68 Things to do in the Cotswolds | Top Attractions & Activities

Discover the best attractions and things to do in the Cotswolds

If you’re looking for the best things to do in the Cotswolds, then our guide has you covered. From attractions with timeless characters, serene walks and thrilling outdoor activities, there is truly something for everyone!

Things to do in the Cotswolds

With lush rolling fields and endless countryside, the Cotswolds is renowned for its beauty and visitors can expect to find a wealth of exciting things to do woven throughout.

Look forward to exploring the beautiful countryside by joining one of the many picturesque walks laced through the Cotswolds such as The Cotswolds Way. These trails are perfect for people looking for things to do in the Cotswolds with dogs. They are also perfect any time of year; enjoy walking and bike riding in the summer and frosted walks when visiting the Cotswolds in winter.

If you’re looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for families there are also an array of exciting options. Take the kids down to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens or Birdland Park and Gardens to experience exciting wildlife! Families looking for outdoor activities can also look forward to attractions like Cotswold Mountain Biking which offers a unique way to see the Cotswolds.

Are you looking for unusual things to do in the Cotswolds? If so you can expect countless unique attractions in this beautiful part of the country. Spend the day at Diddly Squat Farm, where Jeremy Clarkson’s hit TV show was filmed or travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to join a Ghost Walk. There’s even a Dragonfly Maze dating back to 1997 in Bourton-on-the-Water!

Evoking a sense of romance, the Cotswolds is the perfect place for couples seeking a romantic getaway where they can create unforgettable memories. Delight in live shows at the Barn Theatre, enjoy romantic walks around the ground of Blenheim Palace or learn more about gin and whisky at The Cotswolds Distillery. There are countless things to do in the Cotswolds for couples!

Places to visit in the Cotswolds

As well as exciting things to do in the Cotswolds there are also endless wonderful places to visit in the Cotswolds. Treat the one you love most to a romantic getaway to the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water or delight in the elegant beauty of Cheltenham!

If it’s rich culture and exciting history that you’re seeking then Gloucester is the place for you! This magnificent cathedral city famed for its docks is bursting at the seams with museums and delicious restaurants which all make it a definite place to visit in the Cotswolds.

For a taste of the quintessential Cotswolds stop off in Cirencester and Stroud which are filled with honey-coloured, stone cottages and surrounded by stunning countryside!

Enjoy an endless amount of things to do in the Cotswolds with the help of our guide…

Image of Blenheim Palace by: DeFacto

St James’ Church

Church St
Chipping Campden
GL55 6JG

01386 841927

Situated at the heart of Chipping Campden, this fine example of Gothic architecture with medieval touches, including its altar frontals, is a fine example of a wool church and a reminder of Chipping Campden’s wealth of wool merchants during the Medieval era.
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wfmillar – CCSA 2.0

St Mary’s Church, Bibury

Church Green
Witney
OX28 4AW

01993 779492

Located in one of the most popular villages, this 12th-century church boasts an old heritage. Along with wonderful carved doorways, there is plenty to admire from the Norman carvings, to medieval windows.
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Stratford Racecourse

Luddington Road
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 9SE

01789 267949

Stratford Racecourse has an excellent reputation for levels of prize money and being host to 19 thrilling horseracing fixtures. Racing takes place regularly between March and November, with many top trainers and jockeys attending.
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Stratford Town Walk

Join the multi award-winning, daily guided walking tour to discover Stratford and its fascinating relationship with William Shakespeare. Passing Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the main sights in the town, the guide tells fascinating stories of fire, flood, plague, old-fashioned sayings, medieval cures and history, with a little Shakespeare.
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Stroudwater Navigation

01453 752568

A canal that originally linked Stroud with the Severn Estuary, Stroudwater Navigation has recently been partially restored, offering a number of picturesque walking trails along its lengths.
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Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire
Winchcombe
GL54 5JD

01242 604244

Sudeley Castle is one for the whole family, hosting numerous events throughout the year and an abundance of charm. You can admire the ancient treasures inside, or wander out to the award-winning gardens, while the children make the most of the adventure playground.
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Tewkesbury Museum

This seventeenth century building is graced with a rich history and roman remains, which you can appreciate by touring the original features. With child-friendly activities, there is something to keep everyone occupied.
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The Bacon Theatre

Hatherley Road
Cheltenham
GL51 6EP

01242 258002

Cheltenham’s bustling entertainment theatre features award-winning live concerts, plays, dance, comedy, and film in Dean Close School.
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The Brewery Quarter

Henrietta Street
Cheltenham
GL50 4FA

01242 574378

As a “one-stop store where you may shop, dine, stay, and play,” The Brewery Quarter is a hotspot in Cheltenham.
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Mrfinch - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Model Village

Bourton-on-the-Water
GL54 2AF

01451 820467

A model replica of the beautiful Cotswolds village Bourton-on-the-Water, containing many of the buildings built to a ninth of the size in the traditional honey-coloured Cotswold stone.
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