HOW TO ENJOY A ROMANTIC FESTIVE BREAK IN THE COTSWOLDS
/The lead up to Christmas is an especially exciting time to be in the Cotswolds, with so much going on you will be spoilt for choice.
Here at Unique Cotswold Cottages we know a thing or two about creating unforgettable experiences. So, we have sought out the best christmas markets, festivals and entertainment, so all you have to do is wrap up warm and enjoy!
Christmas markets;
Chipping Campden Christmas Market runs on Saturday 3rd December 2022 when the whole street is closed off to traffic for the day. As well as a wonderful variety of stalls lining the street there will be festive food and drinks in the Market Square and an indoor market on both floors of the Town Hall. All three areas will be transformed into a festive wonderland with enticing stalls offering arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, festive food, cards, toys and truly original Christmas gifts. The Town's Christmas Lights are switched on at dusk, and of course, there is an appearance by Father Christmas!
Make your visit even more special by staying at Honey Pot, our luxury cottage for two - with its Hypnos bed,500+ thread-count cotton bed linen and rain shower complete with Egyptian cotton towels - it is the perfect place to unwind after a day’s Christmas shopping! Just minutes away from the centre of the village and with private parking and an on-site EV charger, Honey Pot is perfectly located for the perfect stay.
Where: High St, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HB
When: 3rd December 2022, 12pm - 6pm
The Christmas Cotswold Fair at Daylesford Organic is possibly the most indulgent of Christmas fairs, there will be more than 200 stalls and some of their new brands include Plum & Ashby, Killy & Co and Chien Lunatique.
Exclusive tutorials with fabulous chefs, interior designers, design specialists and many more. All workshops are complimentary with your tickets but you need to reserve your place!
Daylesford is just 15 minutes drive away from our beautifully refurbished Cotswold stone cottage, Little Gem, the perfect retreat with its log burner, roll top bath, parking, garden and sumptuous bed.
Where: Daylesford Organic, Daylesford, Nr Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG
When: 7th - 10th November 2022
Cheltenham Christmas Market will run daily from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022. Around 80 market stalls offering festive food, gifts and Christmas decorations will run along the Promenade and Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Office.
Why not stay at our Winchcombe cottage, The Bolt Hole, which is just a 20 minutes drive from Cheltenham. You’ll find a wealth of delightful walks from your doorstep as well as some of the finest places to eat. The bedroom provides 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen, a large king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a roll-top bath, a walk in rain shower and log-burner, to help you relax after a day's walking and shopping
Where: The Promenade & Long Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1PJ
When: Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022.
Entrance is free.
Moreton in Marsh Christmas Market hosts an exciting mix of stalls selling an eclectic mix of Christmas goodies including giftware, food, drink and much more besides. A fabulous base to visit the market is our very special grade 2 listed cottage, The Loft, just 13 minutes away in Stow on the Wold. With late check out, all mod cons, roll top bath and luxurious bedding - we even welcome your pooch with a bed and treats - it is the perfect place to unwind. Why not book yourself a taxi to Moreton’s Christmas market so that you can indulge in a mulled wine or two?
Where; High Street, Moreton In Marsh, Glos, GL56 0AX
When; Saturday 26th November 9am
Christmas festivals;
The Cheltenham Christmas Wine Festival - Hurry, tickets are selling fast! At this exciting festival you'll be able to taste over 150 still and sparkling wines, plus a selection of spirits too. Book a taxi from one of our luxury cottages - at time of writing Honey Pot and The Loft are available!
Tickets; £35 (plus booking fee)
Where; Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, GL52 3JE
When; Friday 25th November 2022 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Winchcombe Christmas Festival - Beautiful Winchcombe turns into a magical winter wonderland as Shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants throw open their doors and welcome you in. The town’s annual festival offers a warm invitation to all to come enjoy a traditional Cotswold Christmas. With over 70 real Christmas trees lighting up the town, street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, carol singing and bands you can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit! Browse over 50 market stalls laden with gifts & festive food, and the shops will be open late too. Luxury cottage, The Bolt Hole with its stone walls, oak beams and log burner, is in the centre of the town making it the ideal place to stay.
Where; North St / Abbey Terrace, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ
When; 6 December 2022 5pm – 8pm
Stow-on-the-Wold Christmas Tree Festival 2022 - Preparations are now underway for the annual Christmas Tree Festival which will take place at St Edward’s church in December 2022. Come along and enjoy the wonderful display of Christmas trees decorated by children, organisations and businesses in the town. Best Tree in each category is voted for by the public. Stay in the Christmassy mood with dinner at one of Stow’s cosy pubs and then stroll home to The Loft, our 200 year old romantic apartment with its roll top bath in the bedroom with a view, and luxurious bed with Hypnos mattress 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen.
Entrance; Donation guide, £5 per couple
Where; St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
When; 10.00am to 5.00pm on Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th December 202
Craft Festival Cheltenham returns this Christmas season with 100 of the finest designer makers from across the UK for its first pre-Christmas show in Cheltenham. This curated event brings the best professional makers to the iconic Cheltenham Town Hall where you will find makers of handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, and furniture. There will be a signature programme of festive workshops and craft demonstrations.
Tickets form £7 Book Here
Where; Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA
When; Weekend of 26-27th Nov
Entertainment & Activities;
Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle - Explore the magical night-time trail around Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds and enchanted woodland. As well as the majestic trees and romantic ruins all lit under the stars, there will be sparkling water features, a mesmerising Carpet of Colour, light beams, lanterns and so much more. Grab yourself some mulled wine or a hot chocolate, tuck into some delicious food from the castle terrace and browse the lovely gift shop for some unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Just a few minutes away is The Bolt Hole, our delightfully cosy and luxurious cottage - the icing on the cake after a magical festive evening!
Tickets; From £19.20
Where; Winchcombe GL54 5LP
When; 25-27 November, 2-4, 8-11, 15-23, 27-30 December 2022
The Snowman in concert - the Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham Town Hall, bringing their famous Christmas show from London for one day only. “You would be hard pushed to find a more magical Christmas experience”. The Times
Tickets £30.00, £25.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00
Where: Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA
When: Friday 23rd December 2022
Chocolate Making Classes - make your own Belgian truffles. You will learn some basic chocolate making techniques including flavouring, piping, enrobing and spinning chocolate. Then finally, after tastings as well, your truffles will be professionally gift wrapped using simple techniques that will add the "wow" factor. Give them to a friend or better still, treat yourself to a gift! Just 5 minutes away is Bourton on the Water where our cottage Little Gem is located. Indulge in your creations in front of the log burner or for sheer decadence - in Little Gem’s roll top bath!
Tickets; £48 - £50 Book Here
Where; Wyck Rissington Village Hall, GL54 2PN
When; 17th December 2022, 2pm - 4pm
Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas Tree Lighting - The 2nd December is the lighting up of Bourton on the Water's wonderful Christmas tree which the Chamber of Commerce puts in the River Windrush in the centre of the village each year. The profusion of lights reflects in the babbling river creating a truly magical scene. The festivities continue with a special shopping evening in the town.
Where; River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water
When; 2nd December 2022 6.30pm
