Archives: Events

Woodstock plays host to the fifth Art in Woodstock festival. Showcasing work by visiting professional artists and local talent, the ancient market town of Woodstock will be transformed into a celebration of visual arts.

In and around the town a host of unusual venues will open their doors to become showcases throughout the nine-day festival: galleries, halls, museums, restaurants, shops, and even private houses and churches will participate.

In addition to the exhibitions a ‘free expression’ art space will be erected in the town square for visitors to contribute to and create a unique work of art; there will be creative workshops for adults and children, as well as performance art and talks by leading artists, critics and authorities in their field.

Watch the Art in Woodstock DVD

Times: Tues – Sat 10am – 5pm and Sunday 2pm – 5pm

The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world’s premier three-star three-day events.

Cross Country is on two days and set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace. The horse trials offer a fabulous opportunity to see some of the world’s finest riders and their horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular venue.

The Palace, Park and Gardens are open as usual, separate admission for the Horse Trials.

Blenheim Palace opens its grounds for a unique cycling festival with something for everyone to enjoy including the Brompton World Championship, 20k Time Trial, 60/100 mile Sportives, Pink Ribbonride and Family Rides.

For entry prices visit www.bikeblenheimpalace.com

Set in the beautiful Churn valley in the heart of the Cotswolds, the snowdrop display and collection at Colesbourne Park is world-famous. Started by the Victorian traveller-naturalist Henry John Elwes and developed in recent years by his great-grandson Sir Henry and Lady Elwes, it is now regarded as among the finest in the country. Visitors can walk through the 10 acre garden with its woodland and lakeside paths, the Spring Garden and Formal Garden to see the masses of snowdrops and other winter-flowering plants. The surrounding park, arboretum and nearby church are also open.

Colesbourne Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 4 February to 4 March. Gates open at 1 pm. Entry £7.00

Located on the A435 between Cheltenham and Cirencester.

Dogs on leads are welcome. Teas are served by local charities. Plants for sale.

This is National Nestbox Week and spring is not far away, so come and join us at Highnam Woods where we’ll be making nest boxes and have loads of hints and tips for you to try in your garden.  All children must be accompanied please.  11.00 – 2.00pm price £5 per nestbox.

Tel: 01594 562852 or email: Highnam.Woods@rspb.org.uk

With an enchanted wood, choirs and carols, Christmas shopping, seasonal dining and an appearance from Father Christmas himself, 2011’s Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum is sure to be a festive favourite with the whole family.  Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from Friday 25 November to Sunday 18 December this year there’s everything from an illuminated runway, life-sized willow reindeer and trees lit by solar powe, as well as lights you can turn on by singing to them!

From 5pm to 8.30pm with last entry at 7.15pm.  Tickets cost £9 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for children.

Maggie’s Centre in Cheltenham will be the setting for a fun, festive afternoon for all the family on Saturday 10 December 2011, as the spectacular venue plays host to its anticipated Christmas Fair.

Enjoy delicious homemade mulled wine and mince pies, with a highlight of the afternoon event being the chance to meet Santa and receive an early Christmas present.

What’s more by supporting the event, visitors will be helping Maggie’s Cheltenham to provide a unique programme of information, practical and emotional support to people with cancer and their loved ones.

1pm – 5pm  – ticket cost £2 for adults, free of charge for children under 12.

Come and celebrate birdwatching at this special festival at the start of February. Visit our hides to see Slimbridge’s wild reserve at its busiest time of year.

Hear a range of conservation talks from experts and take part in a range of workshops and activities over the weekend.

Our foyer will be packed with stalls selling equipment and great gifts for wildlife lovers.

There will be a special area for children too with arts and craft activites and games and activities for them to enjoy.

Make sure you also drop in on our special commentated wild bird feed in the Peng Observatory to see thousands of birds including our enchanting Bewick’s swans.

Centre is open from 9.30am to 5pm. Normal admission charges. Groups can negotiate special prices by calling Eleanor Wise on 01453 891223

There is a lot more to birding than just identifying birds. Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. Refreshments included. Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk

Time: 8:00 a.m. lasts 4 hours and includes a cup of tea and a bacon roll or scrambled egg on toast.

Cost: £30.00 includes admission

There is a lot more to birding than just identifying birds. Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. Refreshments included. Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk

Time: 8:00 a.m. lasts 4 hours and includes a cup of tea and a bacon roll or scrambled egg on toast.

Cost: £30.00 includes admission