Events in Gloucestershire

Sporting events in Gloucestershire

With endless expanses of greenery, it's no surprise that this county has many outdoor sporting events throughout the year. Whether you're looking for spectator sports or hoping to join running events in Gloucestershire, explore our top picks here.

Cotswold Way Challenge

The Cotswold Way Challenge is a 100km loop beginning in Cirencester. Participants can choose to run or walk and may take on the complete challenge or a portion of the route. Whether you want to have fun with friends, break a personal record or raise money for charity, the Cotswold Way Challenge is an excellent opportunity to reach your goal whilst experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery in the South West.

Cotswold Olimpicks

Centuries after the Ancient Greek Olympics, the Cotswolds held its own version of the renowned sporting event, beginning in 1622. Today, the games occur every year on the Friday following the Spring Bank Holiday, on Dover's Hill near Chipping Campden. Participants engage in unique games and activities such as morris dancing, shin-kicking and tug-of-war, making this a fun event for the whole family.

Cheltenham Races

Cheltenham Racecourse holds its most significant horse-racing event, the Cheltenham Festival, every March. Several races take place over four days, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Stayers' Hurdle. The event draws thousands of spectators and is the second-largest horse-racing event in the UK after the Grand National.

Arts and cultural events in Gloucestershire

From music festivals in the Gloucestershire countryside to travelling circuses and world-renowned literary events, these are some of the best ways to soak up the arts and culture in this vibrant area of the UK.

Barn on the Farm

This four-day music festival near Gloucester is the perfect place to catch some of the industry's best bands and artists on your doorstep. Various camping options are available for those who want to get the whole festival experience or opt for a day ticket. Barn on the Farm is family-friendly, so you can bring the kids along too!

Gifford's Circus

Founded in 2000 by Nell Gifford, who grew up between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, this is a traditional English circus with a twist. Expect music, dancing, acrobatics and horses, amongst other unique performances. The circus tours the south of England from April to October every year, including multiple locations in Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham Festivals

Not to be confused with the horse-racing event, the Cheltenham Festivals celebrate jazz, music, literature and science. Held annually across various venues in Cheltenham, their programme includes events suitable for all ages. The four festivals are held on different dates, so there's always something happening between April and October!

If you're hoping to make the most of Gloucestershire's exciting events, discover new homes in Thornbury. The quaint market town has excellent road links to Gloucester, Bristol and South Wales, making it one of the best places to live in the South West.