August

Dates for your diary

Wilderness Festival is back! 30 July – 2 August, Cornbury Park. The undisputed crown jewel of the British boutique festival calendar. Wilderness effortlessly bridges the gap between high-end hedonism and soul-nourishing wellness. Expect world-class late-night DJ sets tucked away in the woods, stellar lakeside spa treatments, thought-provoking intellectual debates, and spectacular banquets curated by some of the UK’s finest culinary names. It’s eccentric, effortlessly stylish, and the ultimate way to close out high summer. Weekend camping tiers from approximately £260–£300+ (day passes and luxury boutique camping options also available).

On 1 & 2 August, head to Sudeley Castle for a bold reimagining of Romeo and Juliet performed entirely al fresco. Pack a chair, picnicking is strongly encouraged. There will be a fully stocked bar serving chilled drinks and ice-creams, alongside a delicious variety of artisanal pizzas from Castle Crust to cater to all tastes. Doors open at 5:15 PM with a 6:00 PM start. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours here.

All aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway! This lovingly resurrected heritage line spans a breathtaking 28-mile round trip along the historic former Great Western Railway route. A volunteer-driven masterpiece, travellers are transported back to the golden age of rail travel. Once a vital artery for holidaymakers and wartime evacuees, today it offers a masterclass in slow travel across the rolling Cotswolds. Whether curating a weekend escape, chasing vintage glamour, or attending their meticulously crafted seasonal events, this is an unmissable, soul-stirring journey into British history. Find schedules and station info here.

For the whole month of August, one of our absolute firm favourites – the Cotswold Farm Park – is running amazing live music and family-friendly entertainment every single day of the week. Expect thrilling circus workshops, magnificent falconry displays, breathtaking sunflower sessions and a rotating lineup of top-tier food trucks and BBQs. See the full daily listing here. See you there!

Every Thursday in August, Woodchester Mansion, an unfinished Gothic masterpiece, offers an enchanting outdoor immersive experience for all the family. Guided by lively performers, families will journey through ancient woodland and open spaces, meeting a series of unforgettable characters along the way, from a mischievous forest spirit to a fluttering butterfly and a playful bat. Each encounter brings interactive activities designed especially for children, blending creativity, movement, and imagination seamlessly with the landscape itself. Book your adventure here.

On 22 & 23 August, the Cheltenham Lido presents its signature weekend outdoor cinema, screening 2 films each day, under the stars. Pack your blankets and settle in for a cinematic evening by the water. Tickets from £3–£14, finer deets and booking options here.

Speaking of cracking pools, while the summer heatwave continues, make sure you schedule in a refreshing visit to one of these stellar local swim spots: Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Chipping Norton Lido, Cirencester Open Air Pool.

For pure relaxation, head to the Wellness Garden & Plunge Pool at Burleigh Court, Minchinhampton. Available Tuesday through Sunday, exclusive two-hour slots cost £39, including a generous £20 lunch credit, and can easily be booked alongside lunch or afternoon tea.

This August Bank Holiday, 28–30 August, Alex James opens his farm again for The Big Feastival, Kingham. This massive family-friendly food and music festival combines top celebrity chefs, Michelin-star dining experiences, and major live music headliners. Dust off your dancing shoes and come hungry! Secure your passes here.

If you find yourself looking for quintessential Cotswolds quirkiness, take a trip to Bourton-on-the-Water. While the famous annual Football in the River match typically takes place on the August Bank Holiday Monday, it’s always worth double-checking local schedules to catch the village teams splashing through the River Windrush.

Alternatively, if football isn’t quite your pace, check out Bourton Vale Equestrian, which offers tranquil lead-out rides right alongside the beautiful local waterways.