Kids and parents alike will get a lot out of a visit to the Cotswolds. There’s a wealth of beautiful countryside to explore, charming market towns built from the famous Cotswold stone, and tons of adventures to embark on. We’ve rounded up a few of the best family activities in Cotswolds to make your break extra special, so take a look and find something that’ll have everyone entertained. Need a place to stay? Here at Oliver’s Travels we’ve got a great selection of cottages in the Cotswolds that make a wonderful base to explore this versatile, beautiful region of England.
1. Watch birds of prey soar at The Falconry School
Why go: One of our favourite things to do with kids in Cotswolds, The Falconry School is dedicated to learning about magnificent birds of prey. It’s a little more fun than your average point-and-look animal attraction though – not only does it stage breath-taking aerial displays, but visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on engagement.
The school’s experience days offer informal, personal introductions to the world of falconry. As well as background information about the sport and the birds, you’ll get the chance to carry falcons before learning how to feed and handle them correctly. The highlight for most is seeing the birds wheeling through the air, grabbing lures from the sky and hovering on thermals before sweeping in to land on your glove – an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Book: Online at The Falconry School
Location: P.O. Box 3182 Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 9BH
The Falconry School – Cotswolds
2. Chug through the hills on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Why go: Travelling by steam train can be a magical experience if you’re in the Cotswolds with kids – there’s something about the sound of its whistle and the whirr of wheels that simply transports people in more ways than one. That’s why you can’t make a list of the best family activities in Cotswolds without including the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. This traditional engine pulls elegant carriages along a track that cuts through the glorious hills of the Cotswolds, running over viaducts and under tunnels. Best of all, children can on occasion sit with the driver as the train trundles along the tracks, adding yet more excitement to an already memorable experience.
Book: Online at Gwsr
Location: The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucs GL54 5D
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Cotswolds
3. Kayak on the lake at South Cerney Outdoor
Why go: The lakes of South Cerney, three miles outside of Cirencester, are the ideal spot for a day of invigorating water sports. The South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre runs lessons in canoeing, kayaking and sailing in a safe environment with all the kit provided, so you can pack in a day of energetic activities for the kids that will tire them out and thus ensure you get an easy night! If you’ve got other families joining you for the trip, you might want to try Dragon Boating: this involves races across the lake between long boats. Perhaps the most demanding activity on offer is raft building, where your family bonds will be tested as you attempt to craft a seaworthy vessel from just barrels, rope and wood.
Feeling hungry after all that work? Check our best foodie experiences in Cotswolds guide.
Book: Call 01285 860388
Location: Lake 12, Spine Road South Cerney Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 5TL
South Cerney Outdoor – Cotswolds
4. Walk among wildlife at the Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Why go: Children can get familiar with Britain’s flora and fauna at this expansive, wild nature reserve. Flocks of rare birds, such as herons and flamingos, call the wetlands home and you can view them with binoculars at the birdwatching hide in the heart of the reserve. Otters gambol in the waters and get fed by the park’s volunteers, while the nearby Toad Hall has a gigantic collection of reptiles and amphibians to survey. The park also offers weather-dependent canoeing safaris into the wetlands, as well as Welly Boot Land, an area specifically designed for children to splash in and get muddy; a change of clothes is highly recommended as the park’s youngest visitors tend to throw themselves whole-heartedly into this activity.
Book: Online at Wwt.org.uk
Location: Slimbridge Wetland Centre Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
Slimbridge Wetland Centre – Cotswolds
5. Ride dog-powered carts at Arctic Quest
Why go: You might need to remind yourself you’re still in the Cotswolds and not Svalbard for this one! Arctic Quest offer the opportunity to be pulled along by huskies in wheeled contraptions, which mimic the sensations of icy exploration, only without any bitter winds and sub-zero temperatures. Visitors are trained in the care of the dogs and are told how to control a pack of them, before the expedition begins. The team know the huskies well, so they can pick which particular pooches are best suited to your ability and confidence. All the safety gear and training is provided and the company accommodate groups, making this one of the quirkiest best family activities in Cotswolds and a seriously fun way to see the countryside.
Book: Call 07968 794758 or online
Location: Bredon’s Hardwicke, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7EE
Arctic Quest – Cotswolds
So there’s our family days out Cotswolds guide! Looking for a great place for you and the family to stay while you explore this stunning slice of rural England? Talk to our concierge team. Just let them know what you’re looking for and they’ll get the planning started. Our blog is a great place for travel inspiration, so why not read more about Cotswolds, or see more family friendly activities. We even offer pet-friendly holiday tips (the Cotswolds is the perfect place to take the family dog!) and a list of where you can find the UK’s best market towns.
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