Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Kids: Family Days Out and Itineraries
Visiting the Cotswolds with kids is a brilliant choice for families looking for fresh air, beautiful villages and memorable days out. Stretching across six counties in the South West of England, the Cotswolds offers a huge variety of family-friendly attractions, from wildlife parks and outdoor adventures to pretty villages where children can paddle in rivers, explore trails and enjoy ice creams by the water.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Somerset, a weekend break or a longer family holiday, this guide covers the best things to do in the Cotswolds with kids, including ideas for toddlers, primary-age children and teenagers. Plus, we’ve included practical tips and easy 1–2 day itineraries to help you plan your visit.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Kids
The Cotswolds is packed with attractions that are well set up for families, with good facilities, space to explore and activities that work for a range of ages.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP
This is one of the most popular family attractions in the region. Cotswold Wildlife Park offers wide paths (great for buggies), a train ride (April – Oct), adventure playgrounds and the chance to see giraffes, lions, rhinos and more. It’s an easy full-day outing for families.
Birdland Park & Gardens
Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BN
Located in Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland Park and Gardens is a brilliant stop for younger children. As well as penguins and flamingos, kids can explore the Jurassic Journey dinosaur trail, making it a great mix of animals and play.
Westonbirt Arboretum
The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
Near Tetbury, Westonbirt Arboretum is ideal for families who enjoy being outdoors. With buggy-friendly paths, seasonal trails, nature play areas and plenty of space to roam it’s a great day out in the Cotswolds with kids.
It’s a fantastic place to explore all year-round, especially during autumn and Christmas events. We love their Christmas light trail and highly recommend a visit if you’re in the Cotswolds at Christmas.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Toddlers
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds with toddlers or preschoolers, there are plenty of attractions with animals, short walks, and space to run around. Our favourite is Cotswold Farm Park.
Cotswold Farm Park
Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5UG
Cotswold Farm Park is a must-visit for families, especially with younger children. Founded by TV farmer Adam Henson, this working farm offers plenty of hands-on experiences where kids can meet and feed friendly animals, explore indoor and outdoor play areas, and learn about farm life.
There are special seasonal events throughout the year including their pumpkin patch and Christmas events.
Other great options include:
Birdland Park & Gardens – manageable size and engaging trails
Westonbirt Arboretum – wide paths suitable for buggies
Bourton-on-the-Water – paddling, ducks and bridges to explore.
- Cattle Country Farm Park – indoor play barns, outdoor playgrounds, sandpits, tractor rides, animal petting
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Primary-Age Children
Our suggestions for primary-age children who love activities that combine learning, play and adventure include family favourites such as:
Cotswold Wildlife Park – animals, playgrounds and train rides
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway – classic steam trains
Sudeley Castle – history, gardens and open space
Cotswold Water Park – walking, cycling and lakeside exploring
These attractions make excellent full-day trips and suit mixed-age siblings.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds with Teenagers
For teens, the key is offering activities that feel active, modern or adventurous. Our top pick is Baboon Adventures electric scooters. Our family had the best time and it’s a fun way to explore the countryside.
Baboon Adventures Electric Scooter Tours
Charlton Park Estate, Charlton, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9DG
For a fun and slightly adventurous family activity, Baboon Adventures offers guided electric scooter tours through the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
Based at Charlton Park Estate, these experiences are ideal for families with older children and teenagers, offering a unique way to explore scenic tracks, woodland paths and open landscapes.
The electric scooters are easy to use, and sessions begin with a full safety briefing and instruction, making them accessible even for first-timers. It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for something a little different from traditional walks or attractions, while still enjoying fresh air and countryside views.
Baboon Adventures also offer axe throwing which is another fun activity for families visiting the Cotswolds.
Other great options for things to do in the Cotswolds with teens include:
Cycling routes and bike hire across the Cotswolds
Broadway Tower walks with big views
Historic castles that allow older kids to explore independently.
