Local Attractions

Cotswolds local attractions

The Crown of Crucis Cotswolds location is ideal for planning your excursion in the Cotswolds. The A-Z guide includes some of our own personal favourite places to visit in the Cotswolds, you'll find information on some of the many things to do when you are out exploring the Gloucestershire countryside. Whatever you choose to do, there's something for all the family. Where possible, we've listed the disabled facilities, toilet facilities and parking available on site; it's always advisable to phone and check facilities beforehand in case arrangements have altered.

American Museum in Britain
Historic objects, intriguing interiors, spectacular views, inspiring stories and hands on learning all make the American Museum at Claverton Manor, Bath. The historic sites of Bath with its Roman Baths, Abbey and famous Georgian Crescent and superb shopping, make a day out here an altogether memorable experience. Only 40 miles from The Crown of Crucis.
www.americanmuseum.org

Aston Pottery
A complex of four period farm buildings at Kingsway Farm, Aston, have been extensively renovated to provide an efficient and modern working environment for this pottery which now supplies over 200 shops in Britain, Europe and America, including John Lewis, The General Trading Company and The National Trust. Demonstrations and group visits. Decorate your own pottery Saturdays and school holidays Shop and tearoom open 7 days a week
www.astonpottery.co.uk

Avon Valley Railway
For a delightful nostalgic day out enjoy steam train and pleasure boat trips on the River Avon. Britton Station is situated midway between Bristol and Bath on the A431, one mile from Keynesham. Car parking is free.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Berkeley Castle
Where history has shaped a building and the garden has grown through time, just off the A38, midway between Gloucester and Bristol, Berkeley Castle is the oldest castle in Britain to be lived in by the same family for 900 years. With 30 acres to explore including alpine garden and horse pool and daffodil walk, Berkeley’s twin estate, Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcestershire is also well worth a visit.
www.berkeley-castle.com
www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

Blenheim Palace
Home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Situated about 20 minutes from Oxford and only one hour away from The Crown of Crucis Cotswolds Country Hotel, the Palace is a world heritage site with superb gardens designed by Capability Brown, a magnificent art collection and features the world's largest symbolic hedge maze. Open March to end October.
www.blenheimpalace.com

Broughton Castle
One of the loveliest castles in the whole of England, near Banbury, and one of only twenty houses in England to be awarded five stars by author Simon Jenkins. Open 30 April to 15 September.
www.broughtoncastle.com

The Butts Farm
Situated 3 miles East of Cirencester, The Butts Farm is a family run Rare Breeds farm. Join in all the activities and have a real hands-on experience.
www.thebuttsfarmshop.com

Castle Combe Racing circuit
All courses on the famous 1.85 mile international race circuit for thrill seekers wanting to experience that special driving experience of hurtling around a race circuit or purpose built rally stage.
www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Chedworth Roman Villa
The remains of one of the largest Roman villas in the country in a wooded Cotswold Combe. Over one mile of walls survive, there are several fine mosaics, two bathhouses, hypocausts, a water shrine and latrine. Near Yanworth in Cheltenham. Open March to October.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Cirencester Ashcroft Church
Methodist/United Reformed church with Sunday services and activities for children
www.ashcroft-church.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club
Cirencester Park Polo Club is set amid 3000 acres of park and woodland on one of England’s most beautiful estates in the heart of the Cotswolds. Gates open at 12:30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays and visitors are always welcome.
www.cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cotswold Farm Park
BBC Countryfile presenter and Farm Park Director, Adam Henson looks forward to welcoming you to this home of rare breed conservation.
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Cotswold Motoring Museum
Including a toy collection featuring Brum, a blacksmith’s, Windrush alley and Jack Lake’s garage, guest car showroom and paved paradise. Demonstrations, quizzes and treasure hunts are just some of the featured events that take place throughout the year.
www.cotswold-motor-museum.com

