What's New 2027
What’s new in the CotswoldsPlus region – 2027 & beyond.
From Conquest to Kingdom – The Bayeux Tapestry at Tewkesbury Abbey
7 October 2026 to 11 July 2027
Set within one of Britain's finest surviving Norman buildings, From Conquest to Kingdom invites visitors to experience the story of 1066 inside the very world it created. Developed in partnership with the British Museum, this flagship exhibition features a full-scale 70-metre reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry alongside Tewkesbury Abbey’s own Norman Heritage, bringing to life over 250 years of formative English history beneath Europe’s largest Romanesque tower. Moving beyond the Battle of Hastings into the vibrant medieval kingdom that followed, visitors will discover the powerful figures who built a nation, from William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda to local patrons like Robert Fitzhamon. Visitors can also enjoy exploring daily life, arms and armour, monastic traditions, stained glass, and majestic architecture.
CABÜ in the Cotswolds, Langley
Planning to launch Spring/Summer 2027
Opening in 2027, CABÜ in the Cotswolds will bring the brand’s signature timber cabins and eco-minded design to the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. The site, set within a former Marconi radio transmission works in Langley, is being thoughtfully repurposed to create a sustainable retreat with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape of rolling hills, stone walls, and woodlands.
Guests will be able to enjoy a new Cabin Club bar, indoor swimming pool, spa facilities, shop and a Sitooterie alongside hot tubs, saunas and outdoor plunge pools. CABÜ’s new range of architecturally designed cabins combine modern aesthetics with low-energy, low-waste construction methods, manufactured in the UK to the highest eco standards. Available for short stays year-round, CABÜ in the Cotswolds will offer a calm, design-led base to relax and explore the charm of nearby towns and countryside. https://holidays.cabu.co.uk/cabu-in-the-cotswolds
New cottages Gloucester cathedral
Opening launching Autumn 2026
Two charming historic cottages, dating back to the 17th century, are being introduced as unique holiday lets within the remarkable setting of Gloucester Cathedral for 2027.
For heritage lovers and film fans alike, this is a chance to stay somewhere truly special — and to explore the atmospheric cathedral cloisters and historic spaces that featured in several Harry Potter films.
Step into centuries of history and make Gloucester Cathedral the setting for your next unforgettable getaway. The cottages one sleeping 4 and the other sleeping 6 people will be available to book shortly.
Classic cottages: Self-catering holiday cottages in the UK
The Oxford Witney Hotel, Witney
Opening early 2027
The Oxford Witney Hotel is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment and refurbishment programme that will see the property repositioned as part of JdV by Hyatt, being part of Hyatt's upscale lifestyle brand, while retaining its established Oxford Witney Hotel name. The investment will increase the hotel from 123 to approximately 130 bedrooms, including new duplex family rooms.
The redeveloped hotel will feature a new bar and restaurant, landscaped outdoor space designed to appeal to both families and leisure visitors, and enhanced meeting and event facilities including three meeting rooms, with capacity for up to 90 delegates. The focus will be on corporate meetings and events rather than weddings. The hotel is currently expected to reopen in early 2027.
https://oxfordwitneyhotel.co.uk/
New holiday accommodation at the Bathurst Estate,Cirencester
Summer 2027
For 2027, the Bathurst Estate in Cirencester is expanding its accommodation offer with the development of holiday accommodation at Ewe Pens, comprising 12 individual guest rooms. Scheduled for completion in late summer 2027, the project forms part of the estate’s wider investment in growing its portfolio of holiday accommodation. The new rooms will support both the wedding business at Ivy Lodge and increasing demand from visitors seeking high-quality accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds, providing even more choice for leisure travellers exploring the region.
https://www.bathurstestate.co.uk/the-bathurst-estate-journey/holiday-cottages/
New events & exhibitions for 2027
Court Barn Museum, Chipping Campden – Celebrating 20 Years in 2027 – Autumn 2027
Simplicity or Splendour: from Arts & Crafts to Contemporary Craft Practice
To mark its 20th anniversary, Court Barn Museum will present Simplicity or Splendour: From Arts & Crafts to Contemporary Craft Practice.
The exhibition is inspired by the work of Alan Crawford, biographer of C.R. Ashbee and a driving force behind the opening of Court Barn in 2007, who was working on a book about major Arts & Crafts designer-makers before illness prevented its completion.
Drawing on material generously passed to the museum by Yale University Press, the exhibition uses Alan's insightful writings to bring to life twelve key Arts & Crafts figures: William Morris, Philip Webb, William De Morgan, Arthur and Georgie Gaskin, May Morris, W.R. Lethaby, Ernest Gimson, C.R. Ashbee, Christopher Whall, Edward Johnston, James Powell & Sons, and Henry Wilson. Work by these internationally significant Arts & Crafts pioneers will be displayed alongside pieces by twelve contemporary makers, exploring the continuing influence of the movement on craft practice today.
