Guides
10 Free Family Days Out in the Cotswolds
Ten Cotswolds ideas without an attraction admission charge, with parking, access and optional spending to plan separately.
Your Modern Guide to the Cotswolds
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Guides
Ten Cotswolds ideas without an attraction admission charge, with parking, access and optional spending to plan separately.
Things to do · Cirencester
A watersports school offering waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, inflatables, paddleboarding and kayak hire.
Opening hours: Seasonal hours listed by the operator are Mon–Sat 9am–8pm and Sun 10am–6pm; watersports depend on conditions. Book ahead and confirm the current timetable.
Guides
A specific two-day Cheltenham plan with WoodKraft breakfast, Sri Lankan lunch, Muse dinner, Montpellier and Pittville Park, plus station-side alternatives.
Guides
A beer-minded weekend with a proper brewery tour, a country pub and the sort of village wandering that makes room for a second pint.
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A mixed-group brewery day at Hook Norton or DEYA, with Malthouse Kitchen meals, Ritual coffee and clear tour-access advice.
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How to plan a friendly Cotswold golf break for players at different levels, with visitor booking details and non-golf time built in.
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A local-minded way to plan a two-day Cotswold Way break: choose a section, sort the return transport and let the trail set the pace.
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A full Wotton day built around a mapped Cotswold Way circuit, a real breakfast and picnic stop, town heritage and an independent cinema evening.
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A two-day dog weekend around Rodborough and Slad, with specific pub stops, separate routes and realistic south Cotswold geography.
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A flexible two-day plan for families, with a farm visit, open space, short walks and simple rainy-day alternatives.
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A relaxed food-led weekend with markets, independent cafés, local producers and a few good places to linger.
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A considered hen weekend with a local tasting, a proper dinner and enough breathing room to enjoy the people you came with.
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A thoughtful weekend for grandparents, parents and children, with shorter outings, sensible pauses and honest access checks.
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A garden-and-heritage weekend is more satisfying when the visits have different characters. Batsford offers trees and an outdoor route. Chastleton asks you to look closely at rooms…
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A slower country-pub weekend for good beer, a serious lunch and one lovely walk between the pints.
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A relaxed 48-hour Christmas itinerary for the Cotswolds, balancing a market town, a winter walk, a memorable meal and one festive experience.
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Give Cotswold Farm Park a whole day: rare breeds, play areas, breakfast and lunch at the Ox Shed, and a Guiting Power pub option afterwards.
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Wet-weather dog days with Wild Duck breakfast and lunch, an Old Boathouse option and realistic routes that leave room to dry off.
Guides
A practical shortlist of museums, galleries, indoor farm experiences and cosy stops for wet-weather days in the Cotswolds.
Guides · Cheltenham
Take a closer look at The Loft’s rooms and plan a short break with time to enjoy your accommodation.
Guides
A slower food-led weekend linking market towns, garden cafés and good places to pause in the southern Cotswolds.
Guides
The quieter eastern and southern Cotswolds deserve more than a chain of village names. Lechlade gives you the Thames at a smaller, slower scale. Fairford's church has…
Guides
A realistic Winchcombe day with breakfast in town, time at Sudeley Castle, lunch at The Lion Inn and an optional Hailes Abbey visit when tours run.
Guides · Cheltenham
Build a relaxed weekend around a manageable walk, time in Cheltenham and a comfortable countryside base.
Things to do · Cirencester
A green pause in the centre of Cirencester, Abbey Grounds follows the line of the old town walls and gives you room to slow down between shops…
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do
An all-weather family attraction combining animal encounters, a farm, dinosaur experiences, indoor play and outdoor activities.
Opening hours: The attraction lists daily opening, typically 10am–5pm; hours and ticket availability vary by season and event. Check the date-specific calendar and book before travelling.
Guides
A stag weekend with countryside activity, a good meal and safe transport, without defaulting to a pub crawl or overpacked schedule.
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An unhurried Cirencester and Painswick weekend, with Sam & Jak breakfast, Roots + Seeds lunch, Roman history and The Falcon.
Guides
A two-day family itinerary that mixes animals, a heritage train and a rainy-day museum without overloading the youngest travellers.
Things to do · Bibury
Arlington Row is Bibury's most recognisable view: a short terrace of seventeenth-century weavers' cottages stepping down towards the Rack Isle.
Opening hours: Arlington Row is a street of occupied cottages, viewed from the public footpath at any time. The cottages are private homes and are not open to tour; visit in daylight to see the terrace and Rack Isle.
Things to do · Cirencester
A regional cycle-hire and guided-tour operator with hire hubs across the Cotswolds, Cheltenham and surrounding areas. The fleet includes options for families as well as adult riders;…
Opening hours: Hire is booking-led; collection hubs and staffed shop hours differ. Check the selected location and current booking information.
Things to do · Nailsworth
A family-run riding school near Nailsworth offering lessons, countryside hacks, pony activities and inclusive riding through its RDA programme.
Opening hours: Published timetable: Wed and Fri 10am–6:30pm, Sat 8:30am–4pm, Sun 8:30am–3pm; closed Mon, Tue and Thu. Lessons and rides need advance booking.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A 55-acre arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh with Japanese maples, magnolias, woodland paths, a garden centre and café.
Opening hours: Arboretum and garden centre: 9.30am–5pm Monday–Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday. Last arboretum entry 4pm; the site may close in high winds, so check the official website before travelling.
Things to do · Winchcombe
A well-preserved Neolithic long barrow on the Cotswold escarpment, reached by a short but steep walk from the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Open daily all year during daylight hours. Free entry. The barrow is more than half a mile from the limited lay-by and the approach includes a steep climb, stiles and a kissing gate.
Things to do · Stroud
A lived-in medieval castle near the Severn, with historic rooms, gardens and optional guided tours; check its Sunday–Wednesday visitor season.
Opening hours: 2026 visitor season: Sunday–Wednesday, 11am–5pm; last castle admission 4pm. Guided tours at noon and 2pm, subject to availability. Check the official calendar for seasonal dates and private events.
Guides
Where to see birds, farm animals, wildlife and reptiles, with the right choice for different ages and weather.
Guides
The most useful Cotswolds parks for play, picnics and an easy break between bigger plans.
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A practical shortlist of satisfying Cotswolds walks under five miles, with notes on terrain and who they suit.
Guides
Animals, playgrounds and short outings for a manageable toddler day, with clear notes on pushchairs, weather and when to stop.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
South Indian cooking in central Cheltenham, with dosa, regional dishes and a menu that reaches beyond familiar curry-house staples.
Opening hours: Current booking page lists lunch Wednesday–Sunday 12pm–1:45pm and dinner daily 5pm–9:45pm. Check the booking page for exceptions.
Destinations · Bibury
Tiny riverside village famous for Arlington Row, Rack Isle and Bibury Trout Farm — iconic Cotswold scenery that is best enjoyed outside peak hours.
Things to do · Bibury
Peaceful churchyard slightly away from the busiest riverside viewpoints, with old stonework and a slower atmosphere.
Opening hours: Usually open for worship and visiting during the day, but services and private events can change access. Check before travelling.
Things to do · Bibury
This gentle riverside walk links Bibury with Coln St Aldwyns through water meadows, footbridges and broad Cotswold views.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Bibury
Bibury Trout Farm has been raising trout on the River Coln since the nineteenth century, with clear spring-fed ponds and a working hatchery to explore.
Opening hours: Trout farm, shop and café: daily 09:00–17:00; last farm entry 16:15. Hot food is served until 16:30. Fishing hours and availability depend on conditions; check before travelling.
Things to do · Bibury
Short village walk linking the river, Arlington Row, churchyard and quieter lanes beyond the main visitor stop.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
Penguins, aviaries and a woodland dinosaur trail make Birdland a substantial outdoor family visit in Bourton.
Opening hours: Opens daily at 10am. Current admission page lists 5pm closing and 4pm last entry; winter closing can be earlier. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Paid admission.
Things to do · Cirencester
Characterful side street of independent shops, cafés and small makers just off Cirencester's central routes.
Opening hours: Black Jack Street is a public street and can be walked at any time. Its independent shops and cafés set their own hours, with shorter Sunday opening common.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A working North Cotswold farm offering bookable experiences with its Valais Blacknose sheep, farm life and the story behind BLACKLION vodka. It gives families and groups something…
Opening hours: Experiences are booking-led; check the current experience calendar, age guidance and availability online.
Destinations · Blockley
Steep lanes, former silk mills and a quieter hillside setting make Blockley one of the north Cotswolds’ best villages for a slower wander.
Food & Drink · Blockley
Blockley Café is a licensed artisan café in the centre of the village, offering a rare all-day option in a quiet corner of the north Cotswolds. It…
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, 363 days a year. Daytime walk-ins; dinner reservations from 18:30. Check current menus and hours online.
Guides
Two very different Cotswold bluebell walks compared: easier woodland rides at Westonbirt and a longer valley route at Woodchester Park, with dog and access advice.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A central Clarence Street café for cooked breakfast, brunch and lunch, with a broad menu and a practical location for the Wilson and Pittville.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 8am–4pm; Friday 8am–4.30pm; Saturday 8am–5pm; Sunday 9am–4pm.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Layered topiary, spring-fed water features, an 18th-century raised walk and a seven-acre field make this a proper garden visit rather than a quick photo stop. Allow time…
Opening hours: 2026 season: Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm until 16 October; closed public holidays. Last entry 4:15pm. Check next season's dates before travelling.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A countryside link between Bourton and Lower Slaughter; choose a mapped route and allow for fields, gates and a busy road crossing.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Destinations · Bourton-on-the-Water
Riverside village with low stone bridges, family attractions, cafés and easy walks towards the Slaughters — beautiful, but best outside peak day-trip hours.
Things to do · Stroud
See the Cotswold Canals restoration story at Brimscombe Port, with the Trust's volunteer bookshop and changing towpath access.
Opening hours: Canal-side public routes vary with restoration work. Cotswold Canals Trust bookshop at Brimscombe Corner: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am–4pm; check current notices.
Destinations · Broadway
A polished north Cotswold village for independent shops, restaurants, walking, Arts & Crafts history and one of the region's best viewpoints.
Things to do · Broadway
Broadway Arts Festival returns 11–20 June 2027, with art, music, talks and performances across the village; individual events have their own times and venues.
Opening hours: The next main Broadway Arts Festival is 11–20 June 2027 at venues around the village. Individual events have their own times and tickets; the organiser also runs occasional events between festivals.
Things to do · Broadway
An 18-hole, par-72 course above Broadway with Cotswold views, an inland-links feel and a distinctive drop to its signature fifth green.
Opening hours: Visitors are welcome but tee times should be booked ahead; Saturday visitor access is restricted around members’ times. Confirm green fees, availability and course conditions.
Things to do · Broadway
Honey-stone high street lined with independent shops, galleries and cafés, best explored early or late in the day.
Opening hours: Individual shops and galleries set their own hours; most are open through the daytime, with shorter winter and Sunday hours.
Things to do · Broadway
A small museum in a seventeenth-century building exploring Broadway’s history, art and local collections.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–4.30pm; last entry 4pm. Closed Sunday. Museum admission is ticketed; some family spaces and activities have separate arrangements.
Things to do · Broadway
The classic uphill walk from Broadway village to the tower, with escarpment views as the reward.
Opening hours: Public footpaths are open year-round in daylight; Broadway Tower Museum, cafés and car park have seasonal hours. Check the route and venue information before travelling.
Guides
A practical guide to the classic climb from Broadway village to Broadway Tower and back.
Things to do · Broadway
A hilltop tower and parkland destination with a museum, roof views, deer park and space for a picnic.
Opening hours: Country Park and car park open daily. Tower Museum: April–October 10am–5pm daily; November–March 10.30am–4pm weekdays and 10am–4.30pm weekends. Cafés and other facilities vary seasonally; weather can affect opening. Check the official website before travelling.
Things to do · Broadway
A ticketed circular walk through Broadway Tower's deer park, with escarpment views; choose the short estate circuit or connect to the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Country park opens daily, with seasonal hours and ticketed entry. Parking gates normally open 8am–5pm and lock shortly afterwards; check the official site for weather changes.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A privately owned landscape garden with a famous walled garden, lime avenue and expansive parkland near the north Cotswolds.
Opening hours: 2026 season: Wednesdays 10am–5pm, April–September. Tuesday group visits by appointment. Check the garden for future dates.
Food & Drink · Burford
A historic Burford coaching inn now home to several distinct restaurants, from seasonal British dining to an immersive tasting menu.
Opening hours: Dining hours vary by restaurant: Horn Monday–Saturday 08:00–15:00 and 18:00–21:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00; Wild Wednesday–Saturday 19:00–22:30; Sl’ice Thursday and Sunday 12:00–21:00, Friday–Saturday 12:00–22:00. Confirm tables and hours through the official dining page.
Destinations · Burford
Historic market town with a sweeping honey-stone High Street, independent shopping, pubs and easy access to the eastern Cotswolds.
Things to do · Burford
Self-guided browse through Burford's antiques dealers, galleries and interiors shops, best taken slowly over a morning.
Opening hours: A self-guided browse of separate Burford antiques dealers and galleries. The High Street is always accessible; individual shops keep their own hours, especially on Sundays.
