The Cotswolds has a wide and varied choice of Visitor Attractions to suit all tastes, for adults and children of all ages alike ensuring that you and the family are kept entertained and delighted during your stay in our home - an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Avon Valley Steam Railway
The Avon Valley Railway is more than just a train ride; it offers a wonderful experience for some or a nostalgic trip down memory lane for others. The Valley track was newly extended in 2003 towards the River Avon, which allows passengers to enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside, as well as the many attractions the River Avon has to offer.
The railway is located at Bitton Station midway between Bristol and Bath on the A431 one mile from Keynsham.
Open certain dates from March to January, please check.
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD. Tel: 0117 932 5538. Web site: www.avonvalleyrailway.org. E-mail: info@avonvalleyrailway.org.
Bibury Trout Farm
Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest and attractive trout farms in the country is an excellent fun trip for adults and older children. Today it rears high quality trout to supply angling waters across the region and country and, of course, for fishing for their visiting guests. The Farm also has a gift shop and cafe, offers beginners fishing lessons (only Summer), and, as you would expect from a premier supplier, offers the finest fresh and smoked trout for sale.
Open Summer and Winter, but please check for times.
Bibury Trout Farm, Bibury, Gloucestershire
Tel: 01285 740215/740212. Directions: Take the B4425 north of Cirencester towards Bibury for seven miles.
Birdland - Park and Gardens
Birdland, set amongst seven acres of woodland, river and gardens, is a perfect excursion for adults and children of all ages alike. The gardens are inhabited by over 500 birds, flamingos, pelicans, penguins and cranes and with over 50 aviaries (including tropical, temperate and desert) there is a wide collection of birds to educate the young while satisfy even the most demanding of bird enthusiast! Within the grounds there are also picnic areas, a café and play area.
Open all year. Please telephone to check opening times.
Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire Tel: 01451 820480.
Cotswold Falconry Centre
Come to the Falconry Centre and you will be able to watch the flying exhibitions of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Appreciate their speed, grace, agility and their close relationship with the falconer. There are many breeding pairs of birds including the owls in Owl Wood. The Falconry Centre is in the same grounds as Batsford Arboretum making it a great location for a full day excursion. Directions: Directions: A44, 2 miles out of Moreton-in-Marsh towards Broadway
Open mid February to mid November. Please check times.
Cotswolds Falconry Centre, Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
Cotswold Farm Park
The Cotswold Farm Park is a wonderful treat for all the family and especially children. From Gloucester cattle to Guernsey goats, Cotswold sheep to Crested ducks, there is a rare British breed for every week of the year. Highlights on the farm include an animal audio tour, the tractor school, a Farm Safari Ride and seasonal demonstrations such as lambing, shearing and milking. Visitors can touch the animals, as well as enjoy the adventure playground, pets corner, gift shop, and cafe.
The Cotswold Farm Park is situated not far from the village of Guiting Power, near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire. Directions: Follow brown signs from Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water
Open mid March to September, then weekends until the end of the October. Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Gloucestershire.
Tel:01451 850307. Web site: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk.
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection
For adults and older children. Famous as the home of "Brum" the little car from the childrens' TV series, this collection of vehicles includes cars, motorcycles and caravans displayed with all kinds of memorabilia. There is also one of the largest collections of metal motoring signs and a number of teddy bears and rare pedal cars - something for everyone.
Open March to October.
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01451 821255.
Cotswold Water Park & Keynes Country Park
For adults and children of all ages. Britain's largest Water Park - 132 great lakes south of Cirencester. All outdoor needs are satisfied including:- nature reserves, country parks, water sports, Thames Path, cycling, fishing, riding, caravanning and camping. Safe summer bathing, lakeside cafe, walks cycling, barbecues, children's play area, bike, boat, and surf bike hire. Disabled wheelchair access at Keynes Country Park.
Directions: 3.5 miles west of A419 Spine Road junction.
Open all year.
Cotswold Water Park & Keynes Country Park, Shorncote, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01285 860186. Web site: www.waterpark.org
Cotswold Wildlife Park
The Park occupies 120 acres of gardens and parkland with a wide variety of animals for people of all ages. The wildlife varies from reptiles to tarantulas, penguins to rhinos as well as Asiatic lions, red pandas and leopards! It houses an amazing 200 animal species in glorious Cotswold countryside, along with a fine variety of plants around a fine listed Victorian Manor House. Facilities include cafe, picnic areas, adventure playground, narrow-gauge railway, and gift shop. Disabled wheelchair access provided for.
Open all year. Cotswold Wild Life Park, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JW. Tel: 01993 823006. Web site: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk.
Heritage Motoring Centre
The Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire is the largest collection of historic British cars in the World. There is also the all-new 'Time Road' which leads visitors on a fascinating journey through Britain's motoring and social history, as well as a 1930's themed motoring cinema and the 'Get Behind the Wheel' zone.
Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway
The Steam Railway is based at Toddington (between Broadway and Winchcombe) and operates a round trip of 13 miles of glorious Cotswold countryside to just beyond Gotherington and onto the latest extension - direct to the Cheltenham Racecourse. Departing from the restored station at Toddington you will travel past the village of Didbrook and the site of Hayles Abbey onto Winchcombe and finally Gotherington. Great views of the Cotswolds Hills can be seen from both sides of the train.
Open certain dates throughout the year, please call to check. Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, Toddington, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01242 621405.
Bourton on the Water Model Village
The model of the actual village of Bourton-on-the-Water built of Cotswold stone to 1/9th scale in 1937. Even the River Windrush flows under Bourton's famous bridges. The beeches, Cherries and chestnuts are all in miniature, music in the churches and of course the model of the model itself!! The Village is a fascinating example of brilliant attention to detail and is something to be enjoyed while taking a famous Cotswold ice cream!!
Open all year. The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water.
Tel: 01451 820467.
Warwick Castle
A great day out for both adults and children. Warwick Castle is one of the best preserved in the UK and dates back to William the Conqueror. It brings to life a thousand years of history. Here you can experience the sights and sounds of the medieval household, chilling dungeon and torture chambers, state rooms, towers and ramparts. In addition there are live shows of sword fighting, falconry, and knights jousting. This venue is a must for children of all ages.
Open all year. Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire.
Tel: 01926 406600.