The full Total Guide to The Cotswolds launches this winter — here's a first taste.
Total Guide to The Cotswolds
Total Guideto The Cotswolds
Frosted honey-stone Cotswold cottages with Christmas wreaths and warm lights on a winter evening

This winter, across the wolds

Christmas is coming to the Cotswolds.

Light trails, festive markets and winter warmers among the honey-stone villages — and a first look at your new local guide.

See what's on Get launch updates

Featured this Christmas

Families walking beneath the glowing Christmas Cathedral at Westonbirt

Presented by Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Christmas at Westonbirt 2026

Step into a magical winter wonderland

Westonbirt's enchanting after-dark trail returns for 2026 with dazzling lights, spectacular installations and festive fun for the whole family. Created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew, it's a must-see festive experience — reimagined this year with new installations alongside festive favourites.

Wander through the illuminated arboretum as twinkling lights transform the forest into a winter wonderland. Marvel at the classic Christmas Cathedral, the fan-favourite Fire Garden, the mesmerising Sea of Light and the interactive Ribbon Tunnels.

  • New trail, new lights, new memories to be made
  • Westonbirt’s breathtaking trees in a whole new light
  • A magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way
  • Festive fairground rides*
  • Food & drink stalls serving winter warmers*

*Separate charges apply. Limited capacity with timed entry — advance booking essential.

Relaxed sessions for visitors with additional needs: Sat 28 Nov, Fri 4 Dec, Thu 10 Dec and Wed 16 Dec.

Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs.

A family in matching Christmas jumpers opening presents in a cosy lodge at Whitemead Forest Park

Presented by Whitemead Forest Park

Christmas & New Year at Whitemead

Festive breaks in the heart of the Forest of Dean

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Whitemead Forest Park. Whether you're planning a festive short break, a family Christmas or a memorable New Year celebration, you'll find seasonal entertainment, delicious dining and festive fun — with cosy woodland accommodation and excellent on-site leisure facilities.

  • Whitemead Forest Park, Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4LA
  • Dog-friendly accommodation available
  • Boundless members save an extra 10% on all breaks

Stay for the celebrations

Book a festive break

A mum and two children with hot chocolates beside a festive steam engine at Whitemead Forest Park

Festive Weekend Breaks

from £408

3-night weekends from 4, 11 or 18 December

A cosy weekend escape sleeping up to six — with a children's show, live music and quiz night.

Prices from

  • Premier Apartment £408
  • Woodland Lodge £467
  • Three-Bedroom Log Cabin £531
  • Log Cabin with Hot Tub £612
Check availability
An elf helping children with Christmas crafts at Whitemead Forest Park

Christmas Breaks

from £869

Arrive 21, 22 or 23 December · depart 27 December

Carols on Christmas Eve, complimentary pantomime tickets* and festive entertainment for all the family.

Prices from

  • Premier Apartment £869
  • Woodland Lodge £1,031
  • Log Cabin with Hot Tub £1,315

*Pantomime not available for arrivals on 23 December. Christmas Day lunch is an additional cost.

Check availability
The Wild Boar café wrapped in a giant red ribbon and festive lights at dusk, Whitemead Forest Park

Betwixmas Breaks

from £620

3 nights, 27–30 December

Unwind between Christmas and New Year with evening entertainment, leisure facilities and festive adventure golf.

Prices from

  • Premier Apartment £620
  • Woodland Lodge £729
  • Three-Bedroom Log Cabin £806
  • Log Cabin with Hot Tub £930
Check availability
A couple relaxing with a glass of wine by the fire in a log cabin at Whitemead Forest Park

New Year Breaks

from £920

4 nights, 30 December – 3 January

Daytime activities for the children and the Big New Year's Eve Party to see in 2027.

Prices from

  • Premier Apartment £920
  • Woodland Lodge £1,081
  • Three-Bedroom Log Cabin £1,196
  • Log Cabin with Hot Tub £1,380
Check availability

Prices are 'from' prices and subject to availability.

Santa Glamping Experience — 2 nights in a heated glamping pod with a visit to Santa's Grotto, from £199 for a family of four. Limited availability.

Find out more

Festive fun for locals — no overnight stay needed

Wonder Panto festive pantomime logo

Pantomime

A good old-fashioned family panto with Wonder Panto.

Find out more
Santa welcoming a child in his festive grotto at Whitemead Forest Park

Santa's Grotto

Visit Santa in his magical grotto — plus plenty more festive fun across the season.

Find out more
A festive Christmas dining table set for lunch

Christmas Day Lunch

Four courses with all the trimmings, crackers, gifts for the children and a visit from Santa. Adult £79.95 · Child (under 12) £39.95.

Find out more
Festive tribute and party night entertainment at Whitemead Forest ParkGreat for Christmas parties

Festive Tributes & Party Nights

Robbie v Bublé, 80s and 90s festive party nights — most include a two-course dinner, perfect for Christmas parties and groups.

Find out more

Launching this winter

Your complete local guide is on its way

Everything worth doing, eating and discovering across the Cotswolds — town by town.

What’s On

Every event across the wolds, filtered by town and date.

Local businesses

Where to eat, shop, stay and unwind — with maps.

Guides

Best Sunday lunches, dog-friendly walks, days out with kids.

Offers

Local deals and competitions, refreshed every week.

The guide is almost here

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