May Half Term in the Cotswolds 2026: Family Days Out & Events

Planning the perfect May half term? The Cotswolds is packed with family-friendly events, outdoor adventures and hands-on activities to keep all ages entertained.

From magical trails and animal encounters to creative workshops and relaxed countryside escapes, here’s your guide to what’s on this May half term in the Cotswolds.

Unmissable Half Term Events & Big Days Out

If you’re looking for standout experiences to build your plans around, there are plenty of headline events taking place across the region.

At Cotswold Farm Park, Bee Wild Week runs from 23–31 May and offers a brilliant mix of fun and education, all included in the standard ticket. Families can get up close with animals during bottle feeding sessions, watch live sheep shearing demonstrations in the Animal Barn and learn more about pollinators by meeting the farm’s beekeeper in training. With hands-on activities and interactive experiences throughout the day, it’s an easy win for younger children.

Over at Blenheim Palace, May half term is all about big adventures and variety. From exploring the impressive Adventure Play area, complete with ziplines and water features, to hopping on the miniature train to the Walled Garden, there’s plenty to fill a full day. Families can wander through the Marlborough Maze, visit the Butterfly House and enjoy the Food Festival running across the bank holiday weekend, with character appearances from Pip and Posy adding to the atmosphere later in the week.

For something a little more magical, Fairytale Farm is hosting its Once Upon a Unicorn and Dragon event, where children can meet the Unicorn Queen, take part in themed activities and follow an imaginative trail. With the addition of the brand-new Journey to Alice’s Wonderland ride, it’s a particularly special time to visit.

Meanwhile, Sudeley Castle is inviting families to reconnect with nature during its Nature Week. With a brand-new tree trail and hands-on outdoor sessions, it’s a lovely way to combine fresh air, learning and a bit of history in one visit.

Creative, Craft & Hands-On Activities

For families who enjoy getting creative, there are plenty of opportunities to slow things down and try something new.

At Kelmscott Manor, a thoughtful programme of activities inspired by sustainability and craftsmanship runs throughout the week. From stitching workshops and tapestry-inspired storytelling to mindful mending sessions and traditional printing demonstrations, it’s a more relaxed and reflective way to spend a day.

In Cirencester, Corinium Museum offers a series of engaging workshops that bring history to life through making and doing. Children can try their hand at Anglo-Saxon weaving, design their own brooches or explore ancient games, all while learning about the past in an interactive setting.

Over in Broadway, Broadway Museum and Art Gallery combines creative workshops with plenty of free activities, including a daily creative and sensory space. With everything from magic shows and pottery sessions to slime-making workshops, it’s a great option for mixed ages and interests.

At Dyrham Park, visitors can also explore Journeys, a striking new exhibition running from 22 May to 1 November in partnership with textile collector and curator Karun Thakar. Displayed throughout the historic house, the exhibition features vibrant Asafo flags from West Africa, exploring themes of migration, craftsmanship, trade and colonial history. Placed alongside portraits and historic interiors, the exhibition offers a fascinating and thought-provoking addition to a day out at Dyrham Park during May half term.

Adding a beautifully rural twist, Cogges Manor Farm offers a blend of creativity, history and seasonal family fun. Set within a historic farmstead and walled gardens, visitors can enjoy flower-inspired trails through the manor house, take part in guided craft and baking demonstrations on traditional kitchen ranges, and explore seasonal activities across the site. With animal encounters, adventure play and plenty of open space, it’s an easy-going day out that combines hands-on learning with fresh air and freedom to explore.

Get Outdoors: Nature, Trails & Fresh Air Fun

If the weather plays along, there’s no better place to be than outdoors in the Cotswolds during May half term.

Westonbirt Arboretum is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with spring in full swing and new family trails designed to help visitors discover the hidden stories behind trees and nature. It’s an ideal spot for a slower-paced day surrounded by greenery.

Elsewhere, Chedworth Roman Villa offers a playful twist on history with its snail-themed half term trail, while Hidcote invites families to create their own stories as they explore the gardens. At Snowshill Manor and Garden, blossom-filled surroundings and gentle activities make it perfect for a more relaxed visit.

For those who enjoy a bit more space and freedom, Cleeve Common hosts a range of outdoor sessions, from creative wellbeing walks to hands-on family activities like den building and mini-beast exploration. It’s a great choice for children who love to explore and get stuck in.

