Events taking place in and around Gloucestershire.  These can be included as part of a guided tour with Anne Bartlett - the Gloucestershire Blue Badge Tour Guide 

This list is by no means exhaustive and times and dates can change.  Please check that the event is still taking place if you go independently.  Where possible I have included contact details.

Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland Trust  

Canoe Safaris:
Canoe Safaris are part of Slimbridge's latest exciting attraction which opened as part of the ongoing Splash development project.
Sturdy and stable open canoes provide a unique experience. Take to the water to discover
a wetland trail rich in wildlife and native plant species. Pick up a paddle and step into a canoe for a wonderful wetland adventure.  The Canoe safari is suitable for age 5 and above.

Land Rover Safari:  
Explore the depths of the wild reserve on a Land Rover Safari on selected days from May to October.

See the flamingos:  
There are 6 species of Flamingo at Slimbridge.  There is a talk each day about these birds.

Crane School:  
Visit the crane enclosures where cranes are being hand reared.  A talk takes place at 11.30 & 2.30 every day.

Guided Walks:  
Join knowledgable volunteers for a guided walk around the grounds of Slimbridge Wetland Centre and see its many residents. (walk lasts roughly 1.5 hours). 11am and 2pm

Open for visitors throughout the year from 10.30am - 4pm

Tel:  01453 891900   http://www.wwt.org.uk

Events:
Sunday 11th July,  11.30am - 4pm:  Get Closer Room - An opportunity to handle reptiles including snakes, lizards and tarantulas.
Cost: Free with admission

Tuesday 20th July,  11am - 3pm:  Digiscoping
Learn how to achieve the best from your digiscope.  This course id for those getting started and those wishing to advance their skills.  There is also the opportunity to see some of the latest equipment.
Cost £60.00 (includes lunch)

Sunday 25th July, 7pm:   Gull Watching Special
Reserve Wardens will lead a small group to the Sea Wall at the Wetland Centre, where one of the biggest gull roosts in the South West is situated, and help you to identify up to seven species of gull with differing plumage. Cost: £10
Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email david.bell@wwt.org.uk.

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August: 10am - 4pm Trevor Smith Art Course,
Learn about drawing and painting wildlife from enthusiastic, professional wildlife artist Trevor Smith and receive expert feedback over this two day course.
Cost: £60 (for both days including lunch)
Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email david.bell@wwt.org.uk

Sunday 8th August:  7.30pm The Importance of Being Ernest. 
Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Bring your own picnics for this play set in the beautiful natural setting at Slimbridge performed by local theatre group Rain or Shine. It will go ahead rain or shine – so come prepared for all weather!
Cost: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £7 children
Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email david.bell@wwt.org.uk.

Alternatively if you would like to buy your tickets online click on the following link: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_midlands&query=detail&event=380936

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Westonbirt Arboretum.

Guided Walks
Guided walks take place every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm from Easter to October. They are free of charge after admission. For more in depth knowledge try a themed walk on subjects ranging from Wildflowers to Trees and their History.

Admission prices. Adults £7 Conc. £6 Child £3.  

Holford Heritage Tours:  
A unique opportunity to visit the stunning, Grade1 listed house and grounds of The Holfords (now a private girls school), followed by a tour of the breath-taking National Arboretum.  Learn about the history of the house, the wealth of the Holford family and the legacy displayed in the School and the National Arboretum at Westonbirt.
Advanced booking only.

FLOWER FLORITURE  - Workshop
If you love flowers but have always wondered how to display and arrange them, this is the course for you! For one day only the Floriture Flower School will be running a full day workshop in the glorious Great Oak Hall. The day is divided into two sessions  - with a demonstration in the morning, followed by a ‘hands-on’ workshop in the afternoon. Floriture’s founder, Julie Whitfield, will be leading the event, giving you her insider knowledge built up over many years as a wedding and event florist.
Registration starts at 10am with light refreshments, followed by a demonstration of a large and dramatic ‘spring-themed’ floral display - perfect for those of you who would like to learn the design principals of constructing a large arrangement. A buffet-style lunch will then be provided by Maples restaurant when you can also enjoy some time to learn all that the Arboretum has to offer. After lunch you then get the opportunity create your own spring display using only the highest quality flowers and foliage. And, as with all Floriture workshops, you can take your floral masterpiece home with you to enjoy on the run-up to Easter. From 10am – 4pm.  All flowers/foliage/materials etc are included in the price of £130 per person (inc. lunch)
Booking: Please contact Julie on 07849 195 874 to book your place or email
julie@floriture.com Places are limited so it is advisable to book early
http://www.floriture.com/ 

Canine Partners – Walk - Sunday 9th May.
Starting at 11am. Further details from Gillian Webb. Email gillweb@aol.com

Introduction to T’ai Chi - Wed 12th May & Wed 15th September
An introduction to this gentle, relaxing art. In the Great Oak Hall. Learn a short sequence, or “form”, based around five Chinese elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. No previous experience required. Maximum 12 places. Cost £65 per delegate. Call Graham Anstey on 01225 705642 for more details.

