Enjoy the Cotswolds Into the Festive Season

In the Cotswolds, temperatures are just beginning to show the early signs of cooler times ahead, and the blooming season is officially drawing to a close. However, that is not to say that it is not a good time to visit. With the thinner crowds and the numerous festive holidays ahead, renting a luxury home in the Cotswolds can be the perfect fall into winter getaway for you and your guests. Even with the stately gardens and rolling green landscapes becoming more sparse and changing in hue, the Cotswolds still offer a rich variety of activities that will take you well into the festive season.

5-6 October: The American Classic Automotive Weekend

This gathering of some of the most most memorable classic American cars takes place at Prescott Hill Climb, located 5 miles north of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. This popular car show also features live music and special performances, including the Demon Drome Wall of Death, a motorcycle stunt show featuring original 1920’s vintage Indian motorcycles. The event even features a dedicated American car parking area.

4-13 October: The Cheltenham Literature Festival

Providing a stark contrast to the American Classic Automotive Weekend is the Cheltenham Literature Festival. This festival has been around a long time, with its first incarnation having launched with only nine events in 1949. It has blossomed in the years since, and now features some of the biggest names in literature. What is perhaps most enjoyable to attendees is the interactive nature of this festival, which provides ample opportunity for discussion and debate between readers and writers alike.

9-13 October: The NEC Horse of the Year Show

Set at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, the NEC Horse of the Year Show is the UK’s largest indoor equestrian event. Celebrating the end of the competitive season, the Horse of the Year Show marks the finals of the most highly regarded national showing and show jumping championships. In addition to the five days of nonstop equestrian action, there is also a retail village on site that is open at 9am each day, and closes 15 minutes after the end of the last event; this means the village is open for nearly twelve hours per day! There are items for equestrians and non-equestrians alike.  Additionally, discounts, family fun, and a variety of different foods to sample are all there for you to enjoy.

12-20 October: The Stratford Upon Avon Music Festival

This very popular music festival has become a staple in the Cotswolds. This year’s theme is “In Tune With Nature”, and the lineup has a little something sure to please every member of your party. The Stratford Upon Avon Music Festival prides itself in the preservation and promotion of live music and professional musicianship, and presents a wide variety of local professional musicians performing everything from jazz to chamber music, woodwind quintets, vocal soloists, and more. If you are visiting the Stratford Upon Avon area on your luxury holiday escape and have a passion for live music and outstanding musicianship, this festival is definitely one to add to your don’t miss list.

24 October: The Gypsy Horse Fair

With an origin dating back as far as 714 AD, The Gypsy Horse Fair in Stow on the Wold has become a very popular tourist attraction, with travelling people from all corners of England gathering in Stow for the event. Many arrive in the traditional gypsy horse-drawn carriages, and hundreds of horses are bought and sold in a day. This is a very colourful event indeed, and has become very popular with photography enthusiasts.

15, 16, & 17 November: The Cheltenham Open

An exciting three days of racing that is also thought of as the most important meet of the first half of the jumps season, the Cheltenham Open is hosted by Cheltenham Racecourse. Some of the most prestigious jump horses in Europe attend the Cheltenham Open, and the ensuing atmosphere in the stands is undeniably electric.

28 November – 15 December: The Bath Christmas Market

This is only the second year the Bath Christmas Market has been up and running, having begun its life with a roaring success in 2012 with over 300,000 visitors in 18 days. The market features over 120 traditional wooden marketplace chalets showcasing a variety of handmade products. Set between the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the Bath Christmas Market is the perfect destination for you and your group if you are gearing up for the festive season and looking for inspiration and atmosphere while on your holiday.

29 November & 6 December: Broadway Holiday Shopping

In Broadway, Worcestershire, you and your group can enoy the run up to the festive season with some evening holiday shopping. Held on two separate days from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, this festive night out features all manner of outdoor performers, caroling, horse and carriage rides, and stalls selling every type of festive food imaginable; from roasted chestnuts to eggnog and mulled wine. This year, you can take the stress right out of your holiday shopping by incorporating it into your luxury holiday getaway to the Cotswolds!

6 December: Victorian Late Night Christmas Shopping

Another fun and festive way to get all of your holiday shopping completed, this festive night takes place at Bournton on the Water. A Christmas tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 6pm, and shops stay open until 9:30 pm. The festival features such attractions as a children’s roundabout, a visit by Father Christmas, musical performances, and all manner of festive food and drink.