We reveal our top 10 list of the best things to do in the Cotswolds with toddlers and kids.
With home-schooling over (permanently… we hope), we can’t wait to start planning fun activities for the whole family to enjoy over the Summer!
After all your hard work with the family, we thought we’d do the tricky bit for you and make a list of the best things to do with kids in the Cotswolds. So take a look and get planning your Cotswold visit today!
1. Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Cirencester
Who said the Cotswolds didn’t have a beach? Cotswold Country Park and Beach is great for spending quality time together as a family as there’s something for everyone! Enjoy water sports or aquaventure, a high ropes course, mini-golf and end your day out with a BBQ in one of their BBQ pits overlooking the gorgeous South lake.
2. Heythrop Zoological Gardens
Chipping Norton
A magical, exclusive experience where you can get incredibly close to all of your favourite animals. Heythrop Zoological Gardens is appointment only, allowing you to explore the grounds in private. They pride themselves on animal conservation so you can learn more about how to protect these beautiful species during your visit. Go walking with a wolf, feed a tiger or train a raven; Heythrop offers a range of encounters with different animals. You can also adopt an animal for just £35 a year, providing an excuse for another Cotswolds holiday.
3. Cirencester Lido
Cirencester
For the perfect family day out in the sunshine, you can slip and slide down the amazing shoot at Cirencester Lido in a heated pool of spring water, we promise a whole world of fun! Stock up on snacks from the vintage-tuck shop and spend the afternoon on a sun lounger soaking up the sun with a stunning fairytale castle as your backdrop.
4. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Burford
Explore Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens to get up close with giraffes, rhinos and meerkats whilst enjoying the picture-perfect garden backdrop. You can hop on Bella the Train if the kids are tired after their visit to the adventure playground. You can also bring a picnic for lunch on the lawn, but don’t miss the penguins having their dinner at 11am or 3pm!
5. Sudeley Castle
Winchcombe
Explore Sudeley Castle and uncover all of its secrets. Keep the kids learning with a walk around the museum and then head to the huge playground for the ultimate adventure! Enjoy the zip wire, 10-piece obstacle course and outdoor seating fit for a picnic for a King or Queen. Every Christmas, Sudeley’s gardens transform into a magical, lumière experience to kickstart the festivities, the kids are often left stunned by the magic.
6. Explore Harry Potter Filming Locations
Lacock and Gloucester Cathedral
For all you witches and wizards out there, a journey around Harry Potter Cotswold filming locations is the perfect day out! Explore the Harry Potter trail around Gloucester Cathedral, as it was transformed into the halls of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
There is a red door in the Dark Entry, and that’s where the flood from the girls toilets was filmed in the second movie. The wall nearby was also where the chilling message from Voldermort was written in blood, ‘The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir beware!’ You can also explore the village of Lacock to find Harry’s parents house, Horace Slughorn’s hideaway and Lacock Abbey, which was also used for Hogwarts scenes!
7. Chippy Lido
Chipping Norton
Chippy Lido has something for all the family! The perfect spot to cool off in Summer with two fully-heated outdoor pools: a 25m swimming pool and a paddling pool for the little ones. They also have dedicated adult swim sessions including Sunday morning yoga and Aquafit.
8. Fairytale Farm
Chipping Norton
Once upon a time… Chipping Norton became home to a fun-filled adventure park called Fairytale Farm. A family favourite for its adventure play area and fairytale sensory experience. Designed with disabled children in mind, Fairytale Farm is accessible to everyone. You can also meet a new furry friend in Jack’s Yard!
9. Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum
Bourton-on-the-Water
Are you a fan of your cars? Visit Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum to find vintage, classic cars, caravans and motorcycles. Kids are always wondering how we survived without an iPad, why not show them how we played as kids? Take a trip down memory lane and show your kids your old favourite toys from aeroplanes and Scalextric to old-school board games.
10. Drive-in cinemas
Various Locations
The ultimate outdoor cinema experience in the heart of the Cotswolds. The Luna Drive-In at Blenheim Palace is truly spectacular and will provide memories you’ll treasure forever, as you watch your family favourites with a view of the 300-year-old palace. The Cotswolds Drive-In Cinema is also a great night out for all the family, with live music before the film and a great gin bar for the lucky ones who aren’t driving! Film on the Farm will also be showing a great selection of family classics over the summer months.
We hope our top things to do with kids in the Cotswolds has inspired you to plan a family visit soon! You can browse all of our family friendly holiday cottages and homes online or to discuss your options in more detail, give us a call on 01993 259 444.
