Sudeley Castle & Gardens - one of Gloucestershire’s leading visitor attractions - is set within 1,200 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside and is the perfect place to enjoy longer, lighter summer days. From stunning gardens to an exhilarating adventure playground, here are six reasons to spend a day at Sudeley Castle & Gardens this summer.

Stunning outdoor spaces and beautiful gardens

Sudeley Castle stands proudly against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswold hills, next to the picturesque village of Winchcombe (8 miles from Cheltenham), and is surrounded by 10 unique gardens that burst into bloom over the summer months. Visitors can pick up a treat from the Pavillion café or Shepherd’s Hut or bring a picnic and enjoy exploring and relaxing in the splendid surroundings of Sudeley’s magnificent grounds.

The Tithe Barn Garden greets visitors on arrival with magnificent views across the koi carp pond to Sudeley Castle. Surrounded by ruins which date back to the 15th century, this garden is a beautiful reminder of Sudeley’s fascinating history.

The Queens’ Garden (named after the four of England’s Queens - Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I - who once walked there) is the magnificent centrepiece of Sudeley’s gardens. Here visitors can admire over 80 varieties of fragrant, beautiful roses and relax to the soothing sound of its central water feature. Younger visitors will enjoy weaving through the historic yew trees which line the garden, originally planted in 1856 by Sudeley’s chatelaine of the time, Emma Dent.

The Knot Garden is a lovely, sheltered courtyard with 1,200 box plants forming an intricate design, based on the pattern of a dress worn by Elizabeth I in the famous painting, The Allegory of the Tudor Succession, which visitors can see on display within the castle.

Fun for all the family

Sudeley Castle & Gardens is ideal for family visitors, with extensive grounds to explore and burn off energy within, and free admission for children under 3 and Blue Peter Badge holders. Discover spectacular animal sculptures dotted around the castle’s grounds, from a giant hedgehog to majestic stags. Sudeley’s elephant sculptures have also been carefully repaired and returned to the grounds for summer 2026.

Inside the castle, families can discover fascinating exhibitions with curious objects which help to bring the past to life - including a lock of Katherine Parr’s hair!

Outside, youngsters will enjoy exploring the adventure playground and its wooden play fort, complete with bridges, climbing walls and slides, as well as a zip wire and 10-piece assault course. There are sunny and shaded areas for the whole family to enjoy in the spacious, enclosed adventure playground.

When it’s time to refuel, the Shepherd’s Hut (located beneath the terrace near the exhibitions area) serves sandwiches, cakes and drinks, meanwhile the Pavillion café (located at the entrance/exit) is well-stocked with quiches, sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, drinks and the all-important ice creams! Plus, new for the summer, handmade cream tea will be available daily from July.

Unique after-hours events and experiences

If Sudeley Castle & Gardens weren’t already magical enough, this summer visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy special after-hours performances.

Taking place on Sudeley's Mulberry Lawn, encased by rose-covered ruins and castle walls, Summer Opera with Wild Arts on Monday 13 July promises to be a sparkling and mischievous evening of operatic and musical hits. Semi-staged by director Guido Martin-Brandis and woven into a new narrative full of dramatic intrigue, jealousy, comedy, idealism and true love, follow the characters as they travel through 90 minutes of music, from arias and scenes by Handel, Mozart, Rossini and Britten to the songs of Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim, performed by four fabulous singers and a world-class string quintet.

On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, The Duke’s Theatre Company present a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Romeo & Juliet (recommended for visitors aged over 7yrs). This vibrant production blends dynamic staging, evocative sound and the enduring power of Shakespeare’s verse. Audiences are invited to rediscover the world’s most famous star-crossed lovers in a retelling of passion, peril and youthful intensity.

On Saturday 12 September, British restaurateur, broadcaster, writer and chef Prue Leith will be in conversation with renowned podcaster and presenter Jo Durrant. Taking place in the Orangery, with stunning views of the Cotswolds countryside, ‘An Evening with Prue Leith’ is a chance to hear The Great British Bake Off judge and one of the nation’s favourite TV personalities reflect on the trials and taboos of growing older - along with its unexpected joys.

World-renowned American tenor and artistic director, Jon Morrell returns to Sudeley on Sunday 20th September for the latest from The Garage at Chatham (The GAC) at Sudeley Castle series, which held its successful inaugural recital at the castle in 2025. This late afternoon event sees Jon perform the Winterreise song cycle by Franz Schubert with the conductor Anthony Negus, musical director of the Longborough Festival Opera, in the beautiful surrounds of the Chapel.

Thrilling encounters with birds of prey

Nature lovers, history enthusiasts or those looking for a memorable day out will be thrilled by the Falcons in Flight experience at Sudeley Castle & Gardens (Tuesdays and Thursdays 21st July – 27th August, included with general admission tickets). This immersive experience offers the rare chance to see magnificent birds of prey up close as they soar, swoop and dive with breathtaking skill. Under the expert guidance of a highly trained falconer from Walks With Hawks, visitors can learn about these remarkable birds and witness their agility and flying prowess.

Interactive living history

Step back into Medieval times during the summer holidays by taking part in the Knight Trail with opportunities to learn all the steps to becoming a knight from life as a squire to active service as a protector of the realm. Pick up a trail map (£1 per child) and look out for learning and interactive activities, from target practice to dressing up, as you explore the castle and grounds. Costumed storytellers will also be on hand to add a flavour of life when bravery and chivalry ruled.

Sudeley’s walls bear the marks of the English Civil War and from Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 August, these crucial moments in the castle’s past will be brought to life through a Civil War Reenactment Weekend. Members of Lord Hopton’s Regiment of Foote, part of The King’s Army from the English Civil War Society, will be revealing the story of Prince Rupert, Charles I’s nephew, who established headquarters at Sudeley while managing Royalist operations nearby.

Featuring a skirmish in the Hop Field, pike drills with drummers on the North Lawn witnessed from the Tithe Barn and a living history village set up on the Mulberry Lawn complete with medics, washing and cooking, this event will give you all the drama, intrigue and tension of a pivotal moment in English history. You can also enjoy a taste of the past with Civil War-themed specials available in our Pavillion café during the weekend.

Enjoy a day out for less with Great British Summer Savings!

This summer, visitors to Sudeley Castle & Gardens can enjoy a day out for less with reduced ticket prices from Thursday 25 June to Tuesday 1 September, as part of the UK’s Great British Summer Savings scheme. 

For more information about what’s on at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, and to book tickets, visit www.sudeleycastle.co.uk.