Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.kap_-1000x667.jpg" alt="Katherine Parr grave" class="wp-image-82952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.kap_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.kap_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.kap_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.kap_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Move over literary festivals and food fairs &#8211; Sudeley Castle is launching a new <strong><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Weekend</a></strong> and it’s going to be one of the most atmospheric events in Glos&#8217;s 2026 calendar. </p>



<p>Running from 26 &#8211; 28 June, the three-day festival dives deep into the castle’s wildly colourful past with a packed programme of talks, tours, storytelling and live history.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.sudely-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sudeley Castle " class="wp-image-82954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.sudely-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.sudely-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.sudely-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.sudely.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No dusty textbook vibes, instead, think Tudor scandal, Civil War chaos, aristocratic glamour, hidden castle rooms and candlelit chapel music. Book a brilliant talk or tour, or enjoy one of the many free activities.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;ve ever binge watched <em>Wolf Hall</em> in one sitting, or just fancy spending a summer weekend wandering around a stunning castle with a glass of fizz, read on.</p>



<p>Here are 8 unmissable highlights you won&#8217;t want to miss.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hot-ticket">THE HOT TICKET</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alison-weir-nbsp-the-boleyn-secret"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/shop/products/event-tickets/alison-weir-the-boleyn-secret" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alison Weir:&nbsp;<em>The Boleyn Secret</em></a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Alison weir historian" class="wp-image-82883" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/4.al_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tudor intrigue fans, step this way. Author and historian Alison Weir explores the scandal and ambition surrounding the Boleyn dynasty &#8211; and what a setting for it with Sudeley&#8217;s royal past. Catch her talking about her new book <em>The Boleyn Secret</em>, and enjoy an arrival drink hosted by Lady Ashcombe, the chatelaine of Sudeley Castle. </p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> The Orangery, Fri 26 June, doors 5pm, talk 6pm. <em>Tickets £25pp.</em></p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-celeb-speaker">THE CELEB SPEAKER </h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-david-starkey-on-katherine-parr"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/shop/products/event-tickets/david-starkey-katherine-parr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Starkey on Katherine Parr</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/2.david_-1000x667.jpg" alt="HISTORIAN DAVID STARKEY" class="wp-image-82885" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/2.david_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/2.david_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/2.david_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/2.david_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>TV presenter and historian David Starkey is coming to Sudeley! Katherine Parr gets the spotlight in a fascinating look into the life of Henry VIII’s final wife &#8211; who happens to be buried at Sudeley. Expect politics, power struggles and insight into one of Tudor England’s most underestimated women, at the castle she once called home. The talk also includes an arrival drink hosted by Lady Ashcombe, absolutely one not to miss.</p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> The Orangery, Sat 27 June, doors 5pm, talk 6pm. <em>Tickets: £25pp.</em></p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-velvet-rope-access-one">THE VELVET ROPE-ACCESS ONE</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes-guided-tour"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/shop/products/event-tickets/history-weekend-behind-the-scenes-guided-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behind The Scenes Guided Tour</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.HIS_-1000x667.jpg" alt="people behind the scenes at Sudeley castle" class="wp-image-82888" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.HIS_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.HIS_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.HIS_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.HIS_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Grab a rare chance to step beyond Sudeley&#8217;s public spaces and peer into the private side of castle life. The guided tour unlocks family rooms usually closed to visitors so if you’ve ever wondered what really goes on beyond the scenes at a stately home, this is your moment.</p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> Meeting point: Castle Terrace. Fri 26 June &amp; Sun 28 June at 11am; Sat 27 June at 2pm. <em>Tickets £12.50pp</em>.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-garden-lovers">FOR GARDEN LOVERS</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-garden-tour"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/shop/products/event-tickets/history-weekend-historic-garden-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Historic Garden Tour</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.SUDWELT-1000x667.jpg" alt="SUDELY CASTLE GARDEN" class="wp-image-82889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.SUDWELT-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.SUDWELT-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.SUDWELT-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.SUDWELT.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Join Sudeley&#8217;s Head Gardener Stephen Torode and expert guide Lindsey Draper as they take you around Sudeley’s glorious gardens and ruins. Expect beautiful planting, fascinating stories and horticultural history as you wander through one of the prettiest estates in the region. Perfect for castle-core gardening inspiration!</p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> Castle Terrace meeting point. Fri 26 June at 2pm and Sat 27 June at 11am. <em>Tickets £10pp.</em></p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-fun-for-families">TOP FUN FOR FAMILIES</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-terrible-tales-from-tudor-times"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terrible Tales From Tudor Times</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tudir_-1000x667.jpg" alt="man talking about tudors in cheltenham" class="wp-image-82890" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tudir_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tudir_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tudir_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tudir_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Packed with hilarious characters, strange folk tales and plenty of laughs, this storytelling session is ideal for younger visitors and adults who love a giggle &#8211; and it&#8217;s totally FREE.  Listen to tales that made folk laugh in Tudor times with expert raconteur Dave Tongue! Set outdoors on Mulberry Lawn, it&#8217;s a highly entertaining stop between castle exploring. </p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> Mulberry Lawn, Sun 28 June throughout the day. Included with general admission. Plus, catch free live music from Waytes and Measures, who&#8217;ll be livening things up with free shows on the Mulberry lawn throughout the day on Sat 27 June.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fashion-lover-s-pick">THE FASHION LOVER&#8217;S PICK</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crinolines-to-bustles"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crinolines to Bustles</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.bustle-1000x667.jpg" alt="dress on a model in glos" class="wp-image-82907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.bustle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.bustle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.bustle-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.bustle.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fashion lovers will adore this stylish romp through Victorian clothing, complete with treasures from Sudeley’s own collection. Join Sudeley&#8217;s textile conservator and curator Bev Johnson for a journey through fashion. Highlights include the Worth Jacket from the House of Worth haute couture fashion house and ivory silk shoes worn by Emma Dent on her wedding day. </p>



