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What's on

November 2026

What's on in the North Cotswolds

One of the joys of a stay here is how much is happening around the cottages. Whatever the season, the North Cotswolds offers markets, festivals and village traditions that make every visit feel different from the last, and November is one of the loveliest months of all.

Here is what is on nearby over the months ahead, from Christmas fairs to snowdrops and spring racing.

Festive fairs & Christmas markets

  • The Christmas Cotswold Fair

    9 to 12 November 2026, Todenham Manor Farm, near Moreton in Marsh and Daylesford. Over 220 handpicked boutique and artisan stalls under large marquees.

  • Broadway late night Christmas shopping

    Friday 27 November 2026, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Street entertainers, live music and mulled wine as the village kicks off its festive season.

  • Moreton in Marsh Christmas market & lights switch on

    Saturday 28 November 2026. The high street sparkles as local market stalls open up and the town's Christmas lights are officially switched on.

  • Bourton on the Water floating Christmas tree

    Late November. The famous tree anchored right in the middle of the River Windrush is illuminated around the final weekend of November and stays lit through Epiphany.

Illuminated light trails

  • Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle

    20 November to 30 December 2026. Near Winchcombe, this magical evening outdoor trail brings the historic castle grounds, ruins and gardens alive with dazzling lights, music and shimmering water features.

  • Blenheim Palace illuminated light trail

    14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. A short drive into Woodstock, experience the illuminated tunnel, glowing sculptures and festive soundscapes set against the grand palace.

Local history, culture & theatre

  • Stranger Folk at Snowshill Manor

    Selected dates through November: 7 to 8, 14 to 15, 21 to 22 and 28 to 29 November 2026. Enjoy seasonal heritage exhibitions and atmospheric visits to the National Trust's quirky Snowshill Manor near Broadway.

  • Chipping Norton Theatre screenings

    19 November 2026. Special live performances and documentary screenings, such as guest led travel and adventure programmes, hosted at the local theatre.

December

  • Carols by candlelight

    Throughout December. The village churches around Moreton in Marsh, Chipping Campden and Stow on the Wold hold candlelit carol services, a lovely way to spend a winter evening.

  • Christmas at Batsford Arboretum

    December weekends. Just outside Moreton in Marsh, with festive gifts, wreaths and winter walks through the trees.

  • Stamford Christmas market

    Early December. Stalls fill the Georgian streets of Stamford, a short walk from No 5, with late night shopping and festive lights.

January & February

  • Snowdrops in the Cotswolds

    Late January to February. Painswick Rococo Garden and Colesbourne Park are famous for their carpets of snowdrops, perfect for a crisp winter walk.

  • Valentine's stays

    February. The quietest, cosiest time of year for a romantic retreat, with log fires, country pubs and long lazy breakfasts.

Spring

  • Cheltenham Festival

    March. Four days of world famous jump racing, under an hour's drive from the Cotswold cottages.

  • Burghley House

    From spring. The grand Elizabethan house and gardens on the edge of Stamford reopen for the season.

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