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Go wild in the Cotswolds
16th July 2017
The Cotswolds are home to some pretty wild places – whether it’s somewhere to have an al fresco picnic, enjoy the local bird or even insect life – or look for wildlife on a much larger scale! Whichever you choose – we guarantee you’ll be kept busy by our wonderful range of Cotswolds wildlife.
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Take a walk on the wild side this summer at the Cotwold Wildlife Park with more than 260 different wild animal species. Get eye-to-eye with Giraffe, walk with Lemurs or gaze at Rhinos grazing on the Gothic Manor House lawns. Or you can let off steam in the large adventure playground in the trees with interconnecting tree houses, slides and swings, or take a ride on Bella the train around the park. The stunning gardens and picturesque parkland are a beautiful backdrop to the animals or soak up the exotic vibe among the beautiful plants in the Tropical House and cacti beds in the old walled garden.
Join one of the new Bushcraft courses at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and spend the day learning everything you need to know about surviving in the wild. Great for families (kids 8 and over please) the adventure includes basic foraging, shelter building, fire-lighting and natural navigation as well as lunch and drinks throughout the day.
Calling all explorers! Embark on a rambling adventure to Cleeve Hill; grab a pair of Hunter wellies or Dubarry boots from the boot room and Ellenborough Park will provide you with a map and delicious picnic before waving you off on your rambling adventure! The Rambling package includes a 3 course dinner in the Brasserie on the day you arrive, two nights’ accommodation, full English breakfast on both days and a walk to Cleeve Hill including maps, picnic lunch and use of the Boot Room equipment!
From animals to birds – and Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton on the Water – one of the largest bird collections in the country! With the UK’s only breeding colony of king penguins, a pandemonium of parrots and a collection of dinosaurs lurking in the woodland – there’s a whole host of fun, entertaining and informative activities for all ages throughout the summer holidays.
Hear storytelling from the Dragon Whisperer or become a King or Queen for the day at one of Sudeley Castle’s Children’s Wednesdays which take place every Wednesday throughout August.
You’ll be in for a wild time at this summer’s production by the wonderful Giffords Circus. ‘Any Port in a Storm’ oozes drama, exuberance and style featuring a unique blend of bohemian artisan entertainment – including, of course, the irrepressible king of mis-rule – Tweedy the Clown.
Lower Mill Estate is the UK’s first residential nature reserve and the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors and get closer to nature. It’s also home to the beautiful Habitat Escape – a selection of family-friendly holiday homes and is situated in 500 acres including eight lakes, two rivers and a huge expanse of unspoilt countryside. This summer take part in the Miss Mouse Trail – a family friendly treasure trail designed to encourage children to explore and learn local wildlife while having fun!
The Cotswolds may seem cosy but there’s plenty of wildness to be found in between the picture postcard villages – with hidden paths and cycle tracks leading through dense woodland and across the green rolling hillsides. The Carter Company are expert at discovering the lesser known trails and their ‘Ramble and Ride in the Cotswolds’ tour is the perfect way to have a gentle adventure, experiencing the brooks and streams, grassy valleys and rich deep woodland that make the Cotswolds so special.
Go wild and get up close and personal with the birds on the wonderful treetop walkway at Westonbirt Arboretum. Wander through the tree canopies and soak up life as a bird on this amazing structure.
Stay at award winning Cotswold stone holiday cottages The Chestnuts and Culls Cottage and you’re perfectly placed for wonderful wild attractions. The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Crocodiles of the World are on your doorstep which means you’re guaranteed a wild time!
On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer school holidays, you can go one-to-one with your very own alpaca at Fairytale Farm! Visitors can take one of these enchanting creatures around the farm trail and learn the art of training an alpaca to enjoy human company – they normally only socialise with their own kind – but you’ll have an experienced animal handler with you at all times!
With breath-taking scenery and wonderful walks, the Cotswold hills are a great place for a gentle walk or something more strenuous enjoying the great outdoors. You’ll be spoilt for choice for al fresco eating spots including places like spectacular Minchinhampton Common or the Cotswold Way.
