Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Tapestry of Fairs and Festivals in the Cotswolds this Summer

That time is upon us when we can stretch out on the grass with a glass of something cold and fizzy and be entertained by something musical, theatrical & magical!

We have hand-picked just seven of the many fairs & festivals - ranging from big name events to the lesser known small & local  - that will be happening in the Cotswolds this summer. Fingers crossed for dry weather!

The Big Feastival  

Experience the ultimate blend of music and gastronomy at The Big Feastival, where the spirit of Glastonbury meets an abundance of mouthwatering culinary delights. Set in the serene ambiance of a secluded Cotswolds farm, this extraordinary festival promises a feast for the senses.

An impressive lineup of musical talent, including the likes of Sigris, Tom Grennan, Blossoms, Example, and Hot Chip DJs. But the festivities don't end there - comedy acts, family entertainment, and a stellar lineup of renowned chefs add to the excitement. And if that isn’t enough, get ready to indulge in some of the most exquisite food you'll ever taste.

Our fabulous property The Loft is only a 13 minute drive away and is a fittingly luxurious base for a visit to The Big Feastival.

Where:   Alex James' Farm, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6UJ 

When:   25th - 27th August

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival

The event welcomes esteemed guests, including celebrity MasterChef winner, Lisa Faulkner. Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of live entertainment, featuring captivating music performances and engaging street theatre acts.

Wine tastings and a cheese Masterclass offer delightful opportunities to savour exquisite flavours. In the chefs' kitchen, the finest culinary talents from the Cotswolds will take the stage, demonstrating their exceptional skills and sharing their delectable recipes with the audience. Keep an eye out for special appearances by celebrity chefs, adding an extra touch of culinary brilliance to the event.

the bolt hole

Where:   Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham

When:  Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June

This is a dog-friendly festival!

Cheltenham is just a 20 minute drive and train ride from The Bolt Hole, our cosy cottage in beautiful Winchcombe. The perfect place to stay if you love to retreat to the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Cheltenham Music Festival 

Launched in 1945, the festival has proudly celebrated the enduring love for classical music. Showcasing a diverse and rich program, it takes full advantage of the breathtaking Cotswolds surroundings to create a truly magical musical experience, featuring the world's top classical talents.

Bringing together a delightful selection of musical delights, the festival offers a range of captivating performances. From chamber music to unique and alternative experiences with classical compositions, attendees are treated to an array of musical wonders. The lineup includes esteemed artists such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Collective, Laura Cannell, The Carice Singers, Scottish Ensemble, Laura van der Heijden, and many more.

Where:  Various venues in Cheltenham - check the website for details.

When:  8th - 15th July

Park Fair

This summer, Park Fair is making its highly anticipated return to The Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds for its second year.

This three-day boutique festival is dedicated to showcasing independent artisans, beloved fashion and lifestyle brands, and delightful family entertainment.

Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere as you enjoy live music, engaging workshops, thrilling fairground rides, and tantalising pop-up dining experiences, all designed to enhance your curated shopping adventure.

Park Fair unites a remarkable lineup of contemporary talents. With six distinct areas, guests can revel in a festival ambiance while exploring an array of shopping delights, indulging in delicious feasts, experiencing glow-up transformations, embracing wellness activities and enjoying captivating entertainment.

little gem

Where: The Great Tew Estate, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4AF

When:   Fri 30th Jun 10am-5pm, Sat 1st Jul 10am-9pm (late opening), Sun 2nd Jul 10am-5pm

Being just a 15  minute drive from The Loft and 20 minutes from Little Gem and Hideaway Cottage, you are spoilt for choice for places to stay!  All of our cottages are refurbished and styled to the highest standards and we have thought of everything that will make your stay extra special.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the three-day show returns to Blenheim Palace in June, showcasing the best of British gardening. With more stands, entertainment, and the magnificent Grand Floral Pavilion, it offers stunning outdoor floral displays, a new 'Insect Trail,' gardening talks, delicious food, crafts, and live music. 

Plant lovers can enjoy shopping, admire floral displays, and seek expert advice from plant experts at the show.

Where:  Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

When:  Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June 2023

Dogs allowed but not in the Palace, Walled Garden or Formal Gardens

The Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse

Experience the thrill of Cheltenham, an iconic racecourse that captivates racing enthusiasts worldwide. The adrenaline-fueled spectacle of the Gold Cup draws colossal crowds on-site and captivates millions through televised broadcasts. But the excitement begins even earlier!  Brace yourself for the heart-pounding action of the Showcase event, igniting the jump racing season in late October. This event sets the stage for a whirlwind of major races. Follow the journey of promising horses, destined to shine in the months leading up to the Showcase.