Things to do · Burford
Gentle route through the churchyard and riverside edge below Burford, offering a quieter alternative to the steep High Street.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Things to do · Burford
Burford Garden Company is a proper destination rather than a quick garden-centre stop: an independent, family-owned 15-acre site with plants, gardenalia, homeware, gifts, seasonal displays, a food…
Opening hours: Main store: 9am–6pm Monday–Saturday; 11am–5pm Sunday. Glasshouse Café: 9am–5.30pm Monday–Saturday; 10.30am–5pm Sunday. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday; seasonal changes may apply. Check the official website before travelling.
Things to do · Burford
Burford's steep High Street is lined with honey-coloured stone, independent shops, galleries and old coaching inns descending towards the River Windrush.
Opening hours: Burford High Street is a public street with no fixed visiting hours. The independent shops, cafés and galleries each set their own opening times; daytime is best for browsing.
Things to do · Burford
A short countryside detour for views across the Windrush valley and the historic town edge.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Things to do · Cirencester
A small rare-breeds farm near South Cerney where visitors can see traditional livestock and learn about a working farm, subject to current opening arrangements.
Opening hours: Visitor access and farm activities are seasonal and may be limited to selected days. Check current visitor information and arrange your visit before setting off.
Food & Drink · Castle Combe
A destination dinner in Castle Combe’s Manor House, with seasonal cooking and a carefully paced dining room.
Opening hours: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday; tables available 18:00–20:30, with last orders at 20:45. Breakfast is served daily 07:00–10:30. Book ahead; check current availability.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
Now operating online after closing its Chipping Campden premises; view contemporary art on the website or arrange a private viewing.
Opening hours: No public gallery opening hours in Chipping Campden: the physical premises have closed. Browse online or contact Campden Gallery to arrange a viewing.
Destinations · Castle Combe
A famously photogenic but genuinely tiny living village: honey-stone cottages, wooded valley walks and a better atmosphere when visited outside peak daytime hours.
Guides
A calmer Castle Combe day with St Andrew’s Church, the By Brook lanes, a proper Castle Inn lunch and an optional Bybrook dinner.
Things to do · Castle Combe
Motor-racing circuit near the village hosting race days, driving experiences and events that require advance booking.
Opening hours: Circuit office: Monday–Friday, 9am–5.30pm; closed weekends. Event-day access varies by calendar and ticket.
Things to do · Castle Combe
Short village-and-valley walk around Castle Combe, balancing the famous stone cottages with quieter lanes beyond the centre.
Opening hours: The village and public lanes are open year-round; allow for daylight, weather and any event-day restrictions.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cerney House Gardens is a relaxed, privately run garden near North Cerney, known for its long borders, roses, ponds and informal woodland paths.
Opening hours: Daily 10am–7pm, or until daylight ends in winter; closed Christmas Day and in severe weather. Paid garden admission; normally no advance booking except special events.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A remarkably complete early-17th-century country house with a walled garden, orchard and quiet village setting near Moreton-in-Marsh.
Opening hours: Opening is seasonal and usually limited to selected days. Check the National Trust listing for current house, garden and car-park times before travelling.
Things to do · Tetbury
Chavenage House is a lived-in Elizabethan manor surrounded by parkland west of Tetbury, with richly furnished rooms and strong links to local history and film locations.
Opening hours: House visits are by reservation only and subject to limited availability while filming continues. There are no regular public drop-in hours; contact Chavenage to arrange a group or individual tour.
Things to do · Northleach
A grand Roman villa in a wooded Cotswold valley, with mosaics, bath houses, a museum, café and woodland walks.
Opening hours: Grounds, West Range, museum, visitor centre and shop generally 10am–5pm on open days; café 10am–4.30pm. Opening varies seasonally, so check the National Trust listing before travelling.
Destinations · Cheltenham
Elegant Regency streets, major festivals, excellent food and drink, green spaces and an easy launch point for exploring the northern and central Cotswolds.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Historic parish church in the centre of Cheltenham, with medieval origins and a calm pause from the busy shopping streets.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 11am–1pm; closed Sunday. Check services and visitor access before travelling.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Tree-lined Regency promenade linking gardens, galleries and cafés, ideal for an easy central wander between bookings.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Home of the Cheltenham Festival and year-round racedays — a must for racing fans and a top ‘big day out’ in the Cotswolds.
Opening hours: Opening is tied to race fixtures and events; gates, hospitality and admission times vary by meeting. Check the current fixture page before travelling.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Grand Regency concert and events venue on the Promenade, with a changing programme worth checking before a town visit.
Opening hours: Opening is event-led. Ticket office: Monday and Thursday, 11am–1.30pm in person; phone bookings Monday–Friday, 12–5pm.
Destinations · Chipping Campden
One of the north Cotswolds’ best-preserved towns: historic Market Hall, independent shops, Arts & Crafts heritage and excellent walking straight from the High Street.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
Quiet row of historic almshouses close to the High Street, rewarding a slower look at Campden's civic architecture.
Opening hours: The almshouses are occupied homes, not a visitor attraction. Their historic exterior can be viewed from Church Street at any time; there is no public interior access.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A town-centre route linking the High Street, Market Hall, almshouses, Silk Mill and St James’ Church.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A walk through one of the Cotswolds’ finest historic streets, with honey-coloured buildings and the old market area.
Opening hours: Chipping Campden High Street and its historic Market Hall are public spaces with no fixed visiting hours. Shops and any markets trade to their own schedules; visit in daylight to enjoy the architecture.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
The 1627 stone Market Hall at the heart of Chipping Campden — free to wander through and one of the town’s defining landmarks.
Opening hours: Generally open dawn–dusk; check the National Trust page for the selected date.
Things to do
A volunteer-run local museum exploring Chipping Norton through archaeology, town trades, everyday objects, photographs and family-history resources.
Opening hours: Published season runs Easter to the end of October, Mon–Sat and bank holidays, 2pm–4pm. Check current opening; group access can be arranged separately.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A small producing theatre with drama, comedy, music and family shows in the Cotswold Oxfordshire fringe.
Opening hours: Opens for scheduled performances, cinema and events; check the programme and ticket details for each visit.
Guides
The best family Christmas experiences in the Cotswolds, from Cotswold Farm Park and steam trains to light trails and practical planning tips.
Guides
A practical guide to Christmas markets, festive shopping and light trails across the Cotswolds, with a simple day plan and advice for winter visits.
Guides
Where to shop for thoughtful Christmas gifts in Cirencester, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow and Tetbury, with a relaxed one-day route.
Things to do · Northleach
The Church of St Peter and St Paul dominates Northleach's market square and reflects the town's wealth as a medieval wool centre.
Opening hours: Daily 9am–5pm for visits, subject to services and church events.
Destinations · Cirencester
Roman history, a busy market-town centre, excellent green spaces and quick access to the Cotswold Lakes make Cirencester one of the region’s easiest all-round bases.
Guides
A compact first-timer itinerary for Cirencester, combining Roman history, independent shops, a park walk and good places to eat.
Things to do · Cirencester
An 18-hole golf club north of Cirencester, with a rolling parkland course, practice facilities and visitor tee times by arrangement.
Opening hours: Visitors are welcome subject to tee-time availability; book ahead and check current visitor terms, course conditions and clubhouse hours.
Things to do · Cirencester
Volunteer-led Cirencester history walks from the parish church. Public walks April to October; private walks by arrangement.
Opening hours: Public walks April–October. In October 2026: Thu 2:30pm; Sat and Sun 11am and 2:30pm. No booking normally needed; check for short-notice changes.
Things to do · Cirencester
Working market square at the heart of Cirencester, surrounded by the town's shops, cafés and historic wool buildings.
Opening hours: The Market Place is a public square, accessible at any time. Cirencester's charter market usually trades Monday and Friday, 09:00–15:00; other markets have their own dates.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cirencester's regular markets animate the Market Place with produce, antiques, crafts and seasonal stalls.
Opening hours: Charter Market: Monday and Friday 09:00–15:00 in Market Place. Farmers’ Market: second and fourth Saturday of each month, usually 09:00–14:30. Extra markets have separate dates; check the council calendar.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool is a heated outdoor lido with a main pool, learner area and grassy space for sunbathing.
Opening hours: Currently open through autumn 2026. Mon/Wed/Fri 06:30–19:00; Tue/Thu 06:30–18:30; Sat 08:00–18:00; Sun 10:30–18:00. Swim sessions vary; check the live timetable and book ahead.
Things to do · Cirencester
Historic Bathurst Estate parkland within walking distance of town, with long views, marked walking routes, dog-friendly sections and The Old Kennels visitor hub.
Opening hours: Open daily 8am–5pm unless otherwise announced. Check current pass and ticket arrangements before visiting.
Things to do · Cirencester
Historic polo venue on the edge of Cirencester, with match days and events that need advance date checking.
Opening hours: Opening is booking and event-led. Check availability, visitor access and current tee or event times with the venue.
Things to do · Cirencester
The Roman Amphitheatre survives as a broad grassy bowl just south of Cirencester's centre, marking the edge of the Roman town of Corinium.
Opening hours: Free entry. Open every day throughout the year during reasonable daylight hours. The grassy earthworks and entrance are uneven; there are no facilities at the monument.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A family-run guiding company offering private escorted tours and local insight across the Cotswolds. It suits visitors who want a tailored day with transport and commentary rather…
Opening hours: Private tours by advance booking; check the operator’s current tour options and availability.
Guides
What beginners and group organisers should ask before booking an instructor-led Cotswold clay-shooting experience.
Things to do · Stroud
A historic iron-ore mine with underground passages, a visitor trail and Forest of Dean geology.
Opening hours: Opening times vary seasonally; check the official website before visiting.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Open common and wide views above Cheltenham, with a choice of walks and clear guidance for visiting with dogs.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
An open hilltop viewpoint above the Severn Vale with picnic space, walking links and wide sunset views.
Opening hours: Open countryside viewpoint; check Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust notices for any temporary access or parking changes.
Things to do
A historic manor farm in Witney with farm animals, gardens, heritage rooms, woodland play and a café, making a flexible family day out.
Opening hours: The main visitor season generally runs March–November, with day-by-day opening and events published online. Check the calendar and ticket requirements.
Things to do · Cirencester
A woodland paintball venue for groups looking for an energetic outdoor activity, with game formats and equipment arranged through the operator. Check age limits, session length and…
Opening hours: Pre-booked sessions; check current opening dates, age limits and booking availability with the operator.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cirencester’s essential rainy-day stop, with an outstanding collection of Roman mosaics and local archaeology in the centre of town.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–4pm; Sun 2pm–4pm. Check the official site before travelling.
Things to do · Cirencester
Town-centre trail connecting Roman clues, museum collections and surviving traces of Corinium's streets.
Opening hours: The trail is outdoors and can be followed at any reasonable daylight hour; museum access and events have separate hours.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Meet the alpacas at Korinn Farm, learn about their care and take a gentle guided walk around the grounds of Cowley Manor. The roughly hour-long experience suits…
Opening hours: Experiences are arranged in advance; contact the farm to confirm dates, suitability and availability.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A coached outdoor archery session at Batsford, with equipment supplied and options for beginners, families and private groups.
Opening hours: Sessions are booking-led, with 60-, 90- and 120-minute options generally starting from 10:30am. Confirm your slot and arrival instructions when booking.
Things to do · Cirencester
Hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard for a self-guided outing on the Thames around Lechlade. The pace is yours, but river conditions and operator instructions matter; book…
Opening hours: During school holidays, generally daily 9:30am–5pm; other hire and Thursday evening sessions depend on booking and weather.
Things to do · Northleach
Sporting clay shooting at Farmington Quarry near Northleach, with Sunday shooting and booked experiences for beginners and private groups.
Opening hours: Main ground Sunday 10am–2pm. Beginner experiences require booking. Private group experiences Monday–Saturday by prior arrangement at the club’s other locations; the booking confirmation specifies the meeting point.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cotswold Country Park & Beach is a large former quarry lake with a sandy beach, open-water activities and family play areas near Cirencester.
Opening hours: Closed for the remainder of the 2026 season. The beach, swimming and activity areas are ticketed and seasonal; await the operator’s 2027 reopening calendar.
Things to do · Cirencester
A purpose-built site near Cirencester for rally and off-road driving sessions, with adult, junior and passenger options. Choose a format to suit the driver and check licence,…
Opening hours: Pre-booked experiences; office enquiries Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. Session dates vary; check online.
Things to do · Cirencester
Electric-bike hire from Abbey Home Farm, a practical way to tackle the region’s hills without turning the ride into a fitness test. Bikes include equipment and optional…
Opening hours: Hire is by advance booking; current listed full-day collection is 9:30am–4:30pm. Confirm seasonal availability and add-ons online.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Guided and self-guided electric-bike outings based around Kingham, designed to make the lanes and villages manageable for mixed-ability groups. Routes, tours and family-friendly bike options vary, so…
Opening hours: Tours and bike hire are booking-led; day hire typically collects at 9am and returns by 4pm. Confirm date and equipment availability.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A working falconry centre near Moreton-in-Marsh with daily flying displays, owls, eagles and hands-on keeper talks.
Opening hours: Opening and flying-display times vary by season and weather. Check the official site before travelling, especially outside school holidays.
Things to do · Cirencester
A privately tended Arts and Crafts garden with terraces, topiary, a bog garden and seasonal snowdrops, open on selected dates or by appointment.
Opening hours: Private appointments are available throughout the year; public openings are occasional and announced seasonally. Confirm dates and admission before travelling.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A ticketed family attraction near Guiting Power, with rare-breed animals, indoor animal barns, outdoor play, a woodland walk and seasonal activities.
