With summer on the way, June is shaping up to be an exciting month for Gloucestershire.
From seeing brain-fizzing experiments at Cheltenham Science Festival to Cotswold Lavender making a blooming beautiful comeback, fill your diary with SoGlos’s top picks of unmissable things to do in Gloucestershire this month.
Have your mind blown at Cheltenham Science Festival
Prepare to have your mind blown as Cheltenham Science Festival returns from Tuesday 3 to Sunday 8 June 2025, bringing some of the world's brightest minds to Imperial Gardens — including real-life astronaut, Tim Peake, and award-winning physicist, Brian Cox.
As well as talks with leading scientists and demonstrations, visitors can get hands-on with science at the free interactive zones, from solving cryptic challenges in The Arcade to bringing their own inventions to life in the MakerShack. And adults can come along on the Friday night for a child-free, over-18s experience too!
Visit Cotswold Lavender near Broadway
It wouldn’t be summer in the Cotswolds without the return of Cotswold Lavender — and the fragrant fields are officially welcoming visitors back to enjoy the flowers in bloom from Wednesday 18 June 2025.
The picture-perfect fields near Broadway will be bursting with colour until Wednesday 6 August 2025, giving visitors plenty of time to enter Instagram heaven before the lavender is harvested.
Rock out at Westonbirt Arboretum for Forest Live
Noughties pop rockers McFly take to the stage at Westonbirt Arboretum this month, as Forest Live returns for a spectacular showcase of live music from Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 June 2025.
There's also gigs from The Police frontman Sting and big bands like Snow Patrol and Elbow — with Irish pop rock band The Script closing the festival, supported by Tom Walker.
Indulge at Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival
Foodie fans are in for a treat this month, with a bumper line-up of culinary masterclasses, live music, celebrity demonstrations — and even a chilli eating competition! — coming to Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival.
Taking place from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June 2025, with over 110 exhibitor stalls to browse and buy from, sample everything from English wine to exotic spirits, discover the art of live fire cooking and get clued up on all things cheesy. Don't miss legendary TV chef Rosemary Shrager, headlining the Leafbone Chef's Kitchen, too.
Celebrate nature for all at Slimbridge's first Pride in Nature event
Pull on your glitteriest pair of wellies and get ready to see nature with a whole new perspective, as Slimbridge celebrates Pride Month with a full day of family activities on Saturday 14 June 2025.
There's the chance to join an expert ecologist on a guided 'Queer Ecology' nature walk through the reserve and take part in Pride-themed scavenger hunts, as well as storytime with drag queens and live music from local artists in the new Estuary Shoreline garden, too.
Try Reformer Pilates in Cirencester
With Reformer Pilates taking the fitness world by storm, Cheltenham studio P.I.LATES is expanding to the Cotswolds, bringing its popular classes to a brand-new studio from Sunday 8 June 2025.
Based at The Old Kennels just off Cirencester Park, all classes are mixed ability and open to all — whether you're a first-timer or already know your way around a reformer carriage!
Meet famous farmers at the Royal Three Counties Show
Just over the border in Malvern, one of the UK's best agricultural and countryside living events takes place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June 2025 — with some famous faces in attendance!
Catch Clarkson's Farm breakout star, Kaleb Cooper, Countryfile presenter and owner of Cotswold Farm Park, Adam Henson, and JLS singer-turned-farmer, JB Gill, in the Future of Farming Theatre; with a lineup of animal experiences, family entertainment and outstanding food and drink to discover at the Royal Three Counties Show, too.
Treat dad to an unforgettable Father's Day in Gloucestershire
Whether it's making DIY Beefy Boys' burgers at home or feasting on a free Father's Day barbecue at Sudeley Castle, there are plenty of ways to spoil your dad and spend quality time together on Sunday 15 June 2025.
Keep an eye on SoGlos for our top picks of Father's Day activities, including laser clay pigeon shooting at The Greenway Hotel and sipping local real ales during Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's Steam and Ale Festival.
Take on Cheltenham's very own Three Peak Challenge
Put your fitness to the test with a unique long-distance walking challenge, conquering the heights of Cheltenham's 'Three Peaks' — Cleeve Hill, Crickley Hill and Leckhampton Hill — all in one day.
Join fellow hikers on Saturday 14 June 2025 to take on the 22-mile trek, raising money for Gloucestershire-based charity, Aim Up.
Mark the Summer Solstice with a sunrise swim
Saturday 21 June is the longest day of 2025, with the sun due to rise at around 4.40am — and there's a unique opportunity to witness it from the water at Cheltenham Lido's Sunrise Swim.
Sponsored by Hazlewoods, this special event invites residents to take a dip in Cheltenham's outdoor pool, perfectly timed with the sunrise. Possibly chilly but definitely magical, the pool is due to open at approximately 4.15am, making it the earliest swim of the year!
