Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games

Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games The original (modern) Olympic Games, est. in 1612 by Robert Dover, with the approval of King James, in response to growing puritanism.

Now, it's a celebration of sport, music and community, held in Spring on Dover's Hill, just outside Chipping Campden. You may not realise it, but the modern Olympic movement has its historic roots in a small rural event in Gloucestershire, England - Robert Dover's Olimpick Games. In 2012, we celebrated the 400th anniversary of what are now often called the Cotswold Olimpicks. As part of their succ

essful bid for the London 2012 Games, the British Olympic Association stated:

"An Olympic Games held in London in 2012 will mark a unique anniversary - it will be exactly 400 years from the moment that the first stirrings of Britain's Olympic beginnings can be identified."

“...this was the pre-dawn of the Olympic Movement, and the Cotswold Games began the historical thread in Britain that was ultimately to lead to the creation of the modern Olympics.”
— British Olympic Association

30/05/2026

The Cotswold Olimpick Games is a quirky annual sporting tradition which first began in 1612 🏆🥇

Events include the wooden pillar throw, sack race and shin-kicking, where players attempt to force their opponent to the ground 🤼‍♂️

Read more here ➡️ https://bbc.in/43EQfgQ

Gates open at 4pm
29/05/2026

Gates open at 4pm

It’s time… see you on the hill!Gates open from 4pm. The Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games 2026Look back at our prev...
29/05/2026

It’s time… see you on the hill!
Gates open from 4pm.

The Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games 2026

Look back at our previous posts for all the information you’ll need.
When you arrive, pick up one of our programs, it has the games schedule on the back.

Competitors ready?
Let the games commence!

*Serious Note* It’s all fun and games but please be aware we have a strict rule of No Alcohol and No Dogs on the hill du...
27/05/2026

*Serious Note*
It’s all fun and games but please be aware we have a strict rule of No Alcohol and No Dogs on the hill during the event. Thanks

📅 Friday 29 May 2026
📍 Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden
⏰ Gates open 4:00 PM

🎟 Early Bird ends soon
£7 Adults | £4 Under 16
🎟 On the gate: £10 Adults | £5 Under 16

Secure your tickets now 👉 https://www.olimpickgames.co.uk
Booking fee applies

See you on the hill!

A huge thank you to the games volunteers - our very own Games-makers! We held our annual pre-games meet at the Lygon Ar...
27/05/2026

A huge thank you to the games volunteers - our very own Games-makers! We held our annual pre-games meet at the Lygon Arms Hotel last night ahead of Friday's event.

There are many more people not in this picture that make up the whole team, each of them working year-round, not just on the night, to ensure this brilliant local tradition is able to keep bringing joy to Dover's Hill every year.

Having such a diverse array of skills, talents, professions in the local community coupled with such a great team spirit is a great source of pride for us.

So here's to our Team - thank you for everything you do!

See you on the hill!

** EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW **The Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games are almost here!Join us on Dover’s Hill for ...
26/05/2026

** EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW **

The Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games are almost here!

Join us on Dover’s Hill for an unforgettable event.

📅 Friday 29 May 2026
📍 Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden
⏰ Gates open 4:00 PM

🎟 Early Bird ends soon
£7 Adults | £4 Under 16
🎟 On the gate: £10 Adults | £5 Under 16

Secure your tickets now 👉 https://www.olimpickgames.co.uk
Booking fee applies

See you on the hill!

An open letter to the vandals on Dover's Hill. It's never too late to stop being a dick.
25/05/2026

An open letter to the vandals on Dover's Hill. It's never too late to stop being a dick.

22/05/2026

🚨 ONE WEEK TO GO 🚨

The Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games are almost here!

Join thousands of visitors on Dover’s Hill for an unforgettable evening of historic sport, entertainment, fireworks and celebration.

📅 Friday 29 May 2026
📍 Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden
⏰ Gates open 4:00 PM

🎟 Early Bird ends soon
£7 Adults | £4 Under 16
🎟 On the gate: £10 Adults | £5 Under 16

Secure your tickets now 👉 https://www.olimpickgames.co.uk
Booking fee applies

See you on the hill!

OLIMPICK GAMES KIT LIST

Not exhaustive, but handy if it’s your first time!

* Comfy footwear – It’s grassy, damp after sunset, and you may be dancing until midnight.
* An extra layer – Even on hot days, it gets chilly once the sun drops or the wind picks up.
* Something to sit on – The viewing area is a sheep field most of the year… enough said.
* Waterproofs – No rain forecast, but it’s Britain.
* Sunglasses – The sun sets right behind the castle.
* Cash for parking – Helpful if you’re parking on the hill.
* Lighter or matches – Makes lighting your torch much easier.
* Food or money for food – Great vendors on the hill, plus an alcohol-free bar.
* Backpack over carrier bags – Especially useful for the torchlit procession.
* A sense of humour – The Olimpicks are 400+ years old, gloriously eccentric, and volunteer-run. Lean into the chaos and enjoy it.

Address

Dover's Hill
Chipping Campden
GL556

Website

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