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It’s not a secret that the Cotswolds is full of historic monuments, family fun activities, stunning gardens and scenery, as well as lots of physically active events to take part in. Countless things bring people all over the country and world to this quaint corner of the UK – too much to add into one blog post.
If you’re visiting for a holiday, there is a lot to squeeze in so as local experts of the area, we wanted to help you create a Cotswold bucket list. Here are our top 7 things we think you should be doing during your visit to the Cotswolds.
Gloucester Quays
Shopaholic? If so then this is the place for you. Whether you’re catching up with some quality time over a drink or two, finding that perfect holiday outfit or just taking up some retail therapy, Gloucester Quays has everything you need to make a day out of treating yourself.
We’ve put this on our Cotswolds bucket list because, with up to 70% off outlet shopping, a cinema and great value designer brands, it is one of our favourite places to spend a day shopping.
Cotswolds Water Park
This is your one-stop for pretty much all of your activities! It’s home to Orion Holiday’s head office and, without being biased, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds in our opinion.
Here you can find places to have picnics, bike rides, BBQ’s, bird watching and walking as well as take part in activities like archery, golf, horse riding and shooting to name but a few.
Take a look at their website to find out more about it all. This one made our bucket list because there is truly something for everyone. You may even want to dedicate a few days to the water park once you’ve seen the huge variety of things to take part in.
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Museums, steam and diesel train driving experiences, parties and events – the Swindon and Cricklade Railway do it all. Their main railway service passenger line offers a round trip of over four miles. There are stations at Blunsdon, Taw Valley Halt and Hayes Knoll and an extension towards Cricklade in the North.
You can hop on and off, dine on board or simply just have a look around at their authentic steam trains. Educational, fun and a completely different commuting experience.
This has made our bucket list because it allows our younger generation to experience an old-fashioned yet powerful steam engine experience as well as offer our older generation a full day of fun nostalgic experience.
Westonbirt
Explore the treetops on the STIHL treetop walkway, explore the exquisite grounds in all seasons, bring your children to see the Gruffalo and his friends face to face or attend one of their craft events.
Westonbirt Arboretum is a remarkable woodland area offering an abundance of activities and things to do, as stated above, for people of all ages. They are very proud to have over 15,000 specimens of trees from all over the globe which you can learn about during your visit.
Corinium Museum
Located in the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, the Corinium Museum exhibits highly significant finds from the Roman town of the Corinium. This exceptional interactive experience in Cirencester will take you on a journey through time where you’ll see the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day.
With lots of special family-friendly events, talks from experts and exceptional items from prehistoric times, there is enough to keep everyone busy and some very reasonable prices.
This has made our bucket list because there is no-where quite like it where you can find and learn about all these amazing and historic items from the Cotswolds.
Lakeside Ski
Safe, professional, adrenaline-inducing, and fun are just a few words to explain the experiences that can be had at Lakeside Ski. Take to the waters on a wakeboard, glide across the ripples on the water ski’s or hold on tight to the Ringo and inflatable rides on the lakes right next door to your holiday property if you’re staying with us.
With over 20 years of experience, the staff at Lakeside Ski are fully trained to help those of all levels enjoy the water safely without compromising on fun. Take a look at their website for more information.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Floating obstacle course, a dog-friendly man-made beach, pedalos, water sports and a pizzeria. What more could you want from a family day out? Maybe BBQ pitches for hire? Well, they have them too!
Cotswold Country Park and Beach is one of those days out where you can please pretty much everyone that is coming with you. Lifeguards supervise the children’s paddling lagoon in peak season and there is a new adventure playground and various other activities for children.
This is on our bucket list because where else are you going to find a stunning beach in the middle of the countryside offering this much fun?
What will you be adding?
Whilst this list is just 7 things that we think you’ll love doing at the Cotswolds, the real list is endless. We have also written previous blog posts on things you can do during your time here whether it’s a romantic holiday, an activity holiday or one for the whole family.
If the Cotswolds sounds like the perfect place to take your holiday, then get in touch with us on 01285 861839 to speak about your accommodation requirements or take a look at what we’ve got available currently on our website.
