There is plenty of choice when it comes to planning days out for the whole family during half term. The Lower Mill Estate makes a fabulous base for exploring the Cotswolds. From wildlife parks to classic cars, museums to adventurous activities there really is something for everyone. Have fun planning your half term!
Cotswold Farm Park reopens on February 10th in time for its lambing spectacular. Over 800 lambs are due to be born at the farm this Spring and visitors can see live births as well as listen to talks. It makes for a fabulous day out in the Cotswolds for the whole family.
Head across to Chedworth Roman Villa to see the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. You’ll be able to see impressive mosaics, hypocaust systems and bath houses. The artefacts on display will give you a real insight into life at the villa during Roman times.
South Cerney Outdoor has a range of climbing challenges available. Sky-Line is their aerial adventure which opened in 2022. There are 14 obstacles over two levels at up to 12m off the ground.
The Cotswolds has to be one of the best places to see snowdrops in the country. Painswick Rococo Garden has over 5 million snowdrops (yes….you read that right…5 million!) and Colesbourne Park boasts over 300 different cultivars. That really is taking being spoilt for choice to a whole new level!
Just next to Lower Mill Estate, Cotswold Range offers a variety of experiences from archery to crossbow and air rifles. From beginners to more seasoned, there is something to keep everyone engaged.
Birdland Park and Gardens, based in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, offers a great location for a family day out. Birdland is set in 9 acres of gardens and woodland and is home to more than 500 birds including a range of exotic and rare birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, parrots, owls and penguins.
Corinium Roman Museum is located in Cirencester, the ancient Roman town known as the capital of the Cotswolds. Just a 15 minute drive from the Lower Mill Estate, it takes you on a journey back through time as you discover thousands of artefacts on display from prehistoric tools, to Roman mosaics and medieval sculpture.
Another gem based in Bourton-on-the-Water is the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Through its collection of rare vehicles you will be taken on a journey through the history of 20th-century motoring and give you a glimpse of the way that motoring used to be.
Cotswold Falconry Centre is one of the leading bird of prey centres in the UK and home to over 60 species. During daily flying displays visitors will be wowed by a variety of species demonstrating their hunting skills and will come away with a greater appreciation of these amazing birds.
A little further afield lies Gloucester Cathedral which is a must visit for Harry Potter fans. The vaulted cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral became the corridors leading to Gryffindor House, part of Hogwarts School, during filming of the first two Harry Potter Movies. The Cathedral is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country