Spring in the Cotswolds reveals itself gently, as the landscape stirs back to life. After the stillness of winter, there’s a gradual sense of awakening– hedgerows soften into green, orchards come into blossom and fields brighten with the first fresh growth of the year.
It is a season defined by clarity and light, where longer days invite time outdoors and the countryside feels newly alive with possibility.
In the fields and surrounding woodland, early crops begin to emerge: wild garlic, purple sprouting broccoli, and then the arrival of tender asparagus signal the start of the season, followed by sweet peas, peppery radishes and the first bitter rocket. These ingredients bring a freshness and vibrancy to the table, shaping menus across our pubs and kitchens, where the focus turns to lighter, brighter dishes that reflect the energy of spring.
Whether you’re joining us for a restorative escape or settling in for a longer stay, spring in the Cotswolds offers the perfect opportunity to explore, reconnect with nature and experience the countryside at its most uplifting. Here, we share our guide to the best of the season.
Spring’s arrival is felt most keenly at the table. Across the Cotswolds, chefs embrace the early harvest, celebrating ingredients at their most vibrant. At The Straw Kitchen in Whichford and The Woolpack Inn in Slad, menus draw on the best of the region’s produce. You can join us in The Wild Rabbit’s wine cellar and experience a unique opportunity to explore the wines of Provence. Discover the award winning organic wines from our sister estate, Château Léoube.
For a much-loved local highlight, visit Stroud Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning to discover the very best of the region’s producers and to experience the Cotswolds at its most authentic.
Spring is a time to seek out gardens and landscapes at their most expressive. At Highgrove, near Tetbury, the gardens come into bloom with the arrival of spring bulbs and their accompanying burst of colour – best experienced on a guided spring walk. The Evesham Blossom Trail offers a more expansive spectacle, where orchards stretch across the Vale in a fleeting display of white and pink blossom.
Closer to home, Rousham’s timeless gardens provide a quieter, more contemplative setting, while Batsford Arboretum moves through the season in stages – from the daffodils in March to the magnolia and Japanese cherry blossom, which peak around mid-April. At Painswick Rococo Garden, delicate spring flowers sit within a beautifully restored historic landscape.
As the season gathers pace, the Cotswolds comes alive with events that celebrate both nature and creativity. Giffords Circus returns with its travelling troupe and accompanying café, bringing a sense of theatre and charm to village greens. Guided nature walks through the Oddington Ashes reveal sweeping carpets of bluebells in full bloom, while lambing season at Daylesford offers an insight into life on the farm – you can book a lambing tour to experience one of the most special times of the year.
For those drawn to craft, Daylesford’s gardening workshops provide practical inspiration for the season ahead, while a visit to Hook Norton Brewery offers an understanding of traditional brewing methods and local heritage.
Spring invites time outdoors, whether wandering through historic estates or settling into sunlit gardens. At Blenheim Palace, seasonal trails offer a playful way to explore the grounds, while closer to home, our pub gardens come into their own – from Easter egg hunts and garden menus at The Bell and The Three Horseshoes, to relaxed afternoons enjoying cocktails in the sun at The Fox or on The Wild Rabbit’s terrace.
Imagery kindly shared by Blenheim Palace, Rousham House & Garden, The Woolpack and The Straw Kitchen, image rights remain their own.
The sight of the first asparagus spears poking their heads up from the ground marks the start of a fleeting season.
With the first glimmer of sunlight, green shoots of wild garlic begin to appear in the woodlands of our Cotswold farm. Our chefs harvest the fragrant leaves by hand ready to bring a taste of spring to our menus....
When sourcing exceptional produce and flavours for our menus, our team are commitment to championing the artistry and skill of Britain’s most dedicated growers.
