On a steep hill in the Gloucestershire countryside, an unusual and dangerous event takes place every year – a cheese rolling race. The event first started in the 1800’s and over the years has increased in popularity with people from around the world coming to chase a Double Gloucester cheese down the hill. Participants and spectators are warned that they attend entirely at their own risk. But why is it so dangerous? Well, the 4kg cheese has been recorded to hurtle down the hill at up to 70mph; the slope is said to be a 45-degree angle; and the patchy rocky, grassy surface is extremely uneven. Unsurprisingly, serious injuries do happen and participants are often carried off by stretcher.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about the Coopers Hill cheese rolling race in 2026.
If you plan to stay in the area before or after the event, you may be interested in our other guide: Prettiest towns and villages in the Cotswolds.
What happens at the cheese rolling race?
There are 7 ‘official’ races during the event – 4 downhill races (3 men’s, 1 women’s) and 3 uphill races (2 children’s, 1 mixed adults). Participants chase after a huge highspeed wheel of Double Gloucester cheese during each downhill race. They literally throw themselves down the hill – tumbling, somersaulting, bum sliding – all in the name of winning the cheese.
At the end of the ‘official’ races, anyone who wants to give running down the hill a try can in an ‘unofficial’ race.
Check out the video below for pure cheese rolling chaos.
When is the cheese rolling race?
The race is usually held on the last UK Spring Bank Holiday in May. In 2026 it will be held on Monday 25th May.
Do I need a ticket?
You do not need a ticket to attend or participate in the race – the event is free and arranged by volunteers – just turn up.
How to get there
Coopers Hill is located in a field near the village of Brockworth just outside of Gloucester in Southwest England. If you’re not local, the easiest way to get there is by car. Parking for the event is available at the following places:
- Brockworth Garden Centre
- Delta Hotels by Marriott
- Toby Carvery Brockworth
- Twelve Bells Beefeater
- Droys Court
From these car parks it’s about a 30-minute uphill walk to Coopers Hill through muddy cow fields and a forest. The trail is sign posted but you can also just follow the crowd of people. Note that from Droys Court car park you will walk through a working farm yard.
When to get there and timings of the race
Aim to arrive in the village of Brockworth by about 10am to 10:30am, or earlier if you want a front row seat at the bottom of the hill (the finish line). This sought after area is usually busy by 11am. However, if you climb up the steep sides of the hill there will be plenty of space.
Timings (approx.):
- The first race starts at 12pm.
- The proceeding races take place every 15 minutes with the last one at 1.30pm.
- By 2pm the crowds have dispersed and the event is over.
The village of Brockworth is located on the edge of the Cotswolds, a beautiful part of England known for its charming countryside and villages. As the cheese rolling event finishes by early afternoon, it provides the perfect opportunity to see more of this part of the country. If you have time, visit one of these pretty villages and towns in the Cotswolds or take a private guided tour of them.
The best place to watch the race
Wherever you are on the hill you will have a great view, so it doesn’t matter too much where you end up:
- At the bottom you will have a fantastic view of the downhill finish line.
- In the middle you will be right in the tumbling and somersaulting action. Most competitors tend to run down the left-hand side of the hill if you are looking up.
- At the top you will see the whole race from start to finish and you’ll really appreciate just how steep and long the hill is.
How can I join the race?
To take part you will need to be at the start line just before the start of each race. It’s that simple. There is a maximum of 25 people for the downhill races and you must be over 18.
What to bring to the cheese rolling race
Check the weather forecast before you go. Even if the sun is shining, we would advise wearing wellies or walking boots as you will be walking through cow fields to reach the hill…
- A waterproof blanket may be worth it if you are showing up to get a spot ahead of the race. You may also want to bring some bin bags to put under the blanket if it is really wet and muddy. Unless you are lucky enough to get a spot at the bottom of Coopers Hill where it is flat, then do not bring camping chairs. The hill is incredibly steep.
- A picnic or snacks (no glass).
- A raincoat.
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below. Or if you are planning to attend let us know how it went, we’d love to hear your experience.
Hello. We are planning on coming to the cheese rolling in our campervan , is there height restrictions in the carparks? Also is it ok to bring dogs ?
Hi Amanda!There are no height restrictions at any of the car parks. Dogs on leads are welcome. Have fun!
Thank you.