May half term is about to commence, and it’s safe to say lots of us are looking forward to a week of fun and (fingers crossed!) some fair weather. To help you maximise your leisure time, and keep your planning to a minimum, we’ve partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to bring you some inspiration on family-friendly staycations, perfect for an adventure this school holiday.
Our chosen destination for you lot is the Cotswolds, famous for its idyllic natural landscape and only approximately 2 hours drive outside of the city. With over 400 branches in the UK, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is such a convenient option for planning a spontaneous road trip. From compact cars to people carriers, you can find the perfect vehicle to suit your family. Keep reading for inspo on your half term road trip itinerary…
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1. 270 Climbing Park
There’s nothing like a challenge to encourage some family bonding, and scaling one of Europe’s tallest high ropes courses will certainly raise the stakes! 270 Climbing Park is home to over 60 obstacles with six different levels to overcome, ranging from 1 metre off the ground to 18 metres high. At the Activity Tower you can also take on the high freefall jump, a zipline and a leap of faith. Naturally, confidence with climbing will differ within the family – and that’s fine! The park caters to all ages and abilities, from advanced thrillseekers to novices. Bentham Lane, Gloucester GL3 4UD
2. Chedworth Roman Villa
It’s always fun to tie in a little history lesson with a family outing where you can, and exploring the remains of one of the oldest and grandest Roman villas in Britain is sure to capture the kids’ imaginations. Throughout the ruins you can gain a fascinating insight to Roman life in Britain. From extensive mosaic floors, central heating systems, bath houses and museums filled with artefacts, there is so much to discover. This gorgeous National Trust site also affords stunning countryside views, making it a great place to soak up the great outdoors with some self-guided exploring. Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ
3. Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens
Spread over 160 acres of parklands, Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens is home to a remarkable array of species, many of which are endangered in the wild. Giraffes, camels, and Asiatic lions are just some of the creatures you’ll encounter. The park is divided into four sections, each dedicated to birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and primates and small mammals. And between getting acquainted with all the wildlife, there are stunning gardens to explore, set around a historic Victorian Manor House. Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP
4. Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
This Cotswolds wildlife haven was founded in 1971 with the aim of protecting some rare breeds of farm animals. Today, this wonderful farm park is full to the brim with fantastic attractions for all of the family to enjoy. From lamb feeding and sheep dog demonstrations to horse riding, messy play and woodland trails, there’s all the makings of the ultimate day out. Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL
5. Scenic walking and cycling trails
River valleys and picturesque villages dotted through expanses of luscious grassland make for endless hours of blissful outdoor exploring when you’re staycation-ing in the Cotswolds. You can find routes for whatever kind of intensity of expedition you’re after, be it a challenging long distance hike along Cotswold Way or a mosey around the quaint market town of Winchcombe with a pitstop in one of their charming tea rooms.
Need some wallet-friendly suggestions for where to stay the night? Cotswolds Hill Country Park is a lovely family-friendly campsite, situated in the countryside, close to the beautiful villages of Burford and Bourton-on-Water.