Cotswolds, England
If you have booked yourself a stay in our luxurious Cotswold Manor, the chances are that you will be so blissed out in your gorgeous surroundings that you will feel reluctant to stray too far! Nonetheless, we have plenty of great ideas for days out in the Cotswold’s if you do fancy exploring the area, so without further ado, here is our insider’s guide to some well-loved local hotspots:
1. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
This is a beautiful place to spend the day and as the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens boasts over 260 different species of animals within its 160 acres. Features of the park include a reptile house, bat shelter, insect house, tropical house, train ride and a glorious woodland walk.
With plenty of convenient facilities including a café with fresh snacks and refreshments, ample picnic areas, dog-friendly zones and an adventure playground, there is plenty to keep you fed, watered and occupied during your visit.
- Tewkesbury Abbey
If you are into visiting historical sites then you should make time to go to Tewkesbury Abbey. Tewkesbury Abbey boasts the largest Norman tower in the world and its exterior arch is the largest in Britain. The church is operational as a religious place of worship and you may like to take the opportunity to attend one of the regular mass services.
- Dragonfly Maze
If you like a good maze, the Dragonfly Maze is going to exceed your expectations. This maze is renowned for being a bit tricky so it is great fun to work together to identify the 14 clues which will help you to successfully get to the middle. Great fun for families and friends and a chance to bond as you work together to find the ‘treasure’ at the centre of the maze.
- The Model Village At Bourton-On-The-Water
This popular model village has fascinating features such as its collection of tiny manicured bonsai trees. For decades, visitors have been captivated by the display of detailed scenes and houses exhibited.
This unique hotspot offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages; do not forget to capture a few images of you and your group posing as giants before you leave! (Adults and children alike will have a whale of a time doing this!)
Situated at the rear of The New Old Inn with its beer garden, bars, children’s play area and patio, this exquisite miniature village that has been open to the public since 1937 is a truly great spot for a day out with your family and friends.
- Cotswold Distillery
Are you passionate about whisky or gin? If so, a trip to the Cotswold Distillery would be a great choice for you. Known as the best distillery in the area, the Cotswold Distillery is home to the finest natural spirits. Visitors enjoy a tour of the distillery, complete with an actual tasting of some of the gin and whisky that is produced on site. Gin lovers may be particularly interested in the eclectic range of flavoured gin available.
Friendly and knowledgeable guides provide insightful information on the brewing and production process. Before you leave, remember to pop into the distillery shop to choose a few fine bottles for sampling later!
- Cotswold Falconry Centre
As a bird lover, what could be more epic than spending a day at the Cotswold Falconry Centre, learning how to handle birds and observing these magnificent creatures soaring above your head?
Home to over 130 birds from dozens of different species, the Cotswold Falconry Centre with its hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and kestrels is a fabulous choice for a day out. In addition to regular, well-presented bird shows, the centre also displays breeding aviaries and provides visitors with detailed information regarding the different birds.
There is ample space for an alfresco picnic on dry days and the well-stocked shop is brimming with bird themed gifts. An interesting gift idea for yourself or a loved one would be one of the experience packages on offer at the centre including a flying course or an evening with the owls.
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
How about visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum, which is home to a variety of classic cars, motorcycles, vintage cars, and original motoring artifacts, all under one roof? The large and rather eccentric collection that the museum offers integrates the different phases of the motoring world throughout the 20th century.
Apart from being wowed by the captivating ensemble of fine motors, you will also get to learn plenty of interesting facts through the numerous information cards and knowledgeable staff who act as tour guides, both enhancing your visit.
