Based on a play presented by the inmates of an asylum in post revolutionary France about the murder of political thinker Jean-Paul Marat and with the Marquis de Sade, the French aristocrat and writer known for his erotic and violent work as the director of the play.  When the director of the asylum and his family sit down expecting to see a patriotic display thats definitely NOT what they get!

With some sexually explicit scenes – some of which involve religious imagery and classified as not suitable for younger audiences there has been walk outs in every performance although it is not clear  if they are because of the play’s political message, rather than scenes of sex and violence.

With such mixed reviews from audiences describing the production as “warped”, “disturbing” and “shocking” and others recommending “you have to see it to understand it” and “A fabulously rude, energetic, theatrical extravaganza” …..it definitely makes it intriguing and possibly a one to watch and comment for yourself.

Here are some of our closest properties to Stratford-upon-Avon:

Orchard End – Darlingscott (sleeps 3)

Wolds End House – Chipping Campden (sleeps 8)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

New this year, why not take a well earned break in the new food hall.  Savor the delights of delicious sweet and savoury foods or take away homemade preserves and bakery delights.

What’s more, visitors to the Grand Sale can also enjoy 2 for 1 tickets to the Sudeley gardens and exhibitions.

Tickets cost £6.50 each.  Call 01634 226203 to book.  Tickets on the gate are £8.50.

For more information  visit Sudeley Castle’s website

We have the following properties close to Sudeley Castle:

•    Pinnock Lodge, near Winchcombe (Sleeps 5 and welcomes dogs)
•    Elgin in Gretton Fields, near Winchcombe (Sleeps 4 and welcomes dogs)
•    The Old Band Room in Naunton, near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 4 (+1) and welcomes dogs)
•    Nellie’s Barn, near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps Sleeps 4 (+1) and welcomes dogs)

Click here for details of all our Cotswold Cottages

Easter at Snowshill Manor – egg trail, face painting and design your own egghead

Easter at Sudeley Castle – Follow the trail of clues around the grounds of this historical site to find your Easter treat

Easter at Westbury Court Gardens – Join in the quiz, hunt for clues and face painting

Easter at Westonbirt Arboretum – A day out for the kids between Monday 5th and Friday 9th April – can they find all the creatures that lay eggs and solve the Easter riddle?

Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham – Watch the family favourite The Fox and Child on the big screen on Monday 12th April after some Easter treats.

Click here for details of all our Cotswold Cottages

The National Trust offers a range of events throughout the country including events at Chedworth Roman villa and Dyrham Park.  See the National Trust website for more details.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a meal the restaurant at The Lower Slaughter Manor has an excellent reputation (though not best with young children) or for perhaps the Fox at Oddington or the Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham, Colleys in Lechlade or for something a little different try The Spice Lodge in Cheltenham.  Whichever you choose you’re sure to have an enjoyable break in the Cotswolds.

We have the following proeprties available for Mothers Day:

• Montpellier Villa in Cheltenham (Sleeps 10)
• South Mount, near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 8 and welcomes dogs)
• 2 Manor Farm Cottages, near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 4)

Henry John Elwes (1846-1922) started the snowdrop collection after he discovered the Galanthus elwesii whilst travelling in western Turkey.  Many of the large populations found in the garden today are hybrids, descending from these plantings.

Colesbourne Park is renowned as one of the best places to see large groups of choice snowdrops. According to Country Life (1999) it is ‘England’s greatest snowdrop garden.’

As well as getting the chance to see some of Colesbourne Gardens 250 varieties of snowdrop during the 2010 open days, visitors will also be able to enjoy the church and waterfall, as well as taking in a walk along the lakeside and woodland paths to see huge banks boasting a variety of winter plants and rare bulbs.

Ample parking is available within the grounds.  Dogs are welcome on a lead

Open days are every Saturday and Sunday in February, plus 30th and 31st January.  1pm – 4.30pm

£6 adults, children under 16 go free

Visit the Colesbourne Park website for more details including regular updates on the snowdrop season and weather conditions.

More about Colesbourne Park

• Enduring Gardener – Snowdrop Day

Every year the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is home to flocks of Bewick’s swans migrating from the Russian Arctic through to their Winter home in the countries of Northern Europe.

Enjoy the magical winter spectacle of thousands of wild birds and Bewick’s swans wintering on SwanLake in floodlight. Listen to the warden’s commentary from the heated comfort of the observatory and discover how the WWT identify each Bewick’s swan individually.

The event takes place Saturdays and Sundays until the end of February.  Click here for further details.

