The Best Family Activities in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of those rare places where every generation can find something within it to enjoy. Rolling hills, honey-stone villages and wide-open spaces make it a wonderful destination for families looking to slow down and spend some proper, quality time together. Whether you’ve got toddlers eager to play, school-aged children full of curiosity, or teenagers who need a bit more adventure, you’ll find plenty to keep them entertained.

Here are our top picks for family-friendly attractions to consider when planning your day out in the Cotswolds that combine wildlife, outdoor fun and local heritage, perfect for a memorable getaway.

Set in the grounds of a beautiful manor house, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is always a crowd-pleaser. The park is large but easy to navigate, featuring wide paths, grassy lawns, and enclosures designed to allow you to see the animals up close.

Best things about Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens:

• Giraffes towering above you on the raised walkway
• Penguins, lemurs, rhinos and many more species
• A huge adventure playground with plenty of space to burn off energy
• A miniature train that runs on selected days

Tip: Arrive earlier in the day if you can, as the giraffes and lemurs are especially popular. The site is buggy-friendly, and there are several shaded picnic areas where you can take a break.

Run by farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is all about hands-on farming experiences. Children can meet rare breeds, feed animals, and learn about where food comes from in a fun and engaging setting. No matter the season, there’s always something happening on the farm.

You’ll find some fantastic activities, such as:

• Meeting rare breeds such as Gloucester cattle and Cotswold sheep
• Seasonal bottle-feeding and chick-handling opportunities
• Tractor rides across the fields
• Both indoor soft play and outdoor playgrounds

Note: It can get muddy if the weather has been wet, so wellies and spare clothes are worth packing.

For families who love the great outdoors, if you travel deeper into the heart of the Cotswolds, you’ll come across Westonbirt Arboretum, a beautiful spot to explore with the whole family. Home to more than 2,500 different tree species, its gentle trails are easy to follow and great for children of all ages.

Our favourite things about Westonbirt Arboretum:

• Clearly marked walking routes suitable for buggies
• The canopy walkway, giving you a bird’s eye view over the trees
• Seasonal trails and activity sheets that bring nature to life
• Natural play areas tucked away in the woods

Did you know: Westonbirt is a place that feels different every time you visit. Families will see blossom in spring, shady green paths in summer, and stunning bursts of colour in autumn.

The Cotswold Lakes are a hub for both outdoor adventure and relaxation. Families can choose between gentle lakeside walks or more active sports and water parks, making it a wonderful destination if you have children of different ages.

Here’s what you can expect to find when travelling the lakes:

• Sandy beaches and safe swimming zones
• Canoeing, paddleboarding and kayak hire
• Wildlife trails and cycle paths
• Seasonal inflatable obstacle courses for confident swimmers

By the way: The water can feel fresh even in summer, so pack a warm change of clothes if anyone plans to swim.

Few experiences spark children’s excitement quite like travelling by steam train. This heritage railway stands as a bucket-list family attraction that stretches through some of the most scenic parts of the northern Cotswolds, linking villages where you can hop off and explore.

Our favourite highlights of this trip are:

• Heritage steam and diesel locomotives
• Beautifully restored stations with small exhibits
• Sweeping countryside views from the carriage window
• Stops at Broadway and Winchcombe, both worth exploring

Tip: You can enjoy the train ride as a round trip or plan a stop along the way to discover a local village at your own pace.

Tips for a Fun Family Day Out

When planning a family day out in a great place like the Cotswolds, it’s best to keep things simple and relaxed. Choosing just one main activity each day helps avoid overtired little ones and gives you time to enjoy each place at a steady pace. The weather can change quickly, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket ensures you’re prepared for all conditions.

Many attractions also put on extra events during the school holidays, so it’s worth checking ahead for seasonal trails or family activities. Arriving early not only makes parking easier but also means quieter paths and shorter queues, giving you a smoother start to the day.

Final Thoughts

Family time in the Cotswolds doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether it’s standing face-to-face with a giraffe, exploring a treetop walkway, or sitting back on a steam train, the region offers a mix of adventure and simple pleasures. These five activities bring together nature, history and hands-on fun, making the Cotswolds a destination that children and parents will look back on with happy memories.

Remember to book your stay at The Golden Pheasant Inn when you next visit the Cotswolds.