Things to Do

Batsford Arboretum boasts a diverse collection of around 1,600 species of beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos spread across over 60 acres. It was crated in the 19th century by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, who dedicated his life to creating a wild garden, drawing from inspiration from his experiences in the Far East. Highlights today include the National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries and the UK's most comprehensive bamboo collection.

Meandering paths lead you past an abundance of interesting plants, secret gardens, and bubbling streams, and along the way you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Evenlode Valley. There are some unusual finds too. See if you can spot the Hermit's Cave on the way.

The Garden Terrace café serves freshly baked food with great views available from a wooden deck, and the adjacent plant Centre offers a range of unusual plants. Additionally, the onsite gift shop is brimming with creative ideas.

If you're looking to extend your visit, you could also visit the neighboring Cotswold Falconry Centre, with about 150 birds of prey, and Cotswold Archery, a dedicated archery range for all ages.

You can walk from Moreton-in-Marsh to Batsworth Arboretum via Monarch's Way, a scenic 1.7 miles woodland footpath that takes around 35 minutes.

Batsford Arboretum is best served by bus routes 801 and 803.

Broadway Tower, a gothic-style folly, was built in 1798 at the behest 6th Earl of Coventry as a gesture of affection for his wife, Barbara St John Bletsoe. She had expressed a wish to see a beacon on the top of the hill from their estate some 20 miles away. Over the years, the tower has passed through many, and today, it stands as an iconic landmark, drawing numerous visitors from all walks off like to enjoy the views.

Throughout its history, the Tower has served multiple purposes. It has been a country retreat for Pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Morris, Burne-Jones and Rossetti, a lookout post during World War II, and a farmhouse.
The museum in the tower spans three flours, detailing the history and the stories of its occupants. Visitors can ascend the stairs to the viewing platform, which is the highest point in the Cotswolds, offering expansive views of 16 counties, spanning a 62-mile radius, weather permitting. Guidebooks and audio guides are available to enhance the visitor experience.

Surrounding the tower, the site includes 50-acres of parkland which include red deer, scenic walks, and picnic spots. Additionally, there is a nuclear bunker nearby open for guided tours on weekends and bank holidays from April to October, though these carry an additional fee.

For refreshments, there are a couple of places to eat and drink at Broadway Tower, as well as a gift shop on the ground floor of the tower.

Broadway Tower is mile uphill from Broadway village along the Cotswold Way.

Broadway Tower is best served by bus routes 606 and 608.

Tucked away in the scenic Cotswold hills, Sudeley Castle stands a Tudor treasure, boasting an architectural history dating back 1,000 years to the time of Ethel the Unready.

Within its walls, you will explore the lives of the castle’s famous residents and uncover a collection of historical artefacts, such as a lock of Katherine Parr’s hair and a lace canopy reputedly worked on by Anne Boleyn for the christening of her daughter, Elizabeth I.

The castle is surrounded by ten stunning award-winning gardens, each with their own unique charm. Notably, The Queen’s Garden is so named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – once walked there.

Sudeley Castle is also the final resting place of Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives. Today visitors can pay their respects inside the beautiful 15th-century church where she lies entombed.

Beyond its rich history, the castle offers a range of attractions, including an adventure playground with picnic area, a gift shop and the Terrace Café located in the banqueting hall.

Sudeley Castle is best served by bus routes 606 and 656.

Millets Farm is a family-owned farm centre set in 150 acres of Oxfordshire countryside. It offers a great day out for family members of all ages, with a farm shop, restaurants, artisan shops, play areas, and lots of things to do and explore.

The animal walkway, located next to the fishing lakes, has a small range of farm animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ducks, swans, geese, and alpacas.

In addition, there's farmyard golf, a vintage carousel and ferris wheel, and 10 acres of woodland and wetland trails to explore.

Indoors, you'll find Sprouts Play Barn, an award-winning, 4-tier soft play area with an outdoor play area.

Entrance onto their site, including access to the shops, children's play area, animal walkway, and Phoebe Woods, is free. Charges apply for the Falconry Center, Sprouts Play Barn, Adventure Golf, and seasonal events where pre-booking is required.

Millets Farm is best served by bus route 15/15A.

Aston Pottery and Gardens is a working rural pottery with a gift shop, café, and gardens in the peaceful village of Aston.

All the ceramics are made and hand-decorated in their onsite workshop, with many floral motifs inspired by the beautiful gardens that surround the pottery. Adjacent to the workshop, you can browse the final products or enjoy lunch at the café.

Country Garden, The Garden, and Cotswold Life have all written about the magnificent garden borders that surround the pottery, which include a quadruple dahlia border with over 600 dahlias, grasses, and asters, as well as a tropical garden with bananas, cannas, and Ricinus.

Garden tours are available from July through October, Monday to Friday, subject to availability.

