Giffords Circus – touring throughout the Cotswolds

What is Giffords Circus?

The ultimate choice for a magical Cotswolds day out for all the family, Giffords Circus is a truly unique travelling circus which draws crowds from all over the UK to its picture-perfect base just outside of Stroud.

Established back in 2000 by husband and wife team Nell and Toti Gifford, Giffords is a true nod to the heritage of traditional village green circuses, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle of theatre, performance, animals and acrobatics, all under the iconic big tent roof.

A Travelling Circus – touring throughout the Cotswolds

Touring across the Cotswolds each summer from May until September, Giffords Circus’ show changes annually to give fans a new spectacle to look forward to every year. Despite its different themes, the circus packs in the same magical, baroque elements every year to ensure each show is as memorable as the last. From expert-trained horse riders performing jaw-dropping feats of the saddle in the circus’ central ring, to acrobatic performances that will leave you gasping and comedic interludes from the infamous Tweedy the Clown, you can guarantee a show that will leave all ages entertained.

Packing a buzzing circus atmosphere inside and out, families will love the traditional painted wagons serving drinks and snacks around the circus green, while foodies will adore Circus Sauce; Giffords’ famed 60-seat restaurant, offering delicious candle-lit communal feasts to enjoy after the curtain falls.

A fantastic day out for all ages, Giffords Circus has travelled to the likes of Winchcombe’s Sudeley Castle, Kingham’s Daylesford Organic Farm and Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace in recent years, with weekend matinees and evening performances at each location.

Who is  Giffords Circus for?

Giffords Circus is suitable for all ages thanks to its performance variety and staggered matinee and evening performances. Very young guests are best visiting in the afternoon, while older children and adults will love the evening performances as a great alternative to the usual nights out on offer.

When is Giffords Circus on?

Giffords Circus tours the Cotswolds from May to September every year, staying at each location for varied amounts of time. In 2023, the tour will kick off at the circus’ home at Fennells Farm in Stroud, touring until 1 October where the show will go full circle and end where it began.

Where is Giffords Circus?

Touring a selection of different venues and villages across the Cotswolds every year, Giffords Circus has already released its locations for those keen to get on the (circus) wagon early. In 2023, the locations are as follows:

• 6 – 17 April: Fennells Farm, Stroud
• 20 – 24 April: Frampton-on-Severn
• 27 April – 8 May: Daylesford Organic Farm, Kingham
• 11 – 15 May: Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
• 18 – 30 May: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
• 2 – 19 June: Chiswick House and Gardens, London
• 22 – 26 June: Home Farm Live, Elstree
• 29 June – 10 July: Evenley Wood Garden
• 13 – 24 July: Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames
• 27 July – 7 August: Barrington, Oxfordshire
• 10 – 21 August: Minchinhampton Common, Gloucestershire
• 24 August – 4 September: Marlborough Common, Wiltshire
• 7 – 18 September: Stratton Meadows, Cirencester
• 21 September – 1 October: Fennells Farm, Stroud

Where can I stay while going to Giffords Circus?

We have a selection of beautiful cottages of all shapes and sizes that make the ideal base for anyone looking to visit Giffords Circus, located within a short travelling distance to the circus itself.

• For larger groups or families visiting the circus at Sudeley Castle:
  Almsbury Farmhouse is the perfect choice; a stunning 18^th century farmhouse retreat on the edge of Sudeley Estate itself, sleeping up to 14 guests across seven beautifully appointed bedrooms.
• For smaller groups:
  Sudeley Castle Guest Cottage is ideal; an elegantly renovated cottage set within the Estate for up to six guests, just a short stroll for guests when the circus is in town. When the circus visits Kingham, the quirky Brock Cottage (sleeps up to 14) is just a stone’s throw away in the tiny Cotswold hamlet of Foscot, offering bright, spacious living and interiors that are an art-lover’s dream.

See all of our Cotswold holiday cottages here.

How do I find out more about Giffords Circus?

For further information about Giffords Circus, including tour dates and how to book tickets, visit the website at www.giffordscircus.com.