FESTIVALS

Cheltenham Travel Festival is back to deliver serious travel FOMO – and the inspiration to do something about it. Landing at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sat 21 Feb, this exciting one-day event features awesome talks, exhibits and workshops.

Meet handpicked businesses, from Steppes Travel to Viking Cruises; grill travel experts with your burning questions; slip on a VR headset and immerse yourself in dream destinations. Hear fascinating talks with insider info from travel personalities including the BBC’s Mark Cummings, and enjoy exclusive festival-only discounts.

Plus, be in with a chance to win a free holiday and more prizes on the day. On from 10am – 4pm, book your FREE ticket here.

You don’t even have to leave the sofa for Gloucester History Festival’s Winter Warmer – an online feast of talks and big names. Running until 11 Feb, it’s 50 events curated by Professor Janina Ramirez and new premieres from Frank Skinner, Prof Alice Roberts and Martin Sixsmith.

Expect two Traitors too! Celia Imrie talks books and David Olusoga on history in a turbulent world. Greg Jenner goes full Stone Age and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on all things Rococo. There’s a bewitching Witch Night and a Marvellous History of Magic with Glos’s Steve Knibbs. Tickets: £7 or £32 for full access.

WORKSHOPS

Calling all caffeine queens – ever wondered how they create your coffee art? Now’s the time to find out. Teach yourself the art of creating the prettiest looking Latte Art Workshop, Coffee Cauldron, Cheltenham.

These workshops sell out so book quick. Pro barista Ollie has had training with the Speciality Coffee Association, as well as having 8 years of coffee shop experience. It’s two hours of fun, from 6pm – 8pm, and includes sweet treats (vegan and Gluten Free available too) Tickets: £50pp.

Sip and create at a Paint Night throughout Feb, learn step-by-step painting with a side order of fun at workshops in Gloucester and Cheltenham. Enjoy an evening out with friends and discover your inner artist. This is not your usual art class, there is no judgment so you can relax. At each of the sessions, you’ll be guided through a painting for the evening by a local artist. All materials are provided including a canvas to take home at the end.

UNMISSABLE ARTY EXHIBITIONS

If we can’t get the real thing at the moment we’re so here for Luke Jerram’s incredible new art installation Helios. Book in to Jubilee Pool in Bristol to bask in its rays! On until 8 Feb, at these spectacular sessions the lights are dimmed, music is played and the sun is lit up in all its glory. Tickets are £8 for a swim and £3 for a spectator ticket. All money raised is supporting a campaign to replace the roof and add solar panels, so a great cause too.

bird in a photo at the wildlife photography shpow — Image credit: Leona Kuster

Celebrating the most talented wildlife photographers around to world for 60 years, the extra special Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition lands at Gloucester’s Nature in Art.

On from 3 Feb to 14 April, at this beautiful Georgian museum and art gallery, famous as the world’s first dedicated to art inspired by nature, you can view a collection of stunning images from 100 countries, which capture animal behaviour, rare species and the diversity of the natural world.

THEATRE

Big voices, big drama and big hair! The 90s are heading to Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre with the glitzy UK tour of The Bodyguard. Expect all the high-gloss thrills you’ll remember from the cult film.

On from 23 to 28 Feb, award-winning musical favourite Sidonie Smith (Sister Act, Chicago) and Olivier Award-nominated Adam Garcia star, along with Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actor Matt Milburn. Get ready to belt out I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You – this is your moment.

Catch Men Behaving Badly: The Play at the brilliant Barn Theatre from 30 Jan – 7 March. This brand-new stage comedy is based on one of the most successful British comedies of all time. A night of nostalgic chaos and lager-fuelled honesty — because bad behaviour isn’t just for the telly. Relive the chaos, rewind the tape, and grab your tickets and relive the ‘90s!

Candlelight concerts are so stunning and this one – Candlelight: Hans Zimmers Best Works – is a sensational experience to brighten up the dark winter nights. On until 14 March.

COMEDY

Need a giggle? Ingleside House has the answer. The Comedy Club returns to Ingleside on Fri, 13 Feb with a standout line-up that’s well worth a night out. Headlining is Bennett Arron, who has toured with Ricky Gervais, Sean Percival and Adam Flood, whose viral sketches have made him one of comedy’s most talked-about rising acts.

YOGA

Award-winning Make+Move in the Forest of Dean offers in person and live-streamed yoga. Try soulful, restorative classes such as The Slow Down, The Reset, Lunar Flow. Or, book in for Katonah Yoga, with familiar shapes with unfamiliar twists and breath work. Single sessions from £12.

