A huge expanse of common land, on the outskirts of Cheltenham, with stunning views over the Vale Of…read moreEvesham. This is the highest point in the Cotswolds and in Gloucestershire. There's a reasonable amount of free parking nearby (plus a decent pub), easy paths up the hill, difficult ones, and some that require ropes and climbing gear. Well worth a walk on a good day - take a camera.

I was really looking forward to this attraction and it didn't disappoint. Plan to spend a few hours…read morehere and if possible, arrive hungry because they have a great restaurant and coffee cafe on site. Not to mention a fun gift shop that features brilliant children's toys, clothing and local artisan food treats like cheese, baked goods and snacks. There were so many things I loved about this stop. From interacting with the goats, sheep, cows, baby piglets (four days old!) to learning about the heritage breeds and surrounding countryside, this farm is full of educational opportunities and spots for kiddos to stretch their legs throughout. I especially appreciated the indoor sandbox , soft climbing space and interactive chick display. Several of the animals could also be found inside for up close experiences like rabbits, goats, and calves. The inner farm girl in me was soaking in every minute of the experience. Expect to pay around 15 pounds per adult for your visit. Note that they also have rustic (teepee/camping) accommodations available on site.

We stayed in the Cotswolds for 4 days, and we needed stuff to entertain our 4 year old. We saw a…read morebrochure for this place in our hotel, and it looked promising. The only problem was that we had not rented a car, and public tranportation didn't run out that way, so we had to take a taxi. No big deal. The man was very nice and promised to come back and pick us up at 5pm, when the park closed. This place is owned by a local TV celebrity (although of course we didn't know who he was). The park is all about conservation of rare breeds of animals and farming. For Americans, this place is kind of like a big pumpkin patch (that you visit in the fall), but without the pumpkins. There are little rides for the children, lots of animals, and even a corn maze. There's also a gift shop.

The trout Farm has a cafe and shop. The shop sells fresh trout from the farm. Absolutely excellent…read morefish and very reasonable priced. The fishmonger (well they are the ones that sell the fish) is very helpful with regard to cooking instructions for those who are a little unsure. Well worth a visit!

This is a very informative and fun exhibit. The gift shop is really good for knickknacks and food…read more The staff were very nice at the trout farm and answered questions that I had. I would definitely recommend this. Be sure to get a bag of food so you can feed the trout. The small restaurant at the trout farm is very good and has ample pastries and selections.

Hidcote is one of the National Trust's best-known gardens; as an example of an Arts & Crafts garden…read morelaid out to comprise different "rooms", it was influential in the design of many others. Hidcote was created by the American Lawrence Johnston. He and his mother frst moved to the UK in 1900, their wealth originating in the US stockbroking business. He became a naturalised British citizen, and fought with distinction in the Boer War, where he also became interested in the diverse flora of South Africa, as well as the First World War. His mother - Mrs Gertrude Winthrop - bought the Hidcote Manor estate in 1907, and Johnston immediately set about developing the gardens there, a project that lasted for 40 years, and including organising plant-hunting expeditions around the world. In the meantime, he also purchased a property in the south of France, and retired there permanently in 1948, at which point the National Trust acquired Hidcote. Today, the ground floor rooms of the Manor House are open to the public, and the adjacent mediaeval chapel is in use as a second-hand bookshop. But the main attraction is the 10 acres of gardens include a wide variety of planting styles, from intimate secret gardens with ponds and fountains, to dramatic lengths of herbaceous border, topiary, formal avenues of trees, and expanses of lawn. The renown of the garden is such that it regularly hosts the BBC's Gardeners' World TV programme. The garden is at its best in early summer, but there is interest year round. Note parts of the garden are at different levels, so there is no level access to all areas. The site includes a shop and cafeteria, serving the usual National Trust selection of light meals and cakes. There is a large car park across the lane from the Manor House.

This was a highlight of the time we spent in the Cotswolds. Words can't describe how absolutely…read morebeautiful the Hidcote Garden is. What is most impressive is the variety of different areas in the garden that are all impeccably done. This is both a lovely place for a quiet stroll or outdoor lunch. The cafe has surprisingly good English food.

