Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Kids
Everywhere you look on social media, people are posting about their incredible trips to the Cotswolds. Honey-coloured buildings, cosy pubs, and farm shops offering the finest produce are in abundance, but what if you have children? Are the Cotswolds a family-friendly destination? The good news is that there is so much to keep children of all ages occupied if you know where to look.
As a parent who lives on the edge of the Cotswolds with two young children of my own to entertain, I will show you some great things to do with children. This guide will also give you some hidden gems and tips to help you avoid the crowds for a stress-free family trip.
What are the Cotswolds, and are they good for Kids?
The short answer is yes! The Cotswolds is a region in the southern part of England, and a large area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, also known as AONB. Here you will find endless rambling green fields, villages that look like a film set, and more than one destination farm shop.
This may not sound like the ideal place to visit with children. However, if you are looking for somewhere offering a slower pace of life rich in nature, this is the perfect destination. Farm parks, bakeries, and pretty villages are all there if you know where to look. My guide will help you plan your trip to the Cotswolds, offering hints and tips to help everything run smoothly, even with toddlers in tow!
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Kids
Farms & Animal Experiences
Farming is big business in the Cotswolds, with fields full of sheep everywhere (the area made its fortune in the wool trade). This has translated into several farm and animal experiences popping up in recent years.
Cotswold Farm Park (Great for toddlers and younger children)
Tickets from adults: £13.50 Children : £10.50 Toddlers (under 4): £6.50
This farm park is owned by farmer and TV presenter, Adam Henson. Cotswold Farm Park gently educates children about farming while still being an enjoyable day out. Children can get up close and feed farm animals in the animal barns, enjoy a tractor ride, and even play in the indoor beach.
There is a decent cafe/restaurant here, as well as a campsite and several accommodation options.
Tip: A lot of the activities are charged as extras when you enter, including the tractor ride.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park
Tickets from Adults: £17.50 Children: £12.50 Under 3s: Free
Rhinos, giraffes, and wallabies are often not the first things that come to mind when you think of the Cotswolds, but that’s exactly what you can find at Cotswolds Wildlife Park. This leafy park is set across 160 acres and has 250 species of animals. Children will love the petting zoo and the walk-through lemur exhibit. There is enough to see and do to spend a good few hours here.
This is the only zoo in the country that allows dogs, although they are not allowed into all areas.
Tip: This wildlife park boasts a lot of green space, making it the ideal spot for a picnic lunch. If this isn’t your vibe, there is a restaurant as well.
Birdland
Tickets from Adults: £13.95 Children: £10.50 Under 3s: Free
As the name would suggest, here you will see mostly birds. Birdland is relatively small, ideal for a couple of hours rather than taking up a whole day. As well as penguins, flamingos, and ostriches, there is a woodland walk where kids can hunt for life-sized dinosaur models.
Tip: Try to grab tickets for the Dragonly Maze next door if you can! Tickets are only sold on the day from the kiosk. Tickets £4.50 adults, £3.50 children.
Budget-Friendly
As any parent knows, taking your family on holiday quickly adds up. Although many of the attractions have entry prices, there are a lot more wallet-friendly options to keep the whole family entertained.
Chipping Campden or Broadway Play Area
Free
Both of these villages attract hordes of visitors every year, but many people don’t realise how good the free parks are.
Broadway Play Area is tucked behind the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery. There is plenty to do here for all ages, including a mini-climbing wall, toddler play area, and exercise equipment. There are picnic benches, perfect for enjoying a spot of lunch from Broadway Deli.
Chipping Campden Play Area is a short walk from the high street (5-10 minutes). Again, there is equipment to suit different ages. The large field is great for ball games, and you will also find the tennis club here.
Tip: Children’s parks in the Cotswolds do not allow dogs, so make sure you leave any four-legged friends at home.
Evesham Light Railway
Tickets Adults: £4.50 Children: £3.65 Under 2s: Free Dogs £1
Although this isn’t technically in the Cotswolds, it is a stone’s throw from Broadway. This steam-powered train runs in a circuit, with a second station halfway round. Here, there is a wooden fortress for children to play on and green space for picnics. You can then either take the train back or head along the path to the shopping village. Here you can also find highwire, miniature golf, and a dog agility course, as well as ice creams for sale. During the summer, there is also a small water play area.
Fun Attractions & Rainy Day Options
If you have visited the UK, you will know how unpredictable the weather can be. One minute it is glorious sunshine, the next it is hailing. This is why it is always a good idea to have a couple of rainy day ideas ready to go if needed.
Cotswold Motoring Museum
Tickets Adults: £9.95 Children (5-15): £6.95 Under 5s free
This museum showcases Mike Cavanagh’s epic car collection. It first opened in 1978 and is now an institution in Bourton-on-the-Water. Budding car enthusiasts can see 40 old and vintage cars, as well as enamel signs, motorbikes, and caravans. You can also catch a glimpse of the childhood TV favourite, Brum.
