Ten Things To Do Whatever The Weather

Ten Things To Do Whatever The Weather

You don’t need sunshine to have a Cotswolds holiday to remember!  With so much to see and do, both inside and out, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit everything in.  So here’s our quick guide to the top ten activities come rain or shine... 

One. Go wild...
With breathtaking scenery and wonderful walks, the Cotswold hills are a great place for a gentle wander or something more strenuous. You’ll be spoilt for choice for al fresco eating spots. Picnic somewhere spectacular like Minchinhampton Common or along the Cotswold Way.

Two. Get some (retail ) therapy!
We’ve everything from gorgeous, independent boutiques to designer outlets at Gloucester Quays and Cheltenham’s Promenade. Bargain hunters will love the huge array of antique shops all over the Cotswolds too. 

Three. Talk to the animals...
Ever come eye to eye with a giraffe or held a chick or rabbit? The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Cotswold Farm Park have lots of activities allowing you to get up close and personal to animals big and small. 

Four. Fun for free...
You don’t have to splash the cash to enjoy the Cotswolds!  Visit one of our free museums including The Wilson in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury Heritage Centre or the Museum in the Park in Stroud with its great kids’ activities. 

Five. Festival fun...
The Cotswolds are famous for a whole host of large family festivals, fayres and markets, from the Science and Literature Festivals in Cheltenham to the annual Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford and wonderful farmers’ markets all year round. 

Six. Go birding ...
Why not cuddle a duckling at the Downy Duckling Days at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, watch the penguins being fed at Birdland Park and Gardens or have a go at flying a bird of prey at the Cotswold Falconry Centre? 

Seven. Turn over a new leaf ...
Looking for somewhere to wear the kids out? Kick up some leaves and enjoy the natural environment at our two beautiful arboreta at Westonbirt and Batsford. Explore from above at Westonbirt’s new treetop walkway. 

Eight. Let off steam...
Experience life in miniature at the Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water (now Grade II listed), or visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum overflowing with vintage and classic vehicles. Head back in time on the GWR steam railway. 

Nine. Watch history come alive ...
Become a Roman at Cirencester’s Corinium Museum, dress up in royal costumes at Sudeley Castle or re-live the Arts and Crafts period at the home of William Morris at Kelmscott Manor. 

Ten. Make a splash ...
Enjoy boat trips from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Lechlade-on-Thames, Saul and Ebley near Stroud, or try your hand at numerous water sports at the Cotswold Water Park. 

Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)