ARTS

Summer Theatre at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, 21 Aug

Waddesdon Manor’s glorious garden stage sets the scene for a month of open-air theatrical magic. This year’s highlights include The Pantaloons’ anarchic take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Quantum Theatre’s whimsical adaptation of Alice Through the Looking Glass – perfect for fans of fast-paced fun and literary mischief (that’s us!). Expect imaginative staging and picnics at dusk in one of Bucks’ most beautiful settings. A summer culture fix the whole family can enjoy.

Buckinghamshire Open Weekend, various locations 28 – 31 Aug

Back for its fifth fabulous year, Buckinghamshire Open Weekend is the county’s much-loved arts celebration – and best of all, it’s completely free! This year’s theme? Nature and stories. Because honestly, what could be more inspiring than the great outdoors? For local creatives, this is more a chance to showcase latent (and not so latent) talents, get inspired, and share something truly unforgettable with the community. Don’t miss your moment to be part of something beautifully creative and uniquely Bucks.

Movements for Staying Alive, Modern Art Oxford, until 7 Sept

Catch a final glimpse of art exhibition Movements for Staying Alive for free at Modern Art Oxford before it leaves your doorstep on 7 Sept. Perfect for the whole family, the exhibition encourages you to engage with the artwork physically, showcasing how important body movement is rather than just gawping at the art (and perfect for the kids wanting to touch it all). Expect videography, sculptures, dancers, and all sorts to put your foot in (quite literally). Go on, move it!

FOOD & DRINK

Chilli Fest at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, 20 – 31 Aug

It’s time to turn up the heat and visit Waddesdon Manor’s Chilli Fest in the Aviary Gardens where your £20 (£11 for 5+) ticket will give you a selection of artisan food and drink stalls, live music and family activities. Expect chilli eating competitions, bubble entertainment, sampling sauces, oils and pickles at The Taste Tent, and circus workshops. And to really wear the kids (and partners) out, bring the games to life in The Actual Reality Arcade for some interactive fun.

Sophie’s Street Feast, Milton Keynes, 31 Aug

Want to eat good and do good? Pop along with the whole fam to Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre between 11am-4pm to Sophie’s Street Feast. Hosted in partnership with charity Toybox, this free to attend event will be buzzing with street food vendors, live music, and a whole lot of community, with all proceeds going towards local organisations – The Urb Farm and Bee-lievers. So, why not give back to the community through quaffing on a tipple and a belly full of international and local delicacies. Not bad, huh?

Punting & Picnicking, Oxford, from Magdalen Bridge, daily through Aug

Boats, bubbles, and a basket of deliciousness? Yes please. Channel your inner Brideshead and take to Oxford’s dreamy waterways in a punt, complete with a luxe Taylors picnic – think Scotch eggs, strawberries, and a perfectly chilled bottle of something sparkly. It’s peak English summer – just don’t drop the pole and topple into the river. Not, ahem, that we’d know anything about that, obviously.

Foodies Festival Oxford, South Park, Oxford, 23 – 25 Aug

The Foodies Festival returns to South Park for a three-day feast of street food, chef demos, pop-up bars and family fun – and this year’s line-up is looking seriously tasty. Expect cookery stars like Thomas Frake (MasterChef champ), Mark Peregrine (Raymond Blanc Cookery School), and Alex Webb (MasterChef: The Professionals winner), plus more cooking theatres than we can count (highlights include La Española Chefs, Cake & Bake, and even a Kids Cookery Theatre for budding mini chefs). And the soundtrack? Think Blue, Scouting For Girls, and a smorgasbord of other big, bouncy acts. It’s a full-on weekend of eating, drinking, dancing and repeat. Hungry yet?

KIDS

The MK-7 Experience, Milton Keynes, 28 Aug

Race car lovers in the house? Take your little ones (5+) to Oracle Red Bull Racing HQ for a 2hr tour. A kid’s ticket up to 12 years is £36 (£96 per adult) and gives you a closer look at the race cars, as well as Formula One artefacts and of course the championship trophies. Then, head on over to the Red Bull Racing Heritage Workshop to catch a glimpse of the engineers working on F1 cars. Refreshments will be on hand, and to really put their heart in overdrive they can nab a special memento of their day too.

