Rainy Days
It’s raining; it’s pouring, the kids say it’s boring…so get stuck into these wet weather adventures...
*Whisper it* We have to admit that it does sometimes rain in the Cotswolds. (To be fair to the weather, the countryside wouldn’t be so beautifully green, if it didn’t.) So what indoor activities are there for children in the Cotswolds?
The answer is: plenty! And here are a few.
Crocodiles of the World, Brize Norton OX18 3NX
If you want to take the kids somewhere unique (the UK’s only crocodile zoo), then make it snappy! Here you can ‘meet’ critically endangered Siamese crocodiles from Cambodia, as well as Chinese, Nile and American alligators. (Not to mention meerkats, otters, Galapagos tortoises - and a Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard.)
There are underwater viewings, talks, animal encounters and feeds throughout the day. Not only that, but Shaun Foggett, the founder, is dedicated to conserving these amazing creatures – a dedication he is keen to impart to all visitors.
Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX
The word ‘museum’ might not feature on the kids’ list – but don’t be fooled. The award-winning Corinium knows exactly how to bring history to vibrant life. We love the audio-visuals, as well as the fun games you can play as a family. There is a serious side, of course: the Corinium is home to one of the largest collections of Roman antiquities found in Britain – and, moreover, many from Cirencester (or Corinium, as the Romans knew it).
Mocking up a Roman town house; reconstructing the face of a genuine Anglo Saxon person buried in the Cotswolds: these are just some of the clever ways the museum makes learning so much fun for younger visitors. The collections range from pre-historic to Georgian, with medieval and Civil War, too.
Octavia’s Bookshop, Black Jack Mews, Cirencester GL7 2AA
Just about everyone who’s anyone in the book trade acknowledges that Octavia’s is a standout. More than half the books are for children – and what a selection! What’s more, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice, you’ll find fun and knowledgeable staff whose suggestions are golden.
The website is pretty on-point, too, with a changing list of top five books for kids (and for adults). You can also buy book vouchers, and then secure a slot with Octavia herself; she’ll chat through personal preferences (for children or adults) to make sure you end up with the perfect read (plus some delicious treats).
Escape Rooms Cheltenham, GL52 2ND
These escape games are Gloucestershire-inspired: ideal for inclement Cotswold weather. What’s more, although each has a different age-range (do check before booking), there is something suitable for ages seven upwards.
So why not try an ‘intelligence’ puzzle while working for GCHQ (based in Cheltenham in real life, of course). Or, indeed, a chilly challenge set in the Antarctic (because, of course, Cheltenham son Edward Wilson was on the Scott race to the South Pole in 1911).
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BY
You know how your children think you were born just after the wheel was first invented? Well, now you can prove them (almost) right. This gorgeous museum offers memories for adults, and fascinating facts for children, exploring the history of 20th century motoring. There’s an in-depth recreation of a blacksmith’s workshop, complete with sounds and smells.
You can watch 19th century bikes dodge horsedrawn carriages and cars in Windrush Alley. Not to mention a ‘trip’ to Jack Lake’s Garage: a small country business that (like so many others) popped up to serve the growing needs of the early motorist. Great fun for all ages.
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