Cheese Rolling

Mad as a box of frogs, they are - the competitors who hurl themselves down Cooper's Hill each spring chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester. This ancient Gloucestershire tradition sees grown adults tumble head over heels down a brutally steep slope that would challenge a mountain goat, all for the glory of catching an 8lb cheese that can reach 70mph.

Held on Spring Bank Holiday Monday, the event draws thousands to this hillside near Stroud. Most sensible folk watch from the sidelines as paramedics stand ready - and trust me, they're kept busy. The gradient is so severe that 'running' becomes falling with style, and the winner is usually whoever survives the descent with the fewest broken bones.

It's utterly barmy and absolutely brilliant. Families will love the spectacle, though keep younger children well back from the action. The atmosphere is proper festival-like, with locals treating it as their annual get-together. Free to watch, though parking fills up fast so arrive early.

After witnessing this spectacular display of British eccentricity, you're well placed for exploring the Cotswolds from nearby holiday parks like Cherry Tree Glamping or Court Farm Camping. Just don't let the kids get any ideas about recreating what they've seen.