Calling all families: explore a summer of adventure, education, and low-cost fun across the beautiful Cotswolds. Every letter brings a unique experience — perfect for creating lifelong memories.
A – Adventure Playgrounds in the Cotswolds
Get moving this summer with a visit to some of the best free playgrounds around. From the climbing frames at Kilkenny Lane Country Park to the incredible play areas at Pittville Park in Cheltenham, St Michael's Park in Cirencester, or the imaginative Broadway Activity Park — there’s plenty to explore.
B – Butterfly Spotting in Nature Reserves
Immerse yourself in a flutter of colour with a butterfly-spotting walk. Head to the wildflower-rich meadows at Rodborough Common or visit one of the Cotswold Water Park nature reserves. Use the Butterfly Conservation ID guide to discover what’s flying around.
C – Cycling Adventures for All Ages
Whether you're after a gentle ride or a bumpy challenge, cycling in the Cotswolds is a winner. Try the Tetbury Trail, loop around Abbey Grounds in Cirencester, or explore pump tracks like Burrows Field in Cheltenham.
D – Duck Detectives: Birdwatching for Beginners
Take your binoculars and spot ducks, geese, and swans at ponds and rivers across the Cotswolds. Use this duck ID sheet or Countryfile's bird guide to name what you see.
E – Exercise Equipment in the Fresh Air
Swap the gym for the great outdoors. Try the fitness trails at Oxlease in Witney, Bredon Park near Tewkesbury, or the outdoor gym at Tetbury's recreation grounds.
F – Fossil Hunting and Dino Digs
Dig into the Cotswolds' ancient past. Visit the Museum in the Park in Stroud, or marvel at fossil displays at The Wilson in Cheltenham. Try your hand at a hands-on fossil dig at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water.
G – Geocaching: The Cotswolds Treasure Hunt
Join the global outdoor game of geocaching. Use your phone and a free app to track down hidden caches throughout the region. Visit Geocaching.com to get started.
H – Historic Ruins & Ancient Sites
Step back in time at Belas Knap, Rollright Stones, Minster Lovell Hall or Odda’s Chapel. Fascinating and free, these sites spark imagination and curiosity.
I – Insect Hunts for Budding Naturalists
Bug hunting is brilliant for young explorers. Use the Woodland Trust’s Insect Spotter Sheet and get up close to the mini beasts of meadows and woodlands.
J – Jump into Jail! Local Police History
Explore the past of law and order at the Old Prison in Northleach, or the Tetbury Police Museum. These small but fascinating museums bring history to life for curious kids.
K – Kite Flying on the Cotswold Hills
Catch the breeze at Minchinhampton Common, Cleeve Hill, or Crickley Hill. Want to build your own? Visit NASA’s kite resource.
L – Libraries: Stories, Crafts & More
From story time to craft sessions, libraries offer brilliant free activities over the holidays. Check out Gloucestershire Libraries or Oxfordshire Libraries to see what’s on.
M – Messy Mud Play
Puddle jumping, mud pies, or a mucky mini obstacle course — it’s simple, sensory fun. Grab your wellies and get messy in the great outdoors. Bonus idea: try making “mud paint” with sticks and soil.
N – Night Sky Stargazing Spots
Watch the stars from dark sky spots like Aunt Phoebe’s Recreation Ground in Long Compton or the Rollright Stones. Then see real meteorite fragments at Winchcombe Museum.
O – Orienteering Adventures
Build your map-reading skills on an orienteering course at Crickley Hill, or download trail maps from the Cotswold Discovery Trail and try a Treasure Trail in a town near you.
P – Pooh Sticks Competitions
All you need is a bridge and a stick! Find the perfect spot on the Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water or over the Evenlode near Charlbury. Ready, set… drop!
Q – Quiet Reflection (Or Quad Biking Fun!)
Take a peaceful moment at Fairford Church or marvel at the LEGO model in Cirencester Parish Church. Looking for louder thrills? Try Quad Quest at Notgrove.
R – Riverside Walks
Stroll beside the Windrush, Coln, or Evenlode. Try the Buscot to Lechlade walk, the Ham Nature Reserve in Tewkesbury, or routes between Witney and Burford.
S – Skateparks for Future Olympians
Grab your board or scooter and explore the Cotswolds’ growing skate scene. Try Chipping Norton skatepark or Cheltenham's Burrows Field.
T – Trainspotting & Mini Locomotives
Love trains? Visit GWSR Steam Railway, or spot trains at mainline stations like Stroud or Charlbury. Little ones will love the Tetbury Play Station, a train-themed playground next to a café.
U – Umbrella Adventures in the Rain
Don’t let showers spoil your day! With wellies, waterproofs, and a cheerful brolly, you can enjoy a sensory stroll or even a rainy day scavenger hunt.
V – Vanilla Ice Cream (and Other Flavours)
Treat yourself to a scoop from Winstones, Marshfield Farm, or Alfonso Gelateria. Look out for vintage vans and pop-up stalls in local towns and at attractions.
W – Wonderful Walks for All Ages
Choose from gentle, stile-free routes or more adventurous rambles. Try Cirencester Park, Batsford Arboretum, Sherborne Estate, or canalside strolls near Stroud.
While not free there are so many attractions with acres of grounds to wander in too, including Westonbirt or Batsford Arboretum, Cirencester Park, the majestic Blenheim Palace, historic Berkeley Castle or the Sherborne Estate near Northleach.
X – eXplore the Unknown
Take the kids on an adventure – whether it’s a new trail, a hidden glade, or an unexpected discovery in a local town. Every day in the Cotswolds holds something new to explore.
Y – Yoga in the Park
Breathe, stretch, and unwind with outdoor yoga. Some local instructors run pop-up family yoga sessions in parks — check local Facebook groups or Eventbrite listings in your area.
Z – Zoom on Zip Wires
For thrill-seekers, try the zip wire at Pittville Park or Shipton-under-Wychwood Recreation Ground. For full aerial courses (not free), head to 270 Climbing Park, Cattle Country, or Cotswold Farm Park.
You can also find zip wires at family friendly attractions across the Cotswolds including Blenheim Palace, Cogges Manor Farm, Sudeley Castle, Cattle Country or Cotswold Farm Park, where you will be assured of a completely full day of family fun that will make magical memories this summer time.