Kids’ Pizza-Making at Bicester Village, Oxfordshire, 26 Aug

Calling all mini dough-stretchers and mozzarella lovers: Cecconi’s is handing over the pizza peel to budding little chefs in this super-fun 90-minute masterclass. Under the expert eye of the Head Chef, they’ll build their own wood-fired masterpiece (with up to five toppings), then devour it hot from the oven – fries and a drink included. Meanwhile, you can sip something chilled with 20% off at Cecconi’s. Or make a guilt-free dash to the boutiques. You decide. Food + fashion = family day out, sorted.

Bucks County Show, Weedon Park, Aylesbury, 28 Aug

If you’re looking for traditional countryside charm for the kids, the Bucks County Show is your go-to summer send-off – think show-stopping livestock, high-stakes equine action, daredevil stunt teams, and more rustic allure than you can shake a welly at. There’s homegrown creativity galore in the craft and cookery tents (we’re talking baking, winemaking, veg-growing, and flower-arranging brilliance), plus a foodie marquee and countryside demos to keep things deliciously down-to-earth.

Bletchley Park Escape Room Experience, Buckinghamshire, daily throughout Aug

Crack the code, save the mission, and escape before time runs out – this pulse-racing experience at the legendary Bletchley Park drops you right into the high-stakes world of WWII espionage. Expect fiendish puzzles, vintage tech, and immersive storytelling in the very place Britain’s greatest minds once worked in secret. Ideal for competitive families, clever teens, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a spy.

Magical Matilda Summer, Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, until 31 Aug

Have a mini mastermind at home? If your little genius is itching to outwit the grown-ups (à la a certain telekinetic bookworm), then it’s time to hot-foot it to Great Missenden for a month of Matilda mayhem. From crafting a car out of scraps in Mr Wormwood’s Junkyard to dreaming up a garden fit for the lovely Miss Honey – plus a Matilda-themed science session thrown in for good measure – let the mischief commence, maggots.  

The Patch, Milton Keynes, until 30 Aug

Fancy the ultimate countryside day out for the whole fam? The Patch, Milton Keynes’ fourth-gen family-run farm, is back in bloom – and with it, your golden ticket to flower-filled fields and fresh-air frolics. It’s pick-your-own paradise, from towering sunflowers to whimsical wildflowers – plus a fun field that’s basically childhood heaven: mini golf, interactive corn mazes, climbing walls, corn lassoing (yes, really), duck racing, barrel train rides… and that’s just for starters. It’s the kind of old-school summer magic that ends with muddy knees, flower crowns, and gloriously knackered small people snoozing in the back seat.

EXPERIENCES

Milton Manor House Tour, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, until 31 Aug

Like your stately homes with a side of exclusivity? This hidden gem, rarely open to the public, offers a rare peek behind the curtain of 18th-century grandeur. Designed by Inigo Jones, Milton Manor is all Gothic libraries, secret chapels, and jaw-dropping oak-panelled rooms – the kind of place that makes you want to reach for an empire line frock and moon around after a certain Mr Darcy. Outside, lose yourself in the walled garden, tranquil lakes, and woodland walks. History buffs, interiors obsessives and Sunday moochers: this will hit all the right notes.

Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, 27-31 Aug

Rev your engines, darlings – this ultra-luxe automotive garden party is back, and it’s giving serious Monte Carlo-meets-Cotswolds energy. Expect supercars, vintage beauties, concept cars, and more polished chrome than you can shake a Champagne flute at – all set against the outrageously regal backdrop of Blenheim Palace. With gourmet dining, flowing fizz, and a strict garden party dress code (bring your best linen and loafers), this is not your average car show – it’s the car show. Goodwood who?

