Cotswold Wildlife Park
Burford. Open every day except Christmas Day. Fantastic parkland setting with a train ride through the grounds in peak season, an adventure playground, café and of course lions, zebras, hippos, penguins, fruit bats and monkeys to name just a few of the animals.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Tel (01993 823006)
Batsford Arboretum and the Falconry Centre
Bourton-on-the-Hill. Next door to each other, the Batsford Arboretum has some lovely woodland walks and is spectacular in the Spring and Autumn. There is also a great café with wonderful views, delicious homemade cakes and a garden centre, www. batsarb.co.uk. At the Falconry Centre you can watch exciting displays of falconry, www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
Cotswold Farm Park
Near Guiting Power. Open March – September. Especially for younger children, a great place to feed the animals, ride on a tractor and learn about rare breeds. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Tel (01451 850307)
Warwick Castle
Definitely a whole day out. Arrive early to avoid ticket queues. Jousting, archery, falconry, medieval displays and mighty trebuchet catapult throughout the Summer. Ice rink in December. Open all year. Info 0870 442 2000/ booking 0870 442 2371 | www.warwick-castle.com
Moreton-in-Marsh
For a quick trip out there is a lovely playground opposite Warner Budgens in Moreton-in-Marsh suitable for younger children. Pop into Ask Pizza for a quick meal or visit The Cotswold Tearoom for tea and cakes.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Apart from all the connections with Shakespeare, Stratford is a great place for picnics, boating and shopping. You can park at the Butterfly Farm Car Park (follow directions to the Butterfly Farm as soon as you enter Stratford). There are always boats to hire or boat trips in the summer and the Butterfly Farm is worth a visit – great for a rainy day as it’s warm and dry inside!
01789 299288 | www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Bourton-on-the Water
Touristy but very pretty with the stream running through and lots to do for children including: Birdland Park and Gardens – open all year. www.birdland.co.uk/Miniature Village; Cotswolds Motor Museum with the TV character Brum. www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk; and a Miniature Railway exhibit within the Toy Shop on the main High Street Hidcote Manor Gardens Open March to September. One of the most visited National Trust gardens in the UK, Hidcote is a beautiful place and fun for children as there are lots of garden “rooms” and grounds to run around in.
Sudeley Castle
Winchcombe. Explore the castle, the gardens and the big fort in the adventure playground. The wooden fort is full of hidey-holes and towers. Closed in the Winter months.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Corinium Museum Cirencester
Fascinating museum about the Romans. Holds holiday events.
www.coriniummuseum.org
Woodstock and Blenheim Palace
A little further afield (about 40 minutes) but a great day out. As well as the Palace there is an adventure playground, butterfly farm and miniature train. Check for limited opening hours in the Winter months.
www.blenheimpalace.com
In Woodstock there are lots of shops to explore and there is the local Oxfordshire museum on the High Street – worth a quick visit and enjoy a coffee and cake in the airy glass-fronted café.
Heritage Motor Centre and Museum Gaydon
Open all year. Perfect for car enthusiasts and older children. Outdoor activities in peak periods include Land Rover 4×4 driving, Go Karting and Miniature Roadway. Open all year apart from Christmas week.
www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Tel (01926 641188)