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Spring is well and truly in the air this month, with bluebells blooming all over Gloucestershire, lambs to feed at Cotswold Farm Park and the return of the flower-filled RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
With everything from Pride events to foodie festivals to look forward to, discover SoGlos’s pick of 10 unmissable things to do this May 2022.
1. Go bluebell spotting in Gloucestershire
With seas of blue flowers transforming Gloucestershire’s landscape, May is the best time to see bluebells in the county – with remarkable displays at popular attractions like Westonbirt Arboretum, as well Cam Peak and other local beauty spots.
Providing some picture-perfect inspiration for floral fans, check out SoGlos’s 11 favourite places to see bluebells in Gloucestershire to soak up the spectacle this month.
2. Have afternoon tea in the woodland at Miserden Estate
Taking the delightful British classic to a whole new level, the 850-acre Miserden Estate is introducing afternoon tea in two stunning settings, to celebrate the relaunch of its Glasshouse Café on Saturday 28 May 2022.
Diners can choose the 17th-century walled garden or peaceful woodland as the backdrop for their experience, sampling delicate sandwiches and savoury pastries, homemade scones, miniature cakes and colourful macarons. And there’s even the chance to win a walled garden afternoon tea in SoGlos’s latest competition.
3. See classic vehicles at Eastnor Steam and Vintage
A must for motor enthusiasts, Eastnor Steam and Vintage is back for 2022 – with an impressive line-up of vintage vehicles and steam engines to see at Eastnor Castle from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 May 2022.
Promising heaps of nostalgic fun, visitors can take a ride on the fairground carousel or model steam engines; get their toes tapping with an old-school dance workshop; or challenge the family to a giant garden game.
4. Feed little lambs at Cotswold Farm Park
Bond with the newest members of the flock at Cotswold Farm Park, with the opportunity to bottle feed baby lambs and goat kids this spring.
With bottles served twice a day on a first-come, first served basis, little farmers and animal-loving grown-ups will be able to help out at the farm from Friday 29 April to Saturday 16 July 2022 – with the new arrivals at their smallest this May.
5. Celebrate spring at Three Counties Showground
Soak up the scents of spring, wandering around the spectacular show gardens at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, returning to Three Counties Showground from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 May 2022.
Green-fingered guests can pick up top tips, shop for new plants – including some special varieties, exclusively launched at the show – and hear from gardening experts. While there’s global street food and artisan produce to delight hungry visitors.
6. Show your pride at Pittville Park
Travelling all around the county this summer, Pride in Gloucestershire is kicking off its mini series of events in Cheltenham on Sunday 15 May 2022 – with the anticipated return of Pride in the Park, celebrating LGBTQIA+ life in the Regency town.
Hosted by drag queen Dr Bev Ballcrusher, along with actor and LGBTQIA+ rights campaigner David Paisley at Pittville Park, there’ll live music performances, family entertainment and, of course, the ever-paw-pular dog show.
7. See culinary legends at Stroud Festival of Food and Drink
From fierce restaurant critic Jay Rayner, to the master of Asian cookery, Ken Hom, keen foodies can see a line-up of culinary stars at Stroud Festival of Food and Drink from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 May 2022.
As well as expert talks and masterclasses at The Sub Rooms, visitors can browse the famous farmers’ market, grab a bite to eat from global street food trucks and even have a go at barbecue grilling – with an interactive zone to keep kids happy, too.
8. Discover an underground exhibition at Clearwell Caves
Tunnel beneath the forest floor and discover a world of contemporary art as Clearwell Caves welcomes a unique sculpture exhibition to its caverns.
Opening on Saturday 21 May 2022, the Back to the Cave exhibition has been described as the ‘first of its kind’, with world-class sculpture work to see all around the historic Forest of Dean attraction. And best of all, it’s included within the cost of admission!
9. Find out who will be crowned queen at the Drag Wars final
Sashay to The Frog and Fiddle to see who will be named Gloucestershire’s next drag superstar, when Drag Wars returns to Cheltenham for its grand final on Saturday 7 May 2022.
With killer performances and an electrifying atmosphere, whoop for the five finalists and vote for your favourite – with the winning queen taking home a cash prize, custom drag jewellery, nationwide gig opportunities and, of course, the coveted Drag Wars crown.
10. Cheer on the dragon boats at Gloucester Docks
Bringing with it a boat load of entertainment, Gloucester’s annual Dragon Boat Festival is floating back into town on Sunday 15 May 2022.
Watch the colourful dragon boats race to victory through Gloucester Docks at the vibrant annual event, with family entertainment expected throughout the day, too.
