Celebrating its 413th anniversary in 2025, Rober Dover's annual Cotswold Olimpick Games is one of the county's most fascinatingly weird sporting trials, offering a whole bunch of country fun.
When are the Cotswold Olimpick Games in 2025?
Returning in spring, Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games takes place on Friday 30 May 2025 within the natural amphitheatre of Chipping Campden’s Dover’s Hill.
The annual event kicks off just before 7pm with its own opening ceremony, then the sporting events conclude as the sun sets over the Malvern Hills, followed by spectacular fireworks and a torch-lit procession back to Chipping Campden village for the after-party.
What are the Cotswold Olimpick Games?
With a selection of traditional contests, participants can get drenched in the Championship of the Hill race or join a team to pit their strength against each other in the Tug O’War competition.
There's also chance to take part in a short cross-country run and compete for the title of Champion of the Hill, taking on four separate events: the static jump, hammer throw, spurning the barre (an old English version of tossing the caber) and putting the shot.
The day culminates with the iconic shin-kicking event, which is bound to induce plenty of winces from spectators and competitors alike!
As well as the games, there's entertainment from musicians and displays from BMX and Parkour athletes creating an electric atmosphere, plus food stalls offering traditional British fayre to keep you going throughout the day's events.
When did the Cotswold Olimpick Games start?
Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games dates back to the early 1600s, making it a forerunner to the modern Olympics — almost exactly in between the classical games of ancient Greece and the de Courbetin's modern games.
How can I buy tickets or take part in the Cotswold Olimpick Games?
Tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite, but games participants can register on the day.
Please note, for safety reasons, dogs and alcohol are prohibited on site.
Check out SoGlos's round up of some of the county's wackiest events for more quirky Gloucestershire traditions.
