Badminton

The village of Badminton is found in the county of Gloucestershire n the idyllic Cotswolds and is associated with Badminton Horse Trials, one of the toughest and most exciting equestrian events in the racing calendar. The trials are held in the stunning grounds of Badminton House, the Duke of Beaufort's residence, in early May each year. Badminton House also gave its name to the sport of Badminton, where it supposedly originated around 1873. Badminton became finally became recognised as a full-medal sport at the 1992 Olympics.

History notes that Queen Mary took up residence in the village during the Second World War when she was evacuated from Marlborough House. Visitors who are here for the horses will enjoy the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Gatcombe Park and Badminton Horse Trials as well as shops and attractions associated with the sport.  TH e village and surrounding area have plenty of historic and cultural attractions for the visitor to enjoy, including Little Badminton’s farm houses, cottages and estate lodges that prettily reflect the traditional Cotswold-style of architecture. Remains of a medieval 'sunken village' can be seen in Little Badminton, as well as an ornamental dovecote or croft, which is mentioned in the Domesday book.