The paintings on exhibit will be mainly Piper’s images of Blenheim Palace as well as its gardens, fountains and bridges. There will also be the chance to explore his series of paintings of other houses as well as some of his collaborative work – prints, stained glass, books, ceramics and tapestry.

There will be the opportunity to join a practical workshop in basic techniques of printmaking, as well as a talk by Frances Spalding, the author of a recent biography this 20th century artist.

Once again this is also an exquisit opportunity to visit this magnificent Palace and birth place of Winston Churchill.

For more information on the exhibition click here

We have the following properties close to Blenheim Palace

Tyne Hill Barn – Sibford Green near Banbury (Sleeps 4 (+2))

Top Cottage – Oddington near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 7)

Dairy Cottage – Churchill near Chipping Norton (Sleeps 2)

Orchard End – Darlingscott near Chipping Campden (Sleeps 3)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

The weekend festival has concerts from over 20 performers, with Dervish, one of the best Irish bands around as the Friday headliner.  On Saturday is the first opportunity to see the all new line up of The Albion Band who will be the headliner and Sunday’s final concert will be with Brass Monkey with a rumoured surprise guest.

During the festival there will be workshops as well as children’s activities and there is also an indoor market place with stalls selling a variety of product, from jewellery and clothing as well as musical instruments.

The Folk Festival will be turning Cheltenham into a feast of colour and energy over the weekend of 10th – 12th February and includes up to 20 morris dance sides that will take to the streets on the Saturday and Sunday!

For more information click here

Our closests properties to Chelthenham are:

The Granary – Southam (sleeps 4)

Bredon Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Leckhampton Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

Kicking off the festival on Tuesday and signalling that racing’s favourite is back after 12 months is The Stan James Champion Hurdle, the most important hurdle race of the season. With six other races and the unique first day atmosphere make this one of the most eagerly awaited race days of the year.

Wednesday marks Ladies Day, with an opportunity to have some fun with Ladies Day fashion awards although the real action is on the track, with an awesome seven race card featuring the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

An opportunity to celebrate St Patricks Day a little earlier, with an Irish flavour guaranteed at the racecourse.  With plenty of competitive racing as well as the charity race taking place for Cancer Research UK plus lots of Irish-style entertainment.

On the final day besides six other great races is the climax of the entire Jump racing season and the highlight of the best day’s racing of the year, with undoubtedly an atmosphere to match is The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

For more information click here

Our closests properties to Chelthenham are:

The Granary – Southam (sleeps 4)

Bredon Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Leckhampton Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

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The Bibury Annual Charity Duck Race will be held again on Boxing Day at 11.00am, so besides visiting this typical gorgeous Cotswolds Village you have the opportunity to see hundreds of the ever popular yellow ducks racing their way down the River Coln and what more it’s also for a good cause!

You can sponsor a duck or even participate in the race if you get there early and the owner of the winning duck will select the charity to receive the proceedings.

So wrap up, enjoy the Mulled wine and mince pies which will be available to keep you warm and keep the festive spirit going. And if you can’t this year, then just keep it in mind for next!

Cotswold cottages we have located close to Bibury are:

Lakeside House in Fossebridge (Sleeps 10)

Blackjack House in Cirencester (sleeps 9 (+2)

Lodge 4 in the Cotswold Water Park (Sleeps 8)

Little Cinders in the Cotswold Water Park (Sleeps 6)

Cleeveley Cottage near Burford (Sleeps 4 (+2))

Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4 + 1)

Bettys Cottage in Taynton nr Burford (Sleeps 4)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

With plenty on offer to get the whole family feeling Christmassy  the big switch-on will be taking place on the 25th November and Father Christmas and his real reindeer will be there too!

The illuminated trail which is approximately one mile long will follow the hard paths of the Old Arboretum and will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening between 25th November and 18th December.

The new Children’s winter wonderland is at the Education Centre which will be transformed into a winter delight with decorations, icicles as well as snow.  There will be the opportunity to take part in Christmas crafts and learn about the history of Christmas trees and other winter customs.

Besides the Christmas Market and the Forest shop for some present buying, you can also pick up your Christmas tree and wreaths and with local choirs singing the carols it will be impossible not to get into the festive spirit.