Opening hours: Ticketed attraction; most visitors should pre-book (members and campsite guests are exceptions). The official calendar currently lists 9:30am–5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Opening dates and times vary by season, so check the date-specific calendar before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
Booked instructor-led glider flights from Aston Down above the Stroud valleys, subject to weather and airfield safety rules.
Opening hours: Booked flights and courses only; the office is staffed 9am–2pm except Thursday and Friday. Flying depends on weather.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A parkland golf course at Ullenwood, south of Cheltenham, with mature trees, natural undulations and Cotswold views.
Opening hours: Visitor tee times by advance booking through the Pro Shop, up to five days ahead; check course status and clubhouse hours.
Things to do · Broadway
Seasonal lavender fields at Hill Barn Farm near Snowshill, best planned around the flowering and opening dates.
Opening hours: The lavender fields are closed after the 2026 harvest and are expected to reopen in mid-June 2027. During the summer season they normally open daily 10:00–17:00, with last entry 16:45. Confirm next season’s dates before travelling.
Guides
When to see the Cotswold Lavender fields at Snowshill, what to check for summer 2027, and how to pair them with Broadway and Snowshill Manor.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A fun, family-friendly museum packed with classic vehicles and nostalgia — an easy win if you’re in Bourton (especially in bad weather).
Opening hours: Open daily 10am–6pm. Last museum admission 5:15pm. Check the museum website before making a special journey.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
An independent fragrance maker and shop in central Bourton, with separately booked perfume-making courses.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday 9.30am–5pm; Sunday and bank holidays 10.30am–5pm. Courses must be booked separately.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Bespoke drive-and-walk or walking photography tours led by local photographers, with routes shaped around the season, subjects and time you have. It is a thoughtful option for…
Opening hours: Personalised tours by arrangement; contact the guides for current pricing, dates and pick-up details.
Things to do · Broadway
Instructor-led electric quad treks on the Farncombe Estate near Broadway, with routes that change by season.
Opening hours: Advance booking required. Electric quad treks include autumn/winter dates; availability and route vary by season. Age 16+ and other rider rules apply.
Things to do · Cirencester
Cotswold Sculpture Park places contemporary sculpture among meadows and woodland near Somerford Keynes, creating a walk that changes with the light and seasons.
Opening hours: Seasonal sculpture exhibition with paid admission, on published opening dates. Not an open-access park; check the current season and admission on the operator website.
Guides
Rodborough and Minchinhampton dog walks with Bear of Rodborough breakfast, Crown Inn lunch and practical advice for shared countryside.
Things to do · Cirencester
A network of lakes south of Cirencester for walking, cycling, birdwatching, paddle sports and family days outdoors.
Opening hours: Outdoor sites are open year-round, with activity centres and cafés operating seasonally. Check the official site for bookings, swimming and water-sports rules.
Things to do · Cirencester
An inflatable waterpark and family activity at Cotswold Country Park & Beach, with sessions booked in advance.
Opening hours: No future 2026 sessions currently advertised; book only when the operator releases a dated session. Park admission is separate.
Guides
A Water Park day teenagers can help plan, with a booked activity, named on-site lunch choices and dinner at The Old Boathouse.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
The northern end of the 102-mile Cotswold Way, marked in the heart of Chipping Campden.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Painswick
The Painswick section of the Cotswold Way climbs from the town to open limestone grassland, with wide views over the Severn Vale.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Burford
A substantial family wildlife park combining animals, landscaped gardens, play areas and plenty of space to make a full day of it.
Opening hours: Summer (BST): 10am–6pm, last entry 4pm. Winter (GMT): 10am–4pm, last entry 3pm. Closed Christmas Day. In 2027, closed on weekdays 4 January–4 February; weekend visits remain available. Paid admission.
Things to do
A guided tour and tasting at the Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton, exploring whisky, gin and liqueur production in a working countryside distillery.
Opening hours: Tours are bookable online and last approximately 90 minutes. Check current dates, times, age guidance and tasting options when reserving.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
Small but excellent museum telling Chipping Campden’s Arts & Crafts story, with exhibitions and a strong link to the town’s design heritage.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday and bank-holiday Mondays 10am–4pm; closed other Mondays. Paid admission.
Things to do · Cheltenham
An outdoor activity centre near Cheltenham offering instructor-led challenges and team activities for families, schools, youth groups and businesses.
Opening hours: Activities are arranged by advance booking for groups, schools, families and organisations; there is no general walk-in timetable. Confirm dates, age limits and availability with the centre.
Things to do · Cheltenham
An escarpment country park south of Cheltenham with panoramic views, woodland paths, picnic areas and links to the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Open access year-round; car-park charges and café hours vary. Check the National Trust page for current facilities and any path closures.
Things to do · Burford
Crocodiles of the World is a specialist zoo near Brize Norton caring for crocodilians, giant tortoises and other reptiles.
Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00; last zoo entry 16:00. Check the operator for the current closing time and book tickets before travelling.
Guides
Steam trains, Roman mosaics and a Cirencester swim, spread across sensible separate days with named breakfast and lunch stops.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Seasonal cookery classes at Daylesford, where demonstrations and practical sessions draw on the farm’s produce and kitchen ethos. Classes suit food-minded visitors looking for a structured half-day…
Opening hours: Classes run on selected dates and require booking; check the live course calendar for times and availability.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A destination farm shop and lifestyle stop near Kingham, combining food, homewares, gardens and places to eat.
Opening hours: Farmshop: Monday–Saturday 08:00–18:00; Sunday 09:00–17:00. The Trough and other cafés have their own meal times; check the restaurant you intend to visit.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A destination organic farmshop with produce, bakery, creamery, restaurants and homeware on the Kingham estate.
Opening hours: Farmshop Monday–Saturday 8am–6pm; Sunday 9am–5pm. Restaurants, spa and classes have separate hours; check Daylesford's current listings.
Things to do · Stroud
A Forest of Dean museum at Camp Mill in Soudley, with local-history galleries, a Gruffalo woodland trail and a café.
Opening hours: Museum, gift shop and café open daily 10am–5pm; last museum entry 4pm. Museum and trail admission is ticketed.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Cheltenham's brewery taproom near the railway station, with fresh draft beer, a large social space and the smaller original taproom, The Swamp.
Opening hours: Main taproom: Wednesday–Thursday 4pm–10pm; Friday 2pm–10pm; Saturday noon–10pm; Sunday noon–6pm; closed Monday–Tuesday. The Swamp has its own opening schedule. Check DEYA’s booking page for changes and food service.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A historic waterwheel-powered brewery a mile from Stow, now offering booked Friday tours with tasting and clear mobility limitations.
Opening hours: Guided brewery tours run on Fridays at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 by advance booking. Bespoke group tours can be arranged on other weekdays; the brewery is not a general drop-in attraction.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
National Trust hilltop above Chipping Campden with broad Vale of Evesham views and strong walking connections.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Cider taproom and shop at Dowdeswell Park — a brilliant stop for a pint, local produce and relaxed vibes just outside town.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00; Sun 08:00–17:00 (shop hours).
Things to do · Castle Combe
A National Trust mansion, garden and deer park on a hill above Bath, with long views towards the Cotswolds.
Opening hours: Park, house and café hours vary by season. Check the National Trust listing for current tickets, shuttle-bus details and accessibility.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
An Anglo-Indian restaurant on Cheltenham Promenade, reworking recipes inspired by the British Raj with fresh produce and aromatic spices.
Opening hours: Open for lunch Tuesday–Sunday. Dinner sessions and exact times vary; confirm on the official booking page. Check bank holiday arrangements.
Things to do · Nailsworth
Historic mill setting with food and drink beside the Nailsworth stream, a natural pause during a valley walk.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 08:00–23:00; Sunday 08:00–21:00. Breakfast, lunch and dinner service have different hours; check the restaurant schedule when booking.
Food & Drink · Chipping Campden
Historic Chipping Campden gastropub with open fires, seasonal local food, a garden and six bedrooms close to St James’ Church.
Opening hours: Bar daily from noon. Food Mon–Fri noon–2pm and 5.30pm–8.30pm; Saturday noon–8.30pm; Sunday noon–8pm (last orders).
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A small peaceful garden in Chipping Campden remembering the local plant collector Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s town-centre theatre, with a changing programme of drama, music, comedy and family productions.
Opening hours: Theatre opening follows the performance schedule. In-person box office: Monday–Saturday 09:30–18:00 (excluding bank holidays) and two hours before performances; online booking is available anytime.
Things to do · Cirencester
A small Cotswold market town with a broad medieval market place and a remarkable church of medieval stained glass.
Opening hours: Market Place is open access. Church opening and services vary; check the parish website before visiting inside.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A family attraction built around accessible play, sensory experiences, animals and storybook-themed zones. The seven areas range from adventure play and an enchanted walk to animal encounters,…
Opening hours: Usually open 10am–5pm; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Rides and activities may vary; check the official opening page before booking.
Guides
A practical family itinerary pairing Westonbirt Arboretum with Tetbury’s easy food, parks and small-town stops.
Things to do · Northleach
A multi-activity climbing venue near Northleach with indoor walls, bouldering, an outdoor tower and additional adventure activities.
Opening hours: Check the live session calendar before visiting; opening and activities vary by day and season. Book climbing, bouldering, caving and outdoor sessions through the centre.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Private axe-throwing and campfire experiences at Notgrove, Asthall and Westwell; choose the location with your booking.
Opening hours: Pre-booked sessions; location instructions and current dates are provided by the operator.
Guides
Five rewarding sections of the Cotswold Way, from village starts to high escarpment views.
Things to do · Stroud
Indoor market and shopping destination in the centre of Stroud, useful when the weather turns or you want several local producers together.
Opening hours: Core shopping: Monday–Saturday 08:30–17:30; Sunday 11:00–16:00. Food hall: Monday–Thursday and Saturday 10:00–17:00; Friday 10:00–20:00; Sunday 11:00–15:00. Individual retailers may differ.
Guides
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Founded in Stow in 1980, Fosse Gallery now works online from Chipping Norton, with changing exhibitions and in-person viewings by arrangement.
Opening hours: The former Stow-on-the-Wold gallery is no longer a walk-in venue. Fosse Gallery now operates from Chipping Norton, with exhibitions online; contact the gallery to arrange any in-person viewing.
Guides
Scenic, flexible countryside outings for mixed energy levels, with honest reminders that short does not always mean accessible.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A magnificent medieval cathedral with Norman architecture, stained glass, cloisters and a long history at the heart of Gloucester.
Opening hours: Visitor hours normally Monday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday 10am–4pm; Sunday noon–2.30pm and 4pm–5pm. Services and events can alter access; check the cathedral's daily calendar.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Historic docks with warehouses, waterside walks and museums around Gloucester’s inner harbour.
Opening hours: Public dockside paths are generally accessible; individual museums, businesses and facilities keep separate opening hours. Check the National Waterways Museum for admission and current hours.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A dry-slope centre for skiing, snowboarding and lessons on the edge of Gloucester.
Opening hours: Lesson, tubing and recreational sessions are timetabled separately; book the appropriate activity on the centre's current schedule.
Things to do · Cheltenham
The county archives at Gloucester’s Heritage Hub: search the catalogue, arrange a research-room appointment and see original Gloucestershire records.
Opening hours: Research room Tuesday–Friday, 9am–4.30pm. Apply for an Archives Card, order documents and book an appointment in advance; allow three working days for document orders. Advertised Saturday events vary.
Things to do · Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Broadway
Heritage steam and diesel railway linking Cheltenham Racecourse, Winchcombe, Toddington and Broadway, with a characterful station and family-friendly extras at Winchcombe.
Opening hours: Heritage trains run on selected days from spring to late autumn. Check the live timetable before travelling.
Guides
A balanced golf break for couples or mixed-interest groups, with playable plans for golfers and worthwhile days for everyone else.
Things to do · Broadway
A focused museum in Gordon Russell’s former workshop, tracing Broadway’s contribution to twentieth-century furniture design.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4pm; Sunday 11am–3pm. Closed Monday. Paid admission; under-16s free.
Things to do · Cheltenham
The remains of a substantial Roman villa, including mosaics and bath-house rooms, set in a wooded valley south of Cheltenham.
Opening hours: Open access at all times, subject to path and weather conditions. There are no visitor facilities on site; check English Heritage information before travelling.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A quieter Bourton outing among meadows, rivers and archaeology; dogs must stay on leads and seasonal trail closures apply.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Winchcombe
The atmospheric ruins of a thirteenth-century Cistercian abbey near Winchcombe, with a small museum and links to the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Opening is seasonal and selected-day: English Heritage currently opens the abbey on scheduled days, with advance booking recommended. Check the current English Heritage opening calendar before travelling. The museum, shop and facilities may have separate hours.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A country hotel and dining destination beside Westonbirt, with a Beaufort Restaurant, Jack Hare’s Bar, seasonal British menus and afternoon tea.
Opening hours: Jack Hare's Bar is open daily 11am-11pm. Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7:30-9:30am, Sat-Sun 8-10am. Afternoon tea 2:30-5pm. Restaurant serves lunch and dinner; book online for current service slots.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A Cirencester restaurant for seafood, British produce and grill dishes, with a garden and Sunday roast menu.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday noon–11pm (food noon–3pm and 5pm–9pm); Saturday noon–11pm (food served all day); Sunday noon–7pm (food to 4pm). Confirm seasonal service.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
World-famous Arts & Crafts-inspired National Trust garden near Chipping Campden, built as intimate garden rooms opening into wider countryside.
