THE OLYMPICS PARIS 2024 WILL BEGIN THIS FRIDAY 26 JULY!
TO CELEBRATE, BOLTHOLE RETREATS HAS ROUNDED UP THEIR TOP PROPERTIES WITH LINKS TO PAST AND PRESENT OLYMPIC SPORTS
From angling and tug-of-war to shin-kicking and relays involving wheelbarrows, let’s take a trip down memory lane
Credit: Olympics.com
24th July 2024: This Friday 26 July, the Summer Olympic Games will begin in Paris, ending next month on 11 August.
To celebrate the return of the much-loved international multi-sport event, leading independent booking agency for handpicked cottages in the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Herefordshire, Bolthole Retreats, has rounded up their top properties with links to past and present Olympic sports where you can also try your hand at some, too.
For bookings made between 26 July and 11 August, Bolthole Retreats will offer a £50 discount* with code BOLTHOLEOLYMPICS in celebration of the return of the Olympics. So, if you were dreaming of a summer staycation this year, now is the time to book!
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Angling was last contested as an Olympic sport in the 1900 Paris Olympics. If you fancy yourself an angler, then head to Owls Nest Barn – a barn conversion on a small working dairy farm in the beautiful Painswick Valley – where you’ll have access to four coarse fishing lakes.
Rates at Owls Nest Barn start from £674 for two nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/owls-nest-barn/
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Swimming has been a sport at every modern Summer Olympics and has the second-highest number of medal-contested events (after athletics). Landers is a 17th century bolthole near Cheltenham, and its outdoor heated swimming pool is more than ideal for perfecting your strokes in peace, before relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.
Rates at Landers start from £1,700 for three nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/landers-2/
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This delightful Cotswold stone cottage dating back to the 16th century is just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road from Chipping Camden, home of the Cotswold Olimpicks, also known as the Cotswold Games. The event is held annually and was established in 1612 by lawyer Robert Dover. This eccentric celebration combines some out of the ordinary athletic competitions with local customs and festivities. Events range from shin-kicking to tug-of-war and relays involving wheelbarrows, dustbins, hay bales, slippery running surfaces and lots of water.
Rates at Yew Tree Cottage start from £1,352 for three nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/yew-tree-cottage/
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Sailing was included in the original Olympiad in Athens in 1896 but due to a lack of suitable boats available, and zero foreign competitors, the competition was cancelled – so it made its debut in the 1900 Olympics instead. Those who like to have their feet firmly off dry land will be right at home at Moorhens on the Cotswold Lakes. Whether you’re an experienced racer looking for competition, or someone who has never been on the water before, the sailing clubs at the lakes offer something for everyone.
Rates at Moorhens start from £628 for three nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/moorhens/
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Prince Rupert at Sudeley Castle
Jousting is one of the world’s oldest equestrian sports yet has never been recognised as an Olympic sport. English Heritage’s recent campaign to have jousting added to the roster of Olympic Sports has unfortunately been unsuccessful, but this summer at Sudeley Castle, children of all ages are invited to learn about this historic pursuit at Knight School. Guests at Prince Rupert will gain complimentary entry into Sudeley’s Knight School with general admission to the castle.
Rates at Prince Rupert at Sudeley Castle start from £326 for two nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/prince-rupert-at-sudeley-castle/
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Olympic rowing gold medallist, Alex Gregory grew up just down the river from Bidford-on-Avon and likely would have honed his rowing skills on the River Avon. Why not stay at Inglenook Barns this summer and enjoy the pleasure of messing around in boats by renting your own rowing boat for the day.
Rates at Inglenook Barns start from £749 for two nights during September. For more information, visit: https://www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/inglenook-barns/
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Famous equestrian and former Olympian, Princess Anne, has her countryside bolthole close by to Charlton Down Cottage at Gatcombe Park. A well-known destination for horse lovers, riding in the Cotswolds gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore beautiful countryside and experience breathtaking views in an area of outstanding natural beauty. If you’d rather watch the pros than have a go yourself, Badminton Horse Trials take place every May, as well as the Beaufort Festival of Polo which is held annually in June. Charlton Down Cottage is the perfect base to retreat to after a day of spectating.
Rates at Charlton Down Cottage start from £420 for two nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/charlton-down-cottage/
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Three types of guns are used at the Olympic Games, where shooting has been part of the programme since the first modern Games in 1896. Shooting has long been a popular pursuit in the Cotswolds, with a range of top-class shooting schools around the area. If you’d like to try your hand at shooting, Stow House – a beautifully restored late 18th century home in the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold – offers the perfect countryside retreat. Sitting elegantly at the hub of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is a natural and historic meeting place and an ideal spot for exploring all the region has to offer.
Rates at Stow House start from £1,352 for three nights during September. For more information, visit: www.boltholeretreats.co.uk/property/stow-house/
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