For more information click here

Our closests properties to Westonbirt are:

The High Room – Tetbury (sleeps 2)

Blackjack House – Cirencester (sleeps 9 (+2))

Little Cinders – Cotswold Water Park (sleeps 6)

Lodge 4 – Cotswold Water Park (sleeps 8)

Lakeside Lodge – Cotswold Water Park (sleeps 8 (+ 2))

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

Featuring one of the most valuable hurdle races of the entire season in Europe. The StanJames.com International Hurdle is a hugely significant race in its own right and is one of the leading trials for the Champion Hurdle at The Festival, the most prestigious hurdles race at the Cheltenham Festival.

This Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race is open to horses 4 years and older and is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 1 furlong (3,420 metres) with eight hurdles to be jumped.

It plays host to many of the horses who have aspirations of victory at the Cheltenham Festival, so the chance to view potential Cheltenham Festival winners!

For more information click here

Our closests properties to Chelthenham are:

The Granary – Southam (sleeps 4)

Bredon Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Leckhampton Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

It’s undeniable that Santa couldn’t have chosen a better place for his grotto than the stables of this wonderful palace which was not only the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill but is also  a World Heritage Site. Both Santa and Mrs Claus will be there to greet you on the 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th December.

As part of the Music Series provided by Blenheim Palace, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December there will be local school choirs.   These will be singing traditional Christmas Carols from the Long Library which houses the 1891 Willis organ installed by the 8th Duke in 1891 and is the largest privately owned organ in Europe.

As we well know nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas Tree in the house.  From the 1st December there’s the possibility to buy a freshly cut Norway Spruce, Serbian Spruce and Nordmann Fire, all of which have been growing on the estate for at least the last 6 years.

For more information click here

We have the following properties close to Blenheim Palace

Tyne Hill Barn – Sibford Green near Banbury (Sleeps 4 (+2))

Top Cottage – Oddington near Stow on the Wold (Sleeps 7)

Dairy Cottage – Churchill near Chipping Norton (Sleeps 2)

Orchard End – Darlingscott near Chipping Campden (Sleeps 3)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

Although the doors have closed to day visitors for the season, there’s still a possibility to get a chance to see this wonderful castle and maybe a sneak peak at the award winning gardens and what better excuse than planning a wedding!

With a free entrance, not only is it the chance to meet some of Sudley Castle’s recommended suppliers, but you will also get an exclusive tour of the Castle and St Mary’s Church.

The Wedding Fair is a great opportunity for all those bride-to-be’s  to meet up with Florists, Photographers, Hair and Make-up Stylists as well as suppliers of Marquees & Lighting, Wedding Accessories and possibly anything else a bride wants on that special day.  The temptation of canapés and wine will no doubt add to this special celebratory atmosphere.

Click here for more details

Here are some of our closest properties to Sudley Castle are:

Elgin - Gretton Fields (sleeps 4)

Bredon Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Pinnock Lodge - Nr. Winchcombe (sleeps 5)

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With familiar faces from previous successful pantos, as well as Emma Samms as the Good Fairy who audiences may remember from the popular shoulder-padded tv series Dynasty.   It will be packed with songs, laughs, a beautiful girl or two and of course not forgetting a giant!!

Other pantomines in the Cotswolds are ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ at The Theatre in Chipping Norton from 22nd November until 7th January and ‘Mother Goose’ at the Oxford Playhouse from 2nd December until 15th January .

So if you are in the area why not take the family for some songs, laughs and some ‘he’s behind you’ and get into the festive spirit!!

Our closests properties to Chelthenham are:

The Granary – Southam (sleeps 4)

Bredon Cottage – Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Leckhampton Cottage - Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages

The famous Cheltenham racecourse spectacular firework display is not only one of the largest in the area which attracts well over 10,000 people  but there is also a funfair and street performers to keep the crowds busy.

With Tetbury’s Guy Fawkes Celebration 2011, Cirencester Firework Display 2011, Faiford  to name but a few there are various bonfires and firework displays scattered around the Cotswolds ….

So come and see the skies of the Cotswolds illuminated with an array of colours

Here are some of the great properties still available:

The Gathehouse – Blockley (sleeps 2)

The Granary – Southam (sleeps 4)

Leckhampton Cottage - Prestbury (sleeps 4)

Jasmine Cottage – Near Broadway (sleeps 4 (+1))

Little Cinders – Cotswold Water Park (sleeps 6)

Click here to view all our Cotswold Cottages