Pretty Cotswold Villages to Visit with Kids
The pretty villages themselves are one of the biggest draws to the Cotswolds. But in the villages, there are many family-friendly attractions and things to do in the Cotswolds with kids.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Often called Venice of the Cotswolds due to the River Windrush crossed by low stone bridges, Bourton-on-the-Water is a hit with families.
Paddle in the shallow River Windrush
Visit Birdland, the Model Village or The Cotswold Motoring Museum.
Enjoy ice creams, ducks and bridges
Visit early, or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Broadway
A great village for families who enjoy walking and views.
Explore Broadway Tower with spectacular views across up to 13 counties on a clear day.
Independent shops and bakeries
Short countryside walks suitable for kids
- Visit the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery which has a family zone.
Stow-on-the-Wold
With a large market square and relaxed feel, it’s ideal for a slower stop.
Historic streets and cafés. Browse the various antique shops, art galleries, and traditional pubs surrounding the historic market square.
- St. Edward’s Church. Find the famous, ancient north door framed by two large yew trees, often thought to be the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Bibury
Home to Arlington Row, one of England’s most photographed streets.
Short riverside walks
Trout farm and green spaces
- Photograph the iconic weavers’ cottages by the River Coln.
- Best as a short stop combined with another village
Lower Slaughter
A very pretty Cotswold village to explore which is quieter and more peaceful, perfect for a gentle wander.
Riverside paths and pretty bridges
Lunch at The Slaughter Country Inn
- Ice cream at the Old Mill Café
Castle Combe
Often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, Castle Combe is a beautifully preserved medieval village. No new houses have been built since the 1600s so it feels like you’re stepping back in time!
It’s a lovely stop for families who enjoy gentle exploring, photography and soaking up classic Cotswolds scenery.
Things to see and do in Castle Combe with kids:
The Market Cross – a striking 14th-century landmark in the heart of the village
St Andrew’s Church – home to one of the oldest working clocks in the country
The Bybrook River Bridge – walk down to the picturesque stone bridge, one of the most photographed spots in the village
The Manor House Hotel – enjoy a cream tea or meal in beautiful surroundings, with 365 acres of grounds to admire.
- For a full guide, read Visit Castle Combe With Kids, and Castle Combe Walk
Castle Combe is best visited as a short stop and pairs well with other nearby villages or attractions. It’s particularly magical in the morning or early evening when the village is quieter and easier to explore with children.
Outdoor & Nature Activities in the Cotswolds for Families
The Cotswolds is ideal for families who love the outdoors.
Popular options include:
Woodland trails at Westonbirt Arboretum
Easy village walks and countryside loops
Lakeside paths at Cotswold Water Park
These Cotswolds activities with kids are flexible and easy to adapt to different ages.
1–2 Day Cotswolds Itinerary with Kids
One-Day Cotswolds Itinerary
Morning: Cotswold Wildlife Park
Lunch: Bourton-on-the-Water (picnic or café)
Afternoon: Birdland or riverside exploring
Two-Day Cotswolds Itinerary
Day One
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Bourton-on-the-Water
Ice cream and village wandering
Day Two
Westonbirt Arboretum
Lunch in Tetbury
Baboon Adventures electric scooters (older kids) or scenic walks and a paddle at Cotswold Country Park and Beach.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds with Kids
Roads are narrow, allow extra travel time
Arrive early at popular villages
Bring wellies or walking shoes
Pack picnics for flexibility
Check seasonal opening times
Why the Cotswolds Is Perfect for Family Adventures
With its mix of wildlife parks, outdoor adventures, hands-on attractions and storybook villages, the Cotswolds is a destination that genuinely works for families. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, primary-age children or teenagers, there are family-friendly days out to suit every age and interest.
For families visiting from Somerset or planning a South West staycation, the Cotswolds offers the perfect balance of fresh air, fun and unforgettable experiences, all in one beautiful part of the country.
Planning a trip? Save this guide, bookmark it for later, or share it with someone planning a family break in the Cotswolds.
Looking for more family days out?
Explore more ideas, itineraries and seasonal inspiration right here on Somerset Family Adventures.
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