Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Cotswolds, England

June 3, 2021 Deane Carmody

The Cotswolds (/ˈkɒtswoʊldz/ KOTS-wohldz, /-wəldz/ -wəldz) is an area in south central England containing the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden coloured Cotswold stone. It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens. The population of the District is about 84,000.
Restaurants in Cotswolds

1. Cotswold Falconry Centre

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT England +44 1386 701043 [email protected] http://www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 1,030 reviews

Cotswold Falconry Centre

We are open for 2021 from the 17th May until the 14th November. You'll get to see Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Vultures, Kites, Caracaras and more. With 150 individual birds from over 60 different species either in their Breeding Aviaries or on the Flying Displays which are held daily at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.00 . You may wish to pre-book one of our popular experiences for that special day out. Cotswold Falconry Centre "More than a Flying Visit"

Reviewed By BourneJ - North Shields, United Kingdom

Who knew that we would spend a full afternoon in this bird sanctuary? Our expectations were to spend an hour viewing the exotic birds or prey and then spread out the picnic for a mid afternoon feast. In reality we watched the first display in the gusting wind and pouring rain, quickly ate lunch and went back for the next two displays. The bird handlers were a font of knowledge and so enthusiastic it was easy to see that they cared for the birds; most of which were endangered in the wild. From burrowing owls feeding from my gloved hand to African Vultures hoping around our feet and Peregrine Falcons dive bombing from far off woodland, this was a superb and informative way to spend £10; unbelievable value for money. We were in the Costwolds for one week, this was our first day, and it was hard to surpass. We even had wild Buzzards and Kites joining the displays. I well deserved excellent from me.

2. Walks With Hawks

Cheltenham England +44 1452 537420 [email protected] http://www.walkswithhawks.co.uk
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 321 reviews

Walks With Hawks

We offer a range of packages giving you a rare opportunity to handle and fly a variety of Birds Of Prey here in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire the heart of The Cotswolds. Groups are intentionally kept small, this ensures everyone will get plenty of hands on time with the birds. Max 6 participants, although larger groups catered for on request. Therefore our experiences should not be compared to those found on the discount sites, where groups tend to be very large. Our sessions are designed to give you a more personal experience whether you choose our Hawk Walk, Owl encounter or one of our other packages our aim is to give you some very special memories to cherish.

Reviewed By Extraordinary706245

Today was all about making treasured memories..... Thanks to Clare from Walks with hawks I was able to give my parents an experience I never thought possible. My mother is physically disabled with limited mobility and severe ataxia (uncontrollable shakes) Clare was so patient and kind to my mum and involved her completely and made her feel confident to fully participate. With mum's physical challenges this was truly magical to see. I was amazed to see mum completely at ease to hold all the birds, and have them fly to her, including the magnificent Hope, the blue Chilean Eagle. Dad was in awe and blown away by spectacular birds. The whole experience was fabulous from start to finish, Clare's knowledge and passion for her beautiful birds is infectious. Clare proved to be the most attentive guide with us all and adapted the experience so that we all could enjoy it to the full. 5 star service with memories that we will treasure forever

3. Jet Age Museum

Meteor Business Park Cheltenham Road East Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL2 9QL England +44 1452 260078 [email protected] http://www.jetagemuseum.org
Excellent
80%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 599 reviews

Jet Age Museum

Dedicated to the preservation of Gloucestershire's rich aviation heritage, Jet Age Museum is an all-volunteer, registered charity. We tell the story of the Gloster Aircraft Company, focussing on the first Allied jet flight. Our mission is to preserve the past and inspire the future by telling the stories of the people and places that put the County at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

Reviewed By 124harryp

Came here with my three year old on a saturday. She loved looking at the planes and getting to play in the various different plane cockpits. The ticketed tours of the larger planes are well worth it as well, staff are friendly and informative and for free admission and parking it's well worth a visit.

4. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Excellent
78%
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4.5 based on 1,481 reviews

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a heritage railway over 14 miles (23km) long in the beautiful English Cotswolds. Visit the GWSR stations at Broadway (postcode WR12 7DF), Toddington (postcode GL54 5DT), Winchcombe (GL54 5LD), or Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH). Free parking, and there is so much to do in addition to riding on the heritage trains. There are authentic Great Western Railway stations and well-stocked shops. Catering options include on-train buffet cars, Broadway Station Refreshment Room, 1950s themed Coffee Pot Cafe at Winchcombe Station and the Flag & Whistle Restaurant at Toddington Station. There is a model railway coach and Discovery Coach at Winchcombe Station, whilst at Toddington there is a self-guided heritage trail, a children’s play area, a have-a-go signalbox and a locomotive yard viewing area. Check out our website to see the operating days, the train times and the range of this year's special events, both for enthusiasts and for children.

5. Sudeley Castle

Winchcombe GL54 5JD England +44 1242 604244 [email protected] http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 1,831 reviews

Sudeley Castle

Re-designed and refurbished exhibitions telling the story of Sudeley's royal past, Castle rooms, romantic ruins, award-winning gardens and 1000 years of fascinating history are among the many reasons to visit Sudeley Castle & Gardens, which nestles in the Cotswold Hills in the historic town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, 8 miles from Broadway. Sudeley is the only privately owned home in England to have a Queen (Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and last wife) buried within the grounds. With a new visitor route for 2018 which includes Castle rooms - some never before opened to the public, completely re-designed exhibitions, plus a restaurant serving delicious lunches, café, shop, play and picnic area, children's Adventure Playground (voted best in Gloucestershire), Pheasantry and a packed programme of events throughout the season, there is something for everyone at this must-see Cotswolds attraction.

Reviewed By nobby69010 - Aylesford, United Kingdom

On a coach tour of the Cotswolds, this was our excursion for the day - and what a day it was - the beautiful castle and grounds were a delight to all - fascinating history and to find the home and final resting place of Katherine Parr - the last Queen of Henry VIII - in the chapel was amazing- weather was perfect and this visit will be remembered for a long time - highly recommended if you are in the area

6. Berkeley Castle

Canonbury Street, Berkeley GL13 9PJ England +44 1453 810303 [email protected] http://www.berkeley-castle.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 840 reviews

Berkeley Castle

This intriguing castle has been the home of the Berkeley family for more than 850 years. It has been used a filming location for many period dramas, including the BBC's Wolf Hall, Galavant and The White Princess. It was the last place of residence of King Edward II, who was imprisoned in the castle and murdered within its walls. The Castle is open from Easter until the end of October, from Sunday until Wednesday each week. The Butterfly House is open from the beginning of May until the end of September from Sunday to Wednesday, walk amongst the stunning butterflies and tropical plants. A visit to the Yurt Tearoom is also a must! Please check our website for details open days and hours - we are always closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Reviewed By Mambovicki - Kawerau, New Zealand

On my England and Wales holiday, one thing I did lots of was visit castles. Some just ruins, some in working order and furnished and done up in all their glory. When travelling overseas, i always look for places with names the same as my three grandchildren. Berkeley is my oldest and although it's said the American way, the spelling is the same so you can imagine my excitement finding out about Berkeley Castle. And his, he was chuffed to have his own castle, haha. The other coincidental thing was Berkeley Castle and Dr Jenner house nearby. Berkeley's mum is named Jenner and spelt that way too. Seeing sign posts with Berkeley Castle and Jenner House on it was such a treat for me! But besides all that personal titbits, can I say that Berkeley Castle was one of my favourite castles as it was so interesting and splendid inside and out. Fascinating history and amazing things inside with royal connection and other famous people. We loved how the tour guides showed us around and imparted their knowledge and love of things at the castle. Had I known Gloucestershire was as lovely as it was, I would've stayed in the area longer. Glorious castle and grounds, my Englishman and his family and friends in Chester had never heard of it but now they have and it deserves all the visitors it can get. Oh and the gift shop was very good and of course I brought many things with Berkeley on it so my grandson is all set for presents for years to come. hehehe.

