Destination Next: Cotswolds

As the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England, the Cotswolds is filled to the brim with charming chocolate box cottages, heavenly hills and quaint cul-de-sacs. The area is located in central west England and covers a staggering 6 different counties. If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the city, there’s no doubt that the Cotswolds has plenty to offer you and the kids.

If your family are outdoor enthusiasts, the magnificent open parks and deep valleys of the Cotswolds are full of surprises. We recommend jumping on some electric hire bikes and exploring the National Trust certified Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire. The tranquil valley is blanketed by a variety of ancient trees, as well as a chain of five beautifully blue lakes. If you and the kids fancy a sport of fishing, the lakes are a great place to catch some carp. Finally, see if the family can find the ancient boat house tucked away by one of the lakes. Restored in 1998, the building is home to a cauldron of bats, who emerge from the boat house at dusk.

Meandering around some of the quaint villages of the Cotswolds is another must-do for you and the little ones. Stow-on-the-wold is the jewel in the crown of the area. Some of the beautifully English architecture dates all the way back to the 11th century, which will immediately give you the sensation of wandering through an old painting. Take the kids to the local sweet shops and enjoy the open parks of the surrounding areas for some stunning views.

If you’re looking to give your children a bit of a history lesson, there’s no better place in the Cotswolds than Blenheim Palace - one of Britain’s largest houses. Famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the Palace was built in the early 18th century and has been attracting hordes of visitors since the 1950s. The Palace has now become one of the top places for events in the area, holding everything from art exhibitions to illuminated light trails. This makes it a perfect place to take the kids, so keep an eye out for an event the whole family will enjoy. 

Botanist buffs will have a field day at Westonbirt Arboretum. The park is home to a massive variety of trees from all over the globe and is an ideal place for the kids to go wild. Among other things, the treetop walkway will definitely spark their interest. Trust us when we say the best time to book is in Autumn - the kaleidoscope of colours at the Arboretum are rarely bettered anywhere in the world. There’s also an array of cafes hiding among the trees, as well as bike and scooter hire for adults and children.

The Cotswolds is perhaps the most idyllic, quintessentially English area in the entire country. With a vast amount of picturesque walks coupled with the quaint, tucked away villages, there’s something for the entire family in the Cotswolds.