Make a weekend of it and stay at our charming cottage, The Bolt Hole, nestled in the picturesque town of Winchcombe and only a 10 minute drive from the racecourse.

Where:  Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH

When:  27th & 28th October 2023

Moreton in Marsh Show

Moreton Show is a grand agricultural extravaganza nestled in the Cotswolds. Celebrated as one of the largest of its kind, this vibrant event paints a vivid picture of rural life. Prepare to be enthralled by captivating livestock displays, thrilling equestrian showcases, and mesmerising falconry demonstrations. Immerse yourself in a world of local craftsmanship, delicious artisanal food, and cutting-edge innovations at the bustling exhibition stands. Against the backdrop of idyllic countryside, Moreton Show is a cherished tradition that invites you to embrace the essence of rural heritage—a truly unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Where:  Batsford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh,Gloucestershire, GL56 0AB

When:  Saturday 2nd September 2023

Hideaway Cottage

Why not indulge and treat yourselves to a stay in our exquisite rooftop apartment, The Loft, located a mere 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, our beautiful cottage Honey Pot, with its own e-charger, also just 15 minutes away, awaits your arrival. Or how about our newest addition, charming Hideaway and also Little Gem, both in Bourton-on-the-Water, are a 25-minute drive from the racecourse.  Our cottages offer everything you need for a rejuvenating weekend escape.

Sustainability and the tourism industry

At Unique Cotswold Cottages, we're trying to do our part to help protect the environment as much as we can and we thought we would share with you some of the sustainable initiatives that we have been working on.

So, what are we doing? Well, we believe that investing in local suppliers is one of the best ways we can do this, so we are consciously buying products that are locally sourced or made in the UK. By doing this, we have reduced our carbon footprint and we are supporting local businesses at the same time. 

For example, our guest soaps are made by a local artisan producer Petala Soaps made in Bourton of the Water, the home of our gorgeous properties  Little Gem Cottage and Hideaway Cottage.  Petala soaps are not only a delightful addition to our cottage bathrooms, but they are also an environmentally conscious choice.  To make the soap this local artisan producer uses a highly sustainable, traditional cold-process method from natural oils.

Plus, our logs are supplied by local company Cotswold Firewood and Logs who source their firewood locally from either waste products from tree surgery operations or timber taken from thinning sustainable woodland.

We're also trying to make it easier for our guests to be eco-friendly. So that our guests can charge their electric vehicles while they stay with us, we've installed EV chargers at two of our properties, Hideaway Cottage and Honey Pot with plans to do this in the rest..

During the renovation of our Hideaway Cottage property, we donated numerous household items and furniture to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, ensuring that our unused items went to a good cause and did not end up in landfill.

We're also proud to say that we work with lots of other Cotswold and UK-based companies who share our commitment to sustainability. To name a few:

• Cotswold Gold is a local supplier of high-quality rapeseed oil. Their oil is cold-pressed and bottled on their family farm in the heart of the Cotswolds, ensuring that the product is not only delicious but also sustainable. We include it as a welcome gift, so that our guests can taste and enjoy the delicious flavour of this locally-produced oil. 

• At all of our properties, we provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from Faith in Nature. Their products are natural, cruelty free and ethical. Their production facility is in Lancashire, UK, using the water from nearby Lake District. What's more, they use 100% recycled and recyclable bottles and plant a tree for every product bought. 

• Bramblecrest is a UK-based company that manufactures their outdoor furniture in Indonesia, where they have a team of highly skilled artisans who use sustainable materials and techniques to create their products. They are committed to ethical and responsible sourcing, and their furniture is made to the highest quality standards. So when you relax on their outdoor sofas or enjoy breakfast on their table and chairs, you can do so knowing that you are supporting a UK company that values sustainability and quality craftsmanship.

Bramblecrest garden furniture at Hideaway Cottage

• Rise and Fall is one of our absolute favourite suppliers, and we are proud to offer their Soft and Smooth bedding range to our guests for the ultimate night’s sleep!  They are committed to sustainability and minimising their impact on the environment. Their cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.  They also work with suppliers who share their values and are certified by independent organisations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Fairtrade. Additionally, Rise and Fall uses packaging that is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.

Rise and Fall bedding at Little Gem

• Serious Tissues is a UK based company provides all our properties, The Loft, Little Gem, The Bolt Hole, Honey Pot and Hideaway Cottage with 100% recyclable and plastic-free toilet paper made from old paper such as newspapers, office documents, and Christmas cards. Their 3-ply toilet roll comes in a recycled cardboard box and is free from chemicals, perfumes, and dyes. But that's not all; when you purchase a pack of Serious Tissues, they plant a tree in various locations across the globe to help restore ecosystems and protect forests. As of now, the company has planted 341,064 trees.

