We would like to take our grandkids (ages 12,15) to the Cotswolds. We would like to stay in less expensive places for example, family run BnB, farm stays, family hostels, glamping, etc. Any specific recommendations as to teen friendly activities, accommodations, sites will be appreciated. We are thinking of going early June when they are out of school early.
Posted by
Buckinghamshire
413 posts
The Cotswolds are a number of very pretty villages and small towns, which aren’t easy to get around without a car. I’m not sure how much it’ll appeal to a 12 and 15 year old. To be blunt, there’s not a lot to actually “do “, it’s more to look at.
I would be inclined to visit the Cotswolds but perhaps not stay there. You could stay in Oxford or Bath, for example, which are within reach of the Cotswolds (will you have a car) but which I think they’d find more interesting.
Posted by
9294 posts
Agree with the previous poster. You will need a car. Also, not sure the Cotswolds will be a big draw for kids.
We liked the Volunteer Inn at Chipping Campden.
Not real far from the Cotswolds is Warwick Castle, which is a huge draw for children. Drove around England and Wales for four weeks and saw more children there than anywhere.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1875 posts
My kids are a similar age and where we live is not that far from the Cotswolds. We do go to the area for day trips sometimes but I agree the area has no real draw for teens/tweens. Usually if we go that way we would have a wander around a National Trust property like Woodchester or Newark Park, get in a bit of walk and then have lunch somewhere. It’s the kind of wholesome day out that they enjoy once they get there but doesn’t provoke great excitement when suggested.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5822 posts
We took our kids to the Cotswolds once and they were bored stiff and that was just a day trip, I couldn't imagine any child/teen wanting to spend several days or more in the area, there are far more interesting parts of the UK.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35778 posts
if they like animals Cotswold Farm Park between Stow on the Wold and Broadway near Guiting Power do a fab job. Owned by a real farmer and TV Countryfile celeb Adam it even includes staying in a lodge and glamping. June is a great time.
They will have fun and it is very educational.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks so much to everyone. My hub and I have been to the Cotswolds before so we know the area well. We will be renting a car. But with these suggestions we will now rethink too much time there. We did see the info about the Animal Farm (thanks for additional info) and maybe we'll go punting and view Oxford University and a horseback g riding lesson. Plus a day in Stratford to see a play (which the kids like). Now maybe we will spend additional time in London doing The Tower of London, etc.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35778 posts
as I think about it, if I were their ages I would have had a ball. Well I did, I grew up in the Cotswolds.
I'd have loved climbing Broadway Tower and seeing well beyond the Malverns and into Wales (there be Dragons); a chance for Morris Dancers in Broadway; explore the strange and wonderful collections at Snowshill, and the adjacent lavender farm; a ride behind steam on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway; walking along the water meadows of the Windrush river and then the pièce de résistance - the river wending its way through Bourton on the Water....
I've just started...
Oh, and see what Nigel has on at the Fleece - maybe the Asparagus Auction and other entertainment. They do things well there.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Wonderful thanks!
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35778 posts
just a little more on the Fleece - it is a National Trust owned ancient pub just off the wold in the Evesham Vale.
Nigel Smith does a good job as Landlord and has great staff. They are very sensitive to tradition and good music. https://www.thefleeceinn.co.uk/ Just look at all the awards on their webpage, including CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025.
Every May the Fleece is the venue for the Asparagus Auction and all things asparagus. As time rolls around check their website a month or so out for particulars. The asparagus in the Evesham Vale is the best in the world - I always pop over to enhance my stash and eat the same day or next day. yum.
Kids welcome