cornbury Park!
Literature festivals
Literature festivals in the Cotswolds are a haven for book lovers, where they can celebrate the written word amidst stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
Cheltenham – 6th – 15th October 2023
Experience the world-famous Literature Festival in the heart of Cheltenham, where the written and spoken word are celebrated like nowhere else. As the first-ever literature festival in the world, Cheltenham Literature Festival sets the standard for presenting emerging talents in fiction and poetry, as well as renowned literary figures and distinguished speakers.
Oxford Literary Festival 2023
Oxford – 25th March – 2nd April 2023
Every year, the Oxford Literary Festival unites prominent authors and public figures in a splendid setting amidst the central university area of Oxford, making it a literary event that is truly world-class.
Chipping Campden Literature Festival
Chipping Campden – 22nd – 27th May 2023
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden Literature Festival boasts an extensive program that covers fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and more – making it the perfect destination for book lovers everywhere.
Fun for all the family
Get ready to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones by exploring the exciting array of family-friendly events in the enchanting Cotswolds.
Cheltenham Science Festival
Imperial Gardens – 6th – 11th June 2023
The Cheltenham Science Festival brings together the world’s foremost scientists, futurologists, and thought leaders to help us comprehend the world around us.
Children’s Easter Activities
Toddington Railway Station 4th – 16th April 2023
If you’re looking for Easter festive fun, join GWSR at their Children’s Easter Activities.
Badminton Horse Trials
South Gloucestershire, Badminton Estate – 4th – 8th May 2023
Mark your calendars for the most highly anticipated event in the equestrian world – the Badminton Horse Trials!
Cheltenham Races Festival
Cheltenham Racecourse at Prestbury Park – 14th – 17th March 2023
Cheltenham Gold Cup Week and of course, Gold Cup Day is the highlight of the jump-racing season! With 28 exhilarating races on offer, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of intense competition and thrilling moments to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the event.
Cheltenham Food & Drinks Festival
24 Montpellier Spa Rd, Cheltenham GL50 1UL – 23rd – 25th June 2023
Round up your friends & family and get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, endless laughter, and for the grown-ups, exquisite wine!
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Tewkesbury – 8th – 9th July 2023
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1983, join in to learn the history surrounding the Battle of Tewkesbury.
The ARB Show
Blenheim Palace Flower Show
Cheltenham Food & Drinks Festival
Chipping Campden Open Gardens Weekend
Well-being and nature
Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Cotswolds while rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul with a selection of well-being and nature events.
Notgrove Holidays Cotswold Yoga Retreat & Wellbeing Holiday
Notgrove, Cheltenham, GL54 3BT – January – September 2023
Escape to the tranquil countryside of the Cotswolds and indulge in a transformative experience with the Yoga and Wellbeing Retreat at Notgrove Holidays. Nestled within the serene private estate of Notgrove, this retreat is expertly crafted to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul – allowing you to find inner peace away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The ARB Show
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS – 12th – 13th May 2023
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated return of The Arb Show – the UK’s largest tree care event, taking place on May 12th-13th, 2023 at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of nature and join fellow tree enthusiasts for an unforgettable day out.
Chipping Campden Open Gardens Weekend
Chipping Campden – 17th – 18th June 2023
Take a stroll through the charming and richly historic streets of Chipping Campden, where you can marvel at an array of beautiful homes, both grand and intimate, that are open to the public. Experience the unique blend of privacy and accessibility as you explore this picturesque town.
Blenheim Palace Flower Show
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP – 23rd – 25th June 2023
Look no further than this Blenheim Palace Flower Show to explore a wide variety of plants, flowers, and gardening essentials. Discover your favourites and enhance your green thumb at this must-visit location for all gardening enthusiasts.
Classic Car Events
The Cotswolds is renowned for its scenic countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks. However, it’s also a hub for classic car events that draw in enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Classic Motor Hub “Drive-It-Day 2023”
The Classic Motor Hub invites you to “drive it” to The Hub on April 23rd 10am-1pm. They are generating awareness for classic cars and supporting the historic vehicle movement to keep transport heritage on UK roads. See more events.
The Classic Motor Hub ‘Coffee & Classics’
Ablington, Bibury GL7 5FF – 2nd April 2023 10am to 1pm
With an impressive range of vehicles on display, you’ll have plenty to admire and discuss. Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to their award-winning showrooms where you can explore some of the most iconic cars in history.
The Classic Motor Hub “Drive-It-Day 2023”
Ablington, Bibury GL7 5FF – 23rd April 2023 10am to 1pm
Mark your calendars for April 23rd from 10am to 1pm and join The Classic Motor Hub as they celebrate classic cars and support the preservation of transport heritage on UK roads. Don’t miss out on the chance to “drive it” to The Hub and be a part of this exciting event that’s generating awareness for vintage vehicles.
Lechlade Collectors Club
Langley Farm, Langley Lane, Clanfield – 29th April – 1st May 2023
Discover the charm of the Lechlade and immerse yourself in a world of vintage wonders at this exciting event.
As you can see the Cotswolds offer a diverse range of events throughout the year, from classic cars to quirky events, the Cotswolds caters to all interests and ages. From charming village fetes to thrilling sporting events and cultural festivals, there is always something happening in this idyllic region. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history and warm hospitality, the Cotswolds truly is a unique destination for unforgettable experiences.
Visit our events page for even more inspiration on things to do in the Cotswolds, and get planning your next adventure today!
