🏘️The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water

A delightful museum in Bourton-on-the-Water housing a vast collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia from the 1920s to the 1970s. Kids will love spotting the iconic 'Brum' car from the children's TV series, and exploring the interactive exhibits. The museum features a gift shop selling model cars and souvenirs, plus a café serving snacks and drinks. The museum is compact but packed with vehicles, classic car-themed toys, and hands-on activities. It's ideal for children aged 2 and up, with pushchair-friendly paths and baby-changing facilities. Parking is available nearby (pay-and-display), and the museum is a short walk from other family attractions like the Model Village and Birdland. - Highlights: Brum car, classic cars, vintage garage, toy displays. - Tips: Allow 1-2 hours, buy tickets online to avoid queues, check for seasonal events.

A family-friendly wildlife park set in nine acres of woodland and gardens, home to over 500 birds including penguins, flamingos, and parrots. - Penguin feeding and daily talks - Walk-through aviary and tropical house - Adventure playground and picnic areas - Bug and reptile displays - Seasonal events and activities Ideal for toddlers to teens, with pushchair-friendly paths and a café on site. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.

A working farm and popular family attraction set in the heart of the Cotswolds. Home to over 50 rare and traditional British breeds, the farm offers a hands-on experience with animal encounters, lamb feeding (seasonal), and daily demonstrations. - Highlights: Tractor rides, indoor adventure barn, outdoor adventure playground, farm safari, and meet-the-animal sessions. - Suitable for all ages, especially preschoolers and primary school children. - Facilities: Café, gift shop, baby changing, buggy parking, and ample free parking. - Practical tips: Arrive early to enjoy a full day; wellies recommended after rain; under 2s go free.

A 56-acre arboretum set in the Cotswolds with over 2,900 different trees and shrubs, including Japanese maples, magnolias, and a national collection of specimen trees. Families can explore woodland paths, a children's play area, and the 'Treehouse Cornish Cabin'. Highlights: - Adventure playground for ages 2-12 with slides, swings, and climbing frames - Pram-friendly paths and buggy hire available - Café serving kids' meals and homemade cakes; indoor and outdoor seating - Garden centre with plants and gifts Recommended for all ages, especially children who enjoy nature and outdoor play. Note: dogs on leads welcome. Allow 2-3 hours. Parking free.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a family-friendly zoo set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens. Highlights include over 260 species of animals, a narrow-gauge railway, walk-through lemur and bat enclosures, and a large adventure playground. The park also features beautiful gardens with a walled garden, tropical house, and seasonal floral displays. - Animal encounters: Feed the giraffes, watch penguin feeding, and meet the rhinos. - Train ride: A 20-minute journey around the park is included in admission. - Play areas: Two adventure playgrounds for different ages. - Facilities: Baby-changing, pushchair-friendly paths, picnic areas, and multiple cafes. - Practical tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds; weekday visits are quieter. Bring sunscreen and rain gear as it's mostly outdoors. Car parking is free. The park is suitable for all ages, with activities for toddlers through teenagers. It's a full-day outing, so plan to arrive at opening time (10am) to see everything.

Located in the grounds of Batsford Arboretum, The Cotswold Falconry Centre offers daily flying displays featuring eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Kids can get up close during meet-and-greet sessions and even handle some birds. The centre is educational and interactive, with talks throughout the day. - Age appeal: All ages, but best for 5+ who can sit through shows. - Facilities: Picnic areas, souvenir shop, accessible paths. Combined visits to Batsford Arboretum are popular. - Practical tips: Arrive early for good viewing spots. Flying displays depend on weather; check website. Allow 2-3 hours.

Cotswold Lavender is a family-run lavender farm set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. From June to August, the fields burst into vibrant purple stripes, offering a stunning sensory experience for all ages. - Highlights: Kids love running through the lavender rows, spotting bees and butterflies, and enjoying homemade lavender ice cream. There are picnic areas, a tea room serving light lunches and cakes, and a gift shop with lavender products. - Facilities: Ample free parking, accessible paths (some slopes), baby-changing facilities, and plenty of space for pushchairs. - Practical tips: Best visited in late June to July for peak bloom. Wear sun protection and bring water. Dogs on leads welcome. Booking online recommended during busy weekends.

The Town Hall Theatre in Chipping Norton is a charming, historic venue offering a variety of family-friendly performances, including plays, musicals, children's shows, and pantomimes. The theatre has a welcoming atmosphere, with a small café and accessible seating. Families with kids will appreciate the dedicated family shows and relaxed performances. Facilities include baby changing, booster seats, and a hearing loop. Tips: book in advance for popular shows; arrive early to explore the town's market square.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens is a historic castle set in 1,200 acres of stunning countryside in the Cotswolds. Families can explore the adventure playground, which is one of the largest in the region, featuring a giant wooden castle, swings, slides, and climbing frames. The gardens are beautiful with winding paths, a maze, and a sensory garden. The castle itself offers a glimpse into royal history, with connections to Queen Katherine Parr. - Highlights for kids: Adventure playground, falconry displays (seasonal), children's trails, and the 'Sudeley Castle Adventure Playground' with age-appropriate zones. - Facilities: On-site café serving children's meals, picnic areas, baby-changing facilities, and pushchair-friendly paths. - Practical tips: Allow at least 3-4 hours. The playground is best for ages 2-12. Check the website for falconry and event schedules. Parking is free.

Broadway Tower is a historic folly perched on top of the Cotswold escarpment near Broadway, Worcestershire. Families will love the stunning panoramic views from the top (accessible via a spiral staircase) and the surrounding parkland with picnic areas and woodland walks. The tower itself houses a small museum with exhibits on local history and the tower's origins. Key highlights for families: - Spectacular views over 16 counties on a clear day - On-site café serving snacks and hot drinks - Play area for younger children - Seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails - Dog-friendly (on leads) – great for a family day out with pets Practical tips: The tower has 65 steps to the top, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. There is ample free parking. The site is mostly outdoor (wrap up warm in winter) but the museum and café provide indoor shelter. Recommended for children aged 4 and up, but babies in carriers are fine.