A Brief History Of The Tetbury Woolsack Races

The Cotswolds is proud to be home to some very strange traditions (cheese rolling, anyone?). The market town of Tetbury is home to the Woolsack Races; a uniquely British event that has to be seen to be believed. Want to know more? We’ll fill you in…

What is it?

In short, the race involves running 240 yards up Tetbury’s famously steep Gumstool Hill, carrying a woolsack on your back. The woolsacks have been custom built by the British Wool Federation and weigh 60lbs for the men’s races and 35lbs for the women’s. It’s all about showing off your strength and fitness as you race up the hill (that reaches a gradient of 1 in 4) and try and beat the competition. Believe it or not, people do this for fun – as well as raising lots of money for worthy causes. It’s definitely not easy, but attracts lots of people keen to take on the challenge – even a few celebrities have taken part.

When and where does it happen?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCvj87wXB6/?tagged=tetburywoolsackraces

A bit of history…

Tetbury has a long and illustrious history as one of the most important wool markets in the Middle Ages. Right in the middle of sheep country, and on the important route from Oxford to Bristol, Tetbury thrived thanks to the Cotswold wool trade. Although the wool market went into decline in the early 19th century, it is celebrated to this day with the Woolsack Races. The story goes that the races originated in the 17th century, when young drovers liked to show off to the local women by running up the hill carrying a woolsack, and an official race has been going for over 30 years.

Fancy taking part?

Anyone can register to take part in the race; whether you opt to enter as part of a four-person team or go it alone. There are single sex and mixed teams, as well as a youth team for 14-17 year olds. Entry fees cost from £10-20, with all profits going to local charities and good causes. If you’re up for a challenge, find out more at here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCeudTtVem/?tagged=woolsackraces

Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.