January

Start the year with big sky sunrises, crisp countryside walks in beautiful Cotswolds landscapes and lakes teaming with overwintering birdlife.

In January, the Cotswolds beckon with a tranquil charm, perfect for embracing leisurely pursuits amidst picturesque landscapes. Enjoy hearty meals at traditional Cotswolds pubs, and invigorating walks along the Cotswolds Way. With over 20,000 birds over-wintering in Cotswolds Water Park, now is the perfect time to reach for your binoculars and head out to catch some of these winter visitors.  You will find thousands of Wigeon and Teal as well as Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Goosander and Goldeneye.

Head to Slimbridge for its very popular ‘Evening with the Swans’ to experience the sight and sound of hundreds of wild swans on their floodlit lake. 

On 16th January 2026 there is a guided walk around Roman Cirencester led by an archaeologist. 

February

Delight in the emergence of snowdrops carpeting Cotswold gardens and a chance to explore the Cotswolds without some of the summer crowds.

The Cotswolds boasts some of the best locations to see snowdrops in the country. Painswick Rococo Garden has over 5 million snowdrops (yes, you did read that right…5 million!), while Colesbourne Park boasts over 300 different cultivars.The seas of snowdrops at Batsford Arboretum are accompanied by aconites, crocuses and hellibores. Cerney House Gardens is perhaps the best kept secret of the Cotswolds where you will be wowed by carpets of snowdrops.

On February 13th, the family favourite, Cotswold Farm Park opens its gates once again for its very popular annual lambing events.

The Roman Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a treat for anyone with an interest in Roman Britain and perfect for children wanting to find out more.  On 17th February 2026 Corinium Musuem are holding a Dino Footprints and Insects in Amber Craft Workshop (suitable for ages 5+).   The Corinium Museum is perfect for a half term journey of discovery.

Westonbirt Arboretum has a variety of trails and play areas which are fun for a half term visit.

March

Experience the Cotswolds come to life with bursts of spring blooms, perfect for leisurely strolls along scenic footpaths and exploring charming market towns.  On the Lower Mill Estate, Great Crested Grebes are a joy to watch as they perform their graceful courtship dance.

What greater sign of spring is there than the sight of newborn lambs.  Cotswold Farm Park’s annual lambing event continues throughout March and is a very popular choice for families.  

Cotswold Country Park and Beach opens for the season on 27th March.  As well as having a large inland sandy beach, there are a wide range of activities available including water sports, an Aquaventure inflatable course, mini golf and pedal go-carts.

The crowd drawing Cheltenham Festival takes place from 10th – 13th March.

On 13th and 27th March there are more opportuities for a guided walk around Roman Cirencester led by an archaeologist.

April

Marvel at the sight of carpets of bluebells in ancient woodlands and enjoy milder days ideal for discovering hidden gems in the Cotswolds countryside. On the Lower Mill Estate, House Martins begin to arrive after their long flight from Africa.  They will spend the summer here, breeding and feasting over the lakes.  

April sees the arrival of the annual spectacle of Snakes Head Fritillaries at North Meadow in Cricklade.  It is home to 80% of the UK’s population of this unusual flower.  

The hidden gem, Cotswold Sculpture Park, just 5 minutes from the Lower Mill Estate opens on April 1st for the 2026 season.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is a great destination for a day out from the Lower Mill Estate. Butts Farm, which specialises in rare breeds opens from 26th March.

Chedworth Roman Villa often have an Easter trail available.

May

Over the lakes on the Lower Mill Estate, dragonflies and damselflies will be seen, their unmistakable blue giving Hobbies a target as they hunt over the lakes. At Clattinger Farm, adjacent to the Lower Mill Estate, there will be an unrivalled display of wild orchids in the ancient flower meadows.

From 2nd – 4th May an action packed Jousting tournament is taking place at Blenheim Palace.

From 6th – 10th May the world famous Badminton Horse Trials take place within the beautiful grounds of the Badminton Estate. 

25th May sees a range of activities over the bank holiday weekend.  Choose from the world famous Gloucester Cheese rolling race at Cooper’s Hill, a local Street Fair and duck race at South Cerney or watch the spectacle of Woolsack races in Tetbury.  

June

Make the most of long summer days exploring Cotswolds Water Park, indulging in water sports, lakeside picnics, and leisurely bike rides.  Around the lakes of the Lower Mill Estate, ducklings will be appearing and enjoying dabbling at the lake edges.  The resident Beavers are often more active at this time of year, and are most likely to be seen just before sunrise and just after sunset.  

On 7th June the Cotswold 113 Middle Distance Triathlon and Aquabike takes place from Lake 32, with competitors cycling through beautiful Cotswolds villages.

