If you’re timing a trip around what’s actually happening in the area, June and July are worth a look. The Cotswold Show is on at Cirencester Park in early July, open gardens season is in full swing across the Malmesbury area, and the town itself is at its most colourful from late spring through summer. Pettifers is in Crudwell, just outside Malmesbury, so you’re well placed for all of it.
Open gardens season near Malmesbury
Through the summer, the National Garden Scheme (NGS) opens private gardens across the country to raise funds for nursing and health charities. Near Malmesbury, it’s a good excuse to see places that are normally closed to visitors: proper walled gardens, herbaceous borders, homemade cake, and owners who actually want to talk about what they’ve grown.
One of the better local openings is the Dauntsey Gardens group.Seven gardens centred around the historic Dauntsey Park Estate, ranging from the classical country house setting of Dauntsey Park with lawns and views over the River Avon, to more intimate spaces including a walled kitchen garden with orchard and woodland walk. Pre-booking is available, and there are plants for sale on the day. Worth checking the NGS website for confirmed 2026 dates before you go.
Whatley Manor, also near Malmesbury, opens its grounds periodically through the season as part of the NGS programme. Again, dates vary year to year. The NGS website is the place to check.
Malmesbury itself runs an In Bloom programme from May to September, with a community gardens competition across ten categories: window boxes, large gardens, wildflower patches, vegetable allotments and more. The event day in August linked to the carnival is on 2nd August 1.30-5.30pm Please see the malmesburycarnival.co.uk for details. The bloom programme means the town looks its best across the whole summer, which makes a wander through the streets a decent addition to any garden-focused weekend.
The Cotswold Show and Food Festival
The Cotswold Show runs over two days on 100 acres in Cirencester Park and is one of the bigger country shows in the south of England, drawing tens of thousands of visitors across the weekend. In 2026 it’s on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July.
The arena programme includes Monster Trucks, a Dog and Duck show and a Parachute Display Team. Alongside that there are hundreds of trade stands, a cookery theatre, animal demonstrations and a food hall that reflects how well the Cotswolds does local producers, cheeses, bakers, independent drinks makers, and plenty to bring home. Dogs are welcome on fixed leads. Tickets are cheaper if booked online in advance, so it’s worth sorting before you travel.
It’s a full day out on its own. A lot of people find they go for the food hall and end up staying for the arena.
Making a weekend of it
The natural shape of a Cotswold Show weekend is Saturday at the show, Sunday at a slower pace. From Crudwell, that might mean a morning walk, a few hours in Malmesbury, or a visit to one of the open gardens if the timing lines up.
Malmesbury is worth an hour or two regardless. It sits on a hilltop above the River Avon, with the ruins of the Abbey at its centre and a decent spread of independent cafés and shops. It tends to surprise people who haven’t been before.
If open gardens are the main draw, it’s worth browsing the full NGS listing before you book. Openings vary across the season and there are usually several in the Malmesbury area through June, July and into August.
Staying at Pettifers
At Pettifers we have a range of rooms across the main hotel and courtyard building, from classic doubles to family rooms, with ground floor courtyard rooms available for guests with accessibility requirements. If you’d rather have your own space, Mayfield Cottage next door is a two-bedroom self-catering option with its own parking and a private courtyard garden which is good for families, or anyone who wants a bit more independence.
Dogs are welcome in selected rooms, which is useful if you’re planning to combine the trip with some walking. Our team is happy to point you towards local routes if you need suggestions.
Book direct for the best available rates. You can explore accommodation at Pettifers or get in touch if you have specific questions before booking.
