Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in the Cotswolds this Half Term
The Cotswolds is an ideal destination for a half-term getaway, with its stunning countryside, charming villages, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Whether your family is into history, nature, or farmyard fun, the Cotswolds offers something for everyone. Here are eight fantastic activities to enjoy with your family this half-term!
1. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
A day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park is perfect for animal lovers. Located near Burford, the park is home to a wide range of animals, including giraffes, lions and penguins. Children will love exploring the adventure playground and taking a ride on the park’s narrow-gauge railway. With plenty of picnic areas and open spaces, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing. Highlights: Giraffe feeding platform and Madagascar Walkthrough, where lemurs roam freely.
2. Cotswold Farm Park
For hands-on fun, visit Cotswold Farm Park, run by TV’s Adam Henson. Here, children can interact with farm animals, enjoy tractor rides and learn about rare breeds and conservation. The farm also offers indoor and outdoor play areas, making it a perfect all-weather attraction. In the autumn, pumpkin picking adds extra seasonal fun! Highlights: Pumpkin patch, animal petting areas, and tractor rides.
3. Jolly Nice Farm Shop Pumpkin Paddock
Celebrate autumn with a visit to the Pumpkin Paddock at Jolly Nice Farm Shop, just 20 minutes drive from Cotswold Lakes. Children will enjoy picking their own pumpkins, and the whole family can indulge in fresh, local produce from the farm shop. During the pumpkin event, the Jolly Nice Chefs will be conjuring up autumnal delights with pumpkin soup, apple cake and their very own pumpkin spiced latte on the menu. The best part about a visit to the Pumpkin paddock is that it’s free. Highlights: Pumpkin picking and a farm shop stocked with fresh local produce.
4. Sudeley Castle & Gardens
For a mix of history and adventure, head to Sudeley Castle. While adults explore the castle’s royal history and beautiful gardens, Children can run wild in the adventure playground, complete with a zipline and fort. The castle hosts family-friendly events during half-term, including medieval re-enactments and treasure hunts. Highlights: An Animal Ark exhibit with life-sized animal sculptures created from natural materials.
5. The Cirencester History Festival
This year sees the first ever Cirencester History Festival. Running from 26th October – 3rd November 2024, the history festival recognises that history is in the DNA of Cirencester, the ancient Capital of the Cotswolds. A full programme of activities for families is timetabled as well as talks, guided walks and tours and exhibitions. Highlights: Interactive history activities, and talks from some of Britain’s greatest historians.
6. The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water
Step into the miniature world of The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water, a tiny replica of the village itself. Children will enjoy feeling like giants as they wander through the detailed streets and buildings. After exploring the model village, take a leisurely stroll along the river or stop at one of the charming tea rooms for a family treat. Highlights: The only Grade II listed model village in the country, featuring tiny versions of real-life buildings from Bourton-on-the-Water.
7. Westonbirt Arboretum
Experience autumn in all its glory at Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the finest collections of trees in the world. The vibrant autumn colours make this a wonderful destination for a family day out. Explore the tree-lined paths, take a walk along the Tree Top Walkway for elevated views, or join one of the family-friendly workshops. Westonbirt Arboretum is very popular in the autumn so remember to book ahead. Highlights: Spectacular autumn foliage, family trails, and tree-climbing activities.
8. Cotswold Water Park
For outdoor adventures, spend time in Cotswold Lakes (also known as Cotswold Water Park), with its 150 lakes offering everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to family-friendly walking and cycling trails. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature while keeping everyone active and entertained. Highlights: Water sports, nature trails, and wildlife spotting.
Bonus Tip: Stay in a Lakeside Holiday Home
For a peaceful and scenic family retreat, consider staying at Daisy Chain, a lakeside holiday home set within the private Lower Mill Estate within the Cotswold Water Park. Daisy Chain is fabulously family friendly and has stunning lakeside views, sleeps 9 in 5 bedrooms and is perfectly located for exploring the Cotswolds. With all the facilities of the Lower Mill Estate available to guests including the swimming pools and spa, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.