Posted on May 21, 2026
There's something particularly special about May half term in The Cotswolds. The countryside feels alive with wildflowers and fresh greenery, village greens begin to fill with families enjoying the sunshine, and with warm, sunny weather forecast this year there's a real sense that summer has arrived early.
Whether you're planning a long weekend of exploring or simply looking for ways to keep little ones entertained, The Cotswolds offers no shortage of memorable family-friendly days out. We've rounded up some of our favourite ways to enjoy the region this half term.
Wildlife Parks & Animal Encounters
One of the most-loved family attractions in the region, Cotswold Farm Park is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for younger children. Set amongst rolling countryside near Guiting Power, the farm offers hands-on animal encounters, adventure play areas, tractor rides and plenty of space to roam.
May half term is an especially lovely time to visit, with spring still very much in the air and lots of opportunities to meet young animals. Families can easily spend a full day here with the wide assortment of activities on, made easier with the onsite café and picnic areas making it ideal for a slower-paced outing.
For a classic family day out, Cotswold Wildlife Park remains one of the best wildlife attractions in the region. Wander past rhinos, giraffes, lions and penguins whilst enjoying beautifully maintained gardens and open green spaces.
Unlike many larger zoos, the park feels relaxed and easy to navigate, making it particularly suitable for families with younger children. The adventure playground is also a huge hit during school holidays.
Nestled in Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland is perfect for younger children and offers a gentler pace for a half term outing. Home to flamingos, pelicans, owls and England’s only group of king penguins, it combines wildlife experiences with riverside gardens and interactive exhibits.
Pair your visit with a wander through Bourton itself and an ice cream by the water for an easy family afternoon.
If you like the idea of spending time with animals this half term, read our journal on the best places to see wildlife across The Cotswolds here.
Lidos, Lakes & Wild Swimming
With temperatures set to climb this half term, there's no better way to keep the whole family happy than a proper splash about. The Cotswolds is well-served for outdoor swimming, from beautifully restored heritage lidos to lakes and hidden riverside spots.
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
One of the oldest outdoor pools in the country, dating all the way back to 1869, Cirencester's open air pool is a real gem. Fed by a natural spring and heated to a balmy 26°C or so, the 27-metre main pool sits alongside a children's pool, a slide and a sun-soaked patio, with a friendly, volunteer-run tuck shop on hand for ice creams, drinks and snacks.
Tucked away on Riverside Walk near Cirencester Park, it pairs beautifully with a morning's pottering around the town's shops and cafés. There's no parking on site, but plenty of public car parks within easy walking distance.
Cheltenham Lido (Sandford Parks)
If you're after something a little grander, Sandford Parks Lido in the heart of Cheltenham is hard to beat. Its 50-metre heated pool is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country, set within four acres of landscaped grounds with many of its original 1930s art deco features still in place. Alongside the main pool there's a heated children's pool, a paddling pool, slides and an in-house café making it an easy spot to while away a whole sunny afternoon together.
Chipping Norton Lido
Over in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, the much-loved community-run "Chippy" Lido is well worth seeking out. It offers a 25-metre heated pool and a separate toddler pool, plus a sauna, a cold plunge, a poolside café serving fresh food and barista coffee, and a leafy, tree-lined lawn that's perfect for drying off in the sun. Run as a charity by local people since 2004, it has a genuinely warm, village feel that families love.
The Cotswold Water Park
For water activities of every kind, the Cotswold Water Park really does have it all. Spread across a vast network of lakes, you'll find paddleboarding, kayaking, open water swimming and even a sandy beach at the Cotswold Country Park & Beach, alongside lakeside playgrounds, picnic spots and nature reserves dotted throughout. It's the easiest place in the region to turn a quick dip into a full day out.
Fancy something a little wilder?
The Cotswolds is dotted with gorgeous rivers, weirs and lakes that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day, from the River Windrush at Minster Lovell to more secluded riverside pools. For our full pick of the most beautiful (and family-friendly) spots, read our journal on the best wild swimming spots across The Cotswolds here.
