Welcome to The 413th anniversary of Dover’s Games!
We’re delighted to announce that Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games will return to Dover’s Hill on Friday, 30th May 2025, and you are warmly invited to join us in this unique celebration of history, sport, and local festivity.
Need Tickets? You can get those here
An Ancient Tradition with a Modern Twist
Now entering its 413th year, the Cotswold Olimpick Games remain a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Steeped in history but buzzing with contemporary energy, the event brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy an evening of sport, spectacle, and community cheer—just as Robert Dover intended back in 1612.
Expect a delightful blend of rural sports, community celebration, and a dash of eccentricity. Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering us for the first time, the 2025 Games promise to be unforgettable.
This year we have dedicated the games to our friend William Toke Bennett, a friend, supporter, committee member, band member and all round top gent, who we lost way too soon in May this year. He worked over many years to make the games what they are today, particularly the live music in the square. Thanks for everything William, you are missed by us all.
The Olimpick Games Schedule
(all timings are approximate)
16:00 Gates Open on Dover’s Hill
The Fete and Ferris Wheel will be open, along with all food & beverage outlets.
16:30 First Black Eagles acrobatics display (more of this throughout the evening)
16:45 Backswords Demonstration Begins followed by group competitions
17:00 Competitor Registration Opens
17:30 Junior Championship of the Hill & Running Races
18:45 Opening Ceremony in the Games Arena. Robert Dover and The Scuttlebrook Queen will enter the castle, the marching band will play and the games will be officially opened by The Society Chairman.
19:10 Adult Games Begin
CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE HILL
(Team Event)
Sack Race, Ski Challenge, Grand Prix & ‘Aquatics’.
CHAMPION OF THE HILL
(Individual Event)
Standing Jump, Hammer Throw, Cotswold stone Put, Spurning the Bar.
20:40 SHINKICKING World Championship
21:15 The Grand Finale
The Scuttlebrook Queen will light the beacon and the firework display begins.
21:45 Torchlit Procession to The Square
The procession heads off, led by the Cheltenham Pipe Band.
Music in The Square
Hot Sauce will get the crowd warmed up before the main event.
22:30 Miami Vibe Be transported back to the fun-loving 80’s with this incredible show.
00.00 Close
Helpful Information for the Day
Parking in Town
Chipping Campden School on Cidermill Lane has suspended parking charges during the Cotswold Olimpicks and Scuttlebrook Wake, so you can park there for FREE and it’s a very short walk to the bus stop.
Shuttle Buses
These will run from the junction of Back Ends and Aston Road to Dover’s Hill, every 15 minutes, from 4pm. The last bus will leave Dover’s Hill at approximately 8:30pm. Tickets (£1 return) can be purchased either from our Information Point in the Square or at the bus stop.
Parking on the Hill
We have limited paid parking (£5) on Dover’s Hill, located in the field adjacent to the games area and available on first come, first served basis. Note: It is not possible to exit this car park during the Torchlit procession, so the exit will be closed at this time, re-opening once the procession has left the hill.
Food & Drink
There is a wide selection of outlets located next to the main entrance to Dover’s Hill in the National Trust car park. Please note that queues can be long at peak times between 6pm and 7:30pm.
Dogs & Alcohol
Neither are permitted on Dover’s Hill.
Torchlit Procession
This is a magical part of the day and we want everyone to enjoy it as much as possible, so here are a few requests:
- Only light your torch as you are about to leave Dover’s Hill (we have lighters available for you). This will ensure you can keep it as long as possible during the procession
- Ensure the protective cardboard disc is in place and always hold your torch in an upright position
- Keep the flame a safe distance from other people and from the vegetation lining the route (it has been a very dry Spring!)
- If you wish to put your torch out, please ask one of the Fire Marshals to do this for you. If you need to do this urgently and cannot reach a Fire Marshal, please drop your torch as near as possible to the middle of the road
- Never throw torches or swing them around
- At the end of the procession route there will be large oil drums filled with water for you to dispose of your torch. Please ensure you use these and not any other bins or skips in the area
- Most of all – Enjoy the experience!
Rubbish
We kindly ask that you place all your rubbish in the bins provided on the hill and in the square. Our volunteers endeavour to empty these throughout the event to minimise overspill.
Food & Drink
On the hill
Burgers & Hot dogs
Gourmet Fish & Chips
Pizza
Mexican
Sweet & Savoury Crepes
Dubai Chocolate
Ice Cream
Candy Floss
Coffee
Alcohol-Free Bar
In the Square
BBQ
Outside Bar (alcoholic)
Parking
Dover’s Hill – limited spaces £5
Chipping Campden School Car Park (FREE)
Torches
£5 for sale at the information tent. Please ensure these are lit upon exit of the hill only.
Buses
£1 return to the hill. Pick-up point is the junction of Back Ends & Aston Road – Find it on Google Maps here
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary tradition. Bring your family, your friends—and your best shin-kicking spirit!
Merchandise
Olimpick Hoodies
Adults £35.00
Kids £25.00
Olimpick T-Shirts
Adults £20.00
Kids £15.00
All money taken at the games goes straight into the pot to fund next year’s event.
This year’s sponsors, without whom the ganes couldn’t go ahead – so a massive thank you!
- Proctor Masonry
- Toke’s Food & Drink.
- The Volunteer Inn
- The Eight Bells Inn
- Willersey Provsions
- North Cotswold Brewery
- Perspective Wealth Management
- Wixey Transport
- Chipping Campden Cricket Club