From 20th – 21st June, Chedworth Roman Villa will be hosting a Gladiator weekend.

From 19th – 21st June, Blenheim Palace Flower Show takes place. 

The spectacular Cotswold Lavender fields open from June 17th.  Stroll and sit and picnic among the lavender: it’s a fabulous place for taking memorable family photographs. 

July

Perfect for long days enjoying canoeing, swimming at the spa and barbecuing by the lake. There is a real joy to catching a glimpse of the unmistakable blue as a kingfisher darts past. At this time of year, they are on the hunt for small fish for their young, so are more visible.

On 12th July the Cotswold Classic Middle Distance Triathlon and Aquabike event takes place from Lake 32.

17th – 19th July sees the return of the ever popular Royal International Air Tattoo offering something for everyone from the aviation enthusiast to families wanting an inspiring day out. In the days running up to the airshow, iconic planes can often be seen over Cotswold Lakes, practising their manoeuvres. 

July is the perfect month to spend more time on the water, with sailing available at a number of locations within Cotswolds Lakes including  The Real Outdoor Experience.  

August

Best for summer holiday adventures. On the Lower Mill Estate, a range of different species of butterflies can be seen, enjoying the longer days of summer at the lake edge.

It’s the perfect time of year for enjoying the huge range of activities that are available in Cotswold Water Park: from sailing to water skiing, horse riding to rally driving there really is something for everyone.   

Throughout August, Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water run special events.  You can meet rare and exotic birds from around the world. When you have seen them all from parrots to penguins there are dinosaurs to be found lurking along the river’s edge.

On 15th August a Tough Mudder event takes place at Badminton.  

From 28th – 30th August, the Cotswolds version of Glastonbury, but with lots more delicious food, The Big Feastival returns. 

31st August sees the annual football match in the river at Bourton-on-the-water – an event that has been taking place in this Cotswold Village for over 100 years.

September

September is a wonderful time to enjoy the last of the summer sun and extend that holiday feeling. It’s almost time to say goodbye to the Swallows and House Martins for another year.  Enjoy seeing them tucking into tasty treats over the water as they build up energy for their journey south. 

From 27th August – 17th September the ever popular Gifford’s Circus returns to Stratton Meadow in, Cirencester to draw the crowds and give unforgettable memories. 

5th September sees the return of the Moreton-in-the-Marsh agricultural show. It is the biggest agricultural show in the UK with livestock, show jumping, machinery, produce and trade stands selling everything to do with the countryside. 

In September the Cotswold Big Swim Festival may return, with a range of outdoor swimming distances available to entrants.

October

The Lower Mill Estate starts to see an influx of over-wintering birds, choosing our relatively warmer climes to spend the winter.  Experience the breath-taking autumnal colours painting the Cotswolds landscape by visiting one of the local arboretum. 

Westonbirt Arboretum is home to 2500 species and has a stunning display of autumn colours. Autumn also brings a riot of colour to Batsford Arboretum.  

Pick your own pumpkin! There are several farms where you can go and choose your own huge orange beauty. Cotswold Farm Park is one of them. Make it the climax of a day out there – a magnificent trophy to take home!

Jolly Nice Farm Shop have a pumpkin paddock just a 20 minute drive from the Lower Mill Estate: you’ll be able to select pumpkins and indulge in fresh, local produce from the farm shop.

November

November starts with Firework Night. No fireworks are allowed on the Lower Mill Estate so if you prefer to have a peaceful evening undisturbed, this is a great location to be.

If you’d like to enjoy some fireworks, the nearby village of Ashton Keynes, 3 miles down the road has an annual firework spectacular.

As it gets colder, the berry filled hedgerows of the Lower Mill Estate will attract Redwing and Fieldfare.

Get ahead with your Christmas shopping by visiting one of the many Christmas Fairs and support local independent producers. The Christmas Light Switch on and first Advent Market in nearby Cirencester is usually held on the last weekend in November.

December

Soak up the festive atmosphere in the Cotswolds with charming Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and cozy winter walks through picturesque villages. Tis the season of murmurations in Cotswold Water Park as huge flocks of starlings perform their mesmerising dances over the lakes before coming in to roost in the reeds for the night. These can often be watched at dusk from the balcony at Daisy Chain.

In the weekends during December, Cirencester holds wonderful Advent Markets with the town filled with stalls selling locally made food and crafts. The Advent markets start on the first Saturday of Advent with the very popular annual Light Switch on event and fireworks.

The Cotswolds are home to a number of stunning light displays over the Christmas period.  The magical light trails return to Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle,  Westonbirt Arboretum, Cotswold Farm Park and Painswick Rococo Garden. Dates will be updated when they are available.