Looking for unforgettable family fun this May half term? The Cotswolds is bursting with exciting events, outdoor adventures, and hands-on activities for kids and grown-ups alike. From nature trails and arts workshops to historic days out and food experiences, here’s your go-to guide for what’s on from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.
Cotswold Farm Park Family Fun!
Location: Guilting Power, Near Cheltenham
This May Half Term, Cotswold Farm Park is packed with family fun and hands-on experiences. Feed the adorable lambs in the Lamb Feeding Experience, take a guess in the Mystery Touch & Feel challenge (with prizes up for grabs), and get up close to fascinating insects during Bug Hour. Discover the world of bees with behind-the-scenes Bee Hive Insights, enjoy a bumpy Tractor Ride, and let the kids get creative with colourful Sand Art.
Price: Included in admission
Booking: Not required
Broadway Tower & Park
Location: Broadway
Set within 200 acres of rolling Cotswold parkland, Broadway Tower & Park offers a perfect family day out. Explore the historic Tower Museum and enjoy panoramic views from the roof platform, meet the resident red deer in the Deer Park, or simply stroll the scenic grounds and enjoy a picnic in one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.
Price: various packages, children under 5 go free
Booking: Recommended
Experience History at Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Location: Near Winchombe nr Cheltenham
Step into a thousand years of history at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, where tales of royalty, romance, and intrigue unfold. Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you explore the castle’s romantic ruins, ten award-winning gardens, and engaging adventure playground. Don’t miss the daily talks and guided tours, offering fascinating insights into the castle’s rich and sometimes controversial past.
Price: From £58.00 for a family of 5- see website for more details
Booking: Recommended
Giffords Circus at Blenheim Palace
Roll up, roll up – the circus is back at Blenheim Palace! Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Giffords Circus returns with Laguna Bay, a dazzling new 2025 show set in the vibrant world of 1950s America. Known as a national treasure, Giffords brings West End-level performances to the heart of the Cotswolds with acrobats, jugglers, horses and live music – all under the big top nestled among the palace’s ancient parkland.
Price: Children from £15.00 and Adults from £25.00
Booking: Required
Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Westonbirt
Location: Westonbirt, near Tetbury
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way, with everyone's favourite dog and owner duo for company at Westonbirt Arboretum.
This interactive dog-focused trail features a variety of games and challenges for you and your happy hound to complete.Follow the route by downloading using the OS Maps app before you visit to find a series of panels along the trail. Each one has a fun challenge for you and your dog to take on and a crossword clue for you to solve.
Pick up your Forest Walkies activity pack when you arrive, for just £5 from the Welcome Building or the Westonbirt shop. It includes a gift for your dog, a gift for you and everything you need for a best dog walk ever to help you complete the activities along the trail and top tips and things to do.
Price: Included in admission
Booking: Not required
Rococo Garden – Bee Adventure & Maze Fun
Location: Painswick
Discover a buzzing new bee-themed family trail at Rococo Garden. Learn fun facts about pollinators while wandering through beautiful grounds filled with hidden Georgian follies, a quirky maze, and blooming gardens. Tuck into light lunches and homemade cake at the café.
Price: Included in garden entry
Booking: Not required
Parking: Free
British Motor Museum – Pattern-Themed Family Activities
Location: Gaydon
From shape-spotting family tours to creative pattern-making sessions, enjoy a week of fun activities for ages 4+ at the British Motor Museum. Try the ‘Crack the Code’ puzzle trail and see artists at work in the new Gallery 2025.
Price: Activities included in admission
Booking: Recommended for peak times
Chedworth Roman Villa – Snail Trail & Roman Games
Location: Yanworth Near Cheltenham
This half term at Chedworth Roman Villa follow Pom the Roman Snail on an engaging audio trail, try wearable snail racing, and enjoy fun games like the Giant Snail Slip ’n Slide. See Roman snail dishes, snail puzzles, and take part in creative activities.
Price: Included in entry
Booking: Not required
The Greenway Hotel & Spa – Bank Holiday Jazz Brunch
Location: Near Cheltenham
On Monday 26 May, between 11am–2pm, join the Greenway Hotel and Spa and savour a delicious three-course “Best of British” brunch with seasonal ingredients, accompanied by live jazz. Relax in luxury surroundings with this Bank Holiday special.