Aston Pottery Garden is open to visitors throughout the year whenever the pottery shop is open.

Aston Pottery in Bampton is best served by bus route 19.

Bibury Trout Farm, founded in 1902, is England’s oldest working trout farm and is also home to numerous ducks, swans, kingfishers, geese, and many other wildlife.

Here, you can learn about the life of a trout and have fun watching the trout feed. You can also catch your own dinner and cook it on one of the barbecue grills available for hire. And if that doesn’t appeal, there is a café on-site that serves a large variety of different trout dishes, homemade cakes, and artisan coffee

There is also a crazy golf course, a new large playground to burn some energy or if you’re feeling daring there is a big flying fox! They also have a new large sandpit with tractors and toys and a gift shop featuring a huge range of Bibury themed souvenirs, candles and many more.

If you’re planning to go, consider pairing your visit with a stroll down Arlington Row, considered one of the most photographed locations in the Cotswolds.

Bibury Trout Farm is best served by bus route 855.

The Everyman is Gloucestershire's theatre - and has been captivating audiences since its doors opened in 1891.

The main auditorium is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Matcham that has inspired generations of performers. The Everyman brings the best in live performances to the heart of the Cotswolds with world class plays, musicals, ballet, opera, comedy and of course, the award-winning annual pantomime.

In addition to being a top entertainment venue, it also plays a significant role in the community by organising youth theatre performances, education seminars, and community projects.

There is a café bar serving homemade cakes, coffees, tea and drinks downstairs as well as an upstairs restaurant offering a pre-show menu that rotates every two weeks.

Additionally, the theatre also offers group backstage tours that provide an inside look at the rich history of the theatre — from its founding in 1891, through the war years and up to the present day — and unveils life in a busy working theatre.

The friendly team at The Everyman are ready to welcome you whether you’re a long-time theatre fan or a first-time visitor.

Everyman Theatre is best served by 99, 606, 608, and 801 as well as other local bus services.

The team at Broadway Museum & Art Gallery is committed to providing a dynamic and engaging experience for all their visitors through interactive and educational exhibitions, programs and special events.

Visitors are welcome to view their collection and exhibitions, which are arranged throughout a beautiful historic 17th-century building.

The museum tells the story of Broadway’s success through the wool trade, highlights its important history as a major stopover on the coaching route between London and Wales, and illustrates the popularity of the village with John Singer Sargent and the colony of artists and writers who drew inspiration for a number of masterpieces produced in Broadway itself.

You'll also find a beautiful collection of medieval furniture, paintings, fine furniture, glassware, ceramics, opals, and their interesting cabinet of curiosities.

The gift shop offers the opportunity to browse for gifts as well as books on art and local history.

The Holst Victorian House, located in the heart of Cheltenham, is an accredited, independent museum and registered charity dedicated to the life of the composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934).

It includes Holst’s piano, on which he composed “The Planets”, and autograph manuscripts, and you can listen to his music and recorded interviews with his daughter and close friends. The House has been furnished, decorated and lit as the 1870s home Holst would have known as a young child, making it a treasure-trove of Victorian-era furniture and artwork.

This historic home not only provides a peek into 19th-century living through its wonderfully kept rooms and exhibitions, but it also connects to modern times, all the while showcasing the lives of Gustav’s family.

Beyond its historic significance, the museum has an active community outreach program, presenting a variety of exhibitions, talks, events, and children’s activities throughout the year, including the popular ‘Bake Back in Time’ events, which use the working coal-fired range in the kitchen.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10:00 to 16:00.

Holst house is best served by 99, 606, 608, and 801 as well as other local bus services.

Maze and puzzle in one!

With centrepiece and puzzle by artist Kit Williams creator of 'Masquerade'
Birdland Park and Gardens

Birdland is open daily throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day. A visit to the Gloucestershire based wildlife park can be enjoyed in the height of summer when there’s a riot of feathers and colours or during winter when the residents of Penguin Shore are out in force and the Snowy Owls look suitably at home.

Good things are brewing! Hawkstone Lager is the brainchild of Jeremy Clarkson and Rick & Emma from the Cotswold Brew Co. The very finest beer and cider crafted to perfection in the rolling Cotswold hills.

Expert tour guides will teach you all about the history of Hawkston.

Hawkstone is best served by bus routes 801, 802, and 803.

Bar is open at the brewery Monday 11am-7pm, Tuesday 11am-7pm, Wednesday 11am-7pm, Thursday 11am-8pm (except quiz night 9pm), Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm each and every week.

Hawkestone Arms is best served by bus routes 801, 802, and 803.

Take a fascinating journey through time as we explore the history of 20th-century motoring. Our collection of rare vehicles and classic memorabilia will give you a nostalgic glimpse into life on the road the way it used to be.