Henley County Craft Show, Stonar Park, Henley-on-Thames, 22-25 Aug

Calling all craft lovers! The Henley County Craft Show is on and it’s like Etsy exploded slap-bang in the middle of the gorgeous Stonar Park. Prepare yourself for an Insta-candy line up of artisan stalls selling everything from handmade soaps and ceramics to jewellery and baked goods. It’s a crafty’s dream. when you’re done, delicious street food, craft demos, live music, and toooons of stuff to help the kids burn off some steam awaits (hello brand new circus!) Grab your boots, bring your tote, and prepare to say “I need this” at least 47 times.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

child on parents shoulders at Wilderness Festival

The Big Feastival, Kingham, Cotswolds, 22 – 24 Aug

Hosted on Blur bassist Alex James’ farm, this is the ultimate mash-up of foodie indulgence and feel-good festival vibes. Expect Nelly Furtado, Rizzle Kicks, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on stage, plus top chefs, artisan eats, a kid-friendly wonderland, and, of course, Alex’s famous cheese hub. Did we mention our cheese craving that won’t quit? Delicious in every way.

Found Festival, Claydon Estate, Bucks, 22–24 Aug

More banjo than banger? Found Festival is your spot. This under-the-radar gem skips the mega-headliners and focuses on the good stuff: Americana, Folk, Blues, World and Roots music, all on a chilled country estate. There’s also a cracking comedy lineup (hello John Hegley, Angela Barnes, and Robin Ince) to keep the laughs flowing. BYO guitar and good vibes.

BunkFest, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, 29 – 31 Aug

Now celebrating 21 years of annual fun (cheers to that!), BunkFest is Wallingford’s riverside knees-up that brings serious feel-good energy to the end of summer. Think live music, street food, heritage steam trains, and even boat performances drifting down the Thames. There are 70-plus music workshops (just turn up – no booking, no stress), plus folk dancing, ceilidhs, and cracking tribute acts like The Amy Winehouse Band and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Add in a beer tent, a campsite nearby, and totally free festival access, and you’ve got yourself a brilliant, joyful, bring-the-whole-village kind of weekend.

Oops… you just missed it

Creation Theatre's actors — Creation Theatre’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream.* Image credit: Geraint Lewis

ARTS

Grease Outdoor Cinema, Bicester Spa Hotel, Oxfordshire, 9 Aug

Grease hit the big screen at Bicester Spa Hotel, and it was all al fresco. Settled in under the stars with your fluffiest blanket and a side of street food – it was the perfect setting for a night of pure ‘50s nostalgia and had summer lovin’ written all over it.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Creation Theatre, until 16 Aug

Barmy weather? Tick. Barmier Shakespearean love triangles? Double tick. Creation Theatre sprinkled its signature fairy dust over Shakespeare’s most mischievous comedy, and the setting couldn’t have been dreamier. Set at the perfectly manicured lawns of Wolfson College’s cricket ground, with a cold Pimm’s in one hand and a picnic in the other – what a dream. Fairies, frolics, and alfresco fun? Yes, yes, and yes – because frankly, summer isn’t summer until someone’s been turned into a donkey.

Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Oxford Castle & Prison, until 16 Aug

Shakespeare under the stars? That’ll do nicely. The brilliant Oxford Shakespeare Festival continued its summer run in the dramatic setting of the castle courtyard, and August brought the gloriously chaotic Merry Wives of Windsor to the stage. This time, it’s transposed suburbia in the 1950s – all pristine lawns and perfect hairdos – until a certain Sir John Falstaff shows up and chaos ensues.

Waterperry Opera Festival, Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire various dates between 9 – 16 Aug 

Garsington Opera a bit too spenny for you this summer? Waterperry Gardens was the perfect alternative with its’ open-air drama and Mozart’s Don Giovanni taking centre stage. There was bucket loads of seduction, scandal, laughs, and a touch of brooding intensity – all performed in front of the elegant backdrop of Waterperry House.

FOOD & DRINK

Sparkling Wine Tour at Harrow & Hope, Marlow, various dates Aug

If your idea of a perfect summer’s day includes sunshine, vineyards, and something sparkling in your glass, Harrow & Hope in Marlow would’ve been your dream with its’ behind-the-scenes tour of one of England’s finest fizz producers. These intimate tours (just 12 guests per group) take you from vine to bottle with a guided walk, winery visit, and a tasting of three award-winning wines. Plus, £10 off in the shop – handy for when one bottle just won’t cut it.