Step into a soul-soothing day retreat in the gorgeous barn conversion at Aerial Yoga Day Retreat, Bransford on Sun 8 Feb. This holistic reset is designed to clear your head and deepen your yoga practice (with a little aerial magic thrown in).

The day includes an energising aerial flow class, calming aerial yin session then a vegetarian lunch at The Fold café, plus snacks and refreshments throughout the day and a guided walk around the grounds. Retreaters get a gift bag to take home. From £104pp.

Give your wellbeing a boost with an expert class at Yahra in Broadway. Choose from invigorating Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Hatha to calming Yin. There are also Beginner’s Yoga courses. The studio provides everything they need. Once you’re done, get yourself a massage at the wellness hub here too.

NATURE FUN

What beats bouncy lambs at this dreary time of year? Very little. And Cotswold Farm Park’s Live Lambing, from 13 Feb, Cheltenham has 900 of them ready to pop out! Head over when it opens on 13 Feb and go to the Animal Barn. Kids will love the daily talks with keepers and they can have a go at bottle feedings (hold on tight, they get hungry). Don’t miss the chick hatching room next door and try out Dolly’s Den soft play area and Farm Safari rides.

HALF TERM FUN

kid planting seeds at st peters garden centre

Calling all young nature explorers this half term (16 – 20 Feb). Head over to Webbs Garden Centres at Wychbold, Cheltenham and West Hagley.

Amongst the fun on offer? Decorate a Bird Box, where they can paint and decorate a unique home for birds that can be proudly displayed in the garden. Or, become a member of The Seedling Squad at the Sow & Grow session and decorate a terracotta plant pot then plant seeds in it. There will also be a free drink for each child to keep young adventurers refreshed and energised. Costs £9.49 per child, and £8 per child for Sow & Grow. Suitable for ages 3+.

And, back by popular demand, is the Teens & Adults Sow and Grow. Held in the Planthouse Café at Wychbold, this session mirrors the kids’ activity but with comfy seating and a relaxed pace – perfect for older participants wanting to enjoy some creative gardening fun. See more and book here.

Take the littles to St Peters Garden Centre in Worcs for some very hands-on activities. From £9.99 per child they can Decorate a Bug or Butterfly Box and tickets include a free drink for each child.

In Glos? From 14 – 22 Feb let them get delirious and dirty at Slimbridge’s muddy jamboree – Mudfest 2026. Make it, mix it, mould it and build with it, sling it, paint it and jump in it!

WEDDING FAIRS

Getting hitched? Head to the Wedding Open Day, Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham on Sun 15 Feb from 11am to 3pm. Featuring handpicked vendors from florists and bakers to photographers. Enjoy a free mimosa on arrival and tasty canapés. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to see the venue, ask questions, and gather inspiration.

Or head for the Gloucestershire Wedding Show at Cheltenham Racecourse on 8 Feb, the biggest of its kind in the county. As well as having over 80 wedding suppliers, including venues all under one roof there is a Wed Chat Stage showcasing bridalwear and demos, live dance demos, live music and magicians.

BOOK AHEAD NOW

Countrytastic at Three Counties Showground in Malvern opens its gates on 2 April and it’s a brilliant, jam-packed day of fun for kids. The Easter hols will have begun for many, and it often sells out! Take part in lots of indoor and outdoor activities. Opens at 10am and closes at 5pm.

New to CountryTastic this year is the Hobby Horse Arena, run by the Hobby Horse Association. Children of all abilities will have the chance to trot, jump and compete! Plus, visit the Rabbit Ranch and refuel at the Alpaca café where you can see the fluffy creatures eating treats.

For young farming enthusiasts, there are real tractor and trailer rides to hop on. Children can also try pedal tractors and bale lifters (using foam bales for easy lifting) just like a real farmer. Show tickets: £11 for adults, £6 for children 3-15yrs (under 2 yrs old free).

If you love nature, food and barrowfuls of fun, don’t miss the RHS Malvern Spring Show, on from 7 – 10 May 2026, a huge celebration of all things Spring, from expert talks and stalls to browse to gorgeous blooms. Keep a space in the diary too for the Royal Three Counties Show from 12 -14 June 2026, a bumper day out of farming and fun, and the seasonally spectacular Malvern Autumn Show from 25 – 27 September 2026.

Want more? Try these:

50+ things to do at February half term

11 stunning snowdrop walks near you

13 Traitors-style murder mystery nights selling out quick

What’s On February: 18 awesome new things to do this month

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