<p>There’s plenty here for modern fashion fans too, especially anyone fascinated by craftsmanship, silhouette and the evolution of style through the decades. </p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> The Chapel, Saturday 27 June at 3pm and Sunday 28 June at 11am. Included FREE with general admission.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-live-history">FOR LIVE HISTORY</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-in-action"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation In Action</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tapwestry-1000x700.jpg" alt="tapestry at sudeley castle" class="wp-image-82912" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tapwestry-1000x700.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tapwestry-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tapwestry-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.tapwestry.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<p>Watching textile conservators restore the magnificent Sheldon Tapestry live is totally addictive. Across the weekend, visitors can see centuries-old craftsmanship being preserved in real time. Janie Lightfoot Textiles will be working on the tapestry &#8211; watch them in action and gain a rare behind-the-scenes look at the painstaking work involved in protecting historic treasures. </p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> The Library, Fri 26 June 10:30-16:30, Sat 27 June, 10:00-16:30, Sun 28 June, 10:00-14:30. Included <strong>FREE</strong> with general admission.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-for-the-music-fans">ONE FOR THE MUSIC FANS</h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evensong-service"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evensong Service</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-1000x665.jpg" alt="chapel at sudeley castle" class="wp-image-82898" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/8.dud_-2-2048x1363.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<p>After a weekend of royal drama, the big finale is a spine-tinglingatmospheric Evensong service in St Mary’s Chapel. Expect soaring choral music from Tapestry Chamber Choir, candlelit calm and a moving end to the weekend inside one of the castle’s most historic spaces. </p>



<p>Even if you’re not remotely religious, there’s something very special about sitting in the chapel as the music fills the room, quite frankly a perfectly elegant final note to three days of storytelling and spectacle.</p>



<p><strong>Where &amp; when?</strong> St Mary’s Chapel, Sunday 28 June, 4pm. Included <strong>FREE </strong>with general admission.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/7.deuu_-1000x667.jpg" alt="sudeley castle" class="wp-image-82895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/7.deuu_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/7.deuu_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/7.deuu_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/7.deuu_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<p><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/history-weekend-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sudeley Castle History Weekend</a> is on from Fri 26 – Sun 28 June 2026. General admission applies, with selected talks and tours requiring extra tickets.</p>



<p>General admission starts from £24 adults, £23 seniors and £10.50 for children.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/arts-culture/music/8-reasons-to-see-ministry-of-sound-classical-at-kingsholm-stadium-gloucester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 reasons Ministry of Sound Classical is Glos&#8217; wildest night out this summer</a></p>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/arts-culture/festivals/8-must-see-performances-at-three-choirs-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 unmissable show at Three Choirs Festival</a></p>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/rise-dine-14-brilliant-brunch-hotspots-gloucestershire-worcestershire/">4 fantastic family-friendly brunch spots</a></p>



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New event alert! 8 unmissable highlights at Sudeley Castle History Weekend

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