Top five kids’ activities in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, which stretch all the way from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath, is a fantastic place for holidays and adventures. Here’s our pick of the five best family-friendly activities in this outstandingly beautiful area.

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Halfway between Oxford and Cheltenham is the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which offers an amazing opportunity to get close to animals, including giraffes, zebras, penguins, pythons and giant tortoises. Kids will particularly love the chance to feed some of the creatures living in this 160-acre parkland.
cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Coaley Peak Picnic Site

Pack all the food you can into a basket and head for Coaley Peak. This isn’t just any picnic site; Coaley Peak comes with spectacular views of the Severn Valley. It’s accessible too, being just five miles from Stroud and part of the Cotswold Way National Trail. This National Trust site also features a delightful wild flower meadow.

Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth Roman Villa, once one of the grandest in Britain, is now a wonderfully-conserved National Trust property. Learn about the Cotswolds’ Roman heritage through amazing mosaics, or dress up in Roman clothes and immerse yourself in this fantastic archaeological site. There are also loads of great walks in the surrounding area.
nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa

Fairytale Farm

Fairytale Farm in Oxfordshire is the perfect day trip for families, featuring an adventure playground, enchanted walk and loads animals for you to meet. Originally designed with the needs of disabled children in mind, it is, in fact, enjoyed by children of all abilities, and everyone is welcome. You can also tuck into a light lunch made from locally-sourced ingredients in the Beanstalk Café.
fairytalefarm.co.uk

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

Cirencester open-air pool, built in 1869, is the oldest public outdoor swimming pool in continuous use. Take wonderful advantage of the chance to swim in natural spring water, which is heated to an average of 27 degrees Celsius. It features a main pool with a slide plus a separate children’s pool, and both hot and cold refreshments are on offer.
cirenopenair.co.uk