A SPORTING SUMMER IN THE COTSWOLDS
As well as the incredible countryside, picturesque villages and beautiful pubs, the Cotswolds is full of some brilliant sport throughout the summer.
From cricket and polo to rugby festivals and golfing trips to one of the stunning courses in the area, the Cotswolds offers incredible sporting experiences for spectators and participants alike.
From cricket and polo to rugby festivals and golfing trips to one of the stunning courses in the area, the Cotswolds offers incredible sporting experiences for spectators and participants alike.
CHELTENHAM CRICKET FESTIVAL
17 JULY - 5 AUGUST 2025
The Cheltenham Cricket Festival is one of the most loved events in the social and sporting calendar. The idyllic setting of Cheltenham College provides the perfect backdrop for cricket at the height of summer.
This year, Gloucestershire welcome Sussex Sharks for a double header men's and women's T20 Blast, Lancashire and Middlesex in the County Championship and Derbyshire Falcons in the 50-over Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Elevate your experience at the festival in the Venatour Boundary Hub; a private marquee with your own pitch facing viewing area, featuring guest speakers from the world of local sport during each lunch and tea interval.
Gloucestershire have been playing in the stunning grounds of Cheltenham College for over 150 years. It was started by James Lillywhite in 1872 with the first match being played against Surrey and was won by Gloucestershire. No other Cricket Festival in the world has been played on the same ground for that length of time and no other cricket festival in the world lasts for twelve days or more.
www.gloscricket.co.uk
This year, Gloucestershire welcome Sussex Sharks for a double header men's and women's T20 Blast, Lancashire and Middlesex in the County Championship and Derbyshire Falcons in the 50-over Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Elevate your experience at the festival in the Venatour Boundary Hub; a private marquee with your own pitch facing viewing area, featuring guest speakers from the world of local sport during each lunch and tea interval.
Gloucestershire have been playing in the stunning grounds of Cheltenham College for over 150 years. It was started by James Lillywhite in 1872 with the first match being played against Surrey and was won by Gloucestershire. No other Cricket Festival in the world has been played on the same ground for that length of time and no other cricket festival in the world lasts for twelve days or more.
www.gloscricket.co.uk
CHELTENHAM 7s FESTIVAL
18 - 19 JULY 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of sport, music, and family fun at the Cheltenham 7s Festival, returning on the 18th and 19th of July! Whether you’re a sports fanatic, music lover, or just after a brilliant summer vibe, this is the event for you.
Watch top-tier men’s and women’s teams go head-to-head in one of the most competitive sports events in the country, including charity matches featuring international superstars. Expect energy, excitement, and elite-level action across both days.
But it’s not just about the sport — this festival brings the full experience. Enjoy mouth-watering food stalls, a buzzing funfair, and bars flowing with your favourite drinks. Don’t miss the wild and hilarious Flamingo Bingo, and be sure to join the free Colour Run, included with every ticket!
The fun doesn’t stop there. Kids under 12 go FREE, making this a perfect day out for families. And when the sun sets, the party begins with live music from Supersonic Queen, UnkleFunk’s Disco Inferno, and The Stockmen Project DJs, plus fresh talent on the vibrant One Love Stage.
cheltenham7sfestival.co.uk
Watch top-tier men’s and women’s teams go head-to-head in one of the most competitive sports events in the country, including charity matches featuring international superstars. Expect energy, excitement, and elite-level action across both days.
But it’s not just about the sport — this festival brings the full experience. Enjoy mouth-watering food stalls, a buzzing funfair, and bars flowing with your favourite drinks. Don’t miss the wild and hilarious Flamingo Bingo, and be sure to join the free Colour Run, included with every ticket!
The fun doesn’t stop there. Kids under 12 go FREE, making this a perfect day out for families. And when the sun sets, the party begins with live music from Supersonic Queen, UnkleFunk’s Disco Inferno, and The Stockmen Project DJs, plus fresh talent on the vibrant One Love Stage.
cheltenham7sfestival.co.uk
PUB & PLAY GOLF BREAK
THE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE
The Manor House Golf Club has taken the quintessential English countryside golf getaway to another level with the launch of a new ‘Pub & Play’ package.
