Unusual Things To Do In The Cotswolds
Discovering new places is one of the joys of a Cotswolds holiday. You can find some real hidden gems in the Cotswolds, if you’re prepared to do your research and head off the beaten track,
The Cotswolds is full of famous places to visit, from attractions like Blenheim Palace to picturesque villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water. If you’ve already visited these, or simply fancy finding somewhere or something a bit different, take a look at our helpful guide.
Here are some of the quirkier activities and quieter spots in the Cotswolds.
Unique Activities In The Cotswolds
We’ll dive straight into unusual days out in the Cotswolds with husky sledding. Yes, you did read that correctly: dog sled rides in the west of England. Arctic Quest in Tewkesbury not only offers a programme of husky sledding trips, but you’ll also get the chance to hang out with the pack and learn about these amazing animals. If you’ve ever wanted to shout “Mush!”, Arctic Quest is the activity for you.
You can also learn how to fire a crossbow at The Cotswold Range. Qualified professionals offer exclusive training in archery, crossbows and air rifle firing at this range near Cirencester. It’s very games focused, making this a fun venue for families. Aged 8 upwards.
Love country walks and birds of prey? Book a session with Walks With Hawks, where you’ll learn more about falconry while hanging out with a beautiful bird and their helpful humans. You can also book an Owl Encounter.
Family Days Out With A Difference
You’ve met the cute animals at Cotswold Wildlife Park and made some feathered friends at Birdland. Now it’s time to meet some more challenging creatures at the UK’s only crocodile zoo, Crocodiles Of The World at Brize Norton. This is an absolutely fascinating day out, as you’ll come away having learned so much about these ancient animals and other reptiles.Try to catch one of the daily feeding sessions (and if you still prefer your animals cuddly, there are also meerkats at the zoo).
A trip out to a garden can be met with groans from older kids. This isn’t the case at Westonbirt National Arboretum near Tetbury. You can see the trees from a whole new perspective thanks to the Stihl Tree Top Walkway. This pathway runs through the canopy, 13 metres above the forest floor. There’s a rope bridge and crow’s nest to add to the fun, while the main pathway is wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Hidden Gem Attractions In The Cotswolds
Chedworth Roman Villa is the remains of one of the finest houses of its period in Britain. This fascinating site isn’t easy to get to (it’s down some of Gloucestershire’s notorious winding lanes) but it’s definitely worth seeking out. The ruins of this once-grand villa are very well explained, and there’s a museum, shop and cafe.
Vaccination has been in the news a lot recently, so while you’re in the Cotswolds, pay a visit to the home of the pioneering Dr Jenner, the scientist who changed the world. His Berkeley house is now the Jenner Museum. Learn about Dr Jenner’s life and his incredible legacy, before enjoying a stroll around the beautiful Physic Garden.
Thinking of gardens, try a visit to two of the area’s lesser-known gardens, Bourton House Gardens and Painswick Rococo Garden. The former is the elegant grounds of an 18th-century estate, with highlights including a topiary walk, water features and a seven-acre field. The Rococo Garden is simply one of the loveliest places to explore on a sunny day, and look out for events such as outdoor theatre.
Cotswold Places Off The Beaten Track
Now let’s really stray from the path… The Purton Ships’ Graveyard lies on the River Severn. The abandoned boats were deliberately beached here to reinforce the river bank, and they now form the most eerily fascinating place you could stumble upon. The vessels were towed here and their hulls holed to let in the silt. This happened between 1909 and the 1970s, so the boats are actually in layers in some places. There’s a car park opposite the church in Purton.
For more conventional but still evocative ruins, try Minster Lovell Hall and dovecot. This once-splendid 15th-century manor house sits on the banks of the River Windrush. It was actually demolished in the 18th century, leaving behind these haunting remains. Don’t even think about driving down the lane to the ruins: park at the church and make the five-minute walk to the hall.
Despite being one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, Wiltshire’s Castle Combe is one of the quieter spots to visit. The roads are narrow, and once you reach the village, you won’t find lots of gift shops, cafes or attractions. So, if you simply want to enjoy the beauty of an unspoilt Cotswold village without the crowds or cars, head for Castle Combe.
Book A Holiday In The Cotswolds
We hope this has given you an insight into the quirkier side of the Cotswolds. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the hidden Cotswolds by booking a few nights here. Take a look at the lovely guest rooms in Lords Of The Manor, and please contact us if you want to know more.