Opening hours: Seasonal opening; check the National Trust calendar for your date. Peak-season garden hours are typically around 10am–5pm.
Guides
How to visit neighbouring Hidcote and Kiftsgate gardens in one day, with access advice, a realistic lunch plan and an evening in Chipping Campden.
Things to do · Tetbury
Pre-booked garden tours near Tetbury, from the formal Sundial Garden to Highgrove’s seasonally changing wildflower meadow.
Opening hours: Selected pre-booked garden tours and experiences, generally May–October; dates and times depend on the ticket. Arrive 30 minutes early for security. No walk-in admission.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Gustav Holst’s birthplace in Cheltenham, combining the composer’s story with a glimpse of Victorian domestic life.
Opening hours: Monday closed (bank holidays 12:00–16:00); Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–16:00; Sunday 12:00–16:00. Last admission 15:30. On Sunday 4 October 2026, museum visiting ends at 14:00 for recitals; check event notices before travelling.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A small pottery studio offering beginner-friendly wheel-throwing workshops where you can try centring clay, shaping a pot and decorating your own piece. Sessions are a good rainy-day…
Opening hours: Workshops run on selected dates and must be booked; check the current class calendar and collection arrangements.
Food & Drink · Chipping Campden
A family-run Victorian tower brewery producing cask ales in Hook Norton, with guided tours, a shop and a village pub.
Opening hours: Shop, taproom and tour times vary. Tours normally require advance booking; check the brewery website for current sessions.
Things to do
A tour of a working Victorian tower brewery, with a museum, shop, Malthouse Kitchen and a close look at Hook Norton’s brewing heritage.
Opening hours: Tours and tables are bookable online. Shop hours listed Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–4pm; Malthouse Kitchen Mon–Sat 8am–4:30pm, Sun 9am–3:30pm. Check current availability.
Food & Drink · Burford
A long-established Cotswold bakery and tearoom for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cakes and afternoon tea.
Opening hours: Tearoom: Monday–Friday 09:00–16:00; Saturday 09:00–16:30; Sunday 10:00–16:00. Shop and courtyard hours differ at weekends; check the official location page for current service.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A long-established shooting school near Cheltenham with clay-sport instruction, practice layouts, a gun shop and café.
Opening hours: Shooting ground: Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm; closed Sundays. The gun shop operates Monday–Friday 9am–5:30pm and Saturday 9am–5pm. Closed bank holidays. Non-certificate holders need a pre-booked lesson, Have-a-Go session or accompanied round; confirm details with the operator.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Formal gardens behind Cheltenham’s Promenade, ideal for a short break among seasonal planting and Regency surroundings.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Guides
Things to do · Cheltenham
A volunteer-run aviation museum near Gloucestershire Airport, with aircraft, local aviation history and cockpit experiences.
Opening hours: Standard opening: Saturday and Sunday 10:00–16:00. Additional 2026 opening: Wednesday 28 October, 10:00–16:00. Admission is free; check the museum’s visit page for special dates or changes.
Things to do
A small heritage collection across historic Tewkesbury buildings, including a Tudor merchant’s house, the Old Baptist Chapel and natural-history displays.
Opening hours: Seasonal hours; the published summer timetable is Tue–Sat 10am–1pm and 2pm–5pm, with bank-holiday opening. Check the current season and admission before visiting.
Food & Drink · Stroud
A farm shop, café and bar at Frampton Mansell, serving all-day food with local ingredients and a relaxed outdoor setting.
Opening hours: Café & Bar daily 9am–7pm; open until 8pm Thursday and Friday. No bookings; check the venue site for seasonal changes.
Things to do · Cirencester
William Morris’s country home beside the Thames, with preserved interiors, a cottage garden and a peaceful riverside setting.
Opening hours: Open on selected days between spring and autumn; times and pre-booking vary. Check the official visitor information before setting out.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A lively Japanese restaurant in Regent Arcade for sushi, ramen, katsu, donburi, tempura and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday and Sunday 11:30am–11pm; Friday–Saturday 11:30am–midnight. Check the branch page for holiday hours.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A family-created hillside garden with layered planting, long views and its famous giant rose.
Opening hours: Paid, seasonal garden admission on the days in the 2026 opening calendar. Opening varies by month; use the official opening-times calendar. Closed outside the visitor season.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
Characterful central hotel, pub and brasserie on the Market Place, combining period features with a polished food-and-drink offer.
Opening hours: General opening: Mon–Sun 7am–11pm. Food service times vary by meal; check the official site when booking.
Things to do · Stroud
Independent gallery and craft space showcasing contemporary work from the Five Valleys and beyond.
Opening hours: Open during advertised exhibitions and events; there are no fixed year-round gallery hours. The current exhibition (30 September–4 October 2026) is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00.
Things to do · Cirencester
A coached laser-clay activity using deactivated shotguns and electronic scoring, available for groups and events around the Cotswold Lakes.
Opening hours: Experiences are scheduled by advance booking and may be hosted at the Cotswold Lakes or an agreed event venue. Confirm the exact location, age rules and session time.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
David and Helen Everitt-Matthias’s long-standing Cheltenham restaurant, offering modern French cooking shaped by seasonal British produce.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Saturday: lunch 12:30pm–1:15pm; dinner 7:30pm–8:30pm. Closed Sunday–Tuesday. Reservations essential; check current service times.
Things to do · Cirencester
A gentle riverside outing around Lechlade, with the Thames Path, St John’s Lock, meadows and independent cafés in town.
Opening hours: Open access year-round. River conditions, towpath works and parking arrangements can change; check local guidance before walking.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Escarpment walking above Cheltenham, with far-reaching views, wildlife and traces of the hill’s quarrying past.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Northleach
A seventeenth-century grandstand opening on selected dates, alongside National Trust estate walks near Sherborne and Northleach.
Opening hours: Sherborne Estate: dawn to dusk. Lodge Park grandstand: ticketed, selected open days only; last admission 3.30pm and its car park closes 4pm on open days. Use the National Trust calendar.
Food & Drink · Upper Slaughter
Lords of the Manor is Upper Slaughter’s destination dining address: a country-house hotel with two restaurants and gardens that open directly onto the village landscape. The Dining…
Opening hours: Dining Room lunch daily 12:00–14:00; dinner daily 18:00–21:00. Reservations are essential for the tasting menu and strongly recommended for other dining.
Destinations · Lower Slaughter
Tiny riverside village with honey-stone cottages, footbridges and an easy countryside walk to Upper Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Things to do · Lower Slaughter
A distinctive watermill beside the River Eye, viewed from Lower Slaughter’s public village lanes. Interior museum and café access is not currently verified.
Opening hours: Exterior views from public village lanes. No current museum, shop or café opening has been verified; do not enter private premises.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
An intimate Cheltenham restaurant serving seasonal, ingredient-led tasting menus, with herbs and produce grown in its own garden.
Opening hours: Lunch Friday and Saturday 12:30pm–1:30pm. Dinner Thursday–Saturday 7pm–8:30pm. Closed Sunday–Wednesday. Confirm current booking times.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A Market Square café for coffee, breakfast and a daytime meal before exploring Lechlade and the Thames.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8am–4pm; Sunday 8am–3pm. Check the day's menu and kitchen service with the café.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A High Street coffee, breakfast and lunch stop close to Moreton's town-centre arrival, useful before a north Cotswold outing.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 7.30am–4pm; Saturday–Sunday 8am–4pm. Check the day's menu and kitchen service with the café.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A fish-and-chip restaurant and takeaway on Castle Street, serving freshly cooked fish, chips, pies and sides.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday noon–2:30pm and 5pm–9pm; Friday–Saturday noon–9:30pm; Sunday noon–3pm. Check for bank holiday changes.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
A countryside loop from Stow through Lower Swell and Maugersbury, with open fields, lanes and views back towards the town.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
Minchinhampton Common is open downland above the Stroud valleys, famous for skylarks, far-reaching views and grazing cattle.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do
A historic golf club with three courses across Minchinhampton Common and Avening, including the open Old Course where commoners’ livestock may graze.
Opening hours: Visitor play is available by arrangement; tee times, course access and common-land conditions vary. Contact the club before travelling.
Things to do · Burford
The ruins of Minster Lovell Hall sit beside the River Windrush, with a fifteenth-century dovecote and village church completing the scene.
Opening hours: Free entry during reasonable daylight hours. The dovecote can be viewed from outside only. There are no toilets on site; use the nearby church car park if space is available.
Things to do · Stroud
A working Cotswold garden with terraces, woodland, streams and long views across the Frome Valley near Stroud.
Opening hours: Garden opening varies by season and event calendar. Check the official site for current days, tickets and dog access.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A central Cheltenham garden with toddler play, tennis and space for a pause between the town’s shops and cultural stops.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Destinations · Moreton-in-Marsh
Broad High Street, weekly market, direct rail access and easy trips to Stow, Chipping Campden, gardens and arboreta make Moreton a very practical base.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Broad market-town street with independent shops, cafés and practical stops close to the railway station.
Opening hours: Moreton-in-Marsh High Street is a public street with no closing time. Shops and cafés set their own hours; the Tuesday market normally runs 09:00–15:00.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh’s weekly Tuesday market runs along the High Street, with traders normally open from 09:00 to 15:00.
Opening hours: Every Tuesday, normally 09:00–15:00, along Moreton-in-Marsh High Street. Check Cotswold Markets for bank-holiday or weather changes.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Working railway station on the Cotswold Line and one of the easiest car-free arrival points for a North Cotswolds stay.
Opening hours: Train times vary by day and season; check the current rail timetable before travelling.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
An independent central brasserie combining French and European cooking with Asian influences, suited to a considered lunch or a booked dinner.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: lunch noon–2pm; dinner 5pm–10pm. Sunday: lunch noon–3.30pm.
Things to do · Stroud
Museum in the Park occupies a Georgian mansion in Stratford Park, telling Stroud's story through industry, art and everyday life.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–4.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 11am–4.30pm. Closed Mondays except bank holidays. Free admission. Winter closure: after 20 December 2026, reopening 23 January 2027.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A city-centre museum with Roman archaeology, local history, natural history and fine art collections.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10am–5pm. Normally closed Sunday–Tuesday; occasional extra Monday and Tuesday opening is advertised. Check the museum's current visit page.
Destinations · Nailsworth
A compact valley town for independent shops, good food and easy access to Minchinhampton Common and the greener western Cotswolds.
Things to do · Nailsworth
Nailsworth's compact centre is a good place to browse independent food shops, galleries, outdoor-gear stores and small makers rather than chain retail.
Opening hours: Public town-centre streets are accessible year-round. Shops and cafés set their own opening days, with quieter trading on Sundays and Mondays.
Things to do · Nailsworth
The Nailsworth Mills and Dunkirk Mills route follows the River Frome through the town's former wool and corn-milling landscape.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Winchcombe
Visitor-friendly rural golf at Naunton Downs. Confirm the current 13-hole routing and book a tee time before travelling.
Opening hours: Course normally open seven days a week, with all visitor tee times booked in advance; check current course status and food service.
Things to do · Cirencester
Craft galleries, maker studios, workshops, a shop and café in central Cirencester — particularly useful for a slower or rainy day.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 9.30am–5pm; closed Sunday. Blend café: Monday–Saturday 9.30am–4pm. Individual makers’ studios have their own hours.
Things to do · Wotton-under-Edge
A secluded National Trust estate near Wotton-under-Edge with an Elizabethan house, gardens, woodland walks and Severn Vale views.
Opening hours: On current 2026 opening days, garden and estate are generally open 10am–5pm, the house 11am–4pm and the Tea Pavilion 10am–4pm. Opening varies by season and events; check the National Trust listing before travelling.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Boutique hotel with bars and dining in the heart of Cheltenham — ideal for a luxury stay, cocktails and a proper date-night vibe.
Opening hours: Open daily (hotel / bars / dining — check for service times).
Destinations · Northleach
Quiet central Cotswold market town with wool-town history, handsome stone streets and easy access to Bibury, Burford, Bourton and Cirencester.
Things to do · Northleach
Northleach Heritage Trail is a self-guided circuit through the market square, wool church, medieval lanes and former coaching-town buildings.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Northleach
Northleach’s historic Market Place is a public square; the town council has been working to restart a regular Wednesday market, with no confirmed weekly schedule published.
Opening hours: The Market Place is a public town square and can be visited at any time. The council has been working to restart Wednesday trading; check its market page for confirmed market dates before travelling.
Things to do · Northleach
Easy town walk following Northleach's wool-trade history, church, market place and coaching-era streets.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Things to do · Stroud
A Neolithic chambered long barrow at Coaley Peak with open Severn Valley views, picnic tables and a short walk from the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. Free entry. Parking is available beside the site at Coaley Peak; dogs are welcome on leads.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
Surviving ruins of Sir Baptist Hicks's Jacobean Campden House near St James' Church. Public-path views are possible; the restored banqueting houses have restricted access.
Opening hours: The ruins and setting can be viewed from public paths near St James' Church; do not assume access to the private buildings or grounds. Landmark Trust banqueting-house visits are by appointment on selected changeover days.
Guides
A mixed-pace Cheltenham weekend: Boston Tea Party breakfast, Leckhampton for walkers, The Wilson for others and Coconut Tree lunch.
