Top Things to Do for Children

Cotswold Wildlife Park

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. Open every day except Christmas Day.
Burford | 01993 823006

Cotswold Farm Park

Especially for younger children, a great place to feed the animals, ride on a tractor and learn about rare breeds. Open March – September.
Near Guiting Power | 01451 850307

Batsford Arboretum and the Falconry Centre

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.
Bourton-on-the-Hill | www.cotswoldfalconry.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

Miniature Railway exhibit within the Toy Shop on the main High Street

Moreton-in-Marsh

For a quick trip out there is a little playground opposite Warner Budgens in Moreton-in-Marsh suitable for younger children. Pop into Ask Pizza for a quick meal or visit Tilly’s for tea and cakes.

Hidcote Manor Gardens
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. A short stroll away is Hidcote Manor Farm which is a lovely spot for picking your own strawberries, raspberries and tayberries. Open March to September.
Hidcote, near Chipping Campden.

Woodstock and Blenheim Palace

As well as the Palace there is an adventure playground, butterfly farm and miniature train. In Woodstock there is the local Oxfordshire museum on the High Street which is free and worth popping into for a quick visit and a coffee and cake in the airy glass-fronted café.
08700 60 20 80

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

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) or the Sports Ground Car Park which is just to the left of the Butterfly Farm Car Park. Adjacent to the river and the car parks there is a large playground appealing to a wide range of ages. 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

Corinium Museum

Holds holiday events and drop in activities. Open Monday – Saturday 10-5, Sunday 2-5.
Cirencester | 01285 655611

Top Places to Visit

Stow-on-the-Wold

There are many good restaurants, pubs, cafes and antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold. You can park in the town square and wander around the interesting range of shops.

Chipping Norton

Close to the Rollright Stones and in the middle of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Chipping Norton is a thriving, market town packed with a theatre, book shops, and art galleries as well as High Street favourites such as WH Smith and Boots.

Daylesford Organic Farm Shop and Café

The UK’s smartest, entirely organic farmshop, the renowned Daylesford is 5 minutes away and you may want to treat yourself there in the Hay Barn Spa or savour delicious food in the smart organic café or shop. Choose from the butcher, the baker, the fishmonger and the grocery. For indulgences there are homeward and clothing items to browse.

Moreton-in-Marsh

Popular market town with a good Warner Budgens, selling very good quality food with lots of local produce and The Cotswold Cheese Shop, selling a wide variety of bread and delicatessen food. Tilly’s is good for bread and cakes.

Chipping Campden

Wide selection of tea shops, restaurants, pubs and shops. The Cotswolds House Hotel has Hicks on the Terrace – enjoy a drink, cake or lunch on the terrace and enjoy the gardens designed by Paul Williams, local garden designer.

Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are held throughout the year at different venues in the Cotswolds. For more information on this and other events in the area visit www.cotswolds.com.