What We’re Looking Forward To In The Cotswolds This May
May is one of those months when the Cotswolds really comes into its own; longer days, gardens in full bloom, and a calendar that suddenly feels wonderfully full. As we ease into late spring, we’re especially excited about a handful of standout events that capture the spirit of the season: from the magic of Giffords Circus, to a charming Seedling Swap at Asthall Manor. There are also some unforgettable food and hands-on experiences to look forward to, including a cosy supper club at The Bull in Charlbury, a beautifully fragrant rose workshop with David Austin at Daylesford, and a vibrant mezze cooking class at Thyme. Here’s everything we’re most looking forward to this May.
Seeding Swap at Asthall Manor
Asthall Manor, located in Burford is a gorgeous old manor house that was once owned by The Mitford family. Asthall Manor holds many charming events throughout the year, and on Sunday 3rd May at 2.30pm, they are hosting a seedling swap; you can take home some of Asthall’s spare seedlings, and you can also give away any spare seedlings you might have. A bonus is that this wholesome event is free and no tickets are required!
Supper Club at The Bull, Charlbury
The Bull, Charlbury are well known for their excellent food, and it’s one of the restaurants we always recommend to friends coming to stay in The Cotswolds. Every now and again, The Bull bring in a special guest chef to host a supper club, and on Wednesday 20th May, Executive Chef Masaki Sugisaki from Dinings SW3 is making his way up to The Cotswolds to bring us delectable Japanese-fusion delights. A 6 course tasting menu will be on offer, with delicacies such as hand dived scallops, and matcha and white chocolate ice cream gracing the menu. Snap up your tickets for £110 per person.
Blenheim Palace Food Festival
This year, Blenheim Palace Food Festival runs from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May, and entrance to the festival is free with your usual Blenheim tickets or annual pass. Expect a fantastic line up of famous chefs hosting live cooking demos and Q&As, plus a huge range of delicious street food to try, as well as farm shop stalls and artisan kitchenware stalls to peruse.
Rose Workshop With David Austin
A wonderful event to attend if you’re a keen gardener like we are; this rose workshop at Daylesford is hosted by David Austin’s expert team and is dedicated to the art of growing roses. The event is being held 2.30pm-4.30pm on Wednesday 27th May at Daylesford Farm, and will cover everything you need to know about planting, pruning and feeding these gorgeous blooms. Tickets cost £75, which includes your very own David Austin rose which you get to take home with you!
Mezze Cooking Class At Thyme
Thyme hotel, located in Southrop host a plethora of cooking events each month, and this month, one which stood out to us is their Mezze workshop on Friday 15th May. How wonderful to learn how to harness the incredible flavours of the Middle East in your cooking! You’ll get to make dishes such as yogurt flatbreads with classic middle eastern dips, as well as koftes and and falafels. You’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour within the charming olive garden if the weather is good.
Giffords Circus At Blenheim Palace
Giffords Circus is a wonderful family-friendly circus show which travels around the UK throughout the year. From 8th May to 18th May, they will be located within the ground of Blenheim Palace, and we thoroughly recommend you snag some tickets. This year’s show is called Waterfield, and is inspired by the beauty of the English countryside and the creatures that call it home. We couldn’t think of a more magical theme!
Flower Full Moon At Daylesford
If you’re into the more ‘woo-woo’ pass-times such as the moon and sound baths like I am, this event will be right up your street! The flower full moon rises in May and marks a shift in the seasons. This event celebrates that shift with an evening of breathwork, a cacoa meditation, guided journalling and a sound bath session. This grounding and peaceful event is going to be held at Daylesford Farm, and tickets are £45.
How To Age With Liz Earle
Beauty and wellness entrepreneur Liz Earle is hosting an incredible event at Thyme hotel on Friday 29th May to celebrate the release of her new book; How to Age: Supercharge Your Health and Feel Better Than Ever. The event begins with refreshments from 10am, followed by a talk by Liz all about the topic of ageing, which is then followed up with a Q&A session and lunch in either The Ox Barn or at The Swan. Tickets cost £72, but that includes £30 off your lunch bill.
Elderflower Foraging Day At The Pig Near Bath
If you’re in the South of the Cotswolds and you happen to be free on Thursday 21st May, join forager Tom Radford at The Pig Near Bath for a day celebrating elderflower. The day involves a foarging walk where you’ll gather basket-loads of fragrant elderflowers, followed by an elderflower workshop, and finishing off with a delicious lunch involving (you guessed it) elderflower, plus a whole host of other seasonal ingredients, many from The Pig’s own kitchen garden.
