The Cotswolds Together: A Family Adventure

Hello, friends! I should introduce myself seeing this is my very first blog post. My name is Gnomie your friendly traveling gnome. For 13 years now, I've been exploring the world with my family, and I'm excited to talk to you about the Cotswolds, a place that's pure magic even for a well-traveled gnome like myself. It's where time slows down, the countryside begs to be explored on foot, and honey-colored stone villages look like they've been plucked straight from a storybook. But don't let the peaceful countryside fool you! There is plenty of adventure, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences waiting for the whole family.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, I have put together some of my favorite family-friendly spots that perfectly blend countryside charm with exciting adventures.

Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village

Now, as a gnome, I'm used to being the small one, but at the Model Village, I feel almost tall and everyone else is practically a giant! Watching the kids' eyes light up as they towered over this perfect 1/9th replica of this charming village from the 1930's was priceless. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and visitors of all ages have fun walking the miniature streets. I almost decided to make the move across the pond to settle into my very own English cottage.

Once you've explored the miniature, the real Bourton-on-the-Water has plenty more to offer. You'll find a quirky motor museum, delightful pubs serving hearty meals, cozy shops perfect for browsing, and that famous shallow river which is absolutely perfect for splashing about on a warm day. Adult and children alike were wading in, and I might have had my humans take me for a dip or two.

Feeling a little outdoorsy? The 5½ mile circular walk from Bourton to Upper and Lower Slaughter (yes, that's really their names!) offers charming countryside views. It's an easy, family-friendly walk that rewards you with classic Cotswold scenery at every turn. From my spot in the backpack, I had the best view of it all.

Broadway Tower

Climbing to the top of this fairytale tower was quite the adventure for these little gnome legs! But the absolutely breathtaking 360° views across the Cotswolds made every step worth it. On a clear day, you can see up to 16 counties stretching out before you.

After soaking in the scenery from the top, we stopped at the café for a proper cup of tea and a light lunch. We browsed the shop for unique souvenirs, said hello to the resident Red Deer (they're much bigger than me, but quite friendly!), and stretched our legs on a lovely circular walk through the grounds.

This spot is my travel companion's (the husband's) favorite in all of the Cotswolds, and I can see why.

Blenheim Palace

Prepare to be wowed. This magnificent estate and grounds, which happens to be the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is nothing short of spectacular. The sheer scale and grandeur of the palace took my breath away. You could easily spend an entire day here wandering around the estate.

The grand State Rooms are filled with art, tapestries, and history around every corner. Outside, the stunning gardens offer different experiences depending on the season, from spring blooms to autumn colors. They also host rotating exhibits and special events throughout the year, so be sure to peek at their calendar online before you visit.

The kids absolutely loved the adventure playground, which has something fun for all ages. There's even a maze made of 2 miles of yew trees. Our advice? Pack a picnic and make it an all-day adventure.

Can you believe we stopped as a side trip on our way to catch a flight to Dublin? Not only were we not able to stay nearly long enough but due to traffic we missed our flight. No worries though, we were able to purchase a new inexpensive flight and we had so much fun creating an unforgettable memory. Sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones!

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Penguins, lemurs, and lions, oh my! This incredible park brings you face to face with animals from around the world, all set within beautiful grounds that more like a grand estate than a traditional zoo. As a garden gnome by trade, I enjoyed the gardens just as much as the amazing animals.

The little ones loved the miniature railway (running April through October). And of course, there's an adventure playground where the children can burn off energy between animal encounters, making it the perfect way to add some wild excitement to your stay in this charming part of the world.

Plan Your Cotswolds Adventure

The Cotswolds truly has it all: breathtaking countryside, charming villages, rich history, and endless family fun. Each of these spots offers something special, whether you're looking for culture, nature, adventure, or simply a beautiful place to spend time together as a family.

So, where will you explore first? This traveling gnome has been visiting the Cotswolds for 13 years and cannot wait until my next visit with the family!