From chariot racing to beautiful gardens, there’s all sorts to see and do this weekend in and around the Cotswolds! Here’s our pick of five events to get you out come rain or shine.

Great British Life: The Royal Three CountiesThe Royal Three Counties (Image: Archant)

Royal Three Counties Show

The Showground, Malvern | June 12-14

This weekend, England’s largest livestock & equine show will entertain crowds at The Showground in Malvern. The event gives everyone a chance to get close to farming world, whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out or a trader wanting to mingle with others in the business. In the main arena, there will be chariot races as the Devils Horsemen battle it out to be crowned winner, plus The Red Devils, the British Army’s Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, will showcase their world-class aerobatic skills. There will be regional food & drink, terrier racing, falconry, sheep dog duck herding, Shetland ponies and more. During the show, over 3,000 livestock exhibits will compete to be crowned Champion of Champions, and 2,000 horses will compete across the weekend at the dedicated equine village! And there will be a few familiar faces; the man behind Cotswold Farm Park, Adam Henson, who is also one of our columnists, will be in attendance on Friday. For details, visit: www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties

Great British Life: Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival, sponsored by Wholefoods MarketCheltenham Food & Drink Festival, sponsored by Wholefoods Market (Image: Archant)

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival

Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham | June 12-14

The annual Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival will return this weekend to Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham. The aim is to showcase the very best local and national food producers, giving you a chance to sample, enjoy and celebrate a wide variety of food and drink. In addition to the edibles, the festival will include live music, street theatre, demonstrations from high profile chefs as well as free talks about everything from real ale to nutrition! For more details, visit: cheltenham-food-festival.garden-events.com

Great British Life: Coronation concert at Burford FestivalCoronation concert at Burford Festival (Image: Archant)

Burford Festival

Venues across Burford | June 5-14

The 8th biennial Burford Festival promises a programme of contemporary and classical music, fascinating talks and tours, a wide range of literary events, film and theatre, a weekend of open gardens, and a range of more odd-ball events. In addition, the newly-refurbished Tolsey Museum will be open and the Burford Library will be doubling up as an art gallery for the duration. For the last weekend of the festival, you can expect live theatre, poetry workshops, literature talks, all sorts of music including the Festival Finale Concert, and much more besides. Plus, on Friday June 12, our columnist Clare Mackintosh will be discussing her new novel I Let You Go, which has recently hit the top 100 best-selling books on Amazon! For more details, visit: www.burfordfestival.org

Great British Life: Blenheim Palace TriathlonBlenheim Palace Triathlon (Image: Archant)

Blenheim Palace Triathlon

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock | June 13-14

Sports men and women will take part in the second largest triathlon in the UK this weekend, and spectators can enjoy watching the action at the triathlon within the beautiful surrounds of Blenheim Palace. The event is the perfect excuse to explore the historic building which was built in the 18th Century as a reward for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. This year, over 900 people will be swimming, cycling and running to beat blood cancer with every penny raised helping to transform the lives of people affected by blood cancer by funding Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. For more information, visit: www.theblenheimtriathlon.com

Great British Life: Adlestrop Open DayAdlestrop Open Day (Image: Archant)

Adlestrop Open Day

Adlestrop village | June 14

The picturesque Cotswold village of Adlestrop, famous for its literary associations with Jane Austen and the poet, Edward Thomas, will open its gardens, large and small, and offer many attractions on its annual Open Day this Sunday. There will be lunches and teas at the Village Hall, and visitors can explore the stalls outside featuring home-made produce, bottle tombola, bric-a-brac and plants. You can wander around the village’s pretty gardens, enjoy a children’s choir singing at the church and look at the thoroughbreds at the racing stables. There are pony rides and traditional games for children on the Green beside the thatched Post Office. There is also an exhibition by local artists at Manor Farm. Plus a dog show judged by comedian and presenter Alexander Armstrong will take place with proceeds going to the Blue Cross! For more information, visit: adlestrop.org.uk/adlestrop-open-day-2015