Newark Park invites families to step into their own adventure this half term. With a brand-new interactive trail, children can take on challenges, make decisions and explore the historic house and grounds as the hero or heroine of their own story. It’s a brilliant mix of imagination, exploration and outdoor discovery, set against a dramatic National Trust landscape.

You can also take things at a gentler pace along the waterways with guided walks from the Cotswold Canals Trust. These relaxed strolls offer a chance to learn more about the area’s history and wildlife while enjoying the fresh spring scenery.

Active & Adventure Experiences

For families with older children or those looking to burn off some energy, there are plenty of more active options available.

FlyUp 417 Bike Park offers everything from beginner discovery sessions to more advanced trails, making it accessible whether you’re new to mountain biking or already confident on two wheels. With coaching, equipment hire and plenty of space to explore, it’s a great way to try something different.

For a slower-paced but equally memorable experience, Cotswold Boat Hire allows families to take to the water and explore the Thames by boat. With no experience needed, it’s an easy and peaceful way to spend a few hours, especially with a picnic on board.

Food, Drink & Family-Friendly Evenings

Half term isn’t just about daytime adventures, there are also plenty of relaxed options for the evenings.

At The Wychwood Inn, the reopening of the garden bar brings with it pizza evenings, live music and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a busy day exploring.

Meanwhile, Larkhill Vineyard offers informal pop-up evenings with local food, wine and a laid-back countryside feel. With plenty of space and a relaxed setting, it works well for families as well as groups of friends.

A standout addition for 2026 is the CLB Lakeside Bar at Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve, in partnership with Wild Leisure. Set in a scenic lakeside location, it combines craft beers, local wines, ciders and spirits with freshly prepared hot food and soft drink options, alongside plenty of space for families and groups to relax outdoors. Focused on conservation as well as hospitality, the venue supports the protection of the Cotswold Lakes, offering a “beer with purpose” experience. It is family-friendly, but please note that pre-booking is required for 2026 visits.

Something a Little Different

If you’re after something a bit more unusual, Oxford Bus Museum is hosting Morris Day on 25 May, where visitors can see a beautifully restored vintage car brought back to life. It’s a niche but fascinating experience, especially for those with an interest in transport or engineering.

Stay & Explore: Family-Friendly Bases in the Cotswolds

For families planning a longer May half term break, the Cotswolds offers a wide range of places to stay, from countryside hotels and relaxed inns to boutique B&Bs. Choosing the right base makes it easy to explore nearby attractions while still enjoying time to unwind.

The Greenway Hotel & Spa is a great choice for those looking for a peaceful countryside retreat with added leisure facilities. Families can enjoy designated swimming times, with morning and early evening sessions available for children when accompanied by adults, along with garden games and open outdoor space. The hotel is also ideally placed for visiting top family attractions including Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and Cattle Country Adventure Park.

For a more traditional Cotswolds stay, The Wychwood Inn offers a welcoming pub-with-rooms experience in a charming village setting. With its relaxed atmosphere, garden space and family-friendly dining, it works well for those looking for a comfortable base close to walking routes and nearby attractions.

De Vere Cotswold Water Park provides a strong option for families wanting a mix of comfort, space and on-site facilities. With lakeside surroundings, leisure amenities and flexible accommodation options, it’s particularly well suited to longer stays where convenience and access to outdoor activities are key.

For something more personal and locally rooted, a stay with Bolthole Retreats offers a home-from-home experience across a collection of carefully selected cottages in villages and market towns throughout the Cotswolds. Many properties are ideal for families, with self-catering flexibility and easy access to walking routes, local pubs and nearby attractions.

Together, these options offer a range of ways to stay in the Cotswolds this May half term, whether you’re looking for a countryside escape, a family base close to attractions, or a more intimate village stay.

Plan Your May Half Term in the Cotswolds

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for longer, the Cotswolds offers a brilliant mix of activities to suit every kind of family this May half term. From high-energy adventures to slower, creative days out, it’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you like, and still come away with lasting memories.

Booking ahead is always a good idea during school holidays, especially for workshops and popular attractions, so a little planning can go a long way.

Explore our full guide to May half term events across the Cotswolds in our What’s On section