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Paris Toolkit Things to do in the Cotswolds
Attractions in the Cotswolds including days out for families, adults only and dog friendly
There are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds area for the day visitor or those staying for a holiday. Whether you are on your own, a couple, or looking for family-friendly Cotswolds attractions there are loads of destinations and days out in the Cotswolds to keep you busy for a few days or longer.
From animal attractions such as wildlife parks and water parks, to Cotswold museums, historical buildings and ancient archaeological attractions, you'll discover adventure, history, mystery and beautiful landscapes in the rolling hills and quaint villages of the stunning Cotswolds.
Most of the Cotswolds is located in the two counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The Cotswolds is a vast area, spreading over 800 sq miles, so for the purposes of this page we focus our attention on things to do in the northern and central region of the Cotswolds within Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
Bath in the extreme southwest corner of the Cotswolds makes a good place to visit some of the southern attractions such as Lacock, while Oxford in the far northeast makes a good place for exploring such places as Blenheim Palace, also in the Cotswolds.
Things to do in the Cotswolds
Family friendly Cotswolds
Looking for a family-friendly day out in the Cotswolds? We cover the most popular things to do with your family in the Cotswolds.
Dog friendly Cotswolds
Many people search for 'dog-friendly' Cotswolds activities. We show you the places you can bring your pooch for a pawfect day out.
Historic buildings Cotswolds
From Roman to 19th-century, historic buildings and archaeological sites are everywhere in the Cotswolds. We take you through some of the best.
Cotswolds for couples
The Cotswolds region is perfect for couples, here are attractions aimed more at grownups, including the famous Distillery and an organic farm.
Museums Cotswolds
Discover the history of the people and places that make up the Cotswolds region, through fascinating museums with hands-on exhibits.
Wildlife attractions Cotswolds
Explore a Wetland Centre, Wildlife Centre or a fantastic nature reserve in different parts of the stunning region of the Cotswolds.
Family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds
There are loads of attractions to keep everyone in the family happy in the Cotswolds. Here are some of the best:
Dog friendly places in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a very dog-friendly place to spend your holidays. From pet-friendly country parks to leisurely gardens which are accommodating for you and your dog, even some of the big grand palaces such as Blenheim allow dogs in the acres of parkland and some areas of the gardens. Here are some great places to get out with your furry friend.
Historic buildings in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is home to some of the most spectacular historic houses and their gardens in the UK, including the magnificent Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle. There is also plenty of interesting privately owned architecture - some as famous as the much photographed Arlington Row at Bibury.
Cotswolds for couples
The Cotswolds is a great place to take a break and spend some time with your loved one. The Cotswolds Distillery makes a fabulous day out, discovering the craft of gin and whisky making, and enjoying samples too.
Daylesford Organic Farm in Shipston-on-Stour offers a setting for discovering all sorts of delicacies in a relaxing setting.
If discovering pretty villages is your thing, you are spoilt for choice in the central Cotswolds region including villages such as Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water, whilst on the southern edge of the Cotswolds villages such as Lacock and Castle Combe make fabulous destinations.
Cotswolds museums
There's so much history in the Cotswolds, and some fantastic museums showcasing that history. The Corinium Museum in Cirencester is a great museum over viewing the Cotswolds' history from prehistoric to the 19th century, with a special emphasis on the Roman history of the area. Chedworth Roman Villa is managed by the National Trust and features some stunning examples of Roman mosaics.
For a quirky and fun day out the Cotswold Motoring Museum remains ever popular.
Wildlife attractions in the Cotswolds
The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford is a great day out for all the family with hundreds of species to get up-close to. Slimbridge Wetland Centre (WWT) is located just outside the boundary of the Cotswolds, but very accessible from Stroud on the western edge and includes loads of activities from canoe safaris to Wetland Theatre and an aviary.
Greystones nature reserve is free entry, managed by the local Wildlife Trust and a is enjoyable place to spend a couple of hours when in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford
The Cotswold Wildlife Park, near to the Cotswold town of Burford in Oxfordshire, is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970.
The Cotswolds Wildlife Park has an incredible number of species for you to get up-close to - over 260 - together with exotic gardens filled with vibrant flora.
Overall the Cotswolds Wildlife Park is a great destination to visit for visitors of all ages.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park - official website
Opening hours
Daily
Summer - 10 am - 6 pm
Winter - 10 am - 4 pm
Stroll through Bourton-on-the-Water
Enjoy the charming beauty of the "Venice of the Cotswolds," so named due to its five low footbridges (some can also be used by vehicles) which cross the River Windrush as it flows alongside Bourton's High Street. The bridges are believed to date between 1654 and 1911.
