Coronation events in the Cotswolds
Bring out the bunting and raise the flags, there’s no place better than the Cotswolds for a Great British celebration. Sipping a Pimm’s in the sunshine at a street party, a paper plate piled high with sausage rolls, quiche and the Coronation on the big screen, we can’t think of anything better. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated affair and want to showcase your royal airs and graces, you can mark the occasion with a grand manor or castle as your backdrop.
Such a historic occasion should be enjoyed to the fullest, even Badminton Horse Trials rearranged events so the Coronation isn’t overshadowed. Make the most of the Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May and spend a long weekend at a Cotswold retreat enjoying these Coronation events in the Cotswolds to make the Coronation of King Charles III even more memorable.
Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets – Blenheim Palace
Celebrating their royal connections, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is hosting an exhibition showcasing the crowning glory and behind the scenes stories of coronations in the past. With a collection including fine adornments with crowns, robes and coronets there are also more personal items from special events and holidays. A crown once worn by Queen Anne is also on public display for the first time during this event. Visit the palace before the 30 July 2023 to make sure you don’t miss out on this exhibition which brings a history and depth to the Coronation weekend.
Hurrah for King Charles! – Berkeley Castle
Find out what it’s really like to be the King of England by travelling back in time to 1673 to meet King Charles II at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. We’re sure his experiences will have been much different to what our newly crowned King Charles III will have to face! With music and dancing held at this royal setting you will have a fantastic day immersed in history and grandeur, a great day out for the whole family.
Coronation Supper Club – Iford Manor
Start the Coronation weekend on Friday May 5 with a banquet fit for a king. Serving a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the favourite foods of King Charles III you will dine on fine ingredients from the Iford estate, near Bath. This royal occasion at the wonderful Iford Manor in Wiltshire is not to be missed and is booking quickly. Why not return to the estate on the Bank Holiday Monday to explore the Grade I listed gardens and unspoilt valley views?
On the Big Screen – Pittville Park, Cheltenham
With street parties popping up across the country, there are also some great public celebrations showing the Coronation on a big screen. Pittville Park in Cheltenham will become a festival of events over the weekend with the Coronation shown on the Saturday so you can gather friends and family to commemorate the event together. Take a blanket, enjoy the food and drink on offer and have a great time with your local community. On the Sunday, continue celebrating with their party in the park hosting live music and entertainment.
Big Lunch – Cirencester
The Big Lunch initiative aims to bring communities together and for the coronation of King Charles III millions will gather for a ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ between the 6-8 May. The charity wants to help people build friendships and networks with other people in their neighbourhoods. In Cirencester the Big Lunch will be held in Abbey Grounds accompanied by markets, willow weaving and the Coronation being screened at the Parish Church on the Saturday.
Cottages fit for a King or Queen
Sudeley Castle Cottages
The Sudeley Castle Estate includes 17 charming Cotswold holiday properties, all a few minutes’ walk from the centre of historic Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Ranging from beautifully renovated ancient buildings, including a paper mill, an old forge and 18th century workers’ cottages, to new cottages built in distinctive Cotswold stone, the Sudeley Castle Cottages are perfect for groups of three to 14 guests. When you book a cottage here you also benefit from free access to the castle and gardens during normal opening times.
Arrow Lodge at Ragley Estate
Stay in a little piece of history at this gatehouse lodge, the entrance to Ragley Hall. Hosting events throughout the year, the Ragley Estate is a private venue steeped in history. The cottage has its own garden and a wood-fired hot tub to add even more luxury to your stay. Waking up in the morning at the estate entrance you are ideally positioned to attend coronation events in Stratford-upon-Avon or Evesham.
King John’s Barn
Two cottages, The Gallery and Oak Tree Cottage, combine to form King John’s Barn. This late 1800s stone barn conversion is a rural countryside retreat sleeping up to eight guests when booked together. Set just outside the village of Leaford near Witney in Oxfordshire, this is a fantastic location for visiting Blenheim Palace to view their royal exhibition or join the Charlbury Coronation Big Lunch nearby on Sunday 7 May.
Swangrove House on the Badminton Estate
Arriving up the sweeping tree-lined drive to Swangrove House you will feel like lords and ladies at your own private castle. Built in the 1700s from Cotswold stone it has castellations and a grand staircase to the front door. Four-poster beds, high-ceilinged reception rooms and the Badminton Estate on your doorstep, this really is a property fit for royalty.
Read more: Badminton Estate events and concerts to enjoy in 2023
