things to do in the Cotswolds
- family-friendly
- places to visit
Discover the very best of the Cotswolds during your stay at Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat.
Nestled in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat offers the perfect base for exploring the beauty of the Cotswolds. And of course it is known for its rolling hills, stone villages and market towns but if you have never been to the area before it’s always good to know about some things to do before your visit. Whether you’re after learning about the history, taking in some scenic views or enjoying an afternoon with some animals, we’ve got something for everyone in the list below.
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, OX20 1PS | 25 minute walk away
Known for being Britain’s greatest palace with over 300 years of history to explore. Blenheim Palace offers a perfect day out for visitors from all over. Whether you’re wanting to just explore the gardens, wander through the many rooms or take advantage of their incredible annual events that are happening across the year, it’s a place perfect for everyone. And with the lodge retreat being located on the Blenheim Estate grounds, the Palace is just around the corner. Enjoy 20% off standard Blenheim Palace entry tickets when you book a stay at Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens
Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP | 28 minute drive away
The Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens has been open for over 50 years and is one of the largest zoological collections and gardens in the UK. Whether you want to be eye to eye with a giraffe on the Giraffe Walkway or meet the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, there are so many different species for you to learn about on your way around the park. As well as the animals you can enjoy exploring around the various gardens that surround the park with a great collection of trees, plants and flowers.
Diddly Squat Farm
Chadlington, Chipping Norton, OX7 3PE | 24 minute drive away
We’re sure many of you have heard of Diddly Squat Farm before, but did you know it is just a short drive away from the resort? Full of personality, this rustic farm shop is full of locally produced goods, seasonal produce and various other quirky bits to purchase. So, whether you’re after picking up some fresh food, grabbing a bite to eat at the food stalls or want to chance your luck at meeting Jeremy Clarkson himself, it’s a place that is well worth visiting whilst you’re in the Cotswolds.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Cheltenham, GL54 2LU | 43 minute drive away
The picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water is known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses and makes a great day out. Whether you just want to wander the streets and explore the many shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms. Or make the most of the attractions in the village like the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, The Model Village or The Dragonfly Maze there is so much to suit all its visitors. Across the village you will find five stone bridges which is part of the reason the village has the nickname ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds’.
Cotswolds Farm Park
Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL | 49 minute drive away
Home to over 50 rare breed farm animals, Cotswolds Farm Park is perfect for families and animal lovers who want to enjoy some close up experiences. Throughout the Spring months enjoy holding chicks and rabbits, meet lambs, piglets, calves and get the chance to bottle feed lambs and goats. As well as the baby animals, there are various other animals to enjoy including highland cows, donkeys, the Gloucester bull and so many more. There are also options for a bite to eat on the farm from meals at the Ox Shed Restaurant to quick light bites at Peckish.