National Osteoporosis Society – Walk- Saturday 5th June
Starting at 11am. Further details from Holly Plumer on 01761 473103

Enchanted Christmas 2010:   26th November - 20th December
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 26th November to 20th December.
Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood and see The National Arboretum lit up at night. See Father Christmas plus lots of other festive excitement - carols from local choirs and bands, roast chestnuts and mulled wine plus a gift shop selling some fantastic gifts and decorations. 

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.   Contact:  Helen Daniels 01666 881200.

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Blenheim Palace:
Opens again for visits on 13th February 2010

Events:
Garden of the Year Award: 13th Feb - 28th March
25th Anniversary Photographic Exhibition

Tel:  01432 355416      www.blenheimpalace.com

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The American Museum Bath
Events
Classic American Quilts - 13th March - 31st October
The museum’s collection of 240 American quilts is acclaimed as the finest of its type in Europe and the equal of many premier collections in the United States.  Ranging from the 18th to early 20th centuries, these exuberant works of art and craft are visually bold, technically assured and often proudly patriotic. A new, illustrated book about the quilt collection will be on sale.
For further information:  http://www.americanmuseum.org/ or tel: 01225 460503
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Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

Exhibitions:  

http://www.cheltenham.artgallery.museum/  http://www.artsandcraftsmuseum.org.uk/ 
or tel: 01242 237431 for further information

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Cheltenham Festivals:

Jazz Festival:                            28th April - 3rd May
Science Festival:                       9th - 13th June
Music Festival:                         2nd - 17th July
Greenbelt Festival:                    27th - 30th August
Literature Festival:                    8th - 17th October

Cheltenham Racecourse :
Cheltenham has 17 days of racing spread over 8 fixtures each season. 
The Festival                            16th to 19th March
The April Meeting                   14th to 16th April
Hunter Chase Evening             5th May
The Showcase                        15th - 16th October
The Open                               12th - 13th - 14th November 
The International                     10th - 11th December.
The Festival in 2011 will be on 15th to 18th March.

http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk/

The Gloucestershire Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is Europe's largest free festival of history, architecture and culture.
Make sure you put this year's dates in the diary; the event will take place from the 9th  - 12th September 2010.

www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

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Cheese Rolling 2010:   (A famous Gloucestershire Event)
Monday 31st May 2010 at 12.00 Coopers Hill. GL3 4SB
Enjoy the mad tradition of trying to catch A Double Gloucester Cheese as it rolls down a hill.
Admission:
The event is free for spectators to attend. An official car park on the hill does carry a charge, with income paying expenses for the event. Charity donations are also collected during the day’s festivities.
From Gloucester, travel through Hucclecote and Brockworth until you reach the ‘Cross Hands Roundabout’. Take a right onto Painswick Road, head up the hill and follow signs pointing to the Cheese Rolling.

www.cheese-rolling.co.uk

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Cotswold Olimpick Games 2010:   (A famous ancient custom dating back to 1612)
Friday evening 4th June: Starts on the hill at 7.30p.m. About 9.30pm Bonfire and fireworks followed by a torchlit procession back into Chipping Campden for music and dancing in the square. Entry charge: £2.50
Scuttlebrook Wake:
Saturday afternoon 5th June: Procession of Scuttlebrook Queen and her crowning ceremony in the Square. Decorated floats, fancy dress and children dancing round the maypole.  Street Fair.
www.olimpickgames.co.uk

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Woolsack Races, Tetbury 2010:   (A famous ancient custom) 
31st May:  Teams of 4 people run in relays carrying a 60lb woolsack (35lbs for ladies) up and down Gumstool Hill - gradient 1 in 4.  Races go back to 17th century, some say it goes back to the Drovers showing off to their girlfriends. Street Fair takes place in the town centre. 
Enquiries 01666 503552   www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk

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Severn Bore Wave 2010:   Best bore waves this year are on 

For timetable for seeing the bore waves at the following places -  Newham, Severn Bore Inn, Minsterworth, Stonebench and Over Bridge look at website:
www.severn-bore.co.uk.

