Top 5 Family-Friendly Days Out in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds isn’t just about honey-stone villages and cosy pubs, it’s also a dream destination for families. From animal encounters to castles and steam trains, there are endless adventures to keep little ones (and grown-ups!) entertained. Here are our Top 5 Family-Friendly Days Out in the Cotswolds- perfect for guests staying in our cottages.
1. Cotswold Farm Park
Founded by TV farmer Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power is a firm family favourite. Children can get hands-on with rare breed farm animals, bottle-feed lambs, or enjoy tractor rides. Seasonal activities like pumpkin picking in autumn or lambing in spring make it a repeat visit kind of place.
Why kids love it: Interactive animal encounters, outdoor play areas, and themed trails.
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
2. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland near Burford, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to giraffes, lions, penguins, and more. Families can stroll through spacious enclosures, take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, and picnic by the manor house lawns.
Why kids love it: The giraffes and lemurs are always a hit, and the adventure playground is perfect for burning off energy.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
3. Sudeley Castle & Gardens
History comes alive at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe. Alongside its fascinating royal connections, the castle offers brilliant family trails, exhibitions, and stunning gardens to explore. In school holidays, you’ll often find special themed events, from knights and dragons to Halloween fun.
Why kids love it: Adventure playgrounds, seasonal treasure hunts, and a chance to explore a real-life castle.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
4. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Step back in time with a ride on a classic steam train. The GWSR runs from Cheltenham Racecourse through to Broadway, winding through beautiful Cotswold countryside. Look out for family-friendly events such as the “Santa Express” at Christmas or themed days during school holidays.
Why kids love it: Riding a real steam train feels like stepping into a storybook adventure.
www.gwsr.com
5. Bourton-on-the-Water: Model Village & Birdland
No family trip to the Cotswolds is complete without a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” it’s home to the famous Model Village- a 1/9th scale replica of the village itself and Birdland Park & Gardens, where children can meet flamingos, parrots, and even Jurassic-themed dinosaurs.
Why kids love it: Miniature houses to explore, exotic birds, and the shallow river perfect for paddling in summer.
www.birdland.co.uk
Family Stays Made Easy
When you stay in one of our Tucked Away cottages, family adventures are right on your doorstep. With space to spread out, fully equipped kitchens, and cosy living rooms for winding down after busy days, they’re the perfect base for making family memories in the Cotswolds.
From farm animals to castles, steam trains to wildlife, the Cotswolds is full of magical days out that both children and parents will love.
Explore Our Unique Lodgings
Because here at Tucked Away, we know The Cotswolds is the kind of place little moments feel big again.
What our guests have said
"Lovely stay and this beautiful property. The Interior was spotless and the rear garden being secure meant we could relax knowing that our dog could not escape. The end of the garden got full sun but the lower terrace provided shade if needed. The decor, soft furnishings and mood lighting inside sets this property apart from many others."
"A lovely cottage in a perfect location. Winchcombe is great as a base to explore the area and big enough to be entertaining on its own. The cottage is in a location where you can walk everywhere so the car stays at home. It is beautifully furnished and decorated an every appliance you could wish for is there. Really loved staying there and would definitely go back"
"We had a lovely and peaceful stay at the Cottage. You get the charming stone house on the outside, and a warm and tastefully decorated inside; perfect!We were able to explore the nearby area on foot (met some cows), and the Cottage is in a very convenient location to reach other villages and things to do and see. It was exactly the vacation we were looking for."