Guides
Compare Sandford Parks Lido, Cirencester Open Air Pool and Cotswold Country Park & Beach for a summer swim, with booking and lake safety advice.
Destinations · Painswick
Quiet historic streets, the famous churchyard yews, Painswick Rococo Garden and immediate access to the Cotswold Way make this a strong walking and couples’ base.
Things to do · Painswick
Painswick Beacon is an open hilltop viewpoint on the Cotswold Way, with broad views across the Severn Vale and towards the Welsh mountains on a clear day.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Painswick
Hilltop course and open landscape above Painswick, with far-reaching views and a strong sense of the local escarpment.
Opening hours: Opening is booking and event-led. Check availability, visitor access and current tee or event times with the venue.
Things to do · Painswick
Britain’s only complete surviving Rococo garden, with follies, woodland, a maze, play areas and famous snowdrops.
Opening hours: Current autumn schedule: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm, last entry 4pm. Summer and special-event opening can differ. Paid garden admission.
Things to do · Painswick
Distinctive civic building in the centre of Painswick, best appreciated as part of a slow village walk.
Opening hours: The exterior can be seen from Painswick's centre at any time. Interior access is for scheduled library sessions, community events and bookings; no regular sightseeing hours.
Things to do · Cirencester
St John Baptist is Cirencester's great wool church, with a soaring nave, ornate fan vaulting and memorials that tell the story of the medieval town.
Opening hours: Open daily for visiting, with worship and special services taking priority. Tours depend on steward availability; consult the parish calendar for service times.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Lakes, gardens and woodland for a relaxed outdoor stop in Cheltenham.
Opening hours: Check individual facilities with the operator before visiting.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Pittville Pump Room sits at the top of Pittville Park and is one of Cheltenham’s most distinctive historic buildings.
Opening hours: The Heritage Café is open daily 09:30–16:30 (kitchen to 15:30). The Pump Room interior pop-up café normally opens daily 09:30–16:30, but closes for private events; check the venue’s closure dates before visiting.
Things to do · Cirencester
A relaxed vineyard tour and tasting at a family-run estate near Cirencester, with a walk among the vines followed by guided sampling of wines and spirits. Summer…
Opening hours: Summer tours generally run June to mid-September; winter/spring tastings October–May. Tours start at 11am and are pre-booked; check dates online.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A fast, steep hill-climb course where spectators can watch classic and modern cars tackle the course, visit the paddock and meet teams between runs. It is an…
Opening hours: Open to spectators on scheduled event days only; ticket prices and gates vary by event. Check the calendar before travelling.
Things to do · Painswick
A family nature park with birds, deer and landscaped grounds in the Painswick Valley.
Opening hours: Ticketed visitor park. Current daily opening and last-admission times are announced on the park’s own Facebook page; use that page before setting out.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Modern Indian cooking in Cheltenham, combining regional flavours and refined presentation in a small, reservation-led restaurant.
Opening hours: Lunch Thursday–Saturday from 12pm (last orders 1:30pm). Dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 6pm (last orders 9:30pm). Closed Sunday and Monday lunch.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A Rodney Road restaurant pairing British seafood and Cotswold produce in a compact, relaxed dining room.
Opening hours: Thursday–Saturday: lunch 12pm–4:30pm; dinner 6pm–10pm. Closed Sunday–Wednesday. Check the official booking page for current slots.
Guides
A practical guide to flatter paths, nearby facilities and easier Cotswolds days with a pushchair.
Things to do · Stroud
Explore mossy gorges and winding paths at Puzzlewood; allow 60–90 minutes and expect more than 200 uneven steps.
Opening hours: 2026: opens 10am; daily from late March to October, with seasonal last-entry times; weekends and Mondays in November; closed December–February. Weather closures possible. Check the official calendar before travel.
Things to do · Bibury
Rack Isle is a small wetland nature reserve on the River Coln, reached from Bibury's central paths and named for the old wool-drying racks.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Guides
Choose a wet-weather family outing that fits: aircraft, museums, a booked performance or a farm day with indoor shelter.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A roastery café near Cheltenham Spa station for speciality coffee, seasonal brunch and a useful first or last stop on a rail weekend.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8am–5.30pm; Sunday 9am–4pm. Kitchen: Monday–Saturday 8am–3.30pm; Sunday 9am–3.30pm.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A short riverside wander through Bourton’s centre, with low stone bridges, village views and opportunities to pause.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Burford
The River Windrush walk in Burford follows the water below the town's steep High Street, offering a quieter view of the stone bridges and meadows.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
Rodborough Common is a broad National Trust downland above Stroud, valued for wildflowers, butterflies and expansive valley views.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Cirencester
Rodmarton Manor is a pioneering Arts and Crafts house where the building, furniture and gardens were designed as one complete work.
Opening hours: Public opening is seasonal, normally May–September; the 2026 public season has ended. Private group visits may be arranged. Check the manor’s website for the next season’s dates.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A kitchen-garden café in Cirencester Park, with seasonal food, locally sourced ingredients, dog-friendly facilities and greenhouse dining.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm; Saturday 8am–5pm; Sunday 9am–5pm. The Cattivo sourdough pizza counter has separate evening hours; confirm on the official site.
Things to do · Cirencester
A Cirencester rainy-day play stop with baby and toddler areas, a larger soft-play frame, role play, games and an on-site café.
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 09:30–16:30; Fri 09:30–17:45; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:45. School holidays: 09:00–17:45. General admission sessions are two hours; check booking availability.
Things to do · Nailsworth
Ruskin Mill College is a specialist education site in the Nailsworth valley. It is not a general drop-in attraction; prospective students and families can book an open…
Opening hours: Ruskin Mill is a working specialist education site, not a drop-in visitor attraction. Ruskin Mill College open days and tours require advance booking through the Trust.
Food & Drink · Broadway
An adult-focused High Street restaurant specialising in British meat, fish and seafood, with a changing menu built around seasonal produce.
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon, Wed-Sat noon-2:15pm; Sun noon-3pm; Tue closed. Dinner: Mon 6-8pm, Thu 6-8pm, Fri-Sat 6-8:45pm; Tue, Wed and Sun closed.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
An owner-run Cirencester restaurant serving modern British food, seasonal produce, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Opening hours: Breakfast Tuesday–Saturday 8:30am–10:30am; Sunday 9am–11:30am. Lunch Tuesday–Saturday noon–3pm, Sunday noon–2pm. Dinner Wednesday–Saturday 6pm–9pm. Closed Monday.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s historic outdoor lido, with a heated 50-metre pool and gardens for a summer swimming day.
Opening hours: Ticketed swimming sessions during the lido’s published season. General swimming, lanes, children’s pools and special events have separate timetables; book the session shown on the official timetable.
Things to do · Stroud
A canal junction, visitor centre and waterside walking base where the Stroudwater Navigation meets the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
Opening hours: Visitor-centre opening varies by season and volunteer cover; check the Cotswold Canals Trust visitor-centre page before travelling. The towpaths and canal-side walks are generally accessible during daylight.
Guides
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A Turkish steakhouse at The Quadrangle, serving charcoal-grilled cuts, Turkish dishes and a central Cheltenham dining-room experience.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30am–10pm; Friday–Saturday 11:30am–midnight; Sunday 11:30am–9:30pm. Check the official site for current service times.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
An independent Italian restaurant in Belgrave House, serving fresh pasta, southern Italian dishes and daily specials beside Imperial Square.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday noon–3pm and 5pm–10pm; Saturday noon–10pm; Sunday noon–8pm. Closed Monday. Confirm holiday hours.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
An extraordinary Indian-inspired country house and ravine garden near Moreton-in-Marsh, with seasonal guided tours and an Orangery tearoom.
Opening hours: Gardens March–November: Wed–Fri and bank-holiday Mondays 11am–5pm (4pm in March and November). House tours and tearoom May–September only, on the same days. Closed weekends for weddings; house tours must be booked.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A central Stow inn for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with outdoor tables right on Sheep Street.
Opening hours: Open daily 08:00–23:00. Breakfast 07:30–10:30; lunch Monday–Saturday 12:00–15:00; dinner Monday–Saturday 17:00–21:00; Sunday food 12:00–21:00. Confirm seasonal changes on the official site.
Things to do · Northleach
An estate village beside Sherborne Brook, with stone cottages, St Mary Magdalene Church and National Trust countryside walks near Northleach.
Opening hours: Public rights of way can be walked year-round. Church access depends on local opening and services; Lodge Park has separate admission and selected open days.
Things to do · Stroud
The Slad Valley and Laurie Lee walk traces the landscape that shaped the writer's childhood, following lanes, fields and steep wooded slopes around Slad.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
A major wetland reserve with hides, lakes, seasonal wildlife and accessible family trails near the western edge of the Cotswolds.
Opening hours: Daily except Christmas Day. April–end of BST: 9.30am–5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm. February–March: 9.30am–5pm, last entry 4pm. Late October–January: 9.30am–4pm, last entry 3pm. Paid admission.
Things to do · Broadway
Charles Wade’s eccentric manor, collections and Arts and Crafts garden make Snowshill an atmospheric National Trust visit.
Opening hours: Seasonal, paid admission. Main-season manor 11.30am–4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm), garden 11am–5.30pm (last property entry 4.30pm). Autumn hours shorten from 25 October; use the National Trust date calendar for your visit.
Things to do · Cirencester
A local angling club with several waters in the Cotswold Water Park, offering club membership and limited day-ticket fishing on selected lakes.
Opening hours: Day tickets are available for selected waters in limited numbers through the Tackle Den at Gillmans Lake; tickets are not sold from the bank. Check current rules and water availability.
Things to do · Cirencester
A relaxed pay-and-play course near Cirencester with 9- and 18-hole options, a driving range and facilities for golfers at different levels.
Opening hours: Seasonal hours listed: Tue–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat–Sun 7am–6pm; Monday closed except bank holidays. Check current tee-time and maintenance notices.
Food & Drink · Burford
An Indian restaurant on Burford High Street, serving regional dishes and creative curries in a historic town-centre setting.
Opening hours: Daily lunch service, except Friday: noon–2pm. Dinner Sunday–Thursday 5pm–9:30pm; Friday and Saturday 5pm–10pm. Confirm holiday hours.
Things to do · Castle Combe
Castle Combe’s parish church faces the Market Cross and offers a quieter look at the village’s medieval craft and history.
Opening hours: Open daily during daylight hours, according to the church. Services and events may affect access.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Landmark parish church near the town centre, offering a peaceful architectural stop between shops and walks.
Opening hours: Usually open for worship and visiting during the day, but services and private events can change access. Check before travelling.
Things to do · Broadway
A quieter historic church just outside Broadway’s busiest centre, suited to a short heritage detour.
Opening hours: Normally open to visitors 10:00–16:00 on most days. Evening services are held at 18:00 from Easter to harvest; check the parish calendar for current services.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow’s parish church and its yew-framed north doorway: a short heritage stop, with worship and quiet visits taking priority.
Opening hours: Usually 9am–5pm in summer and 9am–4pm in winter. Churchyard open year round; services and other church events can restrict sightseeing.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A major wool church at the end of Chipping Campden’s High Street, built from the town’s medieval wealth.
Opening hours: The church normally welcomes visitors 11:00–16:00 in summer and 11:30–15:00 in winter; on Sundays it opens from 12:15. Check with the parish before travelling for a tour.
Things to do · Burford
St John the Baptist in Burford is a grand medieval wool church beside the Windrush, known for its tower, stained glass and carved memorials.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–4pm; Sunday 1pm–4pm. Closed for sightseeing on Christmas, Easter and New Year’s Day; services and private events may also restrict entry.
Things to do · Painswick
Painswick's parish church is famous for its collection of clipped yew trees, which frame the churchyard in a distinctive, almost architectural pattern.
Opening hours: Church and churchyard: summer 09:00–18:30; winter 09:00–16:30. The clipped yews are in the churchyard; services and private events may affect interior access.
Things to do · Bibury
St Mary's in Bibury stands beside the River Coln, a quiet medieval church with a finely carved Saxon coffin lid and traces of the village's wool wealth.
Opening hours: A working parish church; visitor access is subject to local opening and services. Sunday worship normally takes place at 11am; check the parish’s current service calendar.
Things to do · Tetbury
St Mary's in Tetbury sits at the heart of the old wool town, with a tall tower, historic fittings and views into the market streets.
Opening hours: Church open every day 09:00–17:00. The parish office has shorter weekday hours; check the church calendar if a service or event may affect sightseeing.
Things to do · Cirencester
Open town park with space for a picnic, a short break and family downtime between Cirencester's museums and shops.
Opening hours: The park opens daily at 08:00. Closing time changes by season: 16:15 in winter, with later evenings (up to 21:00) in summer; check the gate notice for the current month.
Things to do · Blockley
A richly layered village church in Blockley’s central square, with medieval stonework, stained glass and traces of the village’s silk-working past.
Opening hours: Open daily, approximately 08:30–17:30. Services or events may affect visitor access; check before travelling.
Things to do · Upper Slaughter
A quiet medieval village church reached by a striking sunken path in Upper Slaughter.
Opening hours: The church is listed as open daily. Check current access and service times before making a special trip.
Things to do · Winchcombe
A Jacobean house and garden near Winchcombe, known for its spectacular gravity-fed fountain and limited seasonal opening.