Bourton-on-the-Water also offers a wealth of attractions including quaint shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms, all along the River Windrush.
Cotswolds towns and villages - more information
Greystones Nature Reserve, archaeological site and cafe
Situated just 300m from one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s main car parks, on the edge of the village, you will find Greystones Nature Reserve, with its ancient meadows and rivers - home to a diverse range of wildlife.
Greystones is also the site of the Salmonsbury Camp, a significant meeting place during Neolithic and Iron Age periods and a Scheduled Monument. Here you can explore Iron Age ramparts, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, working organic farm, and an interactive Discovery Barn. You can even enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, or a cuppa and slice of cake in the Greystones courtyard café.
Owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Greystones is open to the public all year round and entrance is free of charge.
Explore Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe
Delve into history at this stunning castle with its beautifully landscaped gardens, exhibitions, private Castle Room and the tomb of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
Guided tours and exhibitions
There is an exhibition named ‘Royal Sudeley 1,000, Trials, Triumphs and Treasures’, which showcases a remarkable collection of priceless objects and curiosities illustrating the history of Sudeley Castle and its owners. Among the items on show are a tragic queen’s love letters, a lock of Katherine Parr’s hair, her prayer book and an intricate lace christening canopy believed to have been worked on by Anne Boleyn for the christening of her daughter, Elizabeth I.
Castle gardens
Set against the majestic castle backdrop, and surrounded by long rolling views over the Cotswold Hills, ten varied and beautiful gardens wrap around the castle. Younger visitors can enjoy a superb adventure fun fort and adventure playground.
Opening hours
Daily from 10 am - 5 pm
Hike the Cotswold Way (102 miles)
Embark on this 102-mile National Trail, offering breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and charming villages along the scenic route from Chipping Campden to Bath.
Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, your route journeys through rolling pastures, beech woodland and honey-coloured villages built from Cotswold stone.
You will explore ancient commons in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, pass Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes and historic battle sites. The stunning path along the Cotswold escarpment offers ever-changing views to the west towards the River Severn and the Malvern Hills.
- Start: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
- End: Bath, Somerset
- Length: 102 mile (164 km)
For more info and to view an Interactive Map on featuring accommodation, things to do, services such as food and drink, transport, water points and more visit the National Trails website.
Discover Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Tour the birthplace of Winston Churchill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring opulent interiors, expansive gardens, and captivating exhibitions.
Blenheim has an exciting adventure playground to keep the children entertained, plus regular seasonal events aimed at both children and adults, as well as different places to eat including a restaurant and cafe.
Blenheim Palace more information
Opening hours
Daily
Palace - 10.30 am - 4.45 pm
Park - 9 am - 5 pm
Gardens - 10 am - 4.45 pm
Wander the streets of Stow-on-the-Wold
Explore this historic market town known for its antique shops, cosy pubs, and the impressive St. Edward's Church with its unique tree-framed doorway.
Stow-on-the-Wold is an old wool town is known for its Market Square, its antique shops and a lots of traditional pubs and inns.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a long history and had a special importance in the English Civil War - the Battle of Stow on the Wold, fought at nearby Donnington in 1646, saw the defeat of the last royalist field army.
Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, - at nearly 800 ft, meaning there are excellent views of the surrounding countryside ("Wold" means upland countryside).
Visit Arlington Row, Bibury
Admire the iconic 14th-century weavers' cottages in Bibury, often considered one of the most picturesque sites in the Cotswolds, perfect for photography and a peaceful stroll.
The picturesque Arlington Row cottages in Bibury were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. This was then converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century.
Today, the cottages are let to private tenants, with one of the cottages available as a holiday let.
Arlington Row is known the world over and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. So one of the best ways to see Arlington Row during the peak of summer, is in the early morning before the most of the tourists arrive.
Relax at Daylesford Organic Farm, Daylesford
Indulge in fresh, organic produce, enjoy a meal at the award-winning café, or Michelin star courtyard restaurant, and explore the farm shop, garden, winery and wellness facilities in a serene countryside setting.
At the farm shop you'll find pasture-raised meat from the farm, artisan bread from the bakery and award-winning cheese from the creamery.
The shop sells everything from elegant garden furniture to pet items and handmade tableware one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.
There's even cookery classes as well as a whole range of events to explore.
Opening hours
Mon - Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9.30 am - 5 pm
Visit the Cotswolds Distillery, Shipston-on-Stour
Experience a guided tour of this award-winning distillery, learn about the craft of gin and whisky making, and enjoy tastings of their premium spirits.
