What To Do During Spring in the Cotswolds

Why visit the Cotswolds in spring?

Spring in the Cotswolds is one of the most rewarding times to visit, with blossom-filled countryside, longer days, and a calendar of much-loved local events. From iconic equestrian festivals to family-friendly farm experiences, spring offers something for every kind of visitor.

Here we share a few of our favourite Cotswolds things to do:

Spring walks in the Cotswolds

Spring in the Cotswolds is at its best on foot, with blossom, bulbs, and bluebells transforming gardens, parkland, and woodland walks. Two standout spring blossom routes include the Evesham Blossom Trail, where country lanes are lined with pink and white blossom, and Painswick Rococo Garden, offering a more compact but spectacular display of spring flowers and cherry trees.

Formal gardens also come into their own at this time of year. Blenheim Palace hosts spring and Easter activities in its Walled Garden, while the RHS Malvern Spring Festival showcases innovative garden design and seasonal planting. Elsewhere, spring highlights include tulip displays at Dyrham Park, spring openings and guided walks at Highgrove Gardens, and classic Cotswolds gardens such as Hidcote Manor Garden and Batsford Arboretum.

For wilder spring walks, bluebells carpet woodland trails at Foxholes Nature Reserve, which offers an easy two-mile wildlife walk, and Siccaridge Wood near Cirencester. Together, these walks make spring one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the Cotswolds on foot.

There are plenty of places to enjoy the spring blossom in the Cotswolds but two firm favourites are to start along the Evesham Blossom Trail, where miles of country lanes are lined with the soft hues of pink and white blossoms. For a more compact tour, try a visit to Painswick Rococo Garden to wander among historic garden designs and an array of spring flowers, alongside the fabulous cherry blossom.

Horsey Activities: The Cheltenham Festival and Badminton Horse Trials

Equestrian enthusiasts will revel in the excitement of The Cheltenham Festival and the Badminton Horse Trials which top and tail Spring in the Cotswolds. Whilst two very different equine sports, these events are both highlights of their respective horse racing and eventing calendars. Get on your glad rags and spend the day admiring the stunning race horses – and wonderful outfits of your fellow visitors – at the Cheltenham Festival in March each year. Badminton Horse Trials are a more relaxed affair and see competitors taking on three different equine events over the five days of the festival.

Spring Lambing at Cotswold Farm Park

Families looking for Cotswold things to do will delight in the experience of the lambing season at Cotswold Farm Park. Here, visitors can watch newborn lambs taking their first wobbly steps, with a mix of rare and native breeds including Kerry Hills, Herdwicks and the local Cotswold sheep. Daily lambing talks at 11am and 2.30pm, led by the park’s expert team, offer fascinating insight into farm life and the care of ewes and their lambs.

As spring progresses, guests can also enjoy bottle-feeding sessions and hands-on demonstrations, making it a firm favourite for animal lovers. For something truly special, the popular Lambing After Dark event offers a behind-the-scenes evening experience, including expert talks, the chance to see live births, a main meal in the restaurant, and time to relax afterwards with drinks and live music. It’s a memorable spring experience in the Cotswolds for all ages.

Spring Delights: Easter at Blenheim Palace and RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Celebrate Spring in the Cotswolds with seasonal treats at Blenheim Palace. Their Walled Garden will be filled with fun spring activities. And be inspired at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, one of the first major flower shows of the year, it showcases innovative garden designs and has more than a sprinkling of special guests such as Alan Titchmarsh, Nicki Chapman and Raymond Blanc OBE.

Cultural festivities and spring traditions in the Cotswolds

Immerse yourself in local culture with several fabulous Cotswold attractions. The Tetbury Woolsack Races, held over the late May bank holiday, sees competitors race up Gumstool Hill carrying heavy woolsacks, while the world-famous Cheese Rolling offers chaotic fun and unbeatable spectator drama.

Local Events: Experience a Distillery Sessions at Cotswold Distillery

Check out the What’s On section on the Cotswold Distillery website for up to date events listings. On the last Thursday of every month, the distillery hosts a popular music night with live performances, pizza, and cocktails in the Still House Café. Its rural setting also makes it an ideal starting point for scenic spring walks, with guests able to park up, grab a coffee, and explore the surrounding villages and rolling Cotswold countryside. The Still House Café is open daily for freshly brewed coffee, relaxed lunches, and afternoon tipples, with views into the working still house and outdoor terrace seating for warmer days. The distillery also runs seasonal experiences such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, alongside tours, tastings, and whisky, gin, or cocktail-making masterclasses, perfect if you miss a scheduled event or are looking for a memorable gift.

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