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*Hidcote Manor Gardens nr Chipping Campden:
Open:  Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat and Sun.  10am - 5pm

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Bourton-on-the-Water:   Football in the River.  On the banks of the River Windrush
Monday 30th August:  Fete from 11am,  football kick off 4pm

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*Winchcombe County Show:  Winchcombe School, Greet Road, Winchcombe.

An afternoon of fun and activities at Winchcombe Country Show, celebrating its 60th year.  In addition to a traditional Flower Show in the marquee which includes flower, vegetable, fruit, cookery, handicraft and junior competitions there are activities to suit all tastes during the day. Attractions this year include terrier racing, a magician, a parade of vintage tractors, street entertainers, a dog show, morris dancers, childrens corner, falconry display, clay  pigeon shoot , delicious home made refreshments and lots lots more.  
Enquiries:  www.winchcombe.co.uk/countryshow/

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*20th September 2010 - Clypping Ceremony
St Mary's Church, Painswick. This is held on Feast Sunday, the Sunday after Feast of Nativity of St Mary. The church is 'clypped' or embraced by parishioners while the 'Clypping Hymn' is sung. This ceremony is said to symbolise the parishioners' love of their church. This Feast Day was once notorious in Painswick for riotous behaviour and for 'Puppy-dog pies' said to have been baked by a publican desperate for meat to feed the visiting crowds. This is still celebrated by baking china dogs into pies and cakes sold on the day.

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Gloucester Cathedral:
Get up close to the Great East Window with our Face to Face exhibition!
The exhibition is located in the tribune gallery and shows you how and why the window was made and explains how this amazing medieval work of art managed to survive for 650 years.
Walking around the gallery enables you to view the window much closer than you can from the ground, and also lets you experience the Whispering Gallery which is great fun for children and adults alike.

Admission £2.00. Accompanied children free.

Tel:  01452 528095   http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/  

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Gatcombe Horse Trials.  
This event takes place at Gatcombe Park the home of Princess Anne and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships.  As well as a weekend of top class eventing there will be a shopping village, arena attractions and entertainment for all the family.

www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk/

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Events at The Corinium Museum, Cirencester.  

For further information:  Tel:  01285 655611      www.coriniummuseum.co.uk

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Prescott Hill Climb (nr Cheltenham )  (home of the Bugatti Club of GB)

29 & 30 May 2010                         La Vie en Bleu [French Invited Clubs] 
                                                          Our celebration of fine French automobiles 
26 & 27 June 2010                        Midsummer Speed Fest
                                                           Cars, cavalcades & strawberries on the lawns
7 & 8 August 2010                        Vintage Sports Car Club Weekend
                                                           Start of the 75th Anniversary celebrations
4 & 5 September  2010                British Championships Weekend  
                                                          The Precott Gold Cup and title decider?
2 & 3 October 2010                      The Autumn Classic  
                                                          Mellow motoring magic

Tel:  01242 673136.     www.prescott-hillclimb.com

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Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations 2010, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April:  Many free events take place during the weekend at different venues around Stratford such as Street Theatre, Morris Men, Children's Country Dancing, Marching Bands.
A procession starts from Shakespeare's birthplace to Holy Trinity Church for the unfurling of flags and the laying of floral tributes.
For further information:
The secretary, The Shakespeare's birthday celebrations - 01789 415536 www.shakespeare.co.uk/birthday.html

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The Three Choirs Festival 2010:   Saturday 7th - 15th August
Is in Gloucester this year.
The Three Choirs Festival, has been held each year since the early eighteenth century, it rotates between the three great cathedral cities of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford and is one of the world’s oldest classical choral music festivals.
Telephone Bookings:  01452 381638
Email:  http://www.3choirs.org/

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Berkeley Castle:

Berkeley Show – A typical Country Show and the highlight of the agricultural year in the Vale of Berkeley. This show, now in its 108th Year, is a great day out for any family wanting to see the beating heart of the countryside - show Jumping and a visit by the hounds of the Berkeley Hunt and much much more.

Christmas in a Norman Castle - 4th - 6th December:   
The castle is d ecorated for Christmas and children can meet with Father Christmas.