The tour begins with a short video which highlights the Cotswolds Distillery story and traditional production methods. You'll be taken you around the distillery and cask warehouse where you’ll be able to see the processes in action.
There's an on-site cafe for a sport of lunch, including scrumptious sharing boards, freshly made sourdough pizzas and delicious cakes.
If you visit the villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway you can also sample the spirits at the Cotswolds Distillery shops - or alternatively visit the distillery itself in the town of Stourton.
Opening hours
Mon - Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 10.30 am - 5 pm
Explore the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester
Cotswolds Water Park is not a 'park' in the traditional sense, but rather an area of 42 square miles and 180 lakes, set in picturesque surroundings, just south of Cirencester. Here you can choose from a range of different leisure activities run by different providers.
The stunning wetlands landscape hosts tens of thousands of breeding and watering birds and is an ideal destination for watching wildlife all year round.
Outdoor activities: Aerial Adventure, angling, archery, birdwatching, golf, gym, horse riding, rally driving, a sculpture park, shooting, wilderness skills.
Water sports: Boat hire, canoe, inflatable rides, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, wake-boarding, water skiing, windsurfing.
Cotswolds Park Visitor Centre opening hours
Open from March to November, the Visitor Centre is open between 10am and 3pm during weekends and school holidays.
Discover the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Bourton-on-the-Water
Step into a world of automotive history, featuring a fascinating collection of vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts.
Mill Gallery hosts great vehicles, quaint caravans, motoring curiosities and nostalgic enamel signs.
There's also a Blacksmith's workshop, Windrush Alley (think 19th c bikes and early motor sport), Jack Lake's Garage (a recreation of one of those small country garages from a bygone age), and Paved Paradise - retro cool from the 60s and 70s.
Cotswold Motoring Museum website
Opening hours
Daily from 10 am - 6 pm
Admission charges apply - no need to book in advance.
Get hands-on at the Corinium Museum, Cirencester
The Corinium Museum in Cirencester fantastic museum featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. The museum traces history in the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with special emphasis given to the town's Roman heritage, reflecting Cirencester's importance as the second biggest Roman town, Corinium, outside London.
The Roman collection is over two floors and features mosaics, tombstones and sculpture as well as room and shop reconstructions and objects from everyday Roman life.
Corinium Museum website
Opening hours
Mon - Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 2- 5 pm
Admission charges apply - no need to book in advance.
Explore Chedworth Roman Villa, Chedworth
Uncover ancient history at this well-preserved Roman villa, showcasing impressive mosaics, bathhouses, and a glimpse into life during Roman Britain.
Chedworth Roman Villa is a National Trust site, as such, National Trust members get in for free.
Chedworth remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain; new discoveries are continually being made.
Also on site are a museum, cafe, shop and picnic area, and regular events are held too.
Chedworth Roman Villa website
Opening hours
Daily 10 am - 5 pm
Paddle on canoe safari at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Slimbridge WWT Wetland Centre has a lot to offer. Canoe safaris allowing you to spectate all the various wildlife of the wetlands are one of the more popular activities, so remember to book in advance.
Kids young and old can enjoy an 'Arctic Adventure': "Following in the footsteps of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott and real life WWT researchers, visit the cold and basic tundra research huts in search of clues to explain the recent decline of Bewick’s swans and other birds."
There's also the Scott House Museum - where you can learn more about the man himself - including his long friendship with the celebrated naturalist Sir David Attenborough - as you step through the doors of his home.
Talks and tours are featured every day - you just need to check out the What's On board when you arrive - with more available during the school holidays.
The nature reserve itself is an absolute haven for wild birds, including rare birds from all over the world.
All in all, a day out not to be missed.
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre website
Opening hours
Daily
Apr - Oct 9.30 am - 5.30 pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Feb & Mar 9.30 am - 5 pm (last entry 4pm)
Nov, Dec & Jan 9.30 am - 4.30 pm (last entry 3.30 pm)
Visit the fairytale hilltop folly, Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower is one of those places on the skyline that is very memorable. Located in the village of Broadway, just 11 miles north-west from Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway Tower has had many uses during its time. At various times the 18th-century tower has been a printing press, artist's retreat and the site of a nuclear bunker!
Today it is privately owned and you can buy tickets to get to the top if you wish.
Alternatively the tower is a good stopping-off point about half way round a 2-hour circular walk from Broadway village to the tower itself and back again to the village - this section forming part of the 102 mile long Cotswolds Way.
A cafe and museum are also located on the site of the tower.
Broadway Tower website
Opening hours
Daily 10 am - 5 pm
Timed tickets are available to purchase, with different charges for the tower and museum entry or grounds only. Dogs are welcome everywhere except the museum.
