Make it a summer to remember

What makes a perfect summer? Great weather helps but the real secret to a perfect summer is in keeping the kids happy and entertained whatever the weather. Here's a few ideas to help you enjoy a perfect summer in the Cotswolds...


Taking a ride on Bella the Train at Cotswold Wildlife Park

Take a walk on the WILD side at the Cotswold Wildlife Park this summer holiday, with daily penguin and lemur feeding and for the whole of August, there's a daily Rhino talk at 2pm to raise awareness of rhino conservation.  Take a ride on Bella the Train, explore their large adventure playground or get eye-to-eye with a giraffe.  With over 260 different animal species in over 120 acres of beautiful parkland and stunning gardens, there's plenty of space for the kids to relax and get closer to Wildlife! 


Manor Cottages - perfect for families

Coming to the Cotswolds with the family? Then why not book a Manor Cottages family holiday cottage - they can handle a family of almost any size!  Save money by eating meals together in the cottage or outdoors in the garden, and make the evenings longer by spending time together rather than retiring to individual hotel rooms: give your children a piece of Cotswold country life - take them out walking or cycling to experience all the natural beauty up close, experience the picture-perfect towns and villages as a family, visit the wonderful attractions like gardens, animal parks and museums where there’s something for every age to enjoy.   


Go on a family bug hunt at Batsford Arboretum this summer

There’s wildlife galore at Batsford Arboretum this summer.  Enjoy an open air production of The Jungle Book or explore the beautiful arboretum to find a whole host of creepy crawlies hidden among the trees.  There’s also a brand new play area to give the kids plenty of opportunities to let off some steam while you enjoy afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café!   


Become a Wildlife Ranger at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre this summer

Take up the challenge and become a Wildlife Ranger at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre this summer.  Every day throughout the summer holidays you can discover a world of wildlife – and get a sticker for every wild task you successfully complete!  Choose from a canoe safari, giant nest building, ranger survival camp, nature detectives or many other exciting wild tasks to get your Wildlife Ranger badge.


Here Be Dragons at Victoria Art Gallery in Bath this summer

Dragons will take over Victoria Art Gallery in Bath this summer for a family orientated show, Here Be Dragons (22 July - 8 October). The show will mine a rich seam of dragon lore, with images by some of the world’s best children’s illustrators, including Chris Riddell (Ottaline and Goth Girl), Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo), Quentin Blake and Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon). There will be more than 70 pieces on show, from ‘touch and feel’ art for babies to scary, fire-breathing dragons for older fans, as well as exciting dragon events, workshops and storytelling, and an augmented reality trail around Bath.   


Cogges Manor Farm

There’s so much to enjoy at Cogges Manor Farm on an English summer’s day: playing croquet on the manor house lawn, chasing butterflies through the meadow, eating picnics in the orchard, building dens in the woods, or feeding the resident animals who enjoy nothing better than basking in the sun after some tasty treats.  There are also daily changing activities throughout the summer holidays, Monday to Friday from 10-2, which include cooking, craft, stories and creative outdoor play.     


Nature in Art have plenty to keep the kids occupied during the long summer holidays with themed activities each day.  Book a session on subjects ranging from 3D paper plants to origami, batik to decoupage boxes!  Each workshop includes materials and the cost also gets you and an accompanying adult free entry to the museum.  


Bruern Cottages - a children's paradise

Renowned for their luxurious and beautifully decorated holiday cottages - with gardens and facilities to match - Bruern Cottages aren’t just child friendly – they’re a veritable kids' paradise!  The indoor swimming pool is at a temperature which even tiny babies can enjoy, and there is a Wendy House and playground, as well as a play cabin with toys and dressing up clothes, for when they get a little older.  Older siblings can resort to a Games Room, to play either table tennis, pool or table football – but, if you’re after the real thing – there are two goals on the lawn outside!    


Family fun Wednesdays through the Summer holidays at Sudeley Castle

Wednesdays are all about the kids at beautiful Sudeley Castle and Gardens this Summer.  Throughout August there’ll be lots of games and excitement including interactive shows and performances from Professor Collwobbles’ and the Music Man!  From dragon whispering to craft activities, there’s something for everyone at Sudeley, starting on 26 July and running every Wednesday throughout August.   


The new Pavilion Bar at the Bear at Rodborough

New for 2017, The Pavilion Bar at The Bear of Rodborough Hotel is the perfect spot to relax and keep the kids entertained.  With fairy lights, deckchairs, a retro popcorn machine, slushies and kilner jars filled with treats, it’s a great place for kids of ALL ages!  Enjoy a garden party atmosphere while the kids try out the games on the lawns.   


Flyup 417 are holding their Kids Holiday Clubs during the school holidays – a great chance to have a go at this adrenalin-fuelled sport!  Kids will be supervised throughout their day and there’ll be coaching sessions and a whole host of other activities to choose from –  they can ride their bikes all day or there's everything from arts and crafts to nature walks and treasure hunts. 


Culls Cottage is the perfect place for families to base themselves to make the most of the Cotswolds this summer.  With three double bedrooms, a lovely garden with a large lawn (and sun loungers for the grown-ups!), it’s surrounded by fantastic family friendly attractions like the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Adam Henson’s Farm Park.  And don't worry if the weather's not perfect - you can hunker down with books, DVDs and toys, which are all provided – or take advantage of the free wifi!   


Enjoy the maize maze at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park this summer

Get up close and personal with even more animals this summer as Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park unveil their brand new – and much larger Animal Barn.  The new facility has created extra indoor play areas for children but if the great outdoors is more your thing, head for the maize maze which opens at the beginning of August – a first for the Farm Park.  The maze has a tractor theme and along the way you’ll find other attractions such as puzzles, play areas, kids activities and more! 


Tree Detective family events at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer

Kids go free at Westonbirt Arboretum until the end of August which means plenty of time to take part in the Tree Detective family events.  Solve the mystery of the sickly beech by examining the different suspects along the way or have a go at one of the weekly family crafty events – all based on becoming a Tree Detective.  You can even make an evolution flick book, print a leaf fossil or design your own tree!   


Make a Roman shield to take home at the Corinium Museum

The Corinium Museum in Cirencester celebrates the Festival of Archaology with a series of activities and events at the end of July.  Learn how to become an archaeologist with the Cotswold Archaeology team, discover how to create a mini mosaic or make a Roman shield to take home.   


"Chocolate" cushions at the Three Ways House Hotel

The kids won’t want to leave your room if you book a night’s stay at the Three Ways House Hotel – home of the famous Pudding Club and with 7 pudding themed bedrooms!  As well as a chocolate suite (the fun of sleeping in a box of chocolates without the calories!) there’s the Spotted Dick and Custard room – featuring among its many spotty accessories, light custard yellow walls!!   


Family fun at Berkeley Castle

Grandparents get in free and there’s a complimentary hot drink with each full paying grandchild during July and August at Berkeley Castle!  With 8 acres of gardens and grounds, a tropical butterfly house, dungeon, archery, sword fighting, falconry and storytelling – among many other activities – it’s a great day out for all generations!  

Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)