There is an undeniable magic to the Cotswolds when the sun shines. The iconic honey-coloured stone cottages glow under clear blue skies, the rolling hills turn a vibrant emerald green, and the historic market towns come alive with outdoor markets and al fresco dining.
While our team at Three Counties Christmas is best known for transforming this beautiful region into a winter wonderland, we know that the charm of the Cotswolds is a year-round affair.
Here is our ultimate guide to experiencing the very best of a Cotswolds summer.
Iconic Villages & Their Summer Splendour
The famous towns of the region take on a completely different, yet equally enchanting, character during the summer months.
Bourton-on-the-Water’s Sunny Riverbanks
In December, visitors flock here to see the famous festive tree standing proudly in the middle of the River Windrush. During the summer, those same cool waters become the perfect place to paddle or enjoy an ice cream along the shaded, grassy banks. The low stone bridges offer a picture-perfect view of the village clad in summer greenery.
Broadway’s Golden High Street
Broadway is renowned for its wide, elegant High Street. In the summer, the beautiful independent boutiques and galleries open their doors wide, and outdoor café tables line the pavements. It is the ultimate destination for a leisurely afternoon of luxury shopping, framed by stunning floral hanging baskets and perfectly manicured stone frontages.
Stow-on-the-Wold & Chipping Campden
These historic market towns offer an authentic taste of country life. Their historic market squares, which host bustling festive events in the winter, are equally vibrant in the summer with local farmers' markets, antique fairs, and independent craft shops.
The Best Summer Events
Summer in the region is a celebration of nature, heritage, and community, offering spectacular outdoor events.
Cirencester’s Vibrant Summer Markets
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester’s market square is a hub of activity all through the summer. From regular artisan markets to specialized food festivals, it is a fantastic place to sample local cheeses, fresh produce, and handmade goods from local creators.
Westonbirt Arboretum in Full Leaf
While the winter light trail at Westonbirt is a sensory delight, a summer visit allows you to experience the arboretum’s world-renowned tree collection in its full, leafy glory. The canopy provides a cool, tranquil escape, perfect for family walks, picnics, and spotting rare wildlife.
Cheltenham’s Summer Festivals
Just a short distance from the quiet villages, Cheltenham offers a sophisticated urban escape. The summer months bring world-class events to the Montpellier district, including food festivals, music events, and open-air theatre, all set against the backdrop of stunning Regency architecture.
Summer Feasting: A Culinary Tour
No summer day out is complete without indulging in the incredible local food and drink scene, particularly the region's famous pub gardens and terraces.
Sun-Drenched Pub Gardens
The Bell, Sapperton
A cosy retreat by the fire in winter, this classic pub transforms into a summer paradise with its gorgeous, hidden courtyard garden. It is the ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing local ale or a crisp glass of wine after a countryside walk.
The Crown, Cirencester
Located right in the heart of town, this welcoming local favourite features a wonderful outdoor area. It is perfect for an al fresco lunch or a relaxed evening drink with friends, and four-legged companions are always welcome.
The Close, Tetbury
This beautiful town-house hotel boasts stunning walled gardens that feel completely removed from the outside world. It is a spectacular setting for a summer lunch or evening drinks following a trip to Westonbirt.
Charming Tea Rooms & Cafés
Broadway Deli, Broadway
A must-visit destination for food lovers, this deli features a fantastic outdoor seating area where you can watch the world go by while enjoying fresh salads, artisan sandwiches, and exceptional coffee.
Hunter’s of Broadway Restaurant & Tea Room
The delightful hidden courtyard of this period stone building comes into its own during the summer, offering an intimate, sunlit space for a traditional afternoon cream tea.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, Chipping Campde
For a touch of luxury, enjoy a beautifully prepared afternoon tea overlooking the gorgeous, tranquil hotel gardens.
Fine Dining & Chef’s Tables
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach
Focusing on rustic, simple dishes made with the finest seasonal British ingredients, their summer menus celebrate fresh, local produce enjoyed in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
MO at Dormy House, Farncombe
For an unforgettable culinary experience, this exclusive 12-seat chef’s table offers a spectacular multi-course tasting menu that highlights sustainable, seasonal ingredients in innovative ways.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
Experience world-class, zero-waste fine dining that incorporates fresh vegetables and herbs grown right in the hotel’s own kitchen garden, alongside honey from their on-site beehives.
