Winter events in the Cotswolds offer a wonderful opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the country at its most magical. From Christmas markets and festive celebrations to illuminated trails, historic houses, countryside walks and cosy village pubs, there is plenty to discover throughout the winter months.
The quieter season is a perfect time to explore the Cotswolds, with charming villages, scenic landscapes and local attractions offering memorable experiences away from the summer crowds. Whether you are planning a festive day out, a romantic winter escape or a relaxing countryside break, the Cotswolds has something special to offer.
Located in the picturesque village of Bledington, The King’s Head Inn is ideally placed for exploring many of the area’s most popular winter events and attractions. After a day discovering the Cotswolds, return to enjoy seasonal dishes, local ales, carefully selected wines and a warm welcome in our traditional pub.
For details of our accommodation, visit HERE. To reserve a table in our restaurant, visit HERE.
We have created this guide to some of our favourite winter events and things to do in the Cotswolds, helping you plan a memorable visit throughout the festive season and beyond.
Explore Winter in the Cotswolds
Discover some of our favourite winter events and things to do in the Cotswolds, from Christmas markets and festive experiences to countryside walks and cosy seasonal breaks.
- Christmas Markets & Festive Events
- Christmas Lights & Seasonal Experiences
- Historic Houses & Christmas Experiences
- Family Winter Days Out
- Winter Walks & Countryside Adventures
- Cosy Cotswolds Breaks
Christmas Markets & Festive Events 2026
Christmas markets and festive events take place throughout the Cotswolds from November into December, with larger events running over several weeks alongside individual village markets, late-night shopping evenings and Christmas celebrations.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market – Woodstock
13 November – 20 December 2026
Set within the grounds of one of England’s most famous palaces, the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market offers a wonderful festive experience with independent traders, seasonal food and Christmas atmosphere.
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market – Moreton-in-Marsh
28 November 2026
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market brings festive stalls, food, gifts and Christmas atmosphere to the historic market town, making it an easy winter day out from Bledington.
Broadway Christmas Market & Late Night Shopping – Broadway
27 November & 4 December 2026
Broadway’s late-night Christmas shopping evenings bring festive lights, late opening, seasonal entertainment and Christmas atmosphere to the village, with shops and businesses taking part in the celebrations.
Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas Events – Bourton-on-the-Water
27 November 2026
Bourton-on-the-Water’s Christmas celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, with carols, festive entertainment and shops staying open late. The famous Christmas tree in the River Windrush remains in place throughout the festive season.
Winchcombe Christmas Festival & Market – Winchcombe
3 December 2026
Winchcombe’s Christmas Festival and Market features more than 50 stalls, festive food, live music and Christmas entertainment. The Christmas Shopping Trail takes place the following day.
Cirencester Christmas Market – Cirencester
5 December 2026
A traditional Cotswolds Christmas market featuring local traders, festive food, gifts and seasonal entertainment in the historic market town.
Chipping Campden Christmas Market – Chipping Campden
5 December 2026
Chipping Campden’s Christmas Market brings festive stalls, food, gifts and Christmas activities to one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful historic towns.
Cheltenham Christmas Events – Cheltenham
Cheltenham offers a fantastic range of festive activities including Christmas markets, shopping, entertainment and seasonal events throughout the Christmas period.
Event dates can change, so check with the organiser before travelling.
Christmas Lights & Seasonal Experiences
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail – Woodstock
Experience the magic of Christmas as the palace grounds are transformed with thousands of lights, music and spectacular seasonal displays.
Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas – Tetbury
A beautiful winter evening experience through one of Britain’s most famous arboretums, with impressive lighting displays and a magical atmosphere.
Sudeley Castle Christmas Events – Winchcombe
Enjoy festive decorations, seasonal activities and the unique atmosphere of this historic Cotswolds castle.
Cotswold Garden Centre Christmas Experiences
Many Cotswolds garden centres offer festive displays, Christmas shopping and seasonal activities for visitors of all ages.
Historic Houses & Christmas Experiences
Snowshill Manor Christmas Events – Broadway
Discover a historic Cotswolds property decorated for the festive season, offering a unique glimpse into Christmas traditions of the past.
Sezincote House Christmas Events – Moreton-in-Marsh
Visit this extraordinary country house near Moreton-in-Marsh and enjoy its unique architecture and seasonal events.
Berkeley Castle Christmas Events – Berkeley
Step back in time with festive activities and Christmas experiences at this historic Gloucestershire castle.
Dyrham Park Winter Events – Near Bath
Explore this beautiful historic estate during the quieter winter months with seasonal walks and countryside views.
Family Winter Days Out
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Specials – Toddington
A favourite Christmas experience for families, with festive steam train journeys and visits from Santa.
Cotswold Farm Park Christmas Events – Kineton
A family-friendly winter attraction with seasonal activities and countryside experiences.
Cotswold Wildlife Park – Burford
A wonderful year-round attraction and a great winter day out with fewer crowds and plenty to discover.
Cotswold Falconry Centre – Moreton-in-Marsh
Enjoy spectacular birds of prey displays and countryside experiences during the peaceful winter months.
Winter Walks & Countryside Adventures
Bledington & The Evenlode Valley Winter Walks
Explore beautiful local countryside directly from The King’s Head Inn, with scenic routes through the Cotswolds followed by a welcoming pub lunch or drink.
The Slaughters & Bourton-on-the-Water Winter Walks
Discover some of the most picturesque Cotswolds villages during the peaceful winter months, when the countryside takes on a different charm.
Broadway Tower Winter Walk
Enjoy stunning views across the Cotswolds with a refreshing countryside walk to one of the area’s most famous landmarks.
Cosy Cotswolds Breaks
A Winter Break at The King’s Head Inn, Bledington
After exploring Christmas markets, countryside walks and local attractions, return to The King’s Head Inn for seasonal food, local drinks and a comfortable overnight stay in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Whether you are planning a festive escape, a romantic winter break or a countryside getaway, The King’s Head Inn is the perfect base for discovering the Cotswolds during the winter months.
Plan Your Winter Break in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a wonderful place to visit during the winter months, with beautiful villages, festive events, scenic walks and welcoming pubs offering plenty to enjoy throughout the season.
After a day exploring Christmas markets, discovering local attractions or walking through the countryside, return to The King’s Head Inn in Bledington for great food, local drinks and a warm welcome.
Our traditional Cotswolds pub is the perfect base for a winter escape, whether you are planning a festive break, a romantic getaway or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds at a quieter time of year.
View Our Accommodation Reserve A TableLooking for more things to do at other times of the year? Explore our guide to Summer Events in the Cotswolds.
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