There are plenty of places to visit across the Cotswolds for a day of calm exploration and many spots that offer more lively outdoor activities for all ages too.
In partnership with Active Gloucestershire, we've selected 10 things to do outdoors across the Cotswolds this summer.
Whether you're in search of a relaxing wander through one of it's charming villages, a day of family play or an afternoon out on the water, we've curated our picks with all interests in mind.
Many activities are free to have a go at, but we've outlined where fees apply.
Splash in the stream at Bourton-on-the-Water
No summertime trip to Bourton-on-the-Water is complete without a cooling dip in the stream. This clear water travels right through the heart of this popular Cotswold village, with benches and green space surrounding it for family picnics or catch ups with friends.
Roll up trousers, unbuckle sandals and have a gentle walk in the water before taking a slow-paced stroll around the village and its independent shops.
Families seeking further adventure can head to Bourton's Model Village or explore Birdland to see unusual bird species and penguins.
Volunteer as a warden with the Cotswold Lakes Trust
Keep the Cotswolds looking spectacular while enjoying the sunshine and birdsong by volunteering with the Cotswold Lakes Trust.
Help the rangers to maintain wildlife habitats, share your local knowledge by providing visitor information or assist with events and clean up initiatives.
Spare just an hour or so each week, or more if you prefer, and combine your time working with a spot of wildlife watching and walking.
Join the Big Butterfly Hunt at Batsford Arboretum
Head to Batsford Arboretum over the school summer holidays to join the Big Batsford Butterfly Hunt.
Running from Saturday 11 July to Wednesday 2 September 2026, families can search for butterflies along a guided route and learn more about their role as pollinators along the way. You can even win a small prize at the end!
Admission to the trail costs £3 per child, plus normal arboretum admission, which start at £10.90 for an adult day ticket and £3.15 for children. Well-behaved dogs are also able to go along to the arboretum on a short lead.
Learn more by visiting batsarb.co.uk.
Take a long walk along the Cotswold Way
There are lots of ways to explore the Cotswold Way walking trail, including circular or linear routes as well as short and long waymarked treks for different abilities.
Stretching 102 miles across the Cotswolds, the trail can be accessed from popular destinations in and around Gloucestershire, and offers a wide range of views from calm bodies of water to grazing docile cattle and unique wildlife.
Walk the route from Chipping Campden to Bath or try a circular journey near Cleeve Hill Golf Club in Cheltenham – here you can spot an old sheep wash pool and learn about its history, and snap photos of the wandering sheep with the backdrop of Cheltenham on the horizon.
People with restricted mobility can also explore the Cotswold Way at Cleeve Common by hiring an off-road mobility scooter from the Golf Club.
Get messy in the mud kitchen at Dyrham Park's Summer of Play
Little explorers can enjoy a day of fun at the National Trust's Dyrham Park with the Summer of Play. Running from Wednesday 22 July until Wednesday 2 September 2026, children can experiment with performance and play near the Old Lodge.
Here you'll find a mini stage, costumes for dress up, a beatbox, building blocks, a barefoot sensory walk, and even a mud kitchen. Elsewhere on the park kids can tackle a mini maze or limbo challenges.
Nature explorer sessions run on Tuesdays, art activities on Wednesdays, and more adventurous experiences on Thursdays, with circus skills, archery and more.
The Summer of Play events are free to enjoy, but admission costs apply when entering the park. Prices start at £23 per adult and £11.50 per child. Children under five go for free, and there are family tickets available.
Cycle along the Coln Valley
There are lots of ways to explore the Cotswolds on two wheels, with a large number of trails to try across the region offering views of both rural landscapes and villages. Enjoy mindful scenery and make a pit stop at a village coffee shop or pub for a spot of rest.
For a route with moderate difficulty and lots to see as you go, give the Cirencester and Bibury cycle loop route a go. Starting in Cirencester, head northeast through the Coln Valley and pass through Bibury.
Enjoy views of its famous Arlington Row cottages before heading back to your start point through Northleach and the Ampney Villages.
Catch a fish at Bibury Trout Farm
For a unique day out, families can visit England's oldest working trout farm in Bibury.
Catch your own fish by simply turning up and grabbing a rod. This fishing experience is aimed at beginners so everyone can have a go, and equipment is provided for £3 per set. Fish are paid for by weight.
At the farm you can also play a game of crazy golf, enjoy a lunch at the cafe, or hire a barbecue to do some cooking of your own with your catch of the day.
Get crafty in Westonbirt Arboretum
Feel inspired by the tall trees of Westonbirt Arboretum, with over 2,500 species of trees and shrubs to spot.
Bring along your own paper and wax crayons and get crafty on the move by making rubbings of the tree bark. Children can also let off some steam on the natural play areas dotted throughout the arboretum.
Adults and walking groups may enjoy one of the guided walking trails that take place daily, or the dedicated In Tune With Nature summer trail, offering ways to connect with nature through the senses away from scrolling and screens.
Admission tickets start from £13. Find out more by visiting forestryengland.uk/westonbirt.
Have a go at wild swimming
Try an invigorating morning of wild swimming at Lake 32 Outdoor Centre in Shorncote. With a dedicated safety team on site and swim inductions available for beginner wild swimmers, you don't need to be an expert outdoor swimmer to have a go.
Stop by at the on-site cafe afterwards to refuel, or have a go at another activity at the centre, such as archery, lakeside yoga or water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Open water swimming inductions are priced at £15. If you're a confident swimmer, you can pay-as-you-go for £8 per swim.
Take a dip at the beach
Keep cool on a hot summer's day by going for a splash at the UK's largest inland beach. Surrounded by grassland and a small strip of sand, there's plenty of space at Cotswold Country Park and Beach for picnics and outdoor games.
Take a cooling dip in the water, or hire a paddle boat for £5 for relaxing views of the beach and its surrounding areas.
Admission is priced based on your transport to the beach. Pedestrian or cycle admission is the cheapest starting from £3.50, while cars are priced from £10, granting all passengers inside the vehicle entry.