A quick word on safety: open water is colder and less predictable than a pool, so always check a spot for currents and any access restrictions, never swim alone, and keep a close eye on little ones near the water.
Easy Walks & Nature Spots
The walk between Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter is one of the most picturesque family-friendly routes in The Cotswolds. Relatively flat and easy underfoot, it follows the gentle River Eye past honey-coloured cottages, small bridges and open countryside.
It’s ideal for younger walkers and can easily be combined with lunch or coffee in one of the nearby village pubs.
Few places are as beautiful in late spring as Westonbirt Arboretum. The towering trees, woodland trails and wide-open spaces make it perfect for children to explore whilst adults can properly appreciate the changing colours and peaceful surroundings.
During this half term, there are plenty of activities taking place throughout the grounds, such as ‘Room on the Broom trail’ making it far more than simply a woodland walk.
For families with slightly older children, Painswick Beacon offers a rewarding countryside walk with panoramic views across the Severn Valley. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of open space, kite flying and countryside exploring.
The nearby village of Painswick is also worth stopping in for a wander around its charming streets and independent cafés.
Spending time walking in the sun is never a bad idea, and if you want more walking routes across The Cotswolds, read our journal here.
Family-Friendly Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
For families looking for a slower-paced day out, Hidcote Manor Garden offers beautiful outdoor spaces that feel almost maze-like for children to explore. The series of garden “rooms”, winding pathways and hidden corners make it more engaging and a completely different experience to your typical formal garden.
Late May is one of the best times to visit, with colourful borders beginning to bloom and the surrounding countryside looking its absolute best.
Less crowded than some of the region’s larger attractions, Batsford Arboretum is a brilliant option for a relaxed afternoon. Families can wander woodland trails, spot wildlife and enjoy the open spaces for children to run and explore.
The garden centre and café are a tasty stop for lunch or coffee, particularly if you’re already exploring nearby Moreton-in-Marsh or Broadway.
If you’re after something simple and budget-friendly, Pittville Park is ideal for younger families. With large play areas, open green spaces, boating lakes and cafés nearby, it’s perfect for a casual day out this half term.
It’s also a great option to combine with exploring Cheltenham itself, especially on warmer spring afternoons.
For more gardens that are worth a visit, read our guide here.
Scenic Cycling Routes
The Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswold Water Park is brilliant for relaxed family cycling. The largely flat routes around the lakes make it suitable for all ages and abilities, with plenty of cafés, picnic spots and nature reserves to stop at along the way.
And if you fancy swapping two wheels for the water, there's paddleboarding, kayaking, open water swimming and lakeside playgrounds on offer too — see our Cooling Off section above for everything the park has on the water.
The Colliers Way
For a quieter countryside ride, sections of The Colliers Way offer peaceful cycling through beautiful rural scenery and charming villages. It's a wonderful way to explore slower corners of The Cotswolds whilst avoiding busier roads.
Families can tailor shorter stretches depending on age and ability, making it a flexible option for half term adventures.
For more cycling routes we'd recommend across the region, find our guide here.
Historic Attractions & Easy Day Trips
Combining history, beautiful gardens and family-friendly trails, Sudeley Castle makes for an excellent day out this half term. Children can explore the castle grounds, adventure playground and woodland areas whilst adults enjoy the rich history and beautifully kept gardens.
With a special Nature Week running throughout this half term there will be a focus on the role trees play in supporting nature, wildlife and history with events and activities designed to offer an immersive outdoors experience.
Blenheim Palace remains one of the easiest and most worthwhile family day trips in The Cotswolds. Families can explore the palace interiors, lakeside walks, adventure play area and extensive parkland all in one visit.
This half term, there’s a fantastic food festival at the palace too, so tuck in to some tasty grud to regain energy before continuing exploring.
For a weather-proof option, Corinium Museum in Cirencester offers a fascinating insight into Roman Britain with interactive exhibits that work brilliantly for children. It’s engaging without feeling overly formal and makes for an easy stop whilst exploring Cirencester itself.