If keeping the kids entertained on holiday feels a bit like painting the Forth Bridge never fear – the Cotswolds are here – full to bursting with fabulous things to do for the little – and big ones – making them the perfect place to holiday at any time of year.
Base yourself here for a long weekend, or push the boat out and live like a local for longer and you’ll be amazed by how much there is to do and see – from farm and wildlife parks, bushcraft and dinosaurs to name but a few fabulous experiences just waiting to be discovered.
It doesn’t have to cost the earth either! Cotswolds towns and villages nestle within 800 square miles of stunning countryside ripe for exploration on foot, by bike or even by taking to the water.
Pack a picnic, grab a kite and make the most of the breath taking scenery around every Cotswold corner or visit one of our fabulous attractions and take the pain out of keeping the kids entertained….
If you’ve ever wondered what Gulliver felt like in Lilliput then head for the amazing Bourton Model Village! This one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water crafted by artisans from local Cotswold stone and it’s the only grade II listed model village in the country. It’s also a snoopers paradise where you’re actively encouraged to peer into all the different buildings as you wander the quaint lanes! You can even hear the choirs singing in the tiny model church!
If you thought museums were boring – think again! At the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum you can discover what life would have been like in times gone by with immersive experiences like a recreated Great War trench to the life of a 21st century soldier! Lose yourself (or the kids) in one of the dens where art, quizzes, dressing up and code breaking are the order of the day or have a go at learning some wartime skills in one of the nostalgia trails.
Did you know the Cotswolds was one of the few places you can still spot dinosaurs?! They’ve set up home at Birdland Park and Gardens and you’ll have hours of fun following the Jurassic Journey trail armed with special dinosaur tracker kits discovering more about these direct descendents of our birds. There are daily feeding displays and don’t miss the Birdland Nursery where you can watch eggs hatching and see chicks taking their first steps.
Discover what the Romans did for us at the Corinium Museum in the heart of beautiful Cirencester! The town that began life as a fort, Corinium Dobunnorum went on to become the capital of Britannia Prima making it a goldmine for historic finds and treasures – now housed in newly refurbished light and modern galleries. Interactive experiences let you journey through time exploring the stories behind the amazing array of artefacts.
Famous as the location for Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey, you can step back in time at Cogges Manor Farm. Kids will love dressing up in historical costumes and exploring the adventure play area and zip wire. Set against the backdrop of the 13th century manor house, Cogges is a great place to meet the array of farm animals, discovering the heritage of the Cotswolds from sheep farming to scything. A great way to enjoy a unique and fascinating glimpse of a bygone age.
The British Motor Museum is home to the largest collection of historic British cars in the world and there’re plenty of opportunities to get ‘under the skin’ of this fascinating industry with the interactive exhibits and costumed explainers. So whether you’ve always wanted to see the very first Land Rover – or Lady Penelope’s FAB1, you’ll find it all in this family-friendly museum. And don’t miss the chance to view restoration work underway in the historic vehicle workshop. Fun for all the family – whatever the weather!
You’ll meet some of our rarest farm animals at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park where the whole family can get close to the animals and learn about farming past and present. Pick up some animal snacks and enjoy feeding everything from Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs to Suffolk Punch horses and the cheeky – and greedy goats! There’s outdoor play equipment a-plenty with pedal tractors, activities and sandpits as well as the adventure and discovery barns.
Discover your wild side with a trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – a fantastic day out with something for every member of the family – including the dog! This dog-friendly gem means the whole family can meet the amazing array of animals including rhino, lemurs, giraffe and lions living in landscaped enclosures . Kids will love the woodland adventure playground complete with tree-houses, rope bridges and slides.
Make time for a visit to beautiful Blenheim Palace where – as well as a whole host of fabulous walks around the parkland – most of them suitable for buggys – you can take a trip on the miniature train, explore the adventure playground and enjoy a delicious pizza at The Pleasure Gardens Pizza Café. Don’t miss the chance to get lost in the Marlborough Maze or marvel at the colourful creatures in the Butterfly House.
Steel your nerves and go face-to-face with some of the world’s most feared predators at Crocodiles of the World. The UK’s first and only crocodile zoo is home to more than 80 crocodiles and the result of a lifetime dedicated to their care and breeding. With under-water viewing, talks, animal encounters and feeds throughout the day it’s a fantastic place to discover more about these amazing reptiles.
Step into the magical world of Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton. Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, there’s an inclusive adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet their amazing animals.
Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure! Take a journey up into the canopy on the STIHL Tree Top Walkway, stop by the café for a tasty treat or see if you can spot the Gruffalo!