Opening hours: Public visits Tuesday and Thursday, June–August, 2pm–5pm. House and fountain visits are seasonal and ticketed; the estate is not a freely accessible public park.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Multi-dealer antiques stop where a short browse can turn up furniture, prints and useful Cotswold curiosities.
Opening hours: Open seven days: Monday–Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday 11:00–16:00.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Two historic details in Stow’s Market Square, best enjoyed as part of a short town walk rather than a separate attraction.
Opening hours: The Market Cross and old stocks stand in Stow’s public Market Square and can be viewed at any time. Shops and market events have separate hours; daylight gives the best view.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow’s antique heart — wander the square, dip into dealers and finish with a pub lunch.
Opening hours: Individual shop hours vary, with most opening from late morning into the afternoon. Check the shop you plan to visit before travelling.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water
A countryside route idea linking Stow-on-the-Wold with Lower and Upper Slaughter. Choose a mapped route and distance; this is not a short, guaranteed easy loop.
Opening hours: Open access year-round; daylight recommended. Paths can be muddy after rain, so check weather and local conditions before setting out.
Destinations · Stow-on-the-Wold
Hilltop market town for antiques, cosy pubs, historic streets and easy walks into the north Cotswold countryside.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
Walk Stow’s Market Square, coaching streets, historic buildings and St Edward’s Church in a compact town trail.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
Stratford Park combines a formal Victorian park, lake, arboretum and Museum in the Park on the edge of Stroud.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Destinations · Stroud
Independent shops, market-town energy and the green Five Valleys make Stroud a different — and very useful — Cotswolds base.
Things to do · Stroud
Restored canal-side quarter where Stroud's industrial history, waterside paths and cafés meet.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Food & Drink · Stroud
Stroud Farmers' Market fills the town centre with local growers, bakers, cheesemakers and makers each Saturday morning.
Opening hours: Saturday 9am–2pm. Regular market schedule; holiday changes, severe weather or cancellations are announced by Fresh-n-Local.
Things to do · Stroud
Historic town-centre venue for performances, talks, exhibitions and community events; check the current programme.
Opening hours: Box office: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–16:00. Entry to performances and events follows the individual event time; check the programme before visiting.
Things to do · Stroud
The Stroudwater Canal walk follows the restored waterway through the Frome valley, linking industrial heritage with easy waterside walking.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Winchcombe
Historic castle and gardens beside Winchcombe, with royal history, exhibitions, seasonal events and a large adventure playground for families.
Opening hours: 2026 main season: daily 14 Mar–1 Nov. Castle & gardens open 10am; last admission 3pm; castle closes 4pm; site closes 5pm.
Things to do · Stroud
A Wye Valley viewpoint with a short surfaced approach, peregrine-watching and longer woodland trails from the rock.
Opening hours: Forest paths are generally accessible; café, facilities and car park have their own times. Check Forestry England for route closures and current parking details.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A Montpellier restaurant serving Lebanese and Turkish-inspired mezze, grilled dishes and generous sharing plates.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday noon–2:30pm and 5pm–10pm; Saturday and Sunday noon–10pm. Confirm holiday hours with the restaurant.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A Cirencester restaurant and bar with a courtyard garden, Italian-influenced menu, cocktails and occasional live music.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Friday 5pm–9pm; Saturday noon–9pm; Sunday noon–3pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Check the official site for current service and event hours.
Destinations · Tetbury
A handsome south Cotswold market town for antiques, interiors and independent shops, with Westonbirt Arboretum only a few miles away.
Things to do · Tetbury
Compact antiques and interiors browse through one of the Cotswolds' best-known independent shopping towns.
Opening hours: This is a self-guided route through independent antiques and interiors shops, not a single venue. The streets are always accessible; check each shop's opening days before visiting.
Things to do · Tetbury
Steep historic steps connecting Tetbury's upper and lower streets, with small shops and old town views along the way.
Opening hours: Public pedestrian steps with no set opening hours. Best explored in daylight; the cottages along them are private homes.
Things to do · Tetbury
The Goods Shed is Tetbury's community arts centre, housed in a restored railway building with exhibitions, workshops and performances.
Opening hours: Whistle Stop Café: Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00. Performance, exhibition and gallery access follows the programme; check the calendar for the event you plan to see.
Things to do · Tetbury
Tetbury's Market House is an elegant seventeenth-century structure at the centre of the old wool town, raised on sturdy stone pillars.
Opening hours: The Market House exterior and covered ground-floor arcade can be seen while exploring the town centre. Markets normally trade beneath it on Wednesday and Saturday; upstairs events have their own access times.
Things to do · Tetbury
Quiet churchyard close to the centre, offering a moment of calm and a closer look at Tetbury's historic stonework.
Opening hours: Usually open for worship and visiting during the day, but services and private events can change access. Check before travelling.
Things to do · Tetbury
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom recreates local policing in a Victorian lock-up, with original cells, uniforms and courtroom details.
Opening hours: Museum rooms: Monday–Saturday 10:00–15:00. Volunteer-led free tours: Wednesday and Friday 11:00–15:00. Hours can change; group visits outside these times are by appointment.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A major medieval abbey on the Cotswold fringe, with remarkable architecture and a walkable historic town around it.
Opening hours: Normally daily 9.30am–4pm, with admission by voluntary donation. Access to areas may change during services or events; check the Abbey's notices.
Things to do
A self-guided walk through the landscape of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury, linking town interpretation with the battlefield and riverside approaches.
Opening hours: The self-guided route can be followed year-round in daylight; guided walks run on selected dates. Check the current route and field conditions.
Things to do
A volunteer-run town museum in a historic Barton Street building, with collections covering Tewkesbury’s local life, trades, military history and fairground heritage.
Opening hours: Opening days and hours vary across the season and are published by the museum; check current visitor information before travelling.
Food & Drink · Nailsworth
A village inn with a restaurant, heritage bar and cottage garden, known for locally sourced ingredients and a dedicated gluten-free approach.
Opening hours: Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm; Saturday-Sunday noon onwards. Dinner daily 6:30-9:15pm. Confirm weekend lunch closing with the inn.
Food & Drink · Burford
The Angel, Burford is a handsome independent inn just off the High Street, useful when you want a proper meal without leaving the town centre. Its historic…
Opening hours: Daily; food and bar service times vary. Check the official site before travelling.
Food & Drink · Chipping Campden
A relaxed Broad Campden pub serving British classics with a modern touch, weekly changing ales and a drinks list of local favourites.
Opening hours: Pub Mon-Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun noon-8:30pm. Kitchen Mon-Sat noon-9pm; Sun noon-5pm.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A village pub beside the River Churn serving breakfast, seasonal pub dishes and Sunday lunch, with rooms for a longer countryside stay.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8pm. Food Mon-Fri noon-3pm and 5-9:30pm; Sat noon-9pm; Sun noon-5pm.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
An 18th-century town pub with seasonal food, Sunday roasts and a covered beer garden in central Cirencester.
Opening hours: Opening: Monday–Thursday 11:00–21:30; Friday–Saturday 11:00–22:30; Sunday 11:30–20:30. Kitchen: Monday–Thursday 12:00–20:00; Friday–Saturday 12:00–20:30; Sunday 12:00–18:00. Check for seasonal changes.
Food & Drink · Stroud
A historic coaching inn on Rodborough Common with a Library Restaurant, welcoming bar, garden pavilion and sweeping countryside views.
Opening hours: Dining daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Breakfast Mon-Fri 7:30-9:30am; Sat-Sun 8-10am. Afternoon tea 2:30-6pm. Restaurant and bar dinner service varies; book online for current times.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A traditional country pub in Sapperton for locally sourced food, real ale and a stop after nearby woodland walks.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday kitchen 12:00–14:30 and 18:00–20:30; Friday 12:00–14:30 and 18:00–21:00; Saturday 12:00–15:30 and 17:30–21:00; Sunday 12:00–19:00. Bar hours and menus may vary; confirm directly.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A historic Stow hotel and pub for breakfast, seasonal meals, local ales and a relaxed drink on Park Street.
Opening hours: Open daily 08:00–23:00. Breakfast 08:00–10:00; lunch 12:00–17:00; dinner Monday–Saturday 17:00–21:00, Sunday 17:00–20:00. Check the official site for current menus and holiday changes.
Guides
Short Cotswolds walks that deliver scenery, villages and a sense of place without taking the whole day.
Things to do · Stow-on-the-Wold
An independent bookshop in Digbeth Court, Stow-on-the-Wold, with books, cards and stationery and a team happy to help find a specialist title.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 9.30am–5pm; Sunday 11am–4pm. Most bank holidays open, but check the shop for holiday hours.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A Dodo pub on Ambrose Street with burgers, pizzas and beer: an easy central choice for a casual dinner with friends or family.
Opening hours: Bar: Monday–Tuesday 4pm–10pm; Wednesday–Thursday noon–11pm; Friday–Saturday noon–11pm; Sunday noon–10pm. Kitchen: Monday–Tuesday 5pm–9pm; Wednesday–Friday noon–3pm and 5pm–9pm; Saturday–Sunday noon–9pm.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Central Cheltenham leisure quarter with food, drinks and cinema — easy win for groups, rainy days and evening plans.
Opening hours: Individual restaurant, cinema and venue hours vary by day and event. Check the Brewery Quarter listing for current opening times.
Food & Drink · Nailsworth
A lively Nailsworth town-centre pub and restaurant in Cossack Square, serving food, drinks and Sunday roasts with regular music and events.
Opening hours: Bar: Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-10pm. Kitchen: Mon-Wed 5-9pm; Thu-Sat noon-3pm and 5-9pm; Sun noon-4pm.
Food & Drink · Broadway
The Broadway Hotel sits directly on The Green, making it one of the easiest places to combine a meal with a proper wander through Broadway. Its restaurant…
Opening hours: Open daily; breakfast, lunch and dinner service times vary. Check the official site for current hours.
Food & Drink · Painswick
A traditional freehouse in Laurie Lee country serving home-cooked pub food, real ales and ciders, with shepherd huts beside the pub.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm; food noon-2:30pm and 5:30-8:30pm. Sat 11:30am-10:30pm; food noon-8:30pm. Sun & bank holidays 11:30am-6pm; food noon-4pm.
Things to do · Winchcombe
Hands-on cooking and creative workshops hosted by Kelly Bailey at Hollyhock House in Winchcombe; choose a dated class and book ahead.
Opening hours: Visits are for scheduled, pre-booked workshops and bespoke experiences; there are no published daily café or shop opening hours. Check the workshop calendar and book before travelling.
Food & Drink · Castle Combe
The Castle Inn is the natural food stop in Castle Combe: a historic coaching inn on the village street, close enough to the bridge and church that…
Opening hours: Open daily; meal and bar service times vary. Advance booking is recommended for peak weekends.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A traditional village inn with seasonal British pub dishes, Sunday roasts, local drinks and a separate Italian Chalet serving pizza and pasta.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu and Sun noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Check the venue site for current restaurant and Italian Chalet service times.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
An ancient town pub for seasonal food, local ales and a lively evening close to Chipping Norton’s theatre.
Opening hours: Opening and kitchen times vary; consult the official opening-times and booking information before visiting. The pub serves lunch and dinner and hosts regular events.
Food & Drink · Stroud
The Clothiers Arms is a cosy local pub in the heart of Stroud, with rooms, drinks and a food offer that makes it practical for a town-centre…
Opening hours: Open daily; food, bar and room service times vary. Check the official site for current hours.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Sri Lankan sharing plates, hoppers, curries and cocktails at the St Paul’s Road branch of this independent restaurant group.
Opening hours: Restaurant: Monday–Thursday noon–10pm; Friday–Saturday noon–midnight; Sunday noon–10pm. Food service: Monday–Thursday noon–3pm and 5pm–9pm; Friday–Saturday noon–10pm; Sunday noon–9pm.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A historic coaching inn dating from 1827, with a seasonal kitchen, award-winning ales, a south-facing garden and countryside views.
Opening hours: Bar Mon-Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10pm. Kitchen Mon-Fri noon-3pm and 5-8:30pm; Sat noon-8:30pm; Sun noon-8pm.
Food & Drink · Burford
A family-run 15th-century Burford pub with homemade food, local ales, live music and a secluded beer garden.
Opening hours: Food served daily 11:00–21:00. The pub is generally open from mid-morning until late; current bar hours vary slightly by day, so check the official site or call before travelling.
Things to do · Northleach
The Cotswold Hall is Northleach's historic community venue, used for events, cinema, meetings and private hire. The exterior is worth a look on a town walk.
Opening hours: The Cotswold Hall opens for booked activities, community events and private hire; it has no regular sightseeing hours. View the historic exterior from West End at any time.
Things to do · Cirencester
A sheltered archery and air-rifle venue at the Cotswold Lakes, with coached sessions and group challenges in most weather.
Opening hours: Advance booking is recommended for archery and air-rifle sessions. Choose a current session online and confirm arrival details with the operator.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Private, locally guided tours shaped around the places and pace you want, from well-known villages to quieter lanes and historic stops. A useful option for visitors who…
Opening hours: Private tours by advance arrangement; enquire for dates, pick-up options and duration.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A practical Cotswold Way access point above the A417 with escarpment views and short walk options.
Opening hours: Public trail access; check current diversions, weather and daylight before setting off.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A local stretch of the Cotswold Way beside woodland and fields near Hewletts Farm.