Anniversaries in 2027
Gloucester Unlocked/ Docks 200 City of Gloucester
In 1827 Gloucester Docks opened and redefined our relationship with the world.
Overnight, the people of the city could see, smell, taste and touch the rest of the world.
In 2027 the spirit of that transformation will run through a year of projects that celebrate the people of Gloucester, our heritage and history, and the community and identity that has been forged.
Gloucester 200 will see festivals, events, projects and happenings that build on our past while opening a window into what may shape our future.
https://www.gloucester200.co.uk/
Gloucester Cathedral - 700th anniversary of the death of Edward II.
Gloucester Cathedral is a Norman building and being the resting place for Robert II, Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror’s son) and Edward II.
(Edward II was held captive at Berkeley Castle where he was murdered.)
New Tours, Trails & Experiences
Active England
Step into Clarkson’s Farm country with Active England’s new Cotswolds walking tour
Developed in 2026, Active England, a Cotswolds-based adventure travel company specializing in walking and cycling tours throughout the UK, has just launched a six-day guided Cotswolds walking adventure inspired by the hit series Clarkson’s Farm. The itinerary blends classic Cotswolds landscapes and heritage with time in the heart of the show’s countryside. Guests will explore villages including Chipping Campden, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Tetbury; visit Hidcote Gardens, Blenheim Palace and Westonbirt Arboretum; and walk through the landscapes around Chadlington and Diddly Squat Farm. The experience also includes dinner at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, and a visit to Hawkstone Brewery—combining a pop-culture hook with Active England’s signature guided walking, local food and deeper connection to the Cotswolds. For more information, please visit: https://activeenglandtours.com/tour/walk-clarksons-farm-the-cotswolds-guided/
Looking towards 2028 & beyond
Daylesford new hotel, Kingham – expected opening to be phased approach 2028
Planning has been granted for the Bamford group who own Daylesford Farm to refurbish and bring back to life a 38 bedroom hotel in the village of Kingham. The main hotel building has been designed around the historic mill building with ancillary uses surrounding the Mill in an informal courtyard. This courtyard building consists of the restaurant, alehouse, with outdoor seating and a two-bedroom holiday let. A separate planning application is for ten self catering cottages on the site.
https://www.boutiquehotelier.com/lord-bamford-new-cotswolds-hotel
2028 - 125th anniversary of the publication of the Tailor of Gloucester
2028 - 750th anniversary of Edward I holding Parliament in Gloucester and enacting the Statue of Gloucester https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_Gloucester_1278.
Cotswold Automotive Museum Enstone,
2030
The £150-million car museum dreamt up by American collector Peter Mullin for the UK is seeking to start development in Enstone Oxfordshire in late 2026 and will take several years to complete. It will be aiming for a completion date of 2030 onwards and will now be known as the Cotswold Automotive Museum.
https://www.3dreid.com/project/the-mullin-automotive-museum/
Stroud Waters – Kings Stanley Stroud a natural outdoor pool & wellbeing experience – currently in design stages.
Date TBC
A vision of a natural outdoor community pool, promoting swimming in natural, safe, biofiltered water and community wellbeing is hoping to come into being over the next few years.
With an aim to be like a lido mixed with wild swimming, they want to have various pools for families, lane swimming etc. then a sauna and community space to hire out. Currently at the feasibility study stage with a site found at a farm in King Stanley which also already has a café on site. https://www.communitywaters.co.uk/
Cotswolds Canal project
Date TBC
Following a new grant from the National Lottery, work continues to bring the Cotswold Canals to life with the Cotswold Canals Connected, (Phase 1B of the Cotswold Canals restoration project), marking the next exciting phase of canal restoration for the Cotswolds. It will link the Stroudwater Navigation canal with the Gloucester and Sharpness canal at Saul Junction. It will join our communities, towns and villages with the rest of the UK’s canal network, present new business opportunities and create a vibrant tourist destination in the heart of the Cotswolds. The revived canal is expected to boost local tourism, biodiversity and the regional economy, and is set to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2029.
Eco Park Stroud District Cotswolds
Date TBC
A new football stadium for Forest Green Rovers will also be built as part of the regional development. Eco Park’s centrepiece will be a 5,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium for Forest Green Rovers, the world’s greenest football club. Designed by the globally-renowned architects at Zaha Hadid, the ground will be made almost entirely from wood & the Eco Park will have the lowest carbon footprint of any football stadium in the world. https://www.ecopark.com/about
Great Wolf Lodge, Chesterton
Date TBC
This major £200 million investment is taking shape just outside of Bicester with this being the company’s first European resort. In keeping with the company ethos, Great Wolf Lodge will provide a one-of-a-kind family resort experience offering everything under one roof including entertainment, attractions and dining.
