Family Days Out in the Cotswolds: My Favourite Places to Explore with Children



If you’re visiting the Cotswolds or lucky enough to live here in Gloucestershire, there are so many wonderful family activities to enjoy together. From charming Cotswold villages and countryside walks to farm parks and grand historic houses, here are some of my favourite family-friendly places to visit near Cheltenham and beyond.

Burford Garden Centre and Burford High Street


If you’re looking for a relaxed morning or afternoon out, take a drive to Burford Garden Centre. It’s more than just a garden centre – it’s an experience. There’s a lovely wooden play park for children, delicious food in the café, and an excellent selection of children’s books and gifts.


The whole place is beautifully curated, full of gorgeous plants and unique homewares. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re already in the area.


Pair your trip with a wander down Burford High Street. Explore the independent shops, admire the honey-coloured stone buildings, and enjoy a gentle stroll through this picture-perfect Cotswold town.




Cotswold Farm Park


For a full family day out, Cotswold Farm Park is a wonderful choice. Children can feed the animals, enjoy outdoor play areas, and learn about rare breeds in a hands-on, engaging way.


The café serves delicious food and great coffee, and there are indoor spaces too if the weather turns. It does get chilly up there – it’s quite exposed and high above sea level – so wrap up warm if you’re visiting in autumn or winter.




The Cotswold Wildlife Park


If your children love animals, The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford is a must-visit. The park is set within beautifully landscaped gardens, and there’s even a small train that takes you around the grounds, which little ones adore.


You can see an incredible range of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, lions, and monkeys. There’s also a large adventure playground and plenty of space for picnics. It’s a perfect family day out for all ages and one of my top recommendations for visitors to the Cotswolds.




Walk from Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter



If you love a scenic walk, this is one of the prettiest routes in the Cotswolds. Park in Upper Slaughter, then follow the river path past The Slaughters Inn and The Old Mill.


Grab a coffee from the little coffee cart by the mill before continuing along the water to Lower Slaughter. It’s a gentle, family-friendly walk with plenty to see.


You’ll pass Lords of the Manor, a beautiful hotel and restaurant that’s worth booking for lunch or afternoon tea. Children will love the shallow ford where the river crosses the road — perfect for a splash in wellies on a mild day.


Walk back the same way and enjoy the peaceful countryside views that make the Cotswolds so special.




Bourton-on-the-Water



Often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most family-friendly Cotswold villages to explore. The shallow river running through the centre is perfect for paddling in summer, and the bridges make for beautiful photos.


Children will love visiting Birdland Park and Gardens, which is home to penguins, flamingos, and all sorts of wildlife (plus a maze!). You can also explore the Model Village, a charming miniature version of Bourton itself.


There are plenty of cafés, ice cream shops, and restaurants in the village, making it easy to spend a whole day here.




Broadway and Broadway Tower



The town of Broadway is one of my personal favourites — it’s close to home and has such a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. The main street is lined with independent cafés, delis, and gift shops, along with a beautiful bookshop and children’s toy stores.


For incredible views, head to Broadway Tower. You can walk from the town up the hill (a good option for older children) or drive and park near the top. The view from the tower is breathtaking, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for a relaxed stroll or picnic.


Broadway is especially magical at Christmas when the lights go up and the whole town glows with festive charm.




Blenheim Palace



If you’re after a bigger adventure, Blenheim Palace is perfect for a full day out. Once the home of Winston Churchill, the palace and grounds are steeped in history and grandeur.


The Orangery café serves delicious food, and there’s a large outdoor play area for children. The site is vast, so bring a buggy if you have little ones, and make use of the shuttle carts that run between key areas.


Blenheim often hosts seasonal events, from light trails at Christmas to outdoor concerts in summer, so check their website before visiting.

A group of people walk together on a grassy path under large oak trees near a historic stone building.
Group of people walking together on a tree-lined path during a sunny outdoor photo session.
A couple in red and white outfits poses together in an elegant stone archway setting during a photo session.

Sudeley Castle



Closer to Cheltenham, Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe is another stunning historic house, with connections to Catherine Parr and the Tudor period.


It’s smaller and more intimate than Blenheim, but just as beautiful. The gardens are lovely, the café serves great food, and there’s an adventure playground for children. It’s the perfect mix of history, beauty, and family-friendly fun.


Seasonal events are held throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.




Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Bicester Village



If you enjoy a little shopping, the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet (near the M5) is easy to get to and perfect for a quick browse. You’ll find shops like Levi’s and Hugo Boss, with more brands opening all the time.


For a bigger shopping experience, Bicester Village is just outside the Cotswolds and offers a huge range of designer shops, cafés, and seasonal events.




Daylesford Organic Farm



For something peaceful and picturesque, visit Daylesford Organic Farm near Kingham. It’s a beautiful place for a slow lunch, a browse through their farm shop, and a wander around the gardens.


The food is exceptional, the shop is full of lovely gifts, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. It’s an ideal stop if you love good food and countryside charm.





The Farmer’s Dog (Jeremy Clarkson’s Pub)



Fans of Clarkson’s Farm will love visiting The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s pub in Chadlington. It can get busy, so it’s best to book ahead or go early.


It’s a great stop for hearty pub food and a pint, and it’s fun to see it in real life if you’ve watched the series at home.




A Few Final Thoughts



The Cotswolds is full of family-friendly places to explore, from cosy cafés to sweeping countryside views. Whether you live locally in Cheltenham or you’re visiting from further afield, there’s something here for every age and season.


So pack your wellies, wrap up warm, and make some beautiful family memories in this magical part of the country.