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The model village in Bourton-on-the-Water. Photo from Pexels.
The Cotswolds with kids works best with one big day out and one slow day. Pick the Cotswold Wildlife Park or the lakes at the Cotswold Water Park, then pair it with Roman finds in Cirencester or the model village in Bourton. Our three-bedroom Cirencester house with a garden starts at £130 a night.
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What are the best days out in the Cotswolds with kids?
The best days out in the Cotswolds with kids are the Cotswold Wildlife Park, the Cotswold Water Park lakes, the model village in Bourton-on-the-Water and the Roman finds in Cirencester.
Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford
Open from 10am. In summer it closes at 6pm with last admission at 4pm, and in winter it closes at 4pm. About 35 minutes from Cirencester.
Cotswold Water Park
Lakes 4 miles south of Cirencester with watersports, cycling and the Cotswold Country Park and Beach, which has a lifeguarded swimming area in season.
Corinium Museum, Cirencester
Roman mosaics and finds from Corinium, with family tickets. Walking distance from our homes.
Bourton-on-the-Water
A model village built in local stone at one-ninth scale, and a shallow river for paddling in summer.
Check times and tickets on the Cotswold Wildlife Park website before you go.
What does a family weekend in the Cotswolds look like?
A family weekend in the Cotswolds works best with one big day out and one slower, closer day.
| When | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cotswold Wildlife Park, arrive at opening | Corinium Museum in Cirencester |
| Lunch | Picnic in the park | Lunch in town |
| Afternoon | More animals, then back to the house | Cirencester Park or the Water Park lakes |
| Evening | Dinner at home, games in the garden | Pack up and head home |
A Cotswold village mill pond. Photo from Pexels.
What can families do in the Cotswolds on a rainy day?
On a rainy day, families can visit the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, the indoor areas at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, or the shops and cafés in Cirencester and Tetbury.
With a whole house, you also have a living room and a kitchen to come back to, which makes a wet afternoon much easier than a hotel room.
What makes a Cotswolds house good for families?
A Cotswolds house is good for families when it has separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a washing machine and outdoor space.
- Separate bedrooms, so children sleep while adults stay up
- A garden for running around after a long car journey
- A washing machine for muddy clothes
- A dining table big enough for everyone
- Parking for the family car
Ask us about cots and high chairs when you book, and we will confirm what is available.
Tips for the Cotswolds with kids
Arrive at opening timeThe Wildlife Park and Bourton are much calmer in the first hour after opening.
Pack for paddlingBourton’s river is shallow in summer. A towel and spare socks save the day.
Avoid peak lanesThe A429 through Bourton is slow on summer weekends. Visit Bourton early, then drive on.
Where to stay in the Cotswolds with kids
£130 / night3-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 3 bedrooms
- 4 beds
- Bath and separate shower
- Private garden
Three bedrooms, including an attic room as a king or twins, a private garden and a dining table for six.
See the 3-bed house
£195 / night5-bed house with drive, Cirencester
- 5 bedrooms
- 7 beds
- 3 bathrooms
- Drive for 2 to 3 vehicles
- Enclosed garden
Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, an enclosed garden with lawn and a drive.
See the 5-bed housePlan more with our weekend away in the Cotswolds guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cotswolds good for a family weekend?
Yes. The Cotswolds has wildlife parks, lakes, a model village, Roman history and plenty of short walks, all within an hour of each other. Basing yourself in Cirencester puts the Water Park 10 minutes away and the Wildlife Park about 35 minutes away.
How far is the Cotswold Wildlife Park from Cirencester?
The Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford, is about 19 miles from Cirencester, roughly 35 minutes by car. In summer it opens at 10am and closes at 6pm, with last admission at 4pm. Winter hours are shorter, so check the park website before you go.
Can you swim at the Cotswold Water Park?
Yes, at the Cotswold Country Park and Beach, which has a sandy beach beside a swimming lagoon with lifeguards in season. Swimming in other lakes is not generally allowed. Check opening dates and booking requirements before you go, as the beach is seasonal.
Do your Cirencester family houses have gardens?
Yes. Our three-bedroom house has a private garden and our five-bedroom house has an enclosed garden with a lawn and patio. Both are close to Cirencester town centre and suit families who want outdoor space after a day out. Ask us about cots and high chairs when you book.
Next step
Planning a family weekend?
Tell us how many adults and children are coming, and we will suggest the right Cirencester house.
