Ten of the best things to do in the Cotswolds

Updated


Once the home of sheep farming in England, the unspoilt Cotswolds is now the regular haunt of all sorts of celebs, from Lily Allen to Kate Moss - and who can blame them? This area offers the perfect English country hideaway. But it's not just for A-listers. Check out ten of our favourite things to see in the area - perfect for all the family.

Sudeley Castle (pictured)
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe has had an eventful 1,000-year history to say the least. Once the home of Henry VIII's last wife, Katherine Parr, the castle was also visited by Elizabeth I and besieged during the Civil War. These days it's a family home, but visitors can enjoy exhibitions about the castle's history, visit Katherine Parr's grave and explore the huge gardens and adventure playground. See sudeleycastle.co.uk for more details.


Cotswold Water Park
With 150 lakes set in 40 miles of countryside, this vast area of former gravel pits is the UK's biggest water park. Spend a leisurely day fishing, picnicking or enjoying the local wildlife or, for more active types, there's waterskiing, kayaking and other watersports to enjoy. Special events include outdoor theatre and fossil hunting – for more details email events@waterpark.org or visit www.waterpark.org. [http://www.waterpark.org/]


Broadway Tower
Standing on a hill overlooking the beautiful Cotswold village that gives it its name, Broadway Tower is Gothic folly dating back to 1799. It was once the country home of designer William Morris, and the tower's Morris Room is still furnished with some of his most famous designs. At over 1,000 feet above sea level, the tower has views that stretch as far as the Welsh Mountains making it a wonderful place for a picnic. For directions and prices visit www.broadwaytower.co.uk. [http://www.broadwaytower.co.uk/]

Cotswold Farm Park
Run by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, the Cotswold Farm Park makes a fab family day out. From March to October, little ones can learn to ride a tractor, feed new spring lambs or goat kids and go mad in the giant indoor sandpit. Camping is available and there's even a fantastic camp shop stocked with fresh local produce. To find out more visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk. [http://www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/visit-us/]

Bourton-on-the-Water
Sitting on the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water has been called the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds and is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the area. Enjoy strolling along the River Windrush past traditional honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings, or pay a visit to Birdland, where you can see more than 500 birds, including flamingos, pelicans and penguins. For more info see www.cotswolds.info. [http://www.cotswolds.info/cotswold-attractions.shtml#birdland_bourton_on_the_water]

Cattle Country Adventure Park
Cattle Country is one of those handy family destinations where there's plenty to do and see come rain or shine. There's an indoor play barn with giant wavy slides, a boating lake and even the UK's largest climbing net for the daredevils among you. And, of course, there are lots of animals to see, including Gloucester Old Spot pigs, ducks, deer and rabbits. For directions and prices, visit www.cattlecountry.co.uk. [http://www.cattlecountry.co.uk/index.php]

Chedworth Roman Villa
This well-preserved Roman villa is nestled in a woodland glade in one of the most beautiful areas of the Cotswolds. Built in the 4th century AD, Chedworth was one of the largest Roman villas in England, and today you can still see over one mile of the original walls, a water shrine, latrine, two bath houses and several stunning mosaics. Costumed actors re-enact Roman life on certain days and there are also drop-in mosaic-making sessions, trails and quizzes. For special events see www.nationaltrust.org.uk. [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-chedworthromanvilla/]

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWR)
Based in Toddington, where the artist Damien Hirst has his rambling country pile, the GWR steam trains are hugely popular with visitors to the Cotswolds. Join 'The Cheltenham Fryer' for a fish and chip supper (wrapped in traditional newspaper!) with great views. Or enjoy an outing aboard a real live Thomas the Tank Engine. For timetables and prices visit www.gwsr.com. [http://www.gwsr.com/home.aspx]

Cotswold Wildlife Park
Giraffes, meerkats, rhinos, wolves and zebras are all waiting to meet you at this well-stocked, immaculately-kept wildlife park just outside Burford. Watch the penguins being fed every day between 11am and 4pm or make new animal friends in the Children's Farmyard. There's also an activity playground for your very own little wild animals. For directions and prices visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk [http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/] (see some of the park's newest arrivals on webcam, too.) [http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/webcams/index.php]

Snowshill Manor and Garden
If you think you're a hoarder, pay a visit to Snowshill Manor, the former home of architect, poet and collector Charles Wade. After he bought the estate in 1919, Wade built up a collection of 22,000 unusual objects, including paintings, furniture and clothing, from around the world. You can still see his amazing collection today, and enjoy the spectacular terraced gardens surrounding the manor house. For directions, prices and special events see www.nationaltrust.org.uk. [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-snowshillmanor]

Want to know more about the Cotswolds? Visit www.cotswolds.info [http://www.cotswolds.info/]

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