Explore quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone; take in splendid, lively market towns; visit some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses; marvel at the natural world in acclaimed reserves and at some of the most famous arboretums in Britain; walk through breath-taking landscapes along historic trails; or make a splash in our lake-land area with its own inland beach.
Discover the Cotswolds
Places to visit
Palaces, museums, nature and historic market towns…
Being based in this rural area of Gloucester, surrounded by culture filled towns, there is plenty of space for children to grow and thrive. For students there is a range of educational Cheltenham festivals which will give them extra space to learn outside of school about their topics of interest. There is the Cheltenham Science Festival, Literature Festival, Music Festival, and Jazz Festival. All of which run a ‘for schools’ programme, which encourages students to take part, and helps to grow their confidence in academia going forwards. A beautiful nature area is the prominent Cirencester park, sat in the heart of town. The park also boasts a lovely cafe and restaurant.
For a more historical day out there are also plenty of national trust sites which are accessible easily from the Rendcomb area. Both Crickley Hill and Chedworth Roman Villa are close by, less than a 20 minute drive from Rendcomb. Many other trust locations are available to visit in the wider Gloucester area, such as Hidcote which contains beautiful arts and crafts inspired gardens.
Events in the Cotswolds
A celebration of history and tradition
The Cotswolds' year is packed with events, ranging from world famous international festivals like Cheltenham Literature Festival or Cheltenham Gold Cup Week to quirky events like the Cotswold Olimpick Games or Tetbury Wool Sack Races. There are major musical events like the Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Festival or the Big Feastival, as well as a packed events calendar featuring music, exhibitions, arts and literature festivals, theatrical productions.
You’ll find plenty of inspiration to help you make the most of your stay, whether you’re planning your visit around a particular festival or just looking to see what’s on when you’re here.
Spring events
The Festival at Cheltenham kicks off the jump racing season in March with the excitement of Gold Cup day. Families can enjoy Easter egg hunts at many Cotswolds' attractions. Badminton Horse Trials and Cheltenham Jazz Festival are some of the largest festivals in spring. Quirky Cotswolds events include the famous Cheese Rolling at Cooper's Hill and Tetbury Woolsack Races.
Summer events
Look out for magical Giffords Circus as it travels its way around the Cotswolds. Families will also enjoy the Times Science Festival and Wychwood Music Festival. Other key events include the Three Counties Show, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival and the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
Autumn events
Heritage days see some attractions, not normally open to the public, open their doors. The leaf colours of Westonbirt Arboretum and Batsford Arboretum amaze. The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is the flagship festival of the autumn.
Winter events
In winter, you'll find carpets of snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Gardens, Colesbourne and Newark Park. The Cheltenham Folk Festival and Gloucester Cajun & Zydeco Festival add a touch of spice to the proceedings.
Christmas events
Christmas markets appear in towns and villages such as Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester, whilst attractions across the Cotswolds light up for the festive season.
