There are boundless family friendly attractions and exciting places to visit with little – and bigger kids – in the Cotswolds. Explore the only Grade II listed model village in the country; discover an amazing world of birds; and even meet furry four-legged friends!
SoGlos has handpicked 10 brilliant days out across the picturesque Cotswolds which are sure to entertain your family.
1. Family days out at Cotswold Farm Park
Located near Guiting Power and home of TV presenter and popular farmer, Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning attraction where visitors can meet all types of animals, from goats and pigs to rare breeds, too!
Little ones will have the chance to meet small furry friends in the Discovery Barn; watch lambs being born and keep an eye out for new-born piglets, donkey foals and goat kids in the Animal Barn; alongside a host of play areas.
2. Family days out at Birdland
Displaying more than 500 birds – including penguins, parrots and hornbills – Birdland Park and Gardens is located in beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water and is a wonderful place for visitors of all ages to explore.
Set within nine acres of woodland and gardens, guests can venture into the amazing world of birds, with the chance of bumping into Jurassic ancestors too, as dinosaurs lurk between the trees…
3. Family days out at Sudeley Castle
Coined ‘the hidden gem of the Cotswolds’ and steeped in history, Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Winchcombe is one of the county’s most-loved and popular visitor attractions and is great for families.
Alongside exciting events and the chance to explore the rooms and exhibitions within the castle itself, visitors can wander around the beautiful gardens. Little ones can run wild at the adventure playground and meet the resident feathered pheasants, or indulge in locally-sourced treats at the Castle Pantry.
4. Family days out at Batsford Arboretum
With spectacular scenery and a diverse programme of family-friendly activities to experience Batsford Arboretum offers a fantastic day out for all ages.
Home to more than 1,000 botanical species from across the world, visitors can stroll through tranquil tree-lined trails, explore gorgeous displays of colour and blankets of seasonal blooms and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café.
5. Family days out at Corinium Museum
Nestled in Cirencester the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, the Corinium Museum hosts one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities in the UK, taking visitors on a journey through time.
From prehistoric landscapes to the modern day, children – and adults – can explore the significant history and culture in the Cotswolds and take part in special events throughout the calendar year – plus, see Rusty, the Iron Age dog!
6. Family days out at Bourton Model Village
As the only Grade II listed model village in the country, little ones can pretend to be GIANTS as they wander the one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water – complete with model village, within the model village!
The River Windrush flows under Bourton’s quaint bridges, providing a lovely backdrop to the miniature beech, cherry and chestnut trees at Bourton Model Village. Plus, you’ll also hear music in the tiny model church!
7. Family days out at Cotswold Motoring Museum
If your child is car mad, why not take a fascinating journey through 20th century motoring history, at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, located in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Alongside a wealth of car memorabilia, the museum has a wonderful toy collection from bygone years, ideal for kids of all ages, featuring pedal cars, bicycles and aeroplanes – even a pedal snail!
8. Family days out at Chedworth Roman Villa
For an educational and idyllic family day out, visitors can enjoy Chedworth Roman Villa which was rediscovered by the Victorians over 150 years ago.
The small museum hosts a range of finds and artefacts from the villa and after learning of all the exciting discoveries, families can refuel at the on-site café or picnic site.
9. Family days out at Fairytale Farm
Described as a ‘sensory and learning wonderland for all the family’, Fairytale Farm located in Chipping Norton is the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all but is where disabled children have been put at the heart of the design and layout.
Split into six zones, little ones can take part in adventure play, fairytale sensory experiences, meet four-legged friends such as ponies, rabbits and alpacas – and much more, with new features being added all the time.
10. Family Days out at Cotswold Wildlife Park
An affordable family favourite, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford boasts one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and offers visitors the chance to get closer to wildlife than ever before.
Little explorers can see crowned sifaka, a giant tortoise, meerkats, Brazilian tapirs and many more fascinating animals. They can also take part in daily activities; see penguin and lemur feeding; or ride the narrow-gauge railway – all whilst supporting vital conservation.
