Radford

The games draw hundreds of spectators to watch competitions that include shin-kicking, tug-of-war, hammer throwing, and various footraces—all traditional sports that have been part of the event for centuries.

Robert Dover, a local lawyer, established the games in 1612 with backing from King James I. Dover saw the event as both a way to promote physical fitness for national defence and an opportunity to bring together people from different social backgrounds. The games quickly became popular enough to attract royal visitors and genuinely served as a gathering point for both wealthy and poor residents. The tradition died out in 1852 but was successfully revived in 1963, and the games continue today while preserving much of their original character.

Radford itself is a tiny rural settlement, situated near Chipping Campden, which is your best option for finding shops, restaurants, and places to stay. If you manage to visit during the games, you'll experience something genuinely unusual—a real window into English sporting heritage. Even outside the event season, the area around Radford offers excellent walking routes, nearby villages worth exploring, and the warm welcome typical of Cotswolds hospitality.