To book ring 020 7281 7647 or visit - www.berkeley-castle.com

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Sudeley Castle:
Rose Week                                  21st - 27th June
Lace Making Demonstrations       26th July - 8th Aug
NGS Open Days                          1st Oct
Halloween Event                          31st Oct

www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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Rococo Gardens:    Opens 10th January 2010 for its famous displays of snowdrops

Meet the Head Gardener:  Every 1st Wednesday in the month from April - October from 2.00pm. 
A chance to walk around the Garden with Chris Hitchcock the Head Gardener. A great opportunity to view the Garden and learn about its history and maintenance. Normal admission will apply. Whilst booking is not essential, spaces cannot be guaranteed for those turning up on the day.

www.rococogarden.org.uk

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Highnam Court Gardens:
24th April 2010    -  Highnam Court Spring Fair in aid of the Pied Piper Appeal

www.highnamcourt.co.uk
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The Three Counties Showground, Malvern
Long regarded as the region’s rural showcase, and still its biggest annual event, the Three Counties Show is a celebration of British food and farming at its very best.
Boasting the real cream of Britain’s pedigree livestock, including rare breeds, it also features a crop of farming displays, together with tasty regional produce, rural crafts, country pursuits, quality shopping and action-packed entertainment.

6th - 9th May 2010 - Malvern Spring show

18th - 20th June 2010 - Three Counties Show

For full list of all the events at the Showground month by month visit their website:: http://www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties/index.html      

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Gloucestershire Tea:

A special limited edition ‘Gloucestershire Tea’ will be on the menu in 50 cafés, tea shops and tourist attractions across the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean.

Embracing all that is Gloucestershire, this unique tea blend has a warm, welcoming character, perfect for a reviving cuppa when out and about during the school holidays.

The tea has been created for the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean tourism industry, as part of a campaign to celebrate and support the great diversity of events and attractions in the region — many of which have weathered the storms of the summer with spirit and determination.

Sarah Taylor, from the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean Destination Management Organisation (DMO) explains: “Whatever visitors have planned for a day out — from visiting an ancient cathedral, to hiking in the Forest, ‘drinking in the views’, taking the kids on an adventure or trawling the shops — refreshments will feature somewhere in the day. So creating our own Gloucestershire Tea for a reviving cuppa seemed like a great way to say that we think this area is very special — and we hope our day-trippers do too.”

Cheltenham
Moka, Suffolk Parade, tel 01242 263646
Curious Cafe and Bistro, Bath Road, tel 01242 226854
Cafe Museum, Art Gallery and Museum, tel 01242 775718
Thatchers, Montpellier Street, tel 01242 584150
Tiffins, Montpellier Walk, tel 01242 222492
Queens Hotel, The Promenade, tel 0870 4008107
Cafe Everyman, Regent Street, tel 01242 572532
Badger Towers, Hales Road, tel 01242 522583
The Cotswolds
Ann Willow Tea Room, Stow-on-the-Wold, tel 01451 830000
Badgers Hall, Chipping Campden, tel 01386 840839
Blades Cafe, Northleach, tel 01451 860715
Small Talk Tea Rooms, Bourton-on-the-Water, tel 01451 821596
Tilly's Tea Room, Moreton-in-Marsh, tel 01608 650000
The Polly Tearooms, Marlborough, tel 01285 656362
Hodges Cafe, Lechlade Garden Centre, tel 01367 254100
Gloucester
Cathedral Coffee Shop, tel 01452 527701
National Waterways Museum, tel 01452 318209
The Place, Guildhall, tel 01452 396378
Lilys, College Court, tel 01452 307060
Caffe Roma, Westgate Street, tel 01452 520531
The Comfy Pew, College Street, tel 01452 524296
Sweet Success Tearooms, St John's Lane, tel 01452 383893
Nature in Art, Twigworth, tel 01452 731422
Stroud Valleys
Cardynham House, Painswick, tel 01452 814006
Rococo Gardens, Painswick, tel 01452 813204
Mills Cafe, Withy's Yard, Stroud, tel 01453 813204
Woodruffs, High Street, Stroud, tel 07877 819304
The Bay Tree, Stonehouse, tel 01453 822288
Hobbs House Bakery, Nailsworth, tel 01453 839396
Mcquiggs, Wootton under Edge, tel 01453 844108
Perfect Blend, Berkeley, tel 01453 810088
The Courtyard Cafe, Dursley, tel 01453 544246
Tewkesbury
The Aubergine, Church Street, Tewkesbury, tel 01684 292703
Abbey Refectory, Tewkesbury, tel 01684 273736
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, tel 01684 295074
Melanie's Cafe, Tewkesbury, tel 01684 274433
The Old Tea House, Winchcombe, tel 01242 602366
Norths Bakery, Bishops Cleeve, tel 01242 672658
Cleeve Hill Golf Club, Cleeve Hill, tel 01242 672025

For a full list of venues serving Gloucestershire Tea, visit http://www.cotswolds.com/ or http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/