The Cotswolds is going all manly for Father’s Day!

If you’re looking for a gift with a difference this Father’s Day, the Cotswolds is full-to-bursting with amazing experiences to make his day a day to remember.  From facials to fishing, art courses to bushcraft skills, gin tasting to buying a barrel of whisky – the Cotswolds has got everything you need to make June 18th the ultimate Father’s Day.


A massage for Father's Day at the Greenway Hotel & Spa

A massage and a lunch
Spa treatments definitely aren’t just for the ladies and The Greenway Hotel & Spa have a special offer - £56 instead of £70  - on a 55 minute treatment combining a relaxing shoulder, neck, face and scalp massage with a tailored skin solution just for him! (Quote Cotswolds Tourism Manly Offer - valid 18 June to 31 August). Or you can skip the treatment and just enjoy a traditional Kings Sunday lunch – a treat for hardworking dads, at the Kings Hotel in beautiful Chipping Campden. 


Barbecue and games at Ellenborough Park 

Barbecue and games
Let him live like a lord at Ellenborough Park where there’ll be traditional garden games as well as laser clay shooting and volleyball on an inflatable court followed by a fantastic Father’s Day barbecue.   This special day will raise money for WellChild and tickets include the fabulous barbecue lunch and live outdoor music.   


A cocktail masterclass at The Cookery School at Thyme 

Cocktail making and body treatments
Entertaining his friends will never be the same again thanks to a ‘Cocktails, Cordials and Infusions’ class at the gorgeous Cookery School at Thyme.  Or how about indulging Dad with a tailor made Aurelia Probiotic Skincare ritual or body treatment?  Gift vouchers can be used for events and treatments so you can let Dad choose the way he wants to spend his special day.


Dad is free 
There’s free entry for Dad to beautiful Batsford Arboretum on Father’s Day (on production of a paying child!) – the perfect excuse for a summer walk followed by a slap up home-baked lunch or afternoon tea in the sunshine on the deck of the Garden Terrace Café. 


A canoe safari at WWT Slimbridge 

Safaris and photography
There’s a whole host of events at WWT Slimbridge guaranteed to appeal to Dads of all ages and abilities!  Land Rover Safaris run every day, or he can spot the local wildlife from the water – how about a canoe or coracle safari?  Or fine-tune his photography skills and sign him up for a photography class?  He’ll cover all the basics as well as some great tips on wildlife and bird flight photography and advanced composition. 


Birds galore!
And staying with our feathered friends – there are more than 500 different species at Birdland along with their somewhat larger relations – dinosaurs - which you can see in their Jurassic Journey!  


A bottle (or cask!) of  the first ever Cotswold whisky
Treat whisky-loving Dads by reserving some of the first ever whisky from the Cotswolds Distillery.  You could really push the boat out and reserve him his very own cask, or opt for one of only 2,500 bottles being pre-sold.  Orders include a certificate confirming the bottle’s authenticity and they’re sure to become a collector’s item when ready in October this year. 


Bikes, engines, ales and music
Cogges is perfect for the outdoorsy type – or those with a penchant for all things old!  The farmyard will be packed full of wonderful vintage and classic motorbikes, cars, working steam engines and traditional farm machinery and tractors, or if you’re looking for adventure – head to the woodland and have a go at building a den.  With live music and craft ales, it’s a great day out for Dad.  


Chair making course at Westonbirt Arboretum 

Is he the crafty type?
His chance to create a family heirloom at one of Westonbirt Arboretum’s amazing courses running this summer.  He could spend a week learning how to make a beautiful Windsor Chair or a rustic chair in just one day on dates in late June.  Or treat him to a full year’s FREE entry to Westonbirt by making him a Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum.   


Food, glorious food
For the man who has everything, why not try a Cheltenham Foodie Tour?  He’ll learn about artisan Cotswold food and drink, enjoy a gin taster in a Georgian mansion and discover the art of great cider making from the Cider Master (including boar chorizo on handmade sourdough pizzas!). 


Bamboo stick massage at Thermae Bath Spa

De-stressing Dad
Help him escape the stresses and strains of modern life and book him in for a fantastic treatment at the Thermae Bath Spa.  The Bamboo massage is a deep and firm treatment involving warm bamboo sticks while the Vitality Facial for Men includes a thorough cleanse and a head, shoulder and face massage!


  

Father's Day at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum 

Army talk?
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum have special offers a plenty over the Father’s Day weekend including half price family tickets and family annual passes.  The museum also host a number of interesting talks throughout the year which would make a lovely Father’s Day present.  How about ‘The Raising of Kitchener’s Army’ on Wednesday 14th June at 7pm – the story behind that famous poster encouraging everyone to get involved in the war effort? 


Gintelmen please
The Bell at Selsley are running an afternoon gin tasting on 25th June from 5 – 7pm – the perfect treat for any Gintleman (pun intended!)  Tickets can be booked in advance and come in a gift voucher card you can personalise for the lucky dad. 


The Handlebards are presenting 'As You Like It'  at The Fleece Inn

Handlebards but no moustaches
Theatrical Dads will love a ticket for the all-female ‘As You Like It’ at The Fleece Inn on July 2nd.  Performed by the Handlebards – who travel everywhere on their bicycles – these are Shakespearean productions as you’ve never seen them before – fast-paced, irreverent and yes – bicycle-powered! 


Fishing on the Great Lake at Blenheim Palace 

Great Lake fishing
Why not book your Dad in for a spot of wild fishing on the great lake at Blenheim Palace no less.  There are lots of available dates and it’s the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life and enjoy some quality quiet time. 


Learning bushcraft skills at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park  

For the would-be hunter gatherer
Get him back to nature and enjoy a new bushcraft experience at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park.  The one day course suits adrenaline-seekers and land lovers alike and gives him the chance to learn all about basic foraging, shelter building, game preparation, fire-lighting, whittling and natural navigation! 


Great gardens and ales
Gardening enthusiast Dads will love a trip to world-class Hidcote Manor Gardens on Father’s Day. As well as the glorious gardens at their best, there’ll be ale tasting in the shop and specials to share with dad in their café.


A beer with lunch
The Kings Head in picturesque Cirencester are holding a special three course Father’s Day lunch including a beer for the man himself on June 18th between noon and 2.30pm.


Creative courses at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester

Get him all creative
There’s a host of amazing workshops at Cirencester’s lovely New Brewery Arts over the next couple of months that would make great Father’s Day gifts.  There’s everything from a three day workshop making your very own leather bag to making a shaker box – or how about creating your own willow basket. 


Archery at Berkeley Castle

Bring out the medieval archer in him
Treat Dad like a king this Father’s Day with a visit to beautiful Berkeley Castle.  As well as free entry to this historic Cotswold castle, there’s a free lunch (T&Cs apply).  He can enjoy a medieval archery show while there, discover how men made their living as archers – and even have a go himself!   
 

Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)