What's on
JUNE – AUGUST 2023
Quentin Blake: Birds, Beasts and Explorers Compton Verney Until Sunday 1 October
30 minutes’ drive
Sir Quentin Blake (b.1932) is one of the most celebrated illustrators and writers of children’s books working today. Showcasing over 70 original illustrations, this exhibition takes inspiration from recurring themes in Blake’s work – birds, fantastical flying creatures and the joy of exploring in nature – as well as the flying creatures that call Compton Verney’s grounds home.
Sudeley's Animal Ark Sudeley Castle & Gardens Until Sunday 5 November
20 minutes’ drive
Visitors to Sudeley Castle this summer will encounter a plethora of wildlife as the Tudor estate takes its first steps to becoming the world’s first digital reserve. Visitors are invited on an animal odyssey across the castle grounds that begins with an Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt, before venturing into a brand new reserve area, where habitats from Kenya, China, Tibet, India and even the North Pole have been evoked for life-sized animal sculptures.
Lavender Fields Cotswold Lavender Wednesday 14 June – Sunday 6 August
10 minutes’ drive
70 acres of lavender stretches across the rolling Cotswold landscape. At the height of summer you can relax and unwind exploring the stunning display of colour unique to the Cotswolds. Visitors can walk amongst the lavender and experience the heady scent of nature at its very best, all the while enjoying stunning views over Broadway and the Vale of Evesham.
20th Anniversary Festival at Daylesford Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 June
22 minutes’ drive
Roll up, roll up to the Summer Festival at Daylesford, their first two-day festival. Spend the weekend exploring a jam-packed itinerary for families, young children, teens, groups of friends, fans of good food and lovers of nature. You will discover a wide array of attractions and activities including special guests, JCB dancing diggers, live music, cooking demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops and an abundance of delicious organic food and drink.
A Carnival of Celebration Warwick Castle Saturday 17 June - Sunday 16 July
35 minutes’ drive
Step back in time to Elizabethan England when minstrels played and jesters entertained. Join Warwick Castle for a festival fit for royalty as the court of Elizabeth I takes over the castle grounds for a celebration of colour, pageantry and spectacle.
Paddington™ Lo-commotion Blenheim Palace Tuesday 27 June - Sunday 3 September
45 minutes’ drive
This summer, join Paddington™ in an immersive outdoor adventure across the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Paddington™ Lo-commotion is the perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in storytelling and puppetry.
Confetti Flower Field The Real Flower Petal Confetti Co. Friday 30 June - Sunday 9 July
22 minutes’ drive
The Wyke Manor Estate in Worcestershire is home to The Real Flower Petal Confetti Company and their famously colourful Confetti Field. For just a few days in midsummer, tall and elegant delphinium flowers in full bloom. It is a spectacular and unique sight to see!
Disney's The Lion King Birmingham Hippodrome Thursday 6 July - Saturday 16 September
60 minutes’ drive
In July 2023, this acclaimed production will return to Birmingham Hippodrome for a strictly limited season. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti to the evocative rhythms of Africa, The Lion King tells the story of Simba’s epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands. Director Julie Taymor uses breathtaking theatrical magic to bring Disney’s beloved animated feature to life in a production which has thrilled over 110 million people around the world.
The Empress RSC Stratford-upon-Avon Friday 7 July - Saturday 18 November
25 minutes’ drive
It is 1887, the year Queen Victoria celebrates her Golden Jubilee. Sixteen year old Rani Das, ayah (nursemaid) to an English family arrives at Tilbury docks after a long voyage from India, to start a new life in Britain.
Biggest Summer in History Warwick Castle Sunday 23 July - Sunday 3 September
25 minutes’ drive
Over a thousand years in the making, it’s the biggest summer in history at Warwick Castle. From incredible evening events to action-packed days, it’s sure to be a summer that will go down in history! For a limited time only, Horrible Histories® - Wicked Warwick returns to reveal the terrible truth behind the turrets. But that’s not all! Fill your day with fun with our full line-up of shows and activities. From The Realm of Zog to Wars of the Roses LIVE!, there’s something for everyone.
The Game Fair Ragley Hall Friday 28 - Sunday 30 July
25 minutes’ drive
Established in 1958, The Game Fair once again takes place in the familiar surroundings of Ragley Hall. A celebration for 100,000+ people of the countryside and the summer time in all its glory.
Celebrating British field sports and country life, The Game Fair boasts a comprehensive itinerary for the whole family, including gun dog handling, clay shooting, archery, fishing, falconry and ferreting. Visitors can also enjoy a host of food, drink and shopping stalls, as well as outdoor activities including off-road driving. Ensuring there is something for everyone.