Now available to book and costing from £230 per person, the package includes two rounds on the venue’s parkland masterpiece – set within 365 acres of picturesque rolling countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds – plus superb overnight accommodation at The Castle Inn, a beautifully restored 12th-century building nestled in the heart of Castle Combe that blends old-world character with modern comfort across 12 stylishly updated rooms.
Listed in our 2025 Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide, the pub serves up seasonally inspired dishes with a modern twist, crafted from local and homegrown ingredients. From flavour-packed comfort food to dishes designed to impress the gastronomically curious, it’s the perfect way to refuel post-round. A £37 per person dinner allowance is included in the package, and guests can unwind with a local pint in the sun-soaked courtyard or beside the fire indoors.
www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/packages/pub-play/
Now available to book and costing from £230 per person, the package includes two rounds on the venue’s parkland masterpiece – set within 365 acres of picturesque rolling countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds – plus superb overnight accommodation at The Castle Inn, a beautifully restored 12th-century building nestled in the heart of Castle Combe that blends old-world character with modern comfort across 12 stylishly updated rooms.
Listed in our 2025 Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide, the pub serves up seasonally inspired dishes with a modern twist, crafted from local and homegrown ingredients. From flavour-packed comfort food to dishes designed to impress the gastronomically curious, it’s the perfect way to refuel post-round. A £37 per person dinner allowance is included in the package, and guests can unwind with a local pint in the sun-soaked courtyard or beside the fire indoors.
www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/packages/pub-play/
EXPERIENCE CLAY SHOOTING AT IAN COLEY SPORTING
Proudly awarded CPSA Ground of the Year and Course Setter of the Year 2025, Ian Coley Sporting stands as one of the UK’s premier clay shooting destinations.
This summer, you can explore the sport in a welcoming and scenic environment, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique.
Ian Coley Sporting offers Pay & Play Practice flexible and accessible shooting for experienced shooters and Professional Tuition which includes expert coaching tailored suitable for all levels. There are also "Have-a-Go Sessions" which are a fun and informal introduction to clay shooting, perfect for individuals, families, and groups.
For younger participants, our Young Shots Club runs throughout the summer holidays, providing a safe and engaging way for juniors to learn the sport.
With over 25 sporting stands, two Sportrap layouts, and beautifully maintained grounds, Ian Coley Sporting offers an exceptional experience for all.
www.iancoley.co.uk
This summer, you can explore the sport in a welcoming and scenic environment, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique.
Ian Coley Sporting offers Pay & Play Practice flexible and accessible shooting for experienced shooters and Professional Tuition which includes expert coaching tailored suitable for all levels. There are also "Have-a-Go Sessions" which are a fun and informal introduction to clay shooting, perfect for individuals, families, and groups.
For younger participants, our Young Shots Club runs throughout the summer holidays, providing a safe and engaging way for juniors to learn the sport.
With over 25 sporting stands, two Sportrap layouts, and beautifully maintained grounds, Ian Coley Sporting offers an exceptional experience for all.
www.iancoley.co.uk
DISCOVER PADEL WITH PADEL SHIFT
Padel Shift is a lifestyle-led padel community based in the heart of the Cotswolds, with stunning locations at Daylesford Farm and Elkstone Studios. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or looking to level up your game, we offer expert coaching, friendly group sessions, pay and play court bookings, and sociable events that blend padel with great food, drink and atmosphere.
They have given The Cotswold Gentleman readers a complimentary Intro to Padel session by using the code GENTLEINTRO when booking on MATCHi and come and see what the buzz is about.
www.padelshift.com
They have given The Cotswold Gentleman readers a complimentary Intro to Padel session by using the code GENTLEINTRO when booking on MATCHi and come and see what the buzz is about.
www.padelshift.com
CORNBURY HORSE TRIALS
10 - 14 SEPTEMBER
The summer of 2025 is set to finish on a high note with the return of the prestigious Cornbury House Horse Trials, taking place from 10–14 September in the stunning Cotswolds at Cornbury House, Charlbury, Oxfordshire, with tickets now on-sale.
Now in its sixth year, this five-day international event continues to establish itself as a premier fixture on the equestrian calendar, showcasing the finest young horses and riders as they compete in dressage, cross-country, and showjumping.