Golden Hour Walks & Countryside Strolls
The rolling hills offer some of the finest walking trails in the United Kingdom, made even better by the long, warm summer evenings.
Broadway Tower
A walk up to this historic landmark rewards you with panoramic views spanning up to sixteen counties, looking particularly breathtaking as the sun sets over the golden hills.
Cleeve Hill
As the highest point in the region, Cleeve Hill offers vast, open spaces and dramatic views, ideal for a breezy summer hike or a peaceful sunset picnic.
Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter
This gentle riverside path connects two of the area's most beautiful villages, leading you past historic mills, stone bridges, and fields of summer wildflowers.
Bibury and the River Coln
Take a slow stroll past the iconic Arlington Row cottages, enjoying the clear waters of the river and the vibrant summer blooms that frame the historic stone architecture.
Cotswolds Summer 2026: Key Dates for Your Diary
The summer event calendar is packed with incredible food, science, and cultural milestones. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or managing a busy local venue, these are the essential dates to save for the months ahead.
Cheltenham Science Festival (2–7 June 2026)
Transforming Cheltenham into a playground of curiosity, this world-renowned festival brings together big thinkers, scientists, and tech innovators. With a brilliant mix of ticketed debates and free interactive street zones, it is a fantastic week for curious minds of all ages.
Blenheim Palace Festival (27 June–4 July 2026)
A massive new addition to the calendar for 2026. The stunning Great Court at Blenheim Palace will host incredible open-air evening concerts with a world-class lineup including Alanis Morissette, Katy Perry, and Michael Bublé. It is set to be the standout luxury entertainment event of the summer.
The Cotswold Show & Food Festival (4–5 July 2026)
Held in the spectacular grounds of Cirencester Park, this historic event celebrates the very best of rural country life. Expect an amazing mix of traditional agricultural displays, falconry, livestock competitions, and a massive food hall packed with artisan Cotswold produce.
Wilderness Festival (30 July–2 August 2026)
Cornbury Park near Chipping Norton hosts this famous four-day celebration of escapism and wholesome hedonism. Blending top-tier music acts with wellness workshops, open-air theatre, and world-class banquet dining experiences, it is the ultimate boutique festival experience.
The Big Feastival (28–30 August 2026)
The ultimate summer bank holiday blowout takes place at Alex James’ farm in Kingham. With a music lineup featuring Basement Jaxx, The Streets, and Bastille alongside Michelin-star live cooking demos, it is the absolute peak of the region's summer food and music scene.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to call this beautiful region home, the warmer months are all about making unforgettable memories in stunning surroundings.
From Summer Sunshine to Winter Magic
Now that we have mapped out your perfect summer, what about the festive season?
It might feel early to think about twinkling fairy lights and grand spruce garlands while enjoying the May sunshine, but for our team at Three Counties Christmas, this is our most critical time of year. There is a beautiful symmetry between the seasons here. The very same stately grounds, boutique hotels, and historic pub gardens hosting sun-drenched parties in July are the spaces we transform into dazzling, light-filled winter wonderlands come November.
The most breathtaking winter displays at the region's premium hotels, local pubs, and luxury private estates are all meticulously planned right now, during these quieter mid-year months. For our commercial clients especially, this period is crucial for finalising winter marketing plans. Securing your lighting design and installation team during the first half of summer guarantees that as your guests move from summer festival terraces to cosy winter bars, the visual transition is seamless, professional and breathtaking.
Our eight-week winter installation window is tight, and our diary traditionally fills up long before the autumn leaves begin to fall. By collaborating with us now, you can cross holiday décor off your to-do list before the summer rush even begins. We handle the entire process for your home or business, from bespoke design and expert installation to post-festive takedown and storage, leaving you free to enjoy the sunshine.
If you want your property or business to stand out this holiday season, the time to start the conversation is now.
Contact Paul and Ali at Three Counties Christmas today to discuss your residential or commercial installation before our summer diary closes.
Share this post: