July is bursting with things to look forward to in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, covering everything from insanely Instagrammable flower fields to gruesome medieval battle re-enactments.
With highly anticipated new openings like Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Wingstop, too, SoGlos has scoured the county’s events calendar to round up 10 of the best things to do this month.
Go shopping at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet
The long-awaited Cotswolds Designer Outlet is ready to welcome shoppers for its official opening period, starting on Wednesday 16 July 2025, with a raft of exclusive offers and launch events.
With a lineup of big brands and fashion retailers joining local independents like KNEAD Bakery, there's also a range of catering options to tuck into and family-friendly features, including indoor and outdoor play areas and a dog walking meadow.
Look out for colourful lions in Gloucester and Cheltenham
A pride of colourful lion sculptures and their cubs are taking over the streets of Cheltenham and Gloucester this summer, as part of a brand-new, free-to-follow art trail.
Lions at Large — The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail launches on Friday 11 July 2025, with more than 30 large lion sculptures, painted by local artists, and 52 little cubs to find in a mixture of landmark and everyday locations.
Wander through the famous Confetti Flower Field
One of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque highlights, the colourful Confetti Flower Field on the Wyke Manor Estate near Pershore is welcoming snap-happy visitors back from Thursday 26 June to Sunday 6 July 2025.
The pastel pink and vibrant purple flowers make an Insta-worthy backdrop for family photos, while those planning a wedding can even pick up some harvested petal confetti to throw on their big day.
Prepare for battle at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
A must for history buffs and avid Game of Thrones fans, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is giving people the chance to step into the War of the Roses on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025.
Choose to back Lancaster or York, as re-enactors charge onto the battlefield, recreating the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury; and get a taste for medieval life, browsing market stalls, trying your hand at archery or hitting the beer tent for a tankard or two.
Conquer the new Ultimate Warriors course in Gloucester
Moving away from the Ninja Warrior UK franchise, Gloucester's popular indoor leisure facility is relaunching as Ultimate Warriors this month, opening with a new look on Thursday 3 July 2025.
With new equipment designed to suit a broader range of abilities, warriors can go head-to-head on the racing lanes and whizz down slides, while the inflatable course is sure to put thrill-seekers through their paces.
See world-class flying displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the Royal International Air Tattoo, soaring back to RAF Fairford on Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025.
At the world's largest miliary airshow, visitors can expect to see hours of impressive aerial acrobatics each day, with opportunities to get close to all kinds of aircraft, meet RAF personnel and explore interactive exhibits, with entertainment for the whole family.
Chow down on chicken at Cheltenham's new Wingstop
Global chicken chain Wingstop is landing in Cheltenham this month, bringing its TikTok-famous wings and tenders to The Brewery Quarter.
Although the exact opening date is yet to be confirmed, it's expected to be mid-July — and there's free wings up for grabs for the first 100 customers, so watch this space!
Enjoy free live music throughout Tewkesbury
Music lovers won't want to miss Tewkesbury Live, a free annual music festival that brings live performances from local bands and artists to pubs across the town from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025.
Grab a pint and tune into everything from soul and blues to pop and punk rock, with plenty of artists bringing original material to the stage, as well as cover bands blasting well-known tunes.
See TV chefs and Bake Off stars for free at Gloucester Quays Food Festival
Featuring over 160 market stalls, free family entertainment and appearances from celebrity chefs, Gloucestershire foodies won't want to miss this year's Gloucester Quays Food Festival.
Soak up two days of live cooking demos in the open-air cookery theatre, while tucking into some of the best street food in the south west — all for free! — on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025.
Raise a glass at The Drinks Village
Bigger, bolder and boozier than ever before, The Drinks Village is back at Cheltenham Town Hall for summer sipping on Saturday 5 July 2025.
Become a master of Mexcal, sampling the best Mexican spirits you won't find anywhere else in the UK, learn how to make a flight of punchy rum cocktails and browse over 1,000 unique products — with all masterclasses and tastings included in the ticket price. Cheers to that!