This is a lovely place - the colours are beautiful and the cafe is a very high quality…read more The paths are well marked and generally very accessible. The staff here are very knowledgeable too - if you need information about any of the species, they are happy to help. The gravel car park is suitable even in wet weather - although it is much nicer to visit in the sunshine and see all the lovely colours. It can get busy though, and with lots of children running around, it isn't quite as serene as it can be. Take plenty of time to visit this venue - it really is worth it.

Fatastic every thing you could won't from an educational visit to a lovely winter walk, or a summer…read morepicnic. The specimens of the trees and plants are secnd to none, they also have a falconary centre which is great too. A coffee shop so you could make a whole day and have lunch.

I've been coming here since I was a kid and it's still one of the best wildlife parks in the south…read more They're dog friendly and the dogs can go in most places apart from the wolf walk-through and some of the inside buildings like the bats. Most of the animals have adequate enclosures and room to roam. My dog was fascinated by the rhinos, joeys and giant tortoises! They have a restaurant but I recommend bringing your own picnic, especially if the weather is nice. There are multiple areas to set up for lunch. They also have coffee spots and nice ice cream. There's a playground for the little ones if you're doing a family trip and it's always been fun. Plus, the gift shop is a must! Definitely recommend.

We went to this zoo on a nice warm spring day. What a great decision. Yes, there were many people,…read morebut there is plenty of space. The garden like layout makes it ideal for this time of year. In addition, this zoo visit was made by the baby animals, a rhino, a camel and a giraffe. We had 3 lovely hours.

First time visiting Crickley Hill Country Park. Great views of the Cotswolds from this beautiful…read morelocation. There are lots of paths to follow, all sorts of open green areas to relax in and countless picture worthy locations. You'll also come across lots of cows roaming the area as well as birds and other wildlife. There's a fairly large parking area that accommodates a good amount of vehicles. A small visitor center area includes a small museum, which details some of the historical things one may encounter, a description of the wildlife in the area, and a brief history of the park, and how it came to be. Adjacent to the museum is a coffee shop that sells hot drinks, cold drinks, ice cream and a variety of snacks and gifts.

Crickley Hill is a great spot for a ramble, with or without children or dogs. It has few facilities…read more- a small visitors' centre of uncertain opening hours, loos, and plenty of parking. For the warmer months, there is a central picnic area as well as scattered benches throughout the park, and an ice cream van often visits the larger carpark. There are several trails marked out, or you can wander at will. There are some elements of historic interest if the visitors' centre is open, along with some information boards about the settlements which used to be there - some of which are marked out with posts in the ground. The big open area where the settlements used to be is now great for flying a kite - be warned on windy days, the site is mostly quite exposed and can be a lot windier and colder than lower ground! Fantastic views over Cheltenham and Gloucester on a clear day.

Visited here today, 18 Feb, because I wanted to see something 'typically British' and this was one…read moreof the few 'stately homes' open in winter. They opened the gates at 10:30 am, but the main house doesn't open til 11:30. If you want to do something similar make sure to check hours on the websites! We enjoyed walking around the gardens for roughly an hour before going inside the house. Despite it being winter, the grounds were really green and the light was wonderful. There is a kind of 'ring path' around the periphery - perfect for a long walk - but bring your wellies! It was too muddy for us to walk into the lower areas near the river. There were tons of deer all over - very nice to see bucks and doe all mixed together - and not spooked by people. On the grounds you can get snacks at The Orangery - but be prepared to wait - we tried to get in twice and both times the line was out the door and every table was taken. But inside is lovely with lots of artwork showing the home and grounds throughout the seasons represented in different mediums (block prints, photos, watercolors). And there is also outdoor seating, which would be really nice in warmer weather. There's also the Tea Garden with beverages and snacks on the other side of the house, but it's all outside. The home itself is really grand. The front hall, dining and living areas, library, pool room and ladies chambers, all on the first floor, give insight into how people used to live - and it's quite something. Only a small portion of the second floor is open to the public via staircases and the place does not appear to be accessible by people with special needs. Overall a very enjoyable experience! And a place to return to season after season to see the gardens, flowers in bloom and exhibits. And don't miss the kitchen and shops!

Really pleasant place to visit, great grounds, see full review…read more http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=513