Luminarium Compton Verney Tuesday 1 August - Sunday 6 August
30 minutes’ drive
Compton Verney is welcoming the ‘Timisien’ Luminarium this August! Since 1992, Architects of Air’s luminaria have enchanted over 3 million visitors in more than 40 countries around the world- the Timisien has been to Madrid, Sydney, Barcelona, Los Angeles and now it is coming to Compton Verney for the first time.
The Cheltenham Fryer - Fish & Chip Special Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Saturday 5 August
15 minutes’ drive
Join Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for a journey through the Cotswold Countryside enjoying Fish & Chips onboard one of our vintage trains. They run this event over a number of days in the summer plus offer cream teas.
Big Feastival Kingham Friday 25 - Sunday 27 August
25 minutes’ drive
Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities, in an action packed weekend with an unrivalled programme of entertainment.
September – december 2023
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Blenheim Palace Thursday 14 - Sunday 17 September
45 minutes’ drive
Competitors from around the globe will come together to battle it out for top honours and with the Paris Olympics around the corner in 2024, many horse and rider combinations will be using the competition as part of their preparation.
The Haunted Castle Warwick Castle Saturday 21 October - Sunday 5 November
25 minutes’ drive
The castle’s spookiest residents invite you to join them for haunting half-term fun! Frightful delights are in store for the whole family as over a thousand years of haunted history come to life. Explore mysterious mazes, spooky scare schools and eerie entertainment, all included in the price of your day ticket.
The Box of Delights Royal Shakespeare Company Tuesday 31 October - Sunday 7 January 2024
25 minutes’ drive
'There are tricks...and then there's magic!'
After a seemingly chance encounter on a train, orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams. Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not just the people he loves but also the future of Christmas itself.
A magical after-dark trail for 2023 - The Great Outdoors in a brand-new light Blenheim Palace Friday 17 November - Monday 1 January 2024
45 minutes’ drive
Blenheim Palace is a place where new memories are made as a multitude of twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun. Firmly positioned as unmissable within the UK’s seasonal calendar, this has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
The story of Sleeping Beauty Blenheim Palace Friday 17 November - Monday 1 January 2024
45 minutes’ drive
Explore the Palace rooms transformed by the retelling of this classic fairy-tale, from the Great Hall filled by a huge glistening Christmas tree to the candle-lit bedchamber where Aurora sleeps, watched over by the Lilac Fairy. Along the way watch out for spinning wheels, fluttering fairies and as the story unfolds, vines creeping everywhere. The Lilac Fairy helps True Love to find a way through the woods and together they reawaken the castle after 100 very sleepy years.
Mother Goose Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham Friday 24 November - Sunday 7 January 2024
35 minutes’ drive
Get ready for a fun-filled family adventure with the Everyman Theatre’s classic tale of Mother Goose! Gloucestershire’s favourite clown – Tweedy – is back and ready to tackle his most daring pantomime stunt yet – performing as a DAME! Will he lay an egg or will his performance be worth its weight in gold?
Santa Express Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Saturday 25 November - Saturday 23 December
15 minutes’ drive
The most wonderful time of the year! The ever-popular Santa specials will be running from late November up until Christmas. Take a magical ride on the train to visit the North Pole, see the Grotto and the singing penguins. The little ones will get to meet Santa himself and will receive a present with help from the elves. A most magical and spectacular event the family is sure to love.
The Christmas Meeting Cheltenham Racecourse Friday 15 - Saturday 16 December
30 minutes’ drive
Commence your Christmas celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse over a weekend of top-quality racing on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December. With the festive season about to enter the home straight, The Christmas Meeting brings joy and excitement for all.
Mincepie Specials Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Wednesday 27 December - Tuesday 2 January 2024
15 minutes’ drive
If you're already planning what to do when Christmas 2023 is over, why not spend the day travelling between Toddington and Cheltenham Race Course Stations with us? From 27 December 2023 to 2 January 2024 inclusive.
New Year's Day Racing Cheltenham Racecourse Monday 1 January 2024
30 minutes’ drive
Regardless of how you celebrated New Year’s Eve, there is no better way to jump into 2024 than racing on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham. Thrilling and high-quality racing action, that is sure to provide Cheltenham Festival insight, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment, makes it the perfect way to start 2024.
JANUARY 2024 ONWARDS
Cheltenham Festival 2024 Cheltenham Racecourse Tuesday 12 March - Friday 15 March 2024
30 minutes’ drive
The jump racing event of the year!
The one they all long to win, many times over, above all others - The Cheltenham Festival, a classic to the jump-racing calendar. Four breath-taking days, 28 races, unrelenting prestige, competition, and excitement.
READY TO BOOK?
Use our booking calendar to find the ideal dates for your stay at Boundary Cottage.