Old Campden House is a very popular site with many visitors to the town of Chipping Campden wanting to see the ruins of the original house and the east and west banqueting houses. At the moment there is an archaeological dig around the ruins to try and see if any more evidence and clues can be given for what would have been a truly magnificent house. The ruin and banqueting houses are closed to the public however are available to rent through the landmark trust. Every year there are open days where the grounds are opened up the public to go and view. The dates for this year are the 17th & 18th June.

​Interestingly there is also a theatre production being shown here on 16th & 17th June at 7pm from a local theatre company. The production is going to be of William Shakespeare's 'A midsummers night dream,' if you are visiting the area around these dates I think that this really would be an amazing event to attend. I can only imagine how magical the show is going to be and feel sat watching in the grounds of Old Campden House.

​For more information please visit the landmark trust and Sudden impulse theatre company for tickets and further information.

​We would also love to hear from anyone who has been to the site or are hoping to visit the site on the open days this year!

Throughout the year there are many different seasonal events that take place within the Cotswolds towns and villages, ranging from traditional annual festivities to newer and one off events. One of the main events that is taking place in March is the Cheltenham festival.

The Cheltenham festival is a popular event in the National Hunt racing calendar held every March at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham Gloucestershire this year running from the 14th-17th March. 

There are many popular races within this festival including the Gold Cup, Queen Mother champion race, champion hurdle and world hurdle which is held over four days. The Cheltenham festival originated in 1860 and is becoming more and more popular with visitors coming from all over the world to attend. Accommodation and local amenities become very full so it is always advisable to book well in advance, some people even repeat their booking for the following year during their stay!

The festival is also televised so if you don’t manage to go or would rather be away from the crowds you can still be kept up to date with live coverage and results. Lots of money is lost and won and the atmosphere of this event makes an impression on people.

The festival normally co-incides with St Patricks day and as the races are attended by a lot of people from Ireland there is a lot of merriment and celebration throughout these four days.

The Cotswolds have been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty since 1966, running from the border regions of Worcestershire and south Warwickshire through Gloucestershire and west Oxfordshire, as well as taking in parts of Wiltshire, Bath and somerset.

One of the attractions for many visitors to the Cotswolds is the 'Cotswold way' a walk of just over 100 miles through beautiful Cotswold towns and villages. Also known for its historic buildings and interesting character the famous Cotswold stone does wonders in showing off said buildings. Cotswold stone is a yellow limestone rich in fossils, the appearance of this stone is often described as honey coloured and golden.

There are many different attractions within the Cotswolds for everybodies interests, stately homes, activity parks, farm parks and the annual festivities in different towns and villages throughout the year. No matter what season you visit there is always lots to do and see to fill your time on your trip. Although ever changing to keep up to date for visitors and tourists the charm of the Cotswolds is never lost and the natural beauty of the area is always preserved.

Have you visited the Cotswolds? if so what did you enjoy the most? please feel free to leave a comment for me to read.
Megan.

I love winter time in the Cotswolds, with the dark nights and christmas lights that start appearing in the towns and villages its a beautiful place to visit. Although it gets cold outside there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to keep you warm and out of the cold while still enjoying the relaxing Cotswold atmosphere. Depending on the weather that we get through the winter months there can be some perfect opportunites for some great pictures of the area especially if we get hard frosts or even a covering of snow. Lots of towns and villages will put on different christmas events for the public from victorian street markets to trees of light to visiting santa or even a lovely christmas inspired meal.

Below are a few picutres of winter over the last couple of years in Chipping Campden. I think this shows how beautiful this area is even in the winter.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I still do.

Autumn time in the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful times of the year, the trees are glorious colours of red and oranges and the lightness of the Cotswold stone buildings is really reflected off the colour of the trees and greenery. Above are just a few pictures of some of the beautiful sights in the Cotswolds during the Autumn. The Autumn is a perfect time of year for visitors to see this gorgeous part of the world and we still have many different events and places to visit during this period. All of the local gardens and arboretums look amazing at this time and it is great to appreciate the scenery before the winter hits and we lose this lovely colour scenery for another year.
Hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures.
Megan.

I recently visited the beautiful Batsford Arboretum and I wanted to share a brief insight into this beautiful location. Covering 55 acres the arboretum is a collection of rare and beautiful trees, shrubs and bamboos from around the world. Containg over 3,000 trees there is beauty to be seen during each season. The atmosphere and hospitality from the staff is second to none and  it is a beautiful location to relax and enjoy for as long as desired. Aswell as the astonising collection in the Arboretum there are also a few smaller independent shops to visit alongside the main shop and cafe. The food in the cafe is all local produce and with hot and cold food on offer its a must to visit. The Arboretum is mostly accessible for walkers, prams and wheelchairs with the exception of a few routes but these are all pointed out for you. For people who are struggling with the walking distance they also have the chance to hire a mobility scooter to get around the grounds easier. This really is a hidden gem in the Cotswolds and I would advise anyone who wants to appreciate nature in all its beauty to take a visit.

There are many different events on month to month and on this page I will keep you updated on 'What's on' if you would like any further information or want me to suggest something more tailored to your interests please do get in touch.
 
 
October highlights;
 
Old haunts- Ghostly tales of Edwardian Menace; Saturday 1st October 5pm. Tickets £10 please contact Stratford Arts House 01789 207100
 
Tetbury Music Festival; 29th September- 2nd October, supported by its patron HRH The Prince of Wales it features the finest names in classical music. www.tetburymusicfestival.org
 
Welsh National Opera; 11th-15th October. Tickets from £12.90 Bristol Hippodrome please contact 0844 8713012
 
GWR Autumn Diesel weekend; 8th & 9th October; a weekend for all the family showcasing their magnificent fleet of diesel locomotives. For tickets please contact Toddington Railway station 01242 621405 or visit www.gwrs.com