Price: £35 per person
Booking: Essential
Corinium Museum – Creative Holiday Workshops
Location: Cirencester
Three fun-filled workshops for ages 8+ this half term:
• Spring Impressions (Tues 27 May): Make a botanical print book
• Prehistoric Painting (Wed 28 May): Cave art using ancient techniques
• Medieval Manuscripts (Thurs 29 May): Craft illuminated letters
Prices: £9–£10.50
Booking: Required
Also at Corinium Museum
Peppa Meets the Baby – Cinema Experience
Join Peppa Pig and her family on the big screen as they prepare for a new baby. Enjoy 10 new episodes and six music videos perfect for young fans.
Price: £5
Dates: 29, 30 May (11am), 1 June (2:15pm)
Cogges Manor Farm – Fairy Trails & Farm Animals
Location: Witney
At Cogges Manor Farm Enjoy the Hidden Fairy Door Trail, meet baby animals, and explore the Manor House and walled garden. There’s also croquet, an adventure playground, and mini tractors.
Prices: Adults £10.50, Children £7.50, Family £35.50
Booking: Not required
Newark Park – Spike the Dragon Family Trail
Location: Wotton-under-Edge
Explore Newark Park and follow a free garden trail to learn about Spike the dragon weather vane. Search for hidden shields, uncover a secret word, and spot crochet dragons in the house.
Price: Included in admission
Booking: Not required
Woodchester Park – Moths, Art & Family Trails
Location: Woodchester, near Nailsworth
As spring reaches full bloom, the Cotswolds comes alive with butterflies and moths enjoying the warm weather and wildflower-rich landscapes. From meadows to ancient woodland, the region offers a vital haven for these delicate pollinators. This free children's trail at Tinkley Gate invites families to explore the important role these insects play in local biodiversity,
Price: Included in admission
Booking: Not required
John Moore Museum – Tree Walk & Tall Tales
Location: Tewkesbury
Hug a Tree Stroll: 29 May at 2:30pm – guided walk and tea (Free)
Tall Stories & Telling Tales: 31 May at 11am – talk on Gloucestershire’s literary heritage
Tickets for talk: Adults £7, Concessions £5.50, Children £3
Booking: recommended
Cotswold Lakes Brew Co – Tomahawk Steak Night
Location: Field Farm, South Cerney
On Wednesday, 28 May at 7pm, at Cotswold Lakes Brew Co, enjoy expertly grilled Jesse Smiths Tomahawk steak paired with craft beer at this unique countryside supper evening. Chef Dan Wyatt curates the menu with signature brews.
Booking: Required
Price: £87.38
Woodchester Valley Vineyard – Pinot & Pizza
Location: Near Stroud
On sunday 25th May head to Woodchester Valley Vineyard and enjoy a wine and pizza pairing experience with sourdough pizzas, Pinot Noir tastings, antipasti, and dessert. Hosted with Velo Bakery in a scenic vineyard setting.
Price: £55pp
Booking: Required
Over 18s only
Honeybourne Pottery – Botanical Tile Workshop
Location: Honeybourne, near Evesham
If you are feeling crafty, why not try the new botanical tile workshop at Honeybourne Pottery. Immerse yourself in a creative & meditative experience as you craft your own botanical plaster cast using fresh flowers & foliage. Or book a regular 90-minute and half-day potter’s wheel experiences!
Price: £60.00
Booking: Required
Kingham Lodge – Sculpture Garden Open Days
Location: Kingham near Chipping Norton
Explore hundreds of sculptures across five acres of stunning gardens at the Kingham Lodge Sculpture Garden. A rare chance to visit this private home and support local charities.
Dates: 17th – 26th May 2025.
Price: £8 adult, under-18s free
New Brewery Arts – Free Kids' Craft Sessions
Location: Cirencester
Get creative this May half term at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester with free drop-in craft workshops for kids. Led by Let’s Make Art, resident makers at Bristol’s Arnolfini gallery, children can design oversized shapeshifter masks (29 & 30 May) or vibrant banners (31 May) using provided materials – just bring imagination and energy!
Sessions run from 11am–3pm.
Price: Free
Booking: Not needed