Best Attractions in Cotswolds

The Cotswolds AONB spans nearly 800 square miles of rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and historic market towns across southern England. Renowned for its quintessential English charm, this protected landscape offers scenic trails, ancient woodlands, and cultural heritage sites, making it a top destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Set within the picturesque Bradwell Grove estate near Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a unique blend of expansive parkland, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a diverse collection of over 260 animal species. Visitors enjoy close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and penguins, all in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The park’s 160 acres provide a tranquil yet lively environment with adventure playgrounds, a miniature train, and themed gardens, making it an ideal day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Nestled in the North Cotswolds, Hidcote Manor Garden is a National Trust masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design. Its famous ‘garden rooms’ unfold in a sequence of intimate, themed spaces, each with its own character, from vibrant borders to tranquil lawns and hidden courtyards. Sculptures, seasonal planting, and a charming manor house add depth to a visit, while a café and shop make it a full day out. Best explored at a leisurely pace, it’s a haven for garden lovers and peaceful wanderers alike.

Hidcote Manor Garden, located near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, is a celebrated National Trust property renowned for its innovative 'garden rooms' and Arts and Crafts style. This historic garden features a series of outdoor rooms, each with unique planting schemes, sculptures, and tranquil spaces. Visitors enjoy exploring its diverse landscapes, charming café, and well-stocked shop, all set within a quintessential Cotswold village environment.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland Park & Gardens spans nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland along the River Windrush. Home to over 500 birds from more than 130 species, including England's only breeding group of King Penguins, it offers immersive encounters with exotic and rare birds amid tranquil natural settings. Visitors can explore themed zones like Jurassic Journey and Out of Africa, enjoy interactive feeding sessions, and relax at the onsite café.

Dyrham Park is a grand National Trust estate near Bath, featuring a stunning 17th-century baroque mansion set within 270 acres of ancient parkland. Visitors can explore beautifully restored historic rooms, formal gardens with a new parterre, peaceful wooded terraces, and an orchard. The estate is renowned for its fallow deer herd, cascading pool gardens, and family-friendly amenities including a play area and café. It offers a tranquil blend of heritage, nature, and scenic walking trails.

Located in the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection offers a nostalgic journey through 20th-century motoring history. Housed in The Old Mill, this museum features an extensive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, and motoring memorabilia, alongside a delightful toy collection including the famous children’s TV character Brum. It provides an engaging experience for families and enthusiasts alike.

The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a Grade II listed 1/9th scale replica of the charming Cotswold village as it appeared in the 1930s. Crafted from local Cotswold stone by skilled craftsmen, it features intricate miniature buildings, bridges, and flowing water, offering a unique perspective on the village's historic architecture and layout. Open daily except Christmas, it provides an engaging and whimsical experience for visitors of all ages.

Crocodiles of the World, located in Brize Norton near Carterton, Oxfordshire, is the UK’s only dedicated crocodile zoo. Home to over 130 crocodilians from 18 species, plus other reptiles and mammals, it offers immersive underwater viewing, daily feeding talks, and keeper experiences. Open daily from 10am to 5pm year-round, it features indoor and outdoor exhibits, cafes, picnic areas, and is family-friendly with accessible facilities.

Tewkesbury Abbey, located in the heart of Tewkesbury on Church Street, is a stunning Norman church renowned for its immense Romanesque architecture, intricate medieval roof bosses, and rich history dating back to the 7th century. Once a Benedictine monastery, it now serves as a vibrant parish church and a testament to England’s religious and cultural heritage.