Cogges Beer & Cider Festival, Witney, 9 Aug

Still fizzing after ten glorious years, Cogges’ Beer & Cider Festival made an appearance this August. There was 40-plus local beers, a dozen ciders, street food galore, and barn-storming live music bringing all the feel-good vibes.

KIDS

Victorian Weekend, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks, 16-17 Aug

If your kids are into Horrible Histories, The Victorian Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum brought history to grimy, glorious life with the brilliantly named Ragged Victorians – a bunch of costumed re-enactors who look like they’ve just stepped out of a soot-stained backstreet in 1850. It was messy, mischievous, and sneakily educational – perfect for kids learning about the Victorians at school.

Meet Paddington at Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire, 16 Aug

Everyone’s favourite export from Darkest Peru himself was at Didcot Railway Centre on 16 August, mingling with visitors (handing out free marmalade sarnies from beneath his hat, natch) and riding the gleaming locomotives.

EXPERIENCES

Plants & Potions Oxford Botanic Garden Tour, Oxford, 12 Aug

Consultant dermatologist Dr Sue Burge wandered through Oxford’s Walled Garden, where the blooms come with super cool backstories. From foxgloves that sparked lifesaving heart meds to fungi once used in ancient cures (and the odd curse…), this fascinating tour uncovered the weird and wonderful plants that shaped the course of medical history.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, 31 July – 3 Aug

The most glam of the bunch, Wilderness served up four days of decadent revelry – think live music, lakeside skinny-dipping, wild banquets, and wellness workshops all set in a dreamy Oxfordshire valley.

ARTS

Summer Theatre at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, 21 Aug

Buckinghamshire Open Weekend, various locations 28 – 31 Aug

Movements for Staying Alive, Modern Art Oxford, until 7 Sept

FOOD & DRINK

Chilli Fest at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, 20 – 31 Aug

Sophie’s Street Feast, Milton Keynes, 31 Aug

Punting & Picnicking, Oxford, from Magdalen Bridge, daily through Aug

Foodies Festival Oxford, South Park, Oxford, 23 – 25 Aug

KIDS

The MK-7 Experience, Milton Keynes, 28 Aug

Kids’ Pizza-Making at Bicester Village, Oxfordshire, 26 Aug

Bucks County Show, Weedon Park, Aylesbury, 28 Aug

Bletchley Park Escape Room Experience, Buckinghamshire, daily throughout Aug

Magical Matilda Summer, Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, until 31 Aug

The Patch, Milton Keynes, until 30 Aug

EXPERIENCES

Milton Manor House Tour, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, until 31 Aug

Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, 27-31 Aug

Henley County Craft Show, Stonar Park, Henley-on-Thames, 22-25 Aug

LOCAL FESTIVALS

The Big Feastival, Kingham, Cotswolds, 22 – 24 Aug

Found Festival, Claydon Estate, Bucks, 22–24 Aug

BunkFest, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, 29 – 31 Aug

Oops… you just missed it

ARTS

Grease Outdoor Cinema, Bicester Spa Hotel, Oxfordshire, 9 Aug

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Creation Theatre, until 16 Aug

Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Oxford Castle & Prison, until 16 Aug

Waterperry Opera Festival, Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire various dates between 9 – 16 Aug

FOOD & DRINK

Sparkling Wine Tour at Harrow & Hope, Marlow, various dates Aug

Cogges Beer & Cider Festival, Witney, 9 Aug

KIDS

Victorian Weekend, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks, 16-17 Aug

Meet Paddington at Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire, 16 Aug

EXPERIENCES

Plants & Potions Oxford Botanic Garden Tour, Oxford, 12 Aug

LOCAL FESTIVALS

Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, 31 July – 3 Aug

BunkFest, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, 29 – 31 Aug

Waterperry Opera Festival, Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire various dates between 9 – 16 Aug 

August’s almost out, find your fun and see summer out with a bang

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