The historic Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe has a packed programme of events taking place throughout the summer holidays, with the 1,000-year-old castle providing a spectacular backdrop for everything from falconry experiences to outdoor opera shows.
As well as the gorgeous gardens, huge adventure playground, Animal Ark trail and VR experience to explore, SoGlos rounds up the highlights from its summer events programme...
70s Sundays at Sudeley Castle
Celebrating 50 years as chatelaine of Sudeley Castle, 70s Sundays are taking place from Sunday 28 July until Sunday 1 September 2024, transporting the castle back to when Lady Ashcombe first arrived at Sudeley.
Visitors can see everything from Dr Who to the Magic Mystery Machine, plus Wookiees, Jedi and a Storm Trooper or two, as well as discovering the classic cars, iconic films and games that were all the rage back in the day. There's plenty for kids to do, too, with three-wheel bubble cars and giant games to enjoy.
Knight School at Sudeley Castle
Every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the school holidays, from Wednesday 24 July until Thursday 29 August 2024, tiny knights and princesses in training are invited to join Sudeley Castle's Knight School.
Kids from across the kingdom are encouraged to dress up for their day out, as they take on a series of themed quests and activities at the 1,000-year-old castle — with activities included within the price of admission.
Falconry at Sudeley Castle
Get up close to majestic birds of prey at Sudeley Castle this summer, with falconry experiences taking place every Tuesday and Thursday, included with the price of admission.
Ideal for nature lovers of all ages, the sessions are running from Tuesday 23 July until Thursday 29 August 2024, when visitors can watch falcons in flight, swooping, diving and showing off their acrobatic skills — and even have the birds land on them, making for a fantastic photo opportunity!
Outdoor theatre at Sudeley Castle
Wild Arts Opera comes to Sudeley Castle for the very first time on Wednesday 24 July 2024, with an alfresco performance of opera classics and favourites sung by rising stars on the scene, accompanied by a string quartet. Ideal for anyone who's never experienced opera before, this Royal Opera House-level show tells an epic love story through music, in a relaxed and accessible way. Gates open at 5pm for picnics on the lawn, with the performance starting at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £40 for adults and £10 for under 18s.
Then on Sunday 18 August 2024, The Duke's Theatre Company brings Shakespeare's 'most quoted' comedy to the castle with its brand-new production of As You Like It promising music, mayhem and mistaken identities. Set against the backdrop of the Richard III ruins on Mulberry Lawn, this show proves that the Bard was right and 'all the world’s a stage!' — with tickets costing £18.50 for adults aged 16 to 64; £16.50 for under 16s and over 65s; or £45 for families of two adults and two children, plus booking fee.
Festivals at Sudeley Castle this summer
Transforming Sudeley Castle's grounds and gardens into a magical wonderland, Fantasy Forest Festival takes place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July 2024. Cosplayers, LAARPers, medieval re-enactors and fantasy fans from across the country pack Sudeley's historic grounds for the three-day event, which features daily costume shows, a wicker fire ceremony, Lightsaber academy, burlesque performances, live music and even belly dancing workshops, as well as the UK's largest fantasy market.
Tickets for Fantasy Forest Festival 2024 are sold out, but hopefuls can join the waiting list on the festival's website.
