Chasing cheese.

Two English villages roll cheese for sport, and they could hardly be more different. At Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester, competitors hurl themselves down a ridiculously steep slope after a wheel of Double Gloucester, and plenty of them reach the bottom by tumbling rather than running. In Stilton, teams in fancy dress roll a wooden “cheese” along the village’s main street, which is altogether kinder on the knees.

Both take place around the late May bank holiday. Cooper’s Hill is traditionally held on the spring bank holiday Monday, which in 2027 falls on 31 May. It is an unofficial event that runs at competitors’ and spectators’ own risk, so read the guide’s safety and access notes before you go. Stilton’s race happens over the same bank holiday weekend; its organisers publish each year’s details nearer the time.

If you want to watch, Cooper’s Hill is about crowds, mud and getting there early; Stilton is a family-friendly village day out. Pick the one that suits you, and use the guides below for travel and where to stay.