Cheese rolling at Cooper’s hill is a historic tradition, an example of England’s quirkiness and an extreme sport. The event runs in may each year at Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth in the county of Gloucestershire, which is near Bristol. Now attracting international visitors and featured in the Netflix show We Are The Champions, a selection of insanely brave (or possibly just insane) people chase a Double Gloucester cheese down an immensely steep hill. And man, that slope looks near vertical. Having visited in person, I share all you need to know about the cheese rolling in Gloucester.
What is cheese rolling?
Each May in the south west of England people chase a large wheel of local cheese (weighing several kilos) down a very steep drop at Cooper´s Hill near Brockworth. Realistically, the cheese has the edge over any competitor, so no one is likely to catch the cheese but the winner is the first over the finish line. He or she is then known as the Cheese Rolling Champion for that year. Their prize is the cheese! We heard that the event has officially been closed by the council, which has distanced itself from proceedings, but people turn up and run things just the same. It’s safe to say cheese rolling in Gloucester has seen quite a few accidents, but remains an amazing tradition.
Where does cheese rolling take place?
The cheese rolling is by the picturesque village of Brockworth at Cooper’s Hill. Much of the journey can be done by motorway but there will be some smaller local roads at the end. It’s very popular with brave locals, but visitors from near and far can also take part.
Check out my other UK visitor guides for further inspo.
When does the cheese rolling take place?
Although the date was changed briefly in covid, the event is always on the late Spring Bank Holiday Monday at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester. The Gloucester Cheese rolling 2024 will take place on Monday 27th May. The first race begins at noon.
The schedule in 2024 is as follows:
- Men’s Downhill Race.
- Women’s Downhill Race.
- Uphill Race. A safer option for kiddos.
Where can we park for the cheese rolling event 2024?
We couldn’t find any suggestion online of an official car park for the event at Cooper’s Hill, so we used Parkopedia to book a space at the nearby Premier Inn and it was 10 pounds all day. The Toby Carvery at Brockworth (GL3 4PH) also apparently has a free car park that you can use if you buy food or drink there.
To our surprise after walking 10 minutes and reaching the base of the hilly area, there was a large open farmers field which seemed to be allocated as a car park for the event. It was first come, first served and cost 5 pounds for the day. Turn off the nearest main road and drive 5 mins to reach it.
How do I handle road closures?
Be forewarned that local roads will be shut in a radius of a 20-30mins walk from the event. A map of these will be published in local news and the route will be lined with red cones. It’s just the same during the solstice at Stonehenge.
What time does the event finish and can we arrive late?
If you’re caught in traffic, you might be thinking ‘have we missed it all?’ Or is it just me who is practically always running late? Luckily, the series of races start every half hour and people start running in staggered waves between those times (to prevent a huge pile up at the bottom of the hill), so it’s not all over in a flash. You´ll likely have access to a race starting soon if you arrive within the first 60 minutes of the event.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Just half way up the series of inclines at Cooper´s Hill is a refreshment van with ice creams, cakes and drinks. It was almost unreachable with throngs of people squeezed against its walls, but would tide you over for a while.
After the event we tried to get lunch at the Premier Inn´s attached restaurant but their kitchen was so oversubscribed they could only give us bar snacks and they wouldn´t take meal orders. I’d recommend pre-booking a table somewhere you can reach without passing too much traffic, or start the journey home and stop-off further away.
Is the cheese rolling accessible?
This was the biggest surprise to me as most writers didn’t really make it clear how tough the walk to Cooper’s Hill is – especially if you have mobility concerns. You first need to walk up a rough farm track and past farm buildings, then battle a fairly steep hill. You’ll cross a line of trees and then there’s another hill to struggle up, and a third before you reach one of the viewpoints at the base of Cooper´s Hill itself. You’re going along tufty grass with tree roots, no firm paths. I don’t think it would be doable with a wheelchair or pushchair. It’s fine for fairly fit walkers, who will just get a bit puffed out and sweaty.
What kind of facilities are there?
Not too many really, it´s quite a grass roots affair. We weren’t aware of any loos. There’s a refreshments van and a marquee where a bloke with a tannoy announces the races and keeps everyone to the schedule. Ropes line the edges of the hill or track – and that’s the whole deal.
How can we find a good viewpoint for watching the race?
You will definitely benefit from being early!
The race starts at noon, but if you are there by 11am you can probably get a space half way along Cooper´s Hill.
Arguably the best camera angle is from the base of the hill, if you can see the entire hill between the trees and crowds of people.
How fast does the cheese roll?
Apparently it can get up to around 70mph, which makes it basically uncatchable. People will still try though! You’ll see some runners fly down the hill as if their feet have been greased (there’s definitely a trick to it). Some calmer folk will edge down on their bottoms or try to hold on in places for stability. Unfortunately, there will always be at least one who loses control and tumbles down.
How steep is Cooper’s Hill?
Cooper’s Hill is a force to be reckoned with! It’s 200 yards long and the gradient is almost vertical. Imagine climbing down that! To prevent a massive collision at the base of the hill, they send runners down in controlled waves.
Are there cheese rolling accidents? Do people get hurt?
Yes, it’s definitely a risky business. In 2023 there were several news stories announcing that emergency services would not be on site as they need to save their resources for people not actively choosing to get injured. In spite of that, there was an ambulance just off the base of the hill fighting its way along a very narrow track with no passing places. There are first aiders on site who give initial care too. Luckily we didn’t see anyone with anything too grizzly, it looked like mostly sprains. In the past there have been broken bones and that’s part of why banning the event has been discussed.
After the final race they were trying to clear the hill but a lot of stubborn people still wanted to run down (just for the experience). They were even climbing up the main running area instead of keeping it clear for those running down. We heard the frustrated man on the tannoy saying there would be no first aid for these people since they were ignoring the rules, but doubt he meant it. It is important to only run when you´re allowed, though.
How to get to the cheese rolling in Gloucester
The easiest way to get to the cheese rolling in Gloucester is by car. From London you can travel on the M25 from London and it will take a couple of hours to reach Brockworth. It will take maybe 40 minutes from Birmingham, Bristol, and Oxford. You will need to park and walk around 20 minutes as the closest roads to the event are all closed on the day to prevent illegal parking.
It’s not as easy by public transport, but there are regular trains to Gloucester Station. From the station, hop on the number 10 bus to the Cross Hands roundabout in Brockworth and walk to the event from there.
How can you participate in the cheese rolling?
No need to fill in a form or sign a waiver – if you’re at the top of the hill at the right time, you’re in the right place. Allow lots of time to climb it, where very good outdoorsy shoes for stability and don’t be tempted to go fast. There are genuine risks involved.
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Can I get on the phone with someone to sign up for cheese rolling?
No I´m sad to say I don´t think they´ve an official phone helpline. I think signing up online is the only way!