The WWT in Slimbridge can be accessed from either junction 13 or 14 on the M5.  The closest of our cottages are

• The High Room in Tetbury (Sleeps 2)

• Meadow House in Cerney Wick (Sleeps 4)

• Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4 +1)

• Isis Cottage in Somerford Keynes (Sleeps 4)

• Lodge 4 in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8)

However, if you have an interest in a particular cottage and want to know how easy it is to visit the WWT or any other wildlife destination just drop us a line and we will be happy to advise.

More about Slimbridge

• Bewick’s Swan Divorce
• Experts stunned by swan ‘divorce’ at Slimbridge wetland

With carol singers, pantomimes, Winter Wonderlands and visits from Santa, the Cotswolds are a great place to soak up the festive spirit this Christmas time.  Make sure you don’t miss out!

Sleeping Beauty at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
27th November – 9th January
Promising good old fashioned entertainment this family friendly panto is not to be missed

GWR Santa specials
Runs every weekend in December.  Take a train ride between Toddington and Winchcombe to meet the man of the moment and his helpers.

Christmas Day swim at Sandford Park, Cheltenham
Whilst most of us are thinking about how to get the turkey in the oven, others will be braving the freezing waters at Cheltenham’s Lido.

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt
Father Christmas, Carol singers, mince pies, roast chestnuts and mulled wine on the background of this enchanting forest lit up at night.

Santa Cruises from the National Waterways Musuem, Gloucester
Enjoy a cruise along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and meet Santa in his grotto.

Berkeley Castle by Candlelight
4th, 5th & 6th December 2009.  Explore Berkeley Castle under the glow of candle light and meet Father Christmas.

Cinderella at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
28th November 2009 – 3rd January 2010
Traditional family panto fun, combining plenty of booing, hissing and a fabulous script from the writers of the Tweenies.

Click here for details of our Cotswold cottages

This Boxing Day event takes place in the pretty village of Bibury.  The ducks can be sponsored or you can just watch the activities from the banks of the River Coln – there’s no charge for watching.  The winner selects the charity to receive the proceeds of the days event.

There is also usually some mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy whilst soaking up some festive spirit!

Venue : Bibury (River Coln), Boxing Day 2009, 11:00

We have the following properties close to Bibury:

• Windrush Apartment, Sherbourne (Sleeps 2 (+2))
• Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4)
• Lodge 4 in The Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8)
• Isis Cottage in Somerford Keynes (Sleeps 4)

Click here for details of all our Cotswold cottages

Halloween Trail at Chedworth Roman Villa Follow the trail around the villa to find out spooky facts about Roman beliefs and claim your prize!  Normal admission charges apply, trails cost £1.50.  23rd – 31st October, 10am – 5pm.

Pumpkin Trail at Hidcote Manor A special spooky pumpkin trail and ghostly capers amongst this 20th century garden.  As an extra special treat children who come dressed in Halloween costume get in free!  Nr Chipping Campden, Glos. GL55 6LR.  Normal admission charges apply. 31st October, 10am – 3pm.

Halloween at Daylesford Organic Come and celebrate Halloween with pumpkin carving and face painting for children. Visitors can choose their own Daylesford pumpkin and sample a selection of pumpkin dishes.  The cafe will offer a pumpkin themed menu.  Daylesford Organic Farmshop, near Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG.  Free admission. 31st October, 11.00am – 2.30pm.

A word in your eye – stories to start art: spooky fun
Chloe of the Midnight Storytellers performs Halloween themed stories in this family friendly workshop.  She paints the pictures in your mind, as you make weird and wonderful creations using all the drawing and art materials supplied.  Suitable for age 5+ accompanied by adult(s) and for unaccompanied children age 7+.  New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, GL7 1JH.  £11 per adult and per child, £5 for each extra child.  31st October, 10 – 11.30am.

Click here for details of all our Cotswold cottages

The Cotswolds are a great place to explore at any time of year, bracing walks and beautiful countryside all have their particular attraction at each season.  But perhaps after enjoying some of the great outdoors a little indulgence wouldn’t go amiss.

So how about a trip to Snowshill Manor where the restaurant team will take you through how to make, serve and eat five of the best puddings they can find.

Price – Adults £20, Children £10

Timing 2 pm – 4 pm.

Snowshill Manor itself is a Cotswold manor set in hillside gardens housing Charles Wade’s collection of ‘colour, craftsmanship and design’

For further details call 01386-842814 – booking essential.

We have the following cottages close to Snowshill Manor:

• Hartfield in Chipping Campden (Sleeps 10-12 and welcomes dogs)
• Pinnock Lodge near Winchcombe (Sleeps 5 and welcomes dogs)
• Bryher Cottage in Longborough, near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 4 and welcomes dogs)
• Slatters Cottage in Bourton on the Hill (Sleeps 3 and welcomes one well behaved, small dog)
• The Gatehouse in Blockley (Sleeps 2)

Click here to view all of our Cotswold cottages