There’s lots to do this Spring in the Cotswolds

The days are getting longer, the blossom is out and the daffodils are making a cheery return to gardens and roadsides across the Cotswolds. This is a fantastic time to visit the area as everything is looking picture perfect and before the busy summer season and its crowds. There are a multitude of things to do, all within easy driving distance from The Double Red Duke, from visiting any number of Cotswold villages as well as guided walks, open gardens, lambing tours, bluebell walks etc etc.

Here are just a few highlights from across the region:

1. Enjoy incredible bluebells

Bluebells are one of nature’s great joys. They are best in late April to mid May and Foxholes Nature Reserve has a huge array under the beech trees of their woods. Take their 1.75mile circular wildlife and stop after for a coffee or lunch at the lovely Bruern Farm Cafe just down the road.

Sun streams through bluebell woods with deep blue purple flowers under a bright green beech canopy

2. Spring Lambing at The Cotswold Farm Park

Meet the new additions at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park this Spring. With over 900 lambs and kids expected to be born between mid February and mid April this is one of the largest lambing events in the country. The team of experts are always on-hand to share their knowledge and give daily lambing talks to help you learn all about the new arrivals. Visitors can join in with all the fun and activities the park has to offer from feeding the animals and enjoying the Cotswold countryside.

3. Horse Riding

A lovely time to get on a horse and have a hack around the beautiful Cotswold countryside. At Pigeon House Equestrian you can have riding lessons but can also book in for hacks around the 3000 acre grounds of Eynsham Hall.

4. Giffords Circus

Giffords Circus is a much loved traditional circus with it’s base in the Cotswolds. Each year the show is based around a different theme and is a musical and magical delight. They start there touring schedule at their base in Stroud at the end of March but also visit lots of other locations in the region across the Spring and Summer. These include Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, Great Barrington, and Minchinhampton Common.

5. The Cheltenham Festival

A highlight in the sporting calendar and particularly for any horse racing fan is The Cheltenham Festival running from 12th – 15th March this is the pinnacle of the horse jumps season and Cheltenham Racecourse is a throng of roaring fans! There’s also plenty of fun to be had in Cheltenham itself with pop-up bars and racing breakfasts. The actions culminates with the Gold Cup on Friday. Alternatively avoid the crowds and stay with us at The Double Red Duke and catch the action streamed in our bar. We have substantial and hearty breakfasts for those going to watch the races live too.