Steam Railway
Adults: £28, under 13s: free
Children will love this traditional steam railway, which runs between Broadway and Cheltenham. It stops at Toddington, Hayles Abbey Halt, Winchcombe, and Gotherington. Cafes serve light lunches and refreshments along the route, with the 1950s-themed cafe at Winchombe Station a highlight.
Tip: The Cheltenham station located by the racecourse is quite far from the town centre, so you may want to book a taxi or schedule a short stop here before returning on the train.
A Simple 2–3 Day Cotswolds Itinerary with Kids
If you glance at a map of the Cotswolds, you may be tricked into thinking all the villages are a short drive from each other. This is not the case! Winding country lanes make journeys longer, so it is worth considering this when planning your trip. Instead, it is usually a good idea to stick to a specific area for a day.
Day 1
Morning: Explore Cotswolds Wildlife Park
Begin by picking up a picnic in Burford from Bakery on the Hill or Burford Farm Shop. Then head to Cotswolds Wildlife Park.
Afternoon: Village + ice cream
Wander around Burford and enjoy an ice cream. Alternatively, head to Burford Garden Company for a cake in their spacious cafe.
Day 2
Morning: Birdland
Spend the morning in Birdland. Before you go in, try to secure tickets from the sought-after Dragonfly Maze. The ticket kiosk is between the car park and the village. Then enjoy a light lunch at one of the many cafes in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Afternoon: Model village
After lunch, head to the Model Village and see Bourton-on-the-Water in miniature. Children will enjoy hunting out various shops and landmarks.
Evening: Grab an ice cream and take a stroll around the village, taking in the bridges and River Windrush.
Bourton-on-the-Water is a beautiful village with lots to explore. However, it is understandably one of the busier villages. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, head to one of the nearby country pubs for dinner.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds with Kids
Although the Cotswolds are a great place to visit with children, they are historic villages that have developed without families traveling with children as a priority. Therefore, it can help to follow a few tips to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
Research parking before you go.
These villages were here before the car was even a twinkle of an idea, and it is pretty obvious in their layout. Parking can be notoriously difficult, and streets are narrow. Most villages now have car parks on the outskirts of town, but it is a good idea to research where these are before you go. Getting stuck on a narrow lane with traffic coming the other way is enough to send even the most confident drivers into a panic.
Traveling with young children
I have often seen people on social media saying the Cotswolds aren’t suitable for prams. As someone frequently takes my pram to all the villages, I don’t find it that bad. Yes, some of the paths can be slightly uneven, but most modern prams are robust enough to handle them. If you do take the pram, just be mindful of other people as you may have to let people pass, etc.
Plan where you will eat
There are a lot of food options in the Cotswolds, and most places will welcome children. However, during peak times, they can get incredibly busy. Some will allow you to book in advance, but many run on a first-come, first-served basis, especially the cafes.
Although they may seem like an unlikely choice, pubs are actually an excellent choice, serving affordable food in a relaxed setting. Most have outdoor seating, which is a saviour when you have energetic, noisy young children in tow!
Alternatively, lots of delis and cafes offer picnic-friendly options that can be enjoyed wherever you go. There are also lots of picnic spots dotted around, which can help keep the costs down.
Avoid the busiest times
During the summer months, the Cotswolds are BUSY! Some villages are busier than others, with Bourton-on-the-Water being one of the busiest. The busiest times are around midday, so visiting earlier or later can make the whole visit much more manageable.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting the Cotswolds with Kids?
When considering where to take your next family, the historic villages of the Cotswolds may not immediately spring to mind. However, on closer inspection, you soon realise that this part of the world is full of fun things to keep children of all ages entertained. As with any family holiday, planning is the key to getting the most out of your time here. With a bit of thought, you can have the trip of a lifetime in this rural haven.
FAQs
Can I visit the Cotswolds without a car?
Although public transport does exist in the Cotswolds, it can be limited. Many buses only run during the daytime, and most villages don’t have train stations. Taxis are an option, but may need to be booked in advance in the evening. If you are visiting with children, it is a good idea to hire a car or stay in one of the larger villages, such as Bourton-on-the-Water.
Where can I eat with small children?
The Cotswolds has several relaxed cafes and restaurants, with most supplying highchairs and children’s menus. Classic pubs are also generally very relaxed when it comes to children, with play areas in the garden and baby changing facilities. Some pubs will have a curfew on younger diners, so it can help to call ahead to check when booking a table.
Can I take the pram?
Yes, most villages have even pavement, making them suitable for prams. Some paths may be uneven, but most high streets will be accessible. From my experience, the main drawback is that they can often be busy, so you may have to navigate crowded pavements.
