Winter in the Cotswolds is such a special time with cosy fires in the local pubs, the smell of pine needles from the Christmas decorations and mulled wine to warm you after a winter walk – especially if we’ve had a sprinkling of snow?
Whether you’re planning a Christmas break, or you live locally and want to get into the spirit of the season, there’s plenty to see and do across the region. If you’re more of a homebird and would rather enjoy a relaxing time in your Cotswold rental home, why not just hunker down and indulge in some true Cotswolds comforts?
Christmas Carols
There are plenty of places to enjoy a carol service across the Cotswolds, from the grand atmosphere of Gloucester Cathedral to the beautiful village church of St Peter at the National Trust site Dyrham Park. Or why not wrap up warm and enjoy Christmas carols at Northleach market place or the Christmas markets at Bath and Cirencester.
After-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens
It’s the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at Stourhead. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. A selection of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats & tipples on offer including spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special.
Cotswold Farm Park is home to an Enchanted Light Trail each year – and tickets can sell out so be sure to secure yours early. From the dog friendly trail to the glowing animal barns, teddy bear workshop and Father Christmas’ grotto – this is a wonderful way to spend an evening with your family in the run up to Christmas.
And it would not be Christmas in the Cotswolds without a trip to the Sudely Castle and Gardens Spectacle of Light. An amazing after dark experience for all the family, there is a new theme each year to be enjoyed.
Christmas Community Spirit
The Cotswolds is brimming with community spirit. Ask any Cotswolds resident & they will rave about the value of village life, care for their community & upholding the local traditions. You’ll find no shortage of clubs, groups and societies available throughout the year – and they all come together to celebrate Christmas in their own way.
The area is also full of fabulous local pubs with roaring fires to warm you after your winter walk. Two favourites with the team here are The Bell at Sapperton and The Fox at Oddington.
Cotswolds Christmas gifts ideas
If you’re not already familiar with our award-winning bakery Huffkins, established c.1890 in the Cotswolds town of Burford then you’ve been missing out! Their founder, Mr Titcomb began the business baking in a tiny Cotswold stone cottage, delivering freshly-baked goods from a wood fired oven by donkey & cart! They always offer gorgeous Christmas hamper gifts & delicious festive cakes, perfect for families, couples, colleagues, friends & food lovers!
The Cotswolds Candles are made from a mixture of soy and mineral waxes to ensure the best scent throw possible whilst keeping carbon emissions to a minimum. A yuletide favourite , has notes of pine, fir, & Eucalyptus mixed with cedar and sandalwood. It really does smell like walking through a forest of Christmas trees.
Lovingly crafted and a unique Cotswolds take on the Christmas favourite The Cotswolds distillery combine their Cotswolds single malt spirit with fresh Irish cream – offering a truly a sensational product, with their signature single malt at its heart.
The Cotswold Soap Co. pride themselves on the quality of their handmade cold processed soaps and ensure only the finest ingredients are used. They offer each bar in a wonderfully “neutral” gift set which contains a bar of our handmade soap, an Egyptian cotton flannel and a double sided sustainable wooden nail brush.
The perfect gift to add to your “his or her” list.
Looking for something a bit different, gift a loved one to explore the skies above the Cotswolds with a stargazing night from Dark Sky Telescopes. Participants join an experienced astronomer on Cleeve Hill for an hour-long session with a large telescope which lets you see star systems, planets and galaxies.
