Family stays in the Cotswolds
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The Cotswolds is a beautiful part of England and an area of outstanding natural beauty that makes a perfect destination for a family holiday.
Extending through counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire, the Cotswolds area covers over 800 square miles of charming villages, vibrant market towns, beautiful countryside and rolling hills - and plenty of things for all the family to see and do.
Family friendly places to stay in the Cotswolds
If you are planning a holiday in the Cotswolds the good news is that there are lots of great places to stay, perfect for families of all ages, including cute Cotswold cottages, lovely Cotswold B&Bs, lots of great hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels and some of the best family hotels in the country.
Choose from the luxury of spa hotels with family suites, tucked away holiday cottages with a private hot tub for the adults to relax in after a busy day exploring the Cotswolds and a large garden for the children to explore, or holiday complexes with adventure playgrounds, and games rooms offering table tennis and lots of activities to enjoy.
In fact, there's something for every family, from young families with toddlers to large family groups wishing to rent a large holiday property or stay on a holiday park such as Hoburne near Cirencester. In fact, holiday stays for every size of family and every budget.
Hotels in the Cotswolds
There are a number of great hotels in the Cotswolds, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts and boutique hotels. Some popular hotels include the The Lygon Arms in Broadway, the Corinium Hotel in Cirencester, and the The Lamb Inn in Burford.
Find more in our Cotswold hotels section.
Holiday cottages in the Cotswolds
For those wanting their own piece of the Cotswolds for a week, a holiday cottage is a great place to stay. To find your perfect Cotswold holiday cottage, search Cotswold Holiday Cottages
Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the Cotswolds
Visit our Cotswolds bed and breakfast page where you will find lots of lovely Cotswold B&Bs.
Family friendly things to do in the Cotswolds
There's so many things to do in the Cotswolds! Family friendly attractions and places to visit for all ages.
Say hello to a rhino or a zebra!
Yes, you read that right. A rhino or a zebra!
The Cotswold Wildlife Park near the Oxfordshire town of Burford is set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens and exhibits over 260 different species of animals. It's a lovely place for the whole family to enjoy with plenty of room for the young ones to run around - and adults too!
Enjoy the outdoors
There are seemingly endless ways to enjoy the outdoors in the Cotswolds, including picnicking, swimming (both Cirencester and Chipping Norton have outdoor pools), and boating. Some popular spots for enjoying the outdoors include the Cotswold Water Park, the Painswick Beacon, and the Windrush Valley.
There are miles and miles of great biking trails and walking trails in the Cotswolds, perfect for families of all ages. Some popular trails include the Cotswold Way, the Gloucestershire Way, the Windrush Way, and the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk.
Visit an historic site or country estate
The Cotswolds is home to lots of historical sites, perfect for a day out with the family. Some popular sites include the stunning Blenheim Palace with its adventure playground, maze, butterfly house, rose garden and miles of parkland walks, Sudeley Castle near Cheltenham, and the Painswick Rococo Garden.
Explore Cotswold villages and towns
There are a loads of charming villages and towns in the Cotswolds that are perfect for exploring. Some popular villages include Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, and Stroud.
Enjoy some Cotswold shopping
There are a lots of great shops in the Cotswolds, perfect for finding souvenirs and gifts. Some popular shopping towns include Cirencester, Burford, Chipping Campden, Stroud, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Cotswold towns and villages to visit
Whether you choose a quiet Cotswold village or a bustling Cotswold market town you will have lots of nearby attractions to choose from:
Bibury
The picture-perfect village of Bibury is known for its honey-colored cottages and its famous Arlington Row, a row of weavers' cottages that date back to the 14th century.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton is known as "the Venice of the Cotswolds" and is home to a number of attractions, including the Birdland Park and Gardens, the Model Village, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Enjoy a short walk over to The Slaughters where you will find two typically Cotswold villages - Lower Slaughter (home to The Slaughters Country Inn) and Upper Slaughter (where you will find Lords of the Manor Hotel, a luxury Manor House Hotel with 26 Bedrooms).
Chipping Campden
This historic town is known for its Cotswold stone buildings and medieval architecture. There are a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes in Chipping Campden, as well as a number of historical sites, including the Campden House Museum and the St. Mary's Church. Head out of the town and up to Dover's Hill where you will see one of the best sights of the the Cotswold countryside.
Stroud
The Gloucestershire town of Stroud is a great base for exploring the Cotswolds and is home to a number of attractions, including the Stroudwater Canal.
Winchcombe
This town is located in the heart of the Cotswolds and is home to a number of historical sites, including the wonderful Sudeley Castle, the Winchcombe Museum, and the St. Peter's Church.
Seek out less well-known towns and villages
And be sure to seek out places on the edge of the Cotswolds andless well know Cotswold towns and villages for a quieter and perhaps more authentic taste of the Cotswolds.
For instance, Minster Lovell is hidden away just outside the Oxfordshire town of Witney. Young children with enjoy exploring the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and adults will love Minster Mill, a Cotswold hotel, restaurant and spa. The village is also home the Old Swan, a 15th-century quintessentially English inn.
The Cotswolds - The perfect family destination?
The Cotswolds is a perfect destination for a family day trip or holiday. With its stunning natural beauty, charming villages, and countless family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you explore the picturesque Cotswold countryside on foot or by bike, visit historical sites and museums, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere, you are guaranteed to create lasting memories with your loved ones in the Cotswolds.
And with a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options available, from cozy cottages to luxury hotels, you can ensure a comfortable stay that suits the needs of your family.
So why wait? Start planning your next family adventure in the Cotswolds today!
Last updated: 06 March 2024 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.