Cotswold Water Park
Set in over 40 square miles of Cotswold countryside, 10 minutes away from The Crown of Crucis, with over 140 lakes and the largest inland man made waterway in Europe, this area provides outstanding opportunities for leisure and recreation including aerial adventures, canoeing, golf, kayaking, shopping, angling, bird-watching, camping, eating out, guided walks, nature reserves, swimming, waterskiing, archery, boat hire, cycle hire, farm visits, horse riding, playgrounds, sailing, walking and windsurfing.
www.waterpark.org

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
A gardener’s delight with extensive lawns for picnics. Spread over 160 acres, the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is one of the “Big 5” largest zoological collections in the country with something to offer every member of the family. From walled gardens, a tropical house, endangered species, reptile courtyard, insect house and bat house, to children’s farmyard, adventure playground and narrow gauge railway. Easy wheelchair and buggy access throughout.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Evesham Light Railway
Here at Evesham Vale station you can take a picnic, walk down the hill to the river Avon, or just enjoy the views overlooking some of the most picturesque scenery the Vale of Evesham has to offer
www.evlr.co.uk

Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery
Internationally important treasures are to be found in a fine Victorian building at the heart of this ancient city. Workstations, quizzes and computer activities are all in the galleries. From dinosaurs to Romans, and fossils to furniture.
www.gloucester.gov.uk/citymuseum

Horse World
Set in beautiful stone farm buildings near Bristol, the visitor centre is an award winning attraction that offers a great day out for everyone. Easy access, wheelchair friendly, free wheelchair loans and concessions. One carer admitted free per disabled visitor.
www.horseworld.org.uk

Longleat House
Longleat is renowned as a family attraction with its theme park activities and famous safari park.
www.longleat.co.uk

Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park is the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke. Lady Diana Spencer, who shared a common ancestry and startling likeness to Diana, Princess of Wales, became the 2nd Viscountess in 1757. Her floral panels, pictures and china designs are still to be seen today.
www.lydiardpark.org.uk

National Arboretum
Westonbirt, The national Arboretum in Gloucestershire is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world. An historic collection of over 3000 different trees and shrub species many of which are rare or endangered in their native lands. Covering 600 acres, the arboretum is an inspiring place to relax, get back to nature and indulge your senses.
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

The National Trust
Sherborne Park Estate
Meander through classic Cotswolds countryside near quirky Lodge Park
Woodchester Park
Uncover a tranquil and historic parkland in the South West Cotswolds
May Hill
Prominent Cotswold countryside straddling the Gloucestershire/Herefordshire border
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Roves Farm
A day out for all the family, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon. Free car and coach park. Disabled toilets and baby changing; wheelchair access and adapted tractor rides; dogs welcome on a lead; indoor and outdoor picnic areas; granary tearoom. Pick up a leaflet at reception.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre
On the banks of the River Severn, the famous Slimbridge Wetland Centre is home to the world’s largest collection of ducks, geese, swans and flamingos, surrounded by over 325 hectares of internationally protected wild reserve. Slimbridge offers an all year round programme of walks, arts, events, workshops, talks and spectacular wildlife encounters at the birthplace of modern conservation, including a tropical house, canoe safari, welly boot land, crane school, interactive events and visitor centre. Wheelchair friendly, guide dogs welcome.
www.wwt.org.uk

South Cerney Golf Course
18 hole pay and play golf course and 8 bay driving range. Bar and restaurant open to the public.
www.southcerneygolfcourse.com

Sudeley Castle
The history of Sudeley Castle near Cheltenham, spans over 1,000 years and features magnificent award winning gardens, fine topiary, exotic plantings, a pheasantry, wooden fort, swings and play area.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Tiger Airways
Take a flight to live your dreams in a Tiger Moth, Slingsby Firefly or The Stampe. Fly over The Severn Valley and The Cotswolds in an open cockpit bi-plane
www.tigerairways.co.uk

Wookey Hole
Famous caves and much much more in Britain’s most spectacular caves, see the Witch of Wookey, turned to stone many centuries ago, wander through the prehistoric valley of the dinosaurs and relax in the magical garden with fairies, dragons and elves.
www.wookey.co.uk