Opening hours: Check current trail access and plan for daylight.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
The Cotswolds’ first full-scale whisky distillery, with tours, tastings, a shop and a cocktail bar in the north Cotswolds.
Opening hours: Visitor centre, tours and cocktail bar hours vary by season. Advance booking is recommended; check the official visitor page.
Guides
Ritual brunch, fresh beer at DEYA, Thai dinner at The Railway and a separate Dunkertons cider outing: a Cheltenham weekend with proper choices.
Guides
A realistic rail-first Cotswolds break for younger travellers: choose a connected base, plan the last bus and save room for a proper night out.
Guides
A teen-friendly plan with water, wheels and time to choose, built around real activities rather than another forced village photo stop.
Food & Drink · Bourton-on-the-Water
A riverside café and restaurant for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or a relaxed evening in Bourton.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–17:30; Friday–Saturday 09:00–20:00; Sunday 09:00–17:00. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner service vary by day; check before travelling.
Food & Drink · Stroud
A 17th-century cider-house pub with home-cooked food and views across the Golden Valley near Stroud.
Opening hours: Bar daily 12:00–23:00. Food Monday–Saturday 12:00–14:30 and 18:00–21:00; Sunday 12:00–20:30. Check current service with the official site before travelling.
Food & Drink · Nailsworth
A central Minchinhampton pub with seasonal British menus, daily specials, a garden and a broad drinks list including rotating ales.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10:30pm. Food daily: noon-9pm Mon-Sat and noon-8pm Sun.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A historic canalside inn near Sapperton Tunnel, popular with walkers and cyclists exploring the Thames and Severn Canal route.
Opening hours: Current published listings show daytime service midweek and longer hours Friday–Sunday; exact kitchen times can change. Phone 01285 760297 before travelling, particularly for evening food.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
A small puzzle maze in Bourton, with limited same-day time slots sold at the kiosk rather than booked online.
Opening hours: Daily 10am–4pm, weather permitting. Timed slots are sold at the kiosk on the day; no online or phone booking, and busy days may sell out.
Guides
A practical group-holiday plan that cuts car shuffling: choose one well-placed base, book meals and let each day have a different pace.
Food & Drink · Chipping Campden
A long-established village pub near Chipping Campden, suited to lunch, dinner or pairing with a country walk.
Opening hours: Bar: Monday–Saturday noon–11pm; Sunday noon–10pm. Food: Monday–Friday lunch noon–2.30pm and dinner 5.30pm–8.30pm; Saturday noon–8.30pm; Sunday noon–5.45pm. Breakfast for non-residents: daily 8am–10am, booking advised.
Food & Drink · Painswick
The Falcon Inn is a traditional Painswick pub with a strong village position, useful for turning a walk around the Beacon or Rococo Garden into a complete…
Opening hours: Open daily; kitchen and bar hours vary. Check the official site for current opening and booking information.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A destination country inn above Nether Westcote, known for refined seasonal dining and broad countryside views.
Opening hours: Open Monday 11:00–23:00 and Thursday–Sunday 11:00–23:00; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Restaurant sittings are reservation-led; confirm the kitchen schedule when booking.
Food & Drink · Burford
An 18th-century coaching inn serving seasonal food and breakfast in the stone village of Filkins.
Opening hours: Pub: Monday–Saturday 08:00–23:00; Sunday 08:00–22:30. Breakfast daily 08:00–10:00; lunch Wednesday–Saturday 12:00–14:30; dinner Monday–Saturday 17:30–21:30; Sunday lunch 12:00–18:00. Check for seasonal changes.
Food & Drink · Broadway
A National Trust pub in a medieval Worcestershire village, known for local food, folk music and a characterful orchard.
Opening hours: Drinks throughout the day. Food generally Monday–Saturday 12–2:30pm and 6–9pm; Sunday 12–8pm. Check current service and book meals.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
Dog-friendly historic inn on the Market Place with boutique bedrooms, a proper pub feel and seasonal food in the heart of Cirencester.
Opening hours: Open daily as an inn; restaurant and bar service times vary. Check the official site or book ahead for meals.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A village pub on Broadwell green with freshly prepared British classics, seasonal game and local ingredients, plus a dedicated children’s menu.
Opening hours: Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm; Sat noon-3pm; Sun noon-8pm. Dinner Mon-Thu 6-9pm; Fri 5-9:30pm; Sat 6-9:30pm.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
An artist-run gallery and shop in the Old Silk Mill, with changing exhibitions, cards and gifts by member makers.
Opening hours: The Gallery at the Guild aims to open daily 10:00–16:00, except Christmas/New Year bank holidays. Exhibition changeovers can affect Thursdays; ring ahead if travelling specially.
Food & Drink · Blockley
An unfussy village pub on Station Road for a drink or a meal after exploring Blockley and the surrounding footpaths.
Opening hours: Bar and kitchen hours vary by day. Check the Blockley pub’s website or book a table before making a special trip.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A characterful rural pub with a broad food and drink offer, live-music connections and a base for exploring the lanes around Knockdown.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10pm. Kitchen Mon-Thu noon-3pm and 5-9pm; Fri-Sat noon-9pm; Sun noon-8pm.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A lively Guiting Power pub with a racing heritage, locally sourced food, rooms and welcoming country-pub character.
Opening hours: Breakfast daily (Monday–Friday 08:00–10:00; weekends 08:00–10:30); lunch Monday–Saturday 12:00–14:30, Sunday 12:00–16:15; dinner Monday–Saturday 17:30–21:00, Sunday 18:30–20:30. Check the pub's current schedule before travelling.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A welcoming village-green pub for seasonal meals, Sunday roast and a pint in Bledington.
Opening hours: Kitchen and restaurant times vary by day; Sunday food is served 12:00–14:30. Check the live restaurant page or call to confirm other service times and booking availability.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A polished village pub for seasonal British cooking, a good bar and a relaxed meal close to Kingham station.
Opening hours: The pub is listed as open daily 08:30–23:00; restaurant service and booking slots vary by day. Check the official page for current meal times and availability.
Food & Drink · Burford
A characterful Burford inn for breakfast, seasonal pub cooking, afternoon tea and a slow supper on Sheep Street.
Opening hours: Breakfast daily 08:00–10:00. Lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and Sunday service are offered; meal times and menus vary, so check the official dining page or call before travelling.
Food & Drink · Burford
A traditional village pub with a separate restaurant, garden and straightforward seasonal cooking in Shipton-under-Wychwood.
Opening hours: Lunch: Monday–Friday 12:00–14:30; Saturday 12:00–15:00; Sunday 12:00–16:00. Dinner: Monday–Thursday 18:00–21:00; Friday 17:00–21:30; Saturday 18:00–21:30; Sunday 18:00–21:00. Check the pub’s live site before setting out.
Food & Drink · Winchcombe
The Lion Inn is a historic Winchcombe pub with a strong local beer list, hearty food and a characterful town-centre setting.
Opening hours: Pub: Monday–Saturday 08:00–23:00; Sunday 08:00–22:00. Kitchen service varies by day; check the current menu and booking page before travelling.
Stays · Cheltenham
Food & Drink · Broadway
The Lygon Arms brings several different ways to eat into the heart of Broadway: the Grill for a more ambitious dinner, Tavern for small plates and local…
Opening hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner available daily across Grill, Tavern and the bars; service times vary. Reserve ahead and check the current menus online.
Food & Drink · Burford
A historic High Street pub with seasonal British food, fresh day-boat fish, Sunday roasts and a courtyard garden.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00–23:00; Friday 11:00–00:00; Saturday 10:00–00:00; Sunday 10:00–22:00. Food: lunch 12:00–16:00 and dinner 17:00–21:00 Monday–Saturday; Sunday 12:00–18:00. Check the official site for updates.
Things to do · Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton in miniature: a detailed stone model village with important pushchair and mobility restrictions to check before visiting.
Opening hours: Open daily. British Summer Time: 10:00–17:30; Greenwich Mean Time: 10:00–15:30. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Pay on arrival; check the operator for changes.
Food & Drink · Broadway
A hillside pub above Stanton with seasonal pub food, a booking-recommended dining room and views across the Cotswold countryside.
Opening hours: Mon closed. Tue-Sat noon-3pm (food until 2pm) and 6-11pm (food until 9pm). Sun noon-4pm (food until 3pm); no evening service.
Food & Drink · Bourton-on-the-Water
Proper Cotswold inn with rooms and classic pub food — a solid base in Bourton with a warm, traditional feel.
Opening hours: Breakfast daily 8am–10am. Food: Mon–Thu 5pm–8.30pm; Fri–Sat noon–8.30pm; Sun noon–7pm. Bar: Mon–Thu 3pm–10pm; Fri–Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm. No regular Mon–Thu lunch service.
Food & Drink · Bibury
A village inn with a restaurant and rooms in Coln St Aldwyns, a quiet base for exploring the Coln Valley.
Opening hours: Pub and restaurant service times vary by day and season; check the official dining and booking page or call 01285 750651 for today's kitchen hours.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A rooftop restaurant and bar above Imperial Square, with town and garden views and service from breakfast through dinner.
Opening hours: Opening times vary by day: daytime service from noon on weekdays; Saturday from 9am; Sunday from 9am. Evening closing varies, so confirm through the official booking page.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A lakeside restaurant at the Cotswold Water Park, serving Italian-inspired dishes and seasonal food beside Lake 6.
Opening hours: Daily all-day dining, with Sunday family lunch from noon. The venue does not publish fixed daily opening hours in its current listing; check De Vere's live menu/booking page for the exact service window before travelling.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A family-run Stow restaurant known for charcoal-grilled meat, seafood and a short, carefully chosen menu.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday: lunch 12pm–2pm; dinner 6pm–9pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Confirm service times when booking.
Food & Drink · Bourton-on-the-Water
A traditional Bourton pub for locally sourced British dishes, a beer garden and a meal after the village attractions.
Opening hours: Kitchen Monday–Saturday 12:00–15:00 and 18:00–20:30; Sunday 12:00–16:00. Bar daily 11:00–22:30. Confirm holiday and seasonal hours on the official site.
Food & Drink · Northleach
A former eighteenth-century House of Correction on the Fosse Way, now a café and small heritage attraction in Northleach.
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4pm. Café and visitor facilities open to the public; guided tours and workshops have separate booking arrangements.
Things to do · Chipping Campden
A key Arts and Crafts site in Chipping Campden, connected with C. R. Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft.
Opening hours: The Gallery at the Guild inside the Old Silk Mill aims to open daily 10:00–16:00, except Christmas/New Year bank holidays. Other businesses in the building set their own hours.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
A 17th-century Stow inn with a modern seasonal restaurant, cocktail bar and bedrooms on the market square.
Opening hours: Restaurant and bar service vary through the week and by season. Check the live dining and booking page for current lunch, dinner and bar hours.
Food & Drink · Burford
A historic inn set in extensive gardens in Minster Lovell, with relaxed dining, fireside snugs and an outdoor terrace.
Opening hours: Breakfast Mon-Fri 7-10am; Sat-Sun and bank holidays 8-10am. All-day dining Sun-Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sat and bank holiday Sunday/Monday noon-9pm.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A light-filled restaurant and bar in a glasshouse setting, with gardens, terrace and seasonal menus near Cirencester.
Opening hours: Restaurant: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday noon–5pm; Wednesday and Saturday noon–6pm; Friday noon–8pm; Sunday noon–4pm. Bar opens daily from 9am; confirm seasonal changes.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
The Ormond is a long-established Tetbury inn on Long Street, with a lively bar and restaurant that make it useful for a first-night dinner or a slower…
Opening hours: Open daily; restaurant and bar hours vary by day and season. Check ahead for current service times.
Food & Drink · Bibury
Season-led dining in a restored 19th-century barn at the Southrop Manor Estate, with produce from Thyme’s kitchen garden and farm.
Opening hours: Daily: lunch 12pm–2:30pm; dinner 6pm–9pm. Seasonal service and booking conditions apply; check the official site.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
The former Barnsley House is now THE PIG-in the Cotswolds: a kitchen-garden restaurant and hotel in Rosemary Verey’s garden near Cirencester.
Opening hours: Breakfast daily 7.30–10am. Lunch Monday–Thursday noon–2.30pm, Friday–Sunday noon–3pm. Dinner daily 5.30–9pm. Restaurant booking recommended; garden access is part of the hotel visit, not an independently open public attraction.
Things to do · Cheltenham
Independent theatre offering drama, comedy, music and community productions in a compact town-centre setting.
Opening hours: The Playhouse opens to audiences for ticketed performances and other scheduled events; there are no daily public touring hours. Check the event listing for doors and show times.
Food & Drink · Stow-on-the-Wold
The Porch House is a historic inn in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold, with a proper restaurant, pub garden and rooms above. It is the kind of place…
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00–22:30; Friday and Saturday 08:00–23:00; Sunday 08:00–21:00. Breakfast daily 08:00–11:30; dinner service varies.
Food & Drink · Burford
An 18th-century coaching inn above Burford for seasonal pub food, Butcombe ales, a garden and dog-friendly rooms.
Opening hours: Pub opening: Monday–Thursday 08:00–22:30; Friday–Saturday 08:00–23:00; Sunday 08:00–22:00. Food service is published as Monday–Saturday 08:00–21:00 and Sunday 12:00–20:00; confirm current meal sittings with the official booking page.
Food & Drink · Nailsworth
A country inn near Minchinhampton Common offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday roasts and dinner across an unusually broad weekly schedule.
