The Cotswolds truly comes alive throughout the festive season, especially if we’re lucky enough to have a dusting of snow! If you’re staying with us over the next month, here’s a list of fab things to do in the North Cotswolds to fill your days and evenings in the lead up to Christmas.
Broadway late night shopping
The Broadway late-night Christmas shopping evening is happening on the 3rd of December, from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Promising a lovely festive atmosphere with lots of beautiful Christmas lights, there will be plenty of music, mulled wine, festive food and great local shops.
The Evesham Concert band is booked to play, as are Johnny Holmes and Pip Betts the solo singer. The community choir will be singing carols outside Co-op and Father Christmas will be roaming the village, see if you can find him to have a Santa selfie!
Dinky donkeys will be grazing on the green or one of the smaller greens near the war memorial, head on over to give them a good old head scratch before making your way through the many shops, stalls and eateries.
Ice skating in Cheltenham
Experience the magic of ice skating in Cheltenham until the 2nd of January. Cheltenham is a 45-minute drive from Chipping Campden, but well worth the trip if you want a taste of larger town life!
The rink is located in Imperial Gardens, in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, reflecting the town’s historic Winter Gardens and indoor skating rink that once occupied a site in the gardens. The modern-day version, delivered by leading ice rink operator 11th hour, will be covered, making it Gloucestershire’s only all-weather ice rink.
You can buy tickets on the day or online and it costs £9.50 for an adult and £8 for a child. There are also family and accessible options available. We recommend you purchase tickets online in advance. As you can imagine, it is quite popular!
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park
The Cotswolds Farm Park is a great day out for the family any time of year, but there’s something extra special about a Christmassy event after dark! Let the lights guide you on a magical stroll as you see the farm in a whole new light, during the Enchanted Light Trail at The Cotswold Farm Park.
You can feed the animals their last snacks before they settle down for the night, and let your children blow off some steam in the popular adventure barn. Stop for a warm-up by the fire pit (and maybe a marshmallow or two!)
Chipping Campden Christmas market
On Saturday 4th December, Chipping Campden is hosting it’s Christmas market complete with a visit from Santa! Running from 12 pm until 6 pm, the Campden Rotary are turning on the Rotary tree of light and the town lights at 5 pm.
There will be a variety of market stalls selling delightful Christmas goodies, plenty of festive food and drinks, stocking fillers and plenty of Christmas cheer. Come rain, shine or snow, Chipping Campden is ready to welcome you for a fun festive evening. Perfect if you’re staying with us over the festive period, venture out to enjoy the event and then pop back to your home from home and light the wood burner. Bliss!
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Until the 2nd of January, you can see Blenheim Palace in all its festive glory with over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds filling the air with festive fun throughout the palace’s gardens. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing reflections and maybe even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!
New for 2021, Blenheim Palace brings The Nutcracker to life, each room transformed into scenes such as the toy maker’s workshop and candy-cane kingdom, filled with larger than life gingerbread men, Nutcracker Princes and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Things to do in the North Cotswolds this Christmas
The list above is by no means everything that can be done in the North Cotswolds this festive season, but a handpicked list of our personal favourites. The Cotswolds really does come alive in the festive season, and we love seeing our guests here at Honeypot soaking up the atmosphere we love so much.
If you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas or New Year getaway, there’s still time to book one of our cosy cottages full of character. Get in touch with us by calling 01386 841714 or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with what we get up to.