An event for everyone: Beyond the world-class equestrian competition, Cornbury House Horse Trials is a celebration for all—whether you’re a passionate horse enthusiast, a food lover, or a family looking for an unforgettable day out. This year, the event will once again offer a vibrant selection of local produce and entertainment, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A taste of the Cotswolds: A major highlight for 2025 is the ‘From the Farm’ initiative, which will bring together some of the region’s finest producers, including Cornbury Farm, Bruern Farm, and Honeydale Farm. Visitors can expect a rich selection of locally sourced food and drink, celebrating the very best of Cotswold agriculture and gastronomy.
www.cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk
Now in its sixth year, this five-day international event continues to establish itself as a premier fixture on the equestrian calendar, showcasing the finest young horses and riders as they compete in dressage, cross-country, and showjumping.
An event for everyone: Beyond the world-class equestrian competition, Cornbury House Horse Trials is a celebration for all—whether you’re a passionate horse enthusiast, a food lover, or a family looking for an unforgettable day out. This year, the event will once again offer a vibrant selection of local produce and entertainment, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A taste of the Cotswolds: A major highlight for 2025 is the ‘From the Farm’ initiative, which will bring together some of the region’s finest producers, including Cornbury Farm, Bruern Farm, and Honeydale Farm. Visitors can expect a rich selection of locally sourced food and drink, celebrating the very best of Cotswold agriculture and gastronomy.
www.cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk
OPEN TRAINING SESSION AT GLOUCESTER RUGBY
Be the first to see Gloucester Rugby's new summer signings in action on Thursday 31st July. You can watch the squad train and grab those all-important selfies with the players.
On Thursday 21st August, you can meet the team at a Players BBQ at Kingsholm.
You can find all the Gloucester Rugby summer events via the link below.
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
On Thursday 21st August, you can meet the team at a Players BBQ at Kingsholm.
You can find all the Gloucester Rugby summer events via the link below.
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
HORSE RIDING
COTSWOLD FARM PARK FUN RIDES
There are many ways you can explore the Cotswolds, but on horseback might just be one of the best.
Adam Henson's Cotswold Fun rides take place frequently throughout the summer and start and finish at the Cotswold Farm Park. The route covers approximately 10 miles of varied terrain with an optional shortcut that reduces the course by around 3 miles, and even goes past the wonderful Halfway at Kineton for a perfect pit-stop.
The course offers 50 optional jumps to suit all ages and abilities. They limit our ticket availability to set start times and horse numbers, to ensure you can take your time and enjoy your own space throughout the ride.
cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/fun-rides
Adam Henson's Cotswold Fun rides take place frequently throughout the summer and start and finish at the Cotswold Farm Park. The route covers approximately 10 miles of varied terrain with an optional shortcut that reduces the course by around 3 miles, and even goes past the wonderful Halfway at Kineton for a perfect pit-stop.
The course offers 50 optional jumps to suit all ages and abilities. They limit our ticket availability to set start times and horse numbers, to ensure you can take your time and enjoy your own space throughout the ride.
cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/fun-rides
LION SPOTTING
Walking is not strictly a sport, but from Friday 11th July, Lions at Large will hit the streets of Cheltenham and Gloucester.
A walking trail has been designed for you to spot 32 large Lion sculptures, painted by local artists; celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture and diversity.
This is a fun, free and family-friendly Wild in Art event. Streets, parks and open spaces will dazzle with their vibrant colours and surprising designs. Helping to bring together our community to explore and feel pride in their local area.
The trail will run until Sunday 14th September.
lionsatlarge.co.uk
A walking trail has been designed for you to spot 32 large Lion sculptures, painted by local artists; celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture and diversity.
This is a fun, free and family-friendly Wild in Art event. Streets, parks and open spaces will dazzle with their vibrant colours and surprising designs. Helping to bring together our community to explore and feel pride in their local area.
The trail will run until Sunday 14th September.
lionsatlarge.co.uk
If you would like to explore how to spend an active weekend in Cheltenham, Visit Cheltenham have a suggested itinerary that will enable you to explore the great sport on offer in and around the town.
www.visitcheltenham.com/explore-the-area/active-48-hours-in-cheltenham
In partnership with Visit Cheltenham
www.visitcheltenham.com