7. Cotswold Motoring Museum

The Old Mill Sherborne Street, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BY England +44 1451 821255 [email protected] http://www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk
Excellent
69%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,898 reviews

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Located in the picturesque village of Bourton on the Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th century that the whole family can enjoy. The Museum is bulging with great cars, quaint caravans, precarious looking motorcycles, enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities! Brum, the BBC TV's little super hero car whose adventures start and end at the museum can be found here every day.

Reviewed By daisyhall - The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom

This is a very quaint very English type of museum like walking back in time to your grandparents garage. Great displays jam packed with memorabilia from the past so much to look at . Brilliant price admission £6.50 per adult. Great range and great for a motor enthusiast into collecting toy cars as there are so cars many in the cabinets dinky and Corgis from the past all the old cars are polished to perfection. A real novelty museum to bring children and grandparents . A collectors haven.

8. Broadway Tower

Middle Hill, Broadway WR12 7LB England +44 1386 852390 [email protected] http://broadwaytower.co.uk/
Excellent
44%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,883 reviews

Broadway Tower

A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Graphic displays on three floors, roof viewing platform and Tower Shop are a must for Cotswold visits. Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties. Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start your walk, be it a short circuit or hike. There is ample car parking for patrons of Broadway Tower and refreshments await to reward the completed walk.

Reviewed By TraceyH4167 - Halesowen, United Kingdom

What a beautiful place to visit on a lovely summer's day! We had to queue to get into the tower, but not for too long and visitor safety is obviously paramount at the moment which is reassuring. A flight of twisty stone steps takes you to three separate floors with displays and information about the history of the tower, the connection to William Morris and World War Two. And then you reach the top where the views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular! It's such a beautiful part of the world. Then we wound our down again and enjoyed our picnic, plenty of places to pitch your own chairs plus lots of picnic benches too. Then we enjoyed the circular walk from the car park back to the tower, very scenic. Had a cup of tea and a piece of lemon drizzle cake from the cafe in the sunshine. Just perfect! Bear in mind the toilets are closed so if you need to powder your nose you will have to grin and bear the portaloo! A thoroughly enjoyable day spent here.

9. Birdland

Rissington Road Parking: what3words ///pizza.bulky.strikers, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN England +44 1451 820480 http://www.birdland.co.uk/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 1,994 reviews

Birdland

Birdland is delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in line with government guidance. The health and safety of all our visitors and staff is of utmost importance to us and we have introduced some additional measures to ensure social distancing can be maintained including setting restrictions on daily admissions, pausing all keeper talks and feeding displays and closing indoor attractions. Two hour timed tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance on the website. For more information on all the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our visitors and to see what attractions will be open, please click here: https://www.birdland.co.uk/birdland-reveals-re-opening-plans/ Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy of the winding River Windrush.

Reviewed By doreent192 - Bristol, United Kingdom

What a great place to see so many species of birds. Set in lovely well cared for grounds, this is a must see if you are visiting this area. Ideal for adults and children alike, disabled friendly, there is so much to see. You can watch at designated feeding times, meet a keeper, and just stroll from area to area seeing these beautiful birds. Jurassic area that children just love, picnic tables set around, aheltered seating areas, and a lovely cafe for light snacks/meals and drinks. All set in the delightful Bourton on the water in the Cotswolds, at a very reasonable price. We shall be back

10. Pittville Park

Pitville Park Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL51 9JZ England +44 1242 250019 http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/350/pittville_park
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 837 reviews

Pittville Park

Reviewed By E5743MRcarolinef

Brilliant couple of hours for kids under 10! Large climbing frames, bouncing mats and zip wire. Nice little sand play area too with water feature. Bring some food along and feed the ducks/swans too and have a picnic in the park. Wonderful cafe with great choice of snacks for kids and adults and range of sandwiches too at great prices. Toilets on site too !

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