July is bursting with things to look forward to in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, covering everything from pool parties and medieval battle re-enactments to insanely Instagrammable flower fields.
SoGlos has scoured the county’s events calendar for 10 of the most unmissable things to do this month — whether you’re looking for family fun, or a night out with friends.
Wander through the famous Confetti Flower Field
One of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque highlights, the colourful Confetti Flower Field on the Wyke Manor Estate near Pershore is welcoming snap-happy visitors back from Friday 28 June to Sunday 7 July 2024.
The pastel pink and vibrant purple flowers make an Insta-worthy backdrop for family photos, while those planning a wedding can even pick up some harvested petal confetti to throw on their big day.
Attend a Cotswold pool party at Cowley Manor
Who needs a beach club when you've got Cowley Manor? The boutique Cotswold hotel is celebrating the launch of its new pool bar with an open invite to its first poolside party of the season on Saturday 13 July 2024.
Soak up the holiday vibes by the pool, sipping cocktails mixed with Citadelle Gin and Plantation Rum, with live music from DJs on the decks — and best of all, it's free to attend, with everyone welcome.
Prepare for battle at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
A must for history buffs and avid Game of Thrones fans, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is giving people the chance to step into the War of the Roses on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2024.
Choose to back Lancaster or York, as re-enactors charge onto the battlefield, recreating the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury; and get a taste for medieval life, browsing market stalls, trying your hand at archery or hitting the beer tent for a tankard or two.
See world-class flying displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the Royal International Air Tattoo, soaring back to RAF Fairford on Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July 2024.
Dubbed ‘the greatest show on earth — and in the air’, visitors can expect to see hours of impressive aerial acrobatics each day, with opportunities to get close to all kinds of aircraft, meet RAF personnel and explore interactive exhibits, with entertainment for the whole family.
See incredible street art during Cheltenham Paint Festival
Bringing more than 100 street artists to Cheltenham, the town's legendary Paint Festival returns on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July 2024.
With big walls and buildings being painted live across Cheltenham, see blank spaces transformed into vibrant murals and works of art — with a digital map and audio guide to help visitors find all the amazing artwork.
Discover a brand-new summer festival in the Cotswolds
The newest addition to Gloucestershire's festival calendar, Cotswold Fest takes over South Cerney Airfield for a laid-back weekend of live music, tasty eats and family activities from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July 2024.
Celebrating all things local, there's food from The Cotswold Chippy, Hawkstone Brewery pints from Kaleb Cooper's boozy horse box and more — not to mention a giant ferris wheel, 50-foot inflatable obstacle course AND a fireworks display to round it all off.
Rock out at Westonbirt Arboretum for Forest Live
Fresh from Glastonbury, pop star Anne-Marie takes to the stage at Westonbirt Arboretum this month, as Forest Live returns for a spectacular showcase of live music from Thursday 4 to Friday 12 July 2024.
There's also gigs from Cheltenham Jazz Festival curator Gregory Porter, The Corrs and Van Morrison — with Nile Rodgers & CHIC closing the festival, supported by 'Murder on the Dancefloor' sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Relax in Stroud's new wellness garden
Burleigh Court is due to open its new 'nature spa' this month, offering euphoric Nordic Cycle Therapy — where you spend 20 minutes in the steamy sauna, followed by a cold dip in its lovingly restored plunge pool — and a hot tub with sensational views across the Stroud Valley.
It's a real bargain too, welcoming visitors free of charge as long as they spend a minimum of £20 per person in the restaurant or book in for a massage in the treatment hut.
See First look: Stroud's new wellness garden with Nordic sauna and hot tub with a view for more details.
Visit the newly reopened Dr Foster in Gloucester
Reopening with a fresh new concept on Friday 12 July 2024, Gloucester's iconic dockside pub, Dr Foster, is back after being purchased by Hereford restaurant group, A Rule of Tum.
Promising a proper day-to-night experience in a prime waterside spot, the new gastropub serves everything from baked eggs for brunch washed down with coffee, to hearty pub grub, cask ales and cocktails. Cheers to that!
Enjoy free live music throughout Tewkesbury
Music lovers won't want to miss Tewkesbury Live, a free annual music festival that brings live performances from local bands and artists to pubs across the town from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July 2024.
Grab a pint and tune into everything from soul and blues to pop and punk rock, with plenty of artists bringing original material to the stage, as well as cover bands blasting well-known tunes. Plus, brand-new for this year, there's an outdoor stage at The Boathouse for all the festival vibes.
