Family Adventures in the Cotswolds: Fun Days Out Near Bourton-on-the-Water
Think the Cotswolds is all sleepy villages and antique shops? Think again! The area surrounding Bourton-on-the-Water is packed with family-friendly adventures, from farm animals and hedge mazes to castle ruins and fragrant lavender fields. If you're staying in Bourton or nearby, these brilliant days out will keep kids entertained (and adults just as happy).
Here’s your guide to the best family days out within 20 miles of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Cotswold Farm Park (Adam Henson’s Farm)
📍 Guiting Power | 15–20 mins from Bourton
Run by BBC’s Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is a paradise for animal-loving kids. Meet rare breeds, bottle-feed lambs, cuddle rabbits, and burn off energy on the massive adventure playground.
🧺 Tip: The farm café serves great food, or bring a picnic!
🎟️ Book online for seasonal events (like lambing or pumpkin picking).
Cotswold Lavender
📍 Snowshill | ~25 mins from Bourton (seasonal: late June–early Aug)
Walk through rows of vibrant purple blooms at Cotswold Lavender Farm. It’s a peaceful, sensory-friendly outing for all ages. Kids can run free (just stay between the rows!) and there’s an onsite shop with lavender goodies and ice cream.
📅 Best time to visit: End of June to mid-July.
📸 Tip: Dress in light colours for stunning family photos.
Broadway Tower & Deer Park
📍 Broadway | ~25 mins
Climb to the top of this storybook-style folly tower for sweeping views across 16 counties. Afterwards, explore the surrounding parkland and spot red deer roaming freely.
🦌 Older children may also enjoy the short tour of the Cold War-era nuclear bunker hidden beneath the tower.
Birdland Park & Jurassic Journey
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water
No need to leave the village for this family favourite. With penguins, parrots, owls, flamingos and more, Birdland is always a hit with children. Don’t miss the Jurassic Journey, a woodland trail of life-sized dinosaurs and fossil facts.
🦕 Ideal for younger kids + dino fans!
🛍️ Small gift shop and play area on-site.
The Dragonfly Maze
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water
Next to Birdland is this charming traditional yew hedge maze—complete with clues that lead you to a hidden golden dragonfly. Great fun for kids aged 6+ (and adults who fancy a challenge!).
⏱️ Takes around 20–30 minutes to complete.
🧠 Combines fun and problem-solving.
The Bourton Model Village
📍 Behind The Old New Inn, Bourton
Step into a perfectly detailed 1:9 scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, crafted from local Cotswold stone. Children love matching the tiny cottages to the full-sized versions just outside, and discovering the model within the model!
🎶 Don’t miss the church playing real choral music.
🍴 Grab lunch next door at The Old New Inn’s spacious beer garden, ideal for families and right at the exit of the Model Village.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
📍 Near Burford | ~25 mins
One of the largest zoological collections in the region, this park features giraffes, lions, rhinos, lemurs and more. The narrow-gauge train ride, large play area, and walk-through enclosures make it a full day out for all ages.
🧺 Plenty of picnic spots and an on-site café.
🛝 Excellent accessibility for buggies and wheelchairs.
Stow-on-the-Wold
📍 10 mins from Bourton
While quieter, Stow-on-the-Wold is a great half-day stop for:
The magical “fairy door” at St. Edward’s Church
Cream teas, ice cream and gift shops
Wide, open square for safe strolling
Market days and festivals throughout the year
🧙♂️ Fun fact: The famous church door is said to have inspired Tolkien’s vision of the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
📍 Toddington or Broadway | 20–25 mins
Ride a real steam train through the scenic Cotswold hills. Choose your carriage, enjoy the puff and chug, and hop on and off at various heritage stations.
📅 Look out for themed journeys like the Santa Express or Teddy Bear Tuesdays.
One Base, So Many Adventures
Staying in or near Bourton-on-the-Water puts you at the heart of Cotswold family fun. Whether you’re after animals, castles, trains, dinosaurs or just a good old-fashioned maze, there’s no shortage of things to do within 20 minutes of the village.
Ready to experience the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water? Book your stay at The Old New Inn and immerse yourself in the heart of the Cotswolds. We look forward to welcoming you!