The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Children Entertained During the Summer Holidays in the Cotswolds

When the summer holidays arrive, one question is guaranteed to pop up almost every day: "What are we doing today?"

Luckily, if you're in the Cotswolds, you're surrounded by fantastic family attractions, beautiful countryside and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether your children love meeting animals, exploring castles, splashing in the water or simply running wild outdoors, there's something to suit every age and budget.

Here's our guide to some of the best family-friendly activities to enjoy across the Cotswolds this summer.

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1. Meet Amazing Animals

Children never seem to tire of animal encounters, and the Cotswolds has some of the UK's best wildlife attractions.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is perfect for a full day out. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens while spotting giraffes, rhinos, penguins and lions. Younger visitors will love the adventure playground and miniature train, making it easy to spend an entire day here.

For a more hands-on experience, head to Cotswold Farm Park, where children can feed friendly farm animals, enjoy tractor-themed play areas, indoor soft play and seasonal activities throughout the summer.

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2. Explore Fairytale Castles

History becomes much more exciting when children can climb towers, explore gardens and tackle giant playgrounds.

Sudeley Castle offers beautifully maintained gardens, family activity trails and one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the region. Throughout the school holidays there are often themed events and family activities to enjoy.

Just beyond the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is another fantastic choice, with its maze, miniature railway, adventure playground and expansive parkland providing entertainment for children of all ages.

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3. Cool Off on Hot Summer Days

When temperatures rise, a little water goes a long way.

The Cotswold Water Park offers everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to lakeside beaches and nature trails. Families can spend the day building sandcastles, hiring pedal boats or simply enjoying a picnic beside the water.

For a free alternative, many families head to Bourton-on-the-Water, where children love paddling in the shallow River Windrush while parents relax with an ice cream nearby.

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4. Take a Ride on a Steam Train

Swap the car for something a little more exciting.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway offers a nostalgic journey through beautiful countryside, with vintage stations and traditional steam locomotives providing an experience children won't forget. It's a relaxing day out that appeals to railway enthusiasts and families alike.

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5. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Not every memorable day has to come with an entrance fee.

The Cotswolds is packed with family-friendly walking routes, picnic spots and open spaces where children can explore nature. Go bug hunting, build dens, skim stones in streams or take part in a wildlife spotting challenge.

Popular spots include:

• Broadway Tower
• Westonbirt Arboretum
• Batsford Arboretum
• The Cotswold Way (choose shorter family-friendly sections)

These locations offer plenty of opportunities for little adventurers to burn off energy while adults soak up the scenery.

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6. Discover Picture-Perfect Villages

The Cotswolds' famous villages aren't just for adults.

Children enjoy feeding ducks, crossing tiny stone bridges, searching for hidden alleyways and stopping for homemade ice cream along the way.

Family favourites include:

• Bourton-on-the-Water
• Broadway
• Stow-on-the-Wold
• Burford
• Bibury

Many villages also host summer fêtes, markets and family events throughout the school holidays, so it's worth checking what's happening before you visit.

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7. Make the Most of Rainy Days

British summers can be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.

Many attractions across the Cotswolds include indoor play areas, animal barns and interactive exhibits, making them ideal for wetter days. Soft play centres, museums and creative workshops also provide welcome alternatives when the weather doesn't cooperate.

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8. Pack a Picnic and Slow Down

Sometimes the best summer memories come from the simplest adventures.

Grab a blanket, pack some sandwiches and head to one of the many parks, lakes or village greens. Bring a football, a frisbee or a nature scavenger hunt and enjoy an inexpensive day outdoors together.

After all, the summer holidays aren't just about keeping children busy, they're about spending quality time together.

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Create a Summer to Remember

From exciting wildlife parks and historic castles to riverside paddling, steam trains and countryside adventures, the Cotswolds offers endless ways to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays.

Whether you're planning a full family holiday or simply looking for inspiration for a day out, there's no shortage of adventures waiting just around the corner. So pack the snacks, don't forget the sun cream, and get ready to make this summer one to remember.

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For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.

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