Holiday Itinerary for Families with Young Children
The sample itinerary below includes much of what our guests have loved doing over the years.
What you choose to do depends entirely on the make up of your group and on which of the Cotswold Lakes you are staying. Several of the lakes have their own facilities and activities on-site which are suited to young children and exclusive to guests staying there.
Arrival Day
Grab lunch and a cool beer on the waterside balcony at the Lakeside Brasserie on Spring Lake and watch the waterskiing and wakeboarding.
or
Head to the Gateway Information Centre and grab a coffee or snack at the Gateway Café next to the Cotswold Outdoors store. You can pick up the free ‘Leisure Map’ highlighting all the local tourist information & activities available for you plan and enjoy.
If you need any groceries or need to stock up, head off to the Cirencester Tesco Superstore only 5-10 minutes away. There is also a local convenience store and a Co-op in the village of South Cerney.
Or why not experience the superb selection of local produce at the Jesse Smith Farm Shop at Cirencester? Load up the fridge with BBQ food from the Butcher’s Block and delicatessen delights for an al fresco dinner on the decking for the evening.
Day 1
Morning
Milk the goats & feed the pigs at Butts Farm Rare Breeds, Cafe & Farm Shop
See little piglets running about the farm and chickens roaming the grounds. Fun for children and adults alike The Butts Farm is a working farm that showcases rare breeds and traditional farm animals. Try your hand at milking the long haired goat, cuddle a bunny, feed the chickens and pigs or groom a pony. Plus source some locally sourced produce from the award winning shop to enjoy later.
Lunch
Pub Lunch in Bibury.
Afternoon
Visit Bourton-on-the-Water known as ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds’
Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Straddling the River Windrush which runs through the village, it’s known for its old foot bridges and traditional honey-coloured stone architecture and idyllic village scenes. The Cotswold Motoring Museum features vintage cars and a toy collection. Birdland is home to species including parrots, owls and king penguins, plus life-size model dinosaurs. The Model Village is a 1930’s scale replica of the village. Only a 30 minute drive away.
Evening
Enjoy a takeaway pizza from Pizzeria 720.
Day 2
Spend the Day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park
Go Eye to eye with Giraffes and watch Rhinos graze in front of the manor house.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens. See rhinos, zebras, camels, lions, leopards, red pandas and many other endangered species. The giraffe walkway means visitors can stroll eye to eye with these amazing creatures. There are two undercover reptile houses and a bat house. Children can also enjoy the farmyard, adventure playground and the narrow gauge railway. Extensive lawn areas are available for picnics too.
Alternative Option: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park offers a fun-filled day out
Visitors can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and Highland cattle. With an adventure playground, Farm Safari, Maze, Sand Pits and Jumping Pillows, there’s lots of entertainment for children of all ages.
Evening
Relax back home in your holiday cottage and watch the sun go down over the water.
Day 3
Morning
Enjoy a Lakeside Walk & Picnic with water, wildlife & nature all around at Neigh Bridge Country Park
The Park is open all year round with plenty of parking and is ideal for accessing the Thames Path National Trail. Neigh Bridge is also a great place to start some beautiful circular walks which will give you an insight into the true landscape of the Cotswold Water Park. See Walk 3 on the Cotswold Water Park walking page to download free self-guided walks.
Lunch
Lakeside BBQ or picnic by the beach in the country park.
Afternoon
Take out a rowing boats, swan pedalo or electric boat at Cotswold Country Park & Beach or enjoy the afternoon having fun by the sandy beach and swimming lagoon.
Evening
Dinner on the balcony at your holiday cottage.
Other options to consider
Steam Railway at Swindon and Cricklade Railway
Museums – The award winning Corinium Museum is the must-see visitor attraction of the Cotswolds. Discover the treasures of the Cotswolds as you explore its history at this multi award winning Museum. It has one of the finest & most extensive Roman collections in the country. Corinium, Roman Cirencester, was the second largest Roman town outside London.
Sculpture Park – Art at the Heart of the Cotswolds.
Located near Somerford Keynes, The Cotswold Sculpture Park features the work of many talented sculptors displayed throughout a woodland trail with ponds gardens and glades. It has an on-site ‘Poppin’ tea room.
This sample itinerary includes much of what our guests have loved doing over the years. What you choose to do depends entirely on the make up of your group and which lake location you are staying. Several of the lakes have their own facilities and activities on site exclusive only to the guests staying there.
For a greater selection of ideas of what to do, where to visit, watersports, local activities, culture, where to eat and drink see our informative digital Guest Guide. This comprehensive guide includes Orion recommendations, local discounts and practical information too.
Download this Itinerary
Get a copy of this guide to things to do with your young children in the Cotswold Lakes.
