In partnership with Cotswold Farm Park | cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Home to TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson, the Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning attraction at Guiting Power, near Cheltenham. Activities include feeding the lambs and meeting baby bunnies, dashing around the outdoor play areas and jumping on inflatable pillows. You can also stay in camping, glamping tents and holiday lodges.
As well as chocolate box villages and exquisite surrounding countryside, the Cotswolds are full of playgrounds that will keep even the most energetic children busy – much to the delight of their parents!
From aerial assault courses to replica train stations, discover 11 of the best playgrounds for little ones to romp about, all in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
1. Cotswold Farm Park at Guiting Power
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is a hit with people of all ages, but children are especially welcome at the family attraction near Guiting Power.
As well as offering the chance to encounter an array of animals, the park offers plenty of opportunities to bounce, swing and play – and has even introduced two brand new adventure play areas in 2021 and 2022. Toddlers can hone their driving skills on the pedal tractors, practice stunts on the inflatable floor cushions and test their balance on the new aerial play equipment.
2. Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury
Home to tree species from around the world, Westonbirt, the National Arboretum helps children understand them with its forest adventure playground, Exploratree, where toddlers can dig tunnels through tree trunks. trees and climb into a bird’s nest.
Elsewhere, follow the natural game trail to crawl through tire tunnels, jump over logs and even cross a magical troll bridge; or hunt for Gruffalo carvings in the dark, deep wood.
3. Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe
With hideouts, towering turrets and slippery slides, the Sudeley Castle Adventure Playground will keep little ones entertained for hours on a visit to the popular attraction near Winchcombe.
The playground has plenty of places to picnic before hitting the practice trail, complete with swings and balance beams. Avid explorers can also race down the zipline and test their agility on the 10-part obstacle course.
4. Tetbury Play Station
Train-loving toddlers will love climbing aboard the Tetbury Play Station, a railway-themed play area built on the site of the town’s former railway station.
Featuring a climbing frame version of Tetbury Footbridge, a wooden steam train and a signal house, the engine design is sure to capture little imaginations, with the best gear to match to preschool children.
5. Broadway Business Park
Turning the village’s recreation ground into a super playground for kids of all ages, Broadway Activity Park features a large rock climbing wall, giant Spacenet and a fast zip line, accessible from the street main.
With four play areas separated by open meadows, there is plenty of space for energetic children to run around, as well as a picnic area, all-weather sports surface and football pitch and of rounders.
6. Chipping Campden Recreation Ground
Arguably one of the finest playgrounds in the Cotswolds, there’s a range of play equipment for older and younger children at the recreation ground, just off the main street of Chipping Campden.
Swing along bridges, scale the cargo net climbing frame and try to cross monkey bars; with a Cotswold stone spiral walkway and willow archway to explore too.
7. Burford Garden Company
As well as stocking very stylish home and garden accessories, Burford Garden Company has an adventure play area which allows children to visit the Cotswolds shopping centre.
After you’ve exhausted little ones on the swings, don’t miss the chance to shop around for Little Burford’s magical selection of toys. And if you need to feed hungry kids, the on-site cafe has plenty of tasty treats and lunch options.
8. Fairy Tale Farm in Chipping Norton
Step into a fantasy world at Fairytale Farm, with six enchanting zones of sensory experiences and adventure play to discover – from visiting Jack’s bean and milking his cow to climbing into a combine harvester at several floors and even meet a giant mermaid.
Best of all, Fairytale Farm prioritizes inclusivity above all else and offers plenty of accessible play equipment, including a wheelchair swing, to ensure kids of all skill levels have a magical time.
9. St Michael’s Park in Cirencester
Sure to be a hit with toddlers keen to climb and explore, St Michael’s Park in Cirencester is a haven of intriguing spaces with an adventure play area and a family favorite activity, the mini- golf.
Also benefiting from tennis, croquet and bocce courts, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained in the beautiful green space, located within walking distance of the town centre.
10. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens near Burford
As well as giraffes, penguins and rhinos, the Cotswold Wildlife Park has an incredible adventure playground for children to discover on a visit to the popular family attraction.
Climbing 20 feet high into the trees, Skymaze is a maze of interconnected treehouses, connected by jungle bridges and slides to descend; while the Mini Manor offers a smaller-scale adventure for the little ones, with a mini zipline and sandpit.
11. Abbey Park in Evesham
A bit out of the Cotswolds but worth mentioning Abbey Park, Evesham’s gem, which has an impressive play area for children to frolic in.
With an underground slide, swing and trampoline, children can climb, jump and swing to their heart’s content. As a bonus for those visiting on a sunny day, there are water feature fountains to splash around in and plenty of green space for a picnic too.
By Annabel Lammas