Serious Tissues loo roll in the bathroom at Little Gem

• For our latest refurbishment project, Hideaway Cottage, we turned to David Hunt Lighting, a reputable lighting company based up the road in Shipston-on-Stour. David Hunt Lighting is known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, producing lighting fixtures that not only illuminate a space but also add to its aesthetic appeal.  They use eco-friendly materials and employ energy-efficient manufacturing processes, making their products a great choice for us. We also made sure to select carpets made in the UK to support local manufacturing and reduce our carbon footprint.

• We are currently trialling Arya Eco kitchen sponges which are made from coconut fibres and natural, sustainable, plastic free materials.  And Envirowipe cleaning cloths which are fully compostable and also made with 100 percent natural fibre, for use in the kitchens of our properties. 

So, that's what we're all about at Unique Cotswold Cottages. We believe that sustainable tourism is the way of the future, and we're committed to doing our part and we are working to make sure our properties are as environmentally friendly as possible.

5 signs your relationship is in need of a staycation

Believe or not, a staycation or quick getaway can help struggling relationships. It gives couples a chance to spend quality time together in a new environment. 

We offer luxury cottage retreats for two in three distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. Our lovingly furnished cottages are an ideal setting for a romantic staycation with your partner. If you’re wondering whether your relationship could benefit from a staycation, read on to learn about the 5 signs your relationship is in need of a staycation or getaway.

1. You’re both workaholics – modern life is busy. So busy that we often forget to make time for each other. Some relationships will struggle because of this – especially if both parties are workaholics. Unique Cotswold Cottages have three cottages that are surrounded by gorgeous, rural views. In that kind of setting, you’ll both want to leave your work behind you.

2. You’re drifting apart – couples can use a staycation to feel close to each other again. The Little Gem Cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place for couples to bond. The cosy log burner and en-suite bathroom makes it a wonderful space to wind down in. After all, you’ll need a stress-free staycation so you can prioritise each other without getting distracted.

3. Conversation is dead – in a relationship, uncomfortable silences or directionless conversation is not a good sign. The Loft cottage has a secluded sunny terrace and a roll-top bath big enough for two, with views over the rooftops of charming Stow-on-the-Wold, making it a calming place for a couple to chat together in the sunshine. This gorgeous environment will be a conversation starter in itself! 

4. The fun is gone – a lively staycation is a good way to bring some fun back into a relationship. Across the Cotswolds, there are various walks like the Cotswold Way National Trail that you and your partner can enjoy. A trek around the exhilarating countryside may help re-energise your relationship.

5. Arguments are common – frequent arguments are not a good sign. A staycation can help you reassess these conflicts with your partner in a new light. Make sure you pick a peaceful destination that’ll clear your heads and improve your communication. We recommend the peaceful haven that is The Bolt Hole Cottage in the centre of Winchcombe. 

5 Staycation itineraries for you based on your personality

The beautiful Cotswolds has something for everyone. Whether you want a gentle walk through picturesque villages or want to visit its bordering cities like Bath or Gloucester, there’s a staycation itinerary for your every need. Plan your journey based on your unique personality. 

We offer luxury cottage retreats in three distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. 

Read on to discover the 5 staycation itineraries for you based on your personality.

1. For the calm & collected – the popular Cotswold villages are suitable for travellers that like peace and quiet. Stow-on-the-Wold is a tranquil village that is ideal for calming walks and cycle rides across the stunning landscape. It’s also home to delightful The Loft, a grade II listed apartment, in the heart of the town. 

2. For thrill seekers – the Cotswolds isn’t all idyllic countryside. If you’re a thrill seeker on your staycation, check out the Cotswold Water Park at the Wiltshire–Gloucestershire border. You can try out a range of activities from canoeing to water-skiing. 

3. For the curious – some travellers like to learn as much as they can about different locations. This makes Bath, located to the south of the Cotswolds, the perfect place for them to visit. Go back in time by visiting the ancient Roman baths, then afterwards, head to the Jane Austen Centre for their exhibitions. 

4. For romantics – if you love romance, Lower Slaughter is home to the ‘most romantic’ street in Britain - Copse Hill Road. Lower slaughter is a delightful 30-minute stroll along the river from Little Gem Cottage in nearby Bourton on the water. Walk through this gorgeous village and you’ll find dreamy stone-cottages. Upper Slaughter is only a few minutes away, so you can enjoy both villages in one day.

5. For free spirits – not all travellers enjoy concrete plans. If you’re a flexible, free spirit, we recommend walking part of the Cotswold Way during your staycation. You can begin and end your walk wherever you like! Maybe you’ll wander towards Bath in the south, or head up to the market town of Chipping Campden in the north. The Bolt Hole is on the Cotswold Way route.