Opening hours: Bar: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm. Breakfast Mon-Fri 7:30-9:30am, weekends 8-10am. Lunch Mon-Thu noon-3pm, Fri-Sat noon-3:30pm, Sun roast noon-5pm. Dinner Mon-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 4-9pm, Sun 5-8pm.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
A neighbourhood pub on New Street with craft beer, cider and Samrub Thai cooking: a good central evening pairing for beer and food.
Opening hours: Thai kitchen: Monday–Friday 5pm–9pm; Saturday–Sunday noon–9pm. Bar hours are separate; see The Railway’s official website for the current schedule.
Things to do · Cirencester
A bookable lake-and-land activity centre at the Cotswold Lakes, with outdoor sessions suited to families and groups wanting more than a lakeside stroll. Activities and age requirements…
Opening hours: Pre-booked sessions; activities are seasonal and weather dependent. Check the operator’s current calendar, age limits and arrival information.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
The Redesdale is a pub with rooms in the centre of Moreton-in-Marsh, designed around all-day food, a proper drinks list and a comfortable place to linger. It…
Opening hours: Open daily; all-day food and drinks service times vary. Check the official site for current hours and bookings.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
Jackson Boxer’s restaurant at Cowley Manor pairs British and Cotswold ingredients with French influences in a historic, wood-panelled dining room.
Opening hours: Sunday–Wednesday 7am–11:30pm; Thursday–Saturday 7:30am–midnight. Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner have separate sittings; check exact service times and book.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
Three prehistoric monuments near Long Compton: the King's Men circle, the Whispering Knights and the King Stone. Check the autumn 2026 A44 access notice.
Opening hours: Normally open year-round to individual visitors, subject to a small entry fee and occasional event or safety closures. A44 approach affected by roadworks 1 September–6 November 2026; check the Trust's route notice.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A restored late-18th-century freehouse with a lively saloon bar, seasonal local menus, vegan choices and an upstairs dining room.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10:30pm; Fri-Sat noon-11:30pm; Sun noon-9pm. Food Mon-Sat 12-2:30pm and 5:30-8pm; Sun 12-3:30pm, no dinner. Bank holidays follow Sunday hours unless stated otherwise.
Food & Drink · Wotton-under-Edge
The Royal Oak is a friendly neighbourhood pub and kitchen in the centre of Wotton-under-Edge. It is a useful place to build into a day exploring the…
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–23:00; closed Mondays. Check current kitchen hours before visiting.
Things to do · Cirencester
A hands-on cookery and creative workshop programme at Thyme, using ingredients from the estate’s gardens and farm. Classes range from short cookery sessions to half-day cook-and-dine experiences;…
Opening hours: Classes run on selected dates and must be booked; check the calendar for current times, age guidance and availability.
Food & Drink · Chipping Campden
A 400-year-old Grade II-listed country inn with a restaurant, local-produce menus, local ales, gardens and seven bedrooms.
Opening hours: Mon 10am-9pm (closed Oct-Nov); Tue-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm; Sun noon-5pm. Breakfast Thu-Sun 9-10am; lunch Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm, Sat noon-3pm, Sun noon-4pm; dinner Mon 6-8pm, Tue-Thu 6-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 6-9pm; no Sunday dinner.
Things to do · Cheltenham
A riverside walking section through Gloucester, linking the docks with the wider Severn landscape.
Opening hours: Public paths have no staffed opening hours; check current rights-of-way notices and river conditions.
Food & Drink · Lower Slaughter
A village inn beside the River Eye in Lower Slaughter, with pub dining, gardens and space to pause on a Slaughters walk.
Opening hours: Lunch Monday–Saturday 12:00–17:00; Sunday lunch 12:00–17:00; dinner daily 18:30–21:00, according to the venue. Check current service and book ahead.
Food & Drink · Lower Slaughter
A more formal dinner and afternoon-tea choice in Lower Slaughter’s manor house, open to non-residents by reservation.
Opening hours: Restaurant dinner Tuesday–Thursday 18:30–21:00; Friday–Saturday 18:30–21:30. Afternoon tea Tuesday–Saturday 12:30–16:30. Restaurant closed for lunch and dinner Sunday–Monday; check current menus and reserve.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A historic Market Place inn serving modern British dishes alongside pub classics, breakfast, Sunday roasts and traditional afternoon tea.
Opening hours: Bar: Mon-Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10:30pm. Breakfast daily 8-11am; kitchen daily 12-9pm; Sunday roast 12-4pm; afternoon tea 3-5pm.
Food & Drink · Bibury
A former Cotswold coaching inn beside the River Coln in Bibury, with hotel rooms, gardens and seasonal dining overlooking the river.
Opening hours: The Brasserie serves daily from breakfast through dinner; the bar serves food and drinks throughout the day. Exact service times vary, so check the current menus or book on the official page before visiting.
Food & Drink · Broadway
A central Broadway pub and restaurant on the green, serving seasonal British pub food, Sunday roasts and children’s dishes.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10:30pm. Pub food menu served daily; check the official menus page for current meal times and seasonal service changes.
Food & Drink · Tetbury
A distinctive country inn just outside Tetbury, with daytime coffee and cakes, seasonal pub food, weekend breakfast and evening dining later in the week.
Opening hours: Mon-Tue closed. Wed 10am-3:30pm; Thu-Fri 10am-3:30pm and 6-10pm; Sat 9am-3:30pm and 6-10pm; Sun noon-4pm. Kitchen: Wed-Sat lunch noon-2:30pm, Sun noon-3pm, Thu-Sat dinner 6-9pm; Saturday breakfast 9-10:30am.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A traditional village inn overlooking Eastleach’s green, serving a thoughtful British menu, bar dishes and seasonal Sunday lunch.
Opening hours: Sun-Mon 10am-7pm; Tue closed; Wed-Sat 10am-11pm. Dining and bar menu Sun-Mon noon-4pm; Tue closed; Wed-Sat noon-9pm.
Food & Drink · Northleach
A welcoming 17th-century Northleach inn for seasonal Cotswold cooking, breakfast, lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Opening hours: Open daily 08:00–23:00. Breakfast 08:00–10:00; lunch 12:00–17:00; dinner Monday–Saturday 17:00–21:00, Sunday 17:00–20:00. Confirm seasonal service changes with the inn.
Food & Drink · Cirencester
A restored 16th-century village inn with rooms, a garden and an all-day dining programme close to the Thames Path and Cotswold Water Park.
Opening hours: Breakfast daily 8-10am. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat noon-9pm. Sunday roast noon-4:30pm; Sunday à la carte dinner 6-8pm. Recently restored and reopened in March 2026; reserve ahead.
Food & Drink · Moreton-in-Marsh
A distinctive Kingham inn for carefully sourced, seasonal cooking in a contemporary Cotswold setting.
Opening hours: Dining is reservation-led and service times vary by day and season. Check the official booking calendar for current lunch and dinner sittings before visiting.
Things to do · Cheltenham
The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum is a useful rainy-day stop in central Cheltenham.
Opening hours: Monday closed; Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday 10:00–16:00. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Check current gallery access before travelling.
Food & Drink · Stroud
A small, much-loved valley pub with a fireside bar, snug, terrace, local ales and seasonal food in the village made famous by Laurie Lee.
Opening hours: Bar & Snug: Sun-Mon noon-10pm; Tue-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Dining lunch Tue-Sat noon-2:30pm and Sun noon-3:30pm; dinner Tue-Sat 6-9pm and Sun 6-8:30pm.
Guides
Here are the places and combinations we think make the easiest family days, starting with the destinations already covered on Cotswold Stays. Three family days with the…
Food & Drink · Broadway
A traditional English tea shop and coffee house on Broadway’s lower High Street, serving teas, coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, cakes and snacks.
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm. Walk-ins only; reservations are not taken.
Things to do · Winchcombe
Characterful Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway station with heritage trains, events and easy links into the Winchcombe day out.
Opening hours: Heritage railway access is timetable-led; check the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway calendar before travelling.
Things to do · Burford
Tolsey Museum occupies Burford's medieval market building and explains the town's wool trade, crafts and civic history.
Opening hours: April–October: daily 14:00–17:00. November–December: weekends 14:00–17:00, or by prior arrangement. Closed January–March. Volunteer cover can occasionally affect opening.
Things to do · Wotton-under-Edge
A 111-foot hilltop memorial to William Tyndale with a spiral staircase, Severn Vale views and a route on the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: The monument and surrounding knoll are open 24 hours. The tower is reached on foot; the spiral staircase is only open when the trust has unlocked the monument. Check the trust’s latest access information before planning a climb.
Things to do · Stroud
A partially reconstructed Neolithic burial mound, known locally as Hetty Pegler’s Tump, on the Cotswold escarpment above the Severn Vale.
Opening hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. Free entry. Access is by foot from the road and nearby paths; surfaces can be muddy and uneven.
Destinations · Upper Slaughter
Quieter than Lower Slaughter, with stone cottages, the River Eye and one of the easiest village-to-village walks in the central Cotswolds.
Things to do · Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter
Follow the signed Warden’s Way between Upper and Lower Slaughter for two stone villages, fields and the River Eye.
Opening hours: Public rights of way are generally accessible at any time. Check path conditions, livestock notices and daylight before setting off.
Guides
Three walk-and-lunch pairings with honest notes on hills, muddy ground and how to avoid driving after a pint.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A local history collection in the railway town, with changing displays and a useful context for exploring the north Cotswolds.
Opening hours: Sundays 10am–4pm, from Easter Sunday to mid-November; closed outside the visitor season.
Things to do · Tetbury
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is a full outdoor day rather than a quick viewpoint.
Opening hours: Daily from 9am; last entry 4.30pm, with the arboretum closing at 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Autumn admission uses booked time slots; tickets required.
Destinations · Winchcombe
A relaxed historic town with excellent walking from the centre, Sudeley Castle nearby, independent shops and enough pubs and cafés for an easy weekend base.
Things to do · Winchcombe
A producer-led market at Isbourne Arts on Winchcombe High Street, normally the third Saturday of the month (except January), 10:00–13:00.
Opening hours: Normally the third Saturday of each month, except January, 10:00–13:00 at Isbourne Arts on Winchcombe High Street. Check the town’s current events listing before travelling.
Things to do · Winchcombe
Short urban walk linking Winchcombe's church, independent shops, old lanes and riverside edges.
Opening hours: Open route or public space; best enjoyed in daylight. Check weather, access and any seasonal or event restrictions before setting out.
Guides
A slower Christmas guide to winter walks, country pubs and cosy Cotswold stays, with practical advice for shorter days and muddy paths.
Things to do · Moreton-in-Marsh
A small-group Northern Cotswolds tour in a classic Land Rover, combining familiar villages with quieter lanes and stops chosen with a local guide.
Opening hours: Private half-day and full-day tours are booking-led; full days are listed around 9:30am–4:30pm. Agree the date, pick-up point and itinerary when reserving.
Things to do · Stroud
Woodchester Mansion is an unfinished Gothic revival house hidden in a wooded valley near Nympsfield, preserved as a dramatic building site rather than a finished home.
Opening hours: 2026 ordinary open days: Friday–Sunday 11am–5pm until 1 November. Extra Halloween opening is listed 23 October–1 November. Mansion admission is separate from access to Woodchester Park.
Things to do · Stroud
Woodchester Park is a quiet National Trust valley of lakes, woodland and meadow around the unfinished mansion.
Opening hours: Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Things to do · Stroud
A booked vineyard visit on the slopes above Stroud, with a guided introduction to English wine growing, a tasting room and panoramic valley views. The cellar door…
Opening hours: Vineyard tours and tastings are pre-booked only. Separate Cellar Door shop: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm.
Food & Drink · Cheltenham
An independent Regent Street café for brunch, breakfast, coffee and lunch, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4pm. Kitchen service and private-hire arrangements may differ; check the official site.
Things to do · Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton’s volunteer-supported independent cinema, with films and special screenings just off the High Street.
Opening hours: Open around scheduled screenings; doors usually open 30 minutes before the advertised show. Check the live programme and book seats on the cinema website.
Destinations · Wotton-under-Edge
A lively southern Cotswold market town beneath the escarpment, with independent shops, heritage, walking and easy access to Newark Park and the Tyndale Monument.
Things to do · Wotton-under-Edge
A mapped five-mile circuit from Wotton’s Jubilee Clock through fields, woodland and a section of the Cotswold Way.
Opening hours: Public footpaths are generally accessible at any time. Walk in daylight, check conditions and follow any temporary path notices.
Things to do · Wotton-under-Edge
A community-run museum in a converted fire station, with changing displays, local archives, photographs and visitor information for Wotton-under-Edge.
Opening hours: Official hours listed Mon, Tue, Fri and Sat 10:30am–3:30pm; closed Wed, Thu and Sun. Visits outside those hours may be arranged by appointment; check for changes.
Things to do · Burford
A peaceful woodland garden near Shipton-under-Wychwood, with informal paths, mature trees and seasonal planting. It suits a quieter short visit and works well as a gentle stop…
Opening hours: Open to visitors at all times; there are no staffed facilities.
Guides
A first Cotswold dog weekend around Ewen and the lakes, with Wild Duck breakfast, Old Boathouse lunch and sensible route choices.
Showing our published stays, things to do, food and drink, destinations and guides, A–Z. Badges reflect the information currently recorded for each entry; an absent badge does not mean a place is unsuitable. Check individual entries for restrictions and current visitor information.
