Things To Do

Set across nine acres of riverside gardens, Birdland is home to over 500 exotic and rare birds, including flamingos, cassowaries, and England’s only breeding group of King Penguins. Explore over 50 aviaries, wander through themed zones like Out of Africa and Pandemonium of Parrots, and spot life-sized dinosaurs in the woodland on the Jurassic Journey.

Known as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford is a charming medieval town filled with stone buildings and bustling high street shops. Stroll along the quaint streets lined with independent boutiques, tearooms, and traditional pubs. Visit the stunning 12th-century St. John the Baptist Church and soak up the town’s rich history.

Often called “the prettiest village in England,” Castle Combe is a beautifully preserved medieval village nestled in the southern Cotswolds. With its stone cottages, quiet lanes, and a 14th-century market cross, it feels like stepping into a storybook. Popular with photographers and film crews alike, the village is also home to cosy pubs and tearooms, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll or a traditional lunch.

Step back in time at Cotswold Motoring Museum, a nostalgic journey through vintage cars, retro memorabilia, and classic toys. Housed in a 17th-century watermill, the museum features seven galleries filled with motoring history, from the 1920s to the 1970s. Don’t miss Brum, the beloved children’s TV car, who calls the museum home.

Cotswold Farm Park offers a fun and educational day out for all ages. Founded by farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson, the park is home to a wide range of rare breeds, interactive animal encounters, and seasonal farm activities. Kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, while grown-ups can relax with food and drink from the café or farm shop.

Photo credit: Cotswold Farm Park

Located in Stretton-on-Fosse, Cotswold Goat Yoga offers a joyful and relaxing countryside experience. Enjoy gentle yoga sessions surrounded by playful, home-bred Pygmy goats in a peaceful rural setting. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned pro, it’s a light-hearted and restorative way to connect with nature, and share a mat with a few furry friends.

Located just outside Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the UK’s most loved wildlife attractions. Set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland, it’s home to over 250 animal species, from giraffes and rhinos to lemurs and penguins. A fun-filled day out for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to get up close with the wild side of the Cotswolds.

Daylesford Organic is a destination for food lovers and wellness seekers alike. Explore the award-winning farm shop, organic café, garden centre, and homeware store, all set on a beautiful working farm. Enjoy seasonal dishes made from fresh, locally grown ingredients or unwind with a treatment at the Bamford Wellness Spa.

Around a 30-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water, Diddly Squat Farm Shop, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm , is a quirky and much-loved countryside stop. Browse shelves stocked with bold local produce, including Hawkstone Lager, farm-fresh milk, and seasonal goods straight from the fields.

Photo credit: @diddlysquat.farmshop

Enjoy a pint of award-winning Hawkstone Lager or Cider at the brewery’s relaxed taproom, open daily with food trucks serving delicious local bites throughout the week. For a deeper dive, join a guided tour of the brewhouse — complete with generous tastings and a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.

Just a short walk from Bourton-on-the-Water, the twin villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter offer timeless Cotswold charm. Highlights include the 19th-century water mill in Lower Slaughter and scenic countryside paths between the two. Enjoy a leisurely meal at The Slaughters Country Inn or a fine dining experience at Lords of the Manor.

Famous for its bustling market square, Stow-on-the-Wold is a vibrant market town just a short drive from Bourton-on-the-Water. Discover charming antique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés nestled among historic buildings. Don’t miss the impressive St. Edward’s Church with its iconic door surrounded by ancient yew trees.

Challenge yourself in this traditional yew hedge maze with a clever twist. At The Dragonfly Maze, your goal isn’t just to reach the centre, it’s to solve 14 hidden clues along the way. Only by finding them all can you uncover the secret of the Golden Dragonfly hidden in the central pavilion.

Step into a charming miniature world at The Model Village, the only one in the UK to faithfully recreate its own village in 1/9th scale. This unique attraction, awarded Grade II listed status by English Heritage in 2013, offers a rare glimpse into Bourton-on-the-Water as it stood in the 1930s. Wander among meticulously crafted buildings, stone bridges, and gardens.