Looking further ahead & still in planning stages to be aware of:
Beaufort House
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Date TBC
Beaufort House in Gloucester plans submitted to create a 36-room hotel.
Puy Du Foy
Bicester Oxfordshire
Date TBC
Plans are being drawn up and submitted for planning for a new theme park.
https://www.puydufouconsultation.co.uk/
Recently opened accommodation in the Cotswolds
Redesdale Arms, Moreton in Marsh – Refurbishment & reopened Autumn 2026
In April 2026, the Redesdale Arms in the heart of the historic town of Moreton-in-Marsh was acquired by new owner, Brakspear as part of their Honeycomb Houses brand. Set back from Moreton’s busy High Street, the prominent 17th-century building with 35 guest rooms, has long been popular for its traditional charm that includes original oak beams, open fires and panelled walls. Following an initial uplift of the bedrooms, Honeycomb Houses Management said: ‘Our vision for the Redesdale Arms is to continue to offer a wonderful place to relax, stay, drink and dine.’
In autumn 2026, the Redesdale Arms reopened following a transformation with investment across the entire property, reflecting Brakspear's 'Honeycomb House' design. 2027 will be another exciting chapter the property, taking the Redesdale Arms further along its Honeycomb Houses journey. https://www.redesdalearms.com/
Dumbleton Hall near Winchcombe – reopened Spring 2026
Dumbleton Hall is now reopen following an extensive renovation.
Tucked away in the verdant foothills of the Cotswolds, Dumbleton Hall presents a distinctive sanctuary for those in search of rejuvenation and inspiration. It pledges a reawakening of the senses and a splendid way of life. Dumbleton Hall underwent an extensive renovation of its 34 bedrooms and communal spaces, incorporating the landscaping of its grounds with the addition of treehouses and shepherd's huts.
https://www.dumbletonhall.co.uk/
Wild Duck Ewen near Cirencester, Cotswolds – opened 2026
The Wild Duck at Ewen underwent a large-scale refurbishment to become a pub with rooms which opened in Spring 2026. Georgie designed 20 new bedrooms at the site, which are complete with antique furnishings, king-sized beds and roll top baths. Downstairs, the refreshed pub features low-beamed ceilings and working fireplaces, while the menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, championing Cotswolds produce. https://www.countrycreatures.com/wild-duck-ewen/
Tunnel House Inn, Coates Cirencester - Opened Spring 2026
An historic inn on the Bathurst estate has come to fruition bringing the historic Tunnel House Inn back to life following a full renovation. This Inn enjoys a uniquely stunning location beside the dormant Thames and Severn Canal and its majestic tunnel portal so is a welcome addition to the region. Whether you're stopping by for a drink at the bar or settling in for a leisurely meal, the kitchen celebrates the very best produce from local farmers and makers. At weekends, the garden comes alive with The Tunnel Fire Kitchen an outdoor dining experience designed for sharing with family and friends.
https://www.tunnelhouseinn.co.uk/
Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum, City of Gloucester - Opened early 2026.
The property will include a one-of-a-kind restaurant focused on celebrating the local neighbourhood, and an exquisite rooftop cocktail bar with views onto a bespoke private courtyard. Guests will also have access to a gym, conferencing facilities and The Forum’s state-of-the-art digital innovation hub.
The 131-room Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum will be located in The Forum development in the heart of the city centre, and in partnership with Gloucester City Council and the Reef Group. The property will include a one-of-a-kind restaurant focused on celebrating the local neighbourhood, and an exquisite rooftop cocktail bar with views onto a bespoke private courtyard. Guests will also have access to a gym, conferencing facilities and The Forum’s state-of-the-art digital innovation hub. https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/gloucester/glosr/hoteldetail
Hotel Indigo Gloucester- The Forum - Hotel in Gloucester, Gloucester - Visit Gloucester
The Mason Arms Clanfield & The Duchess Clanfield, Cotswolds – opened 2026
Sam and Georgie Pearman, former founders of The Lucky Onion group, were busy in 2026 opening more sites in the couple’s growing Country Creatures collection.
The Duchess opened later in 2026 bringing 10 additional rooms to the Double Red Duke. These rooms will be furnished in Georgie’s signature Double Red Duke style. Except comfort, cosy corners and British designer furnishings.
The Mason Arms also located in Clanfield will be expanding into offering overnight stays with 9 bedrooms.
https://www.countrycreatures.com/masons-arms/
For more information on what is new in the area, please email [email protected]