Cotswold Farm Park, located near Guiting Power in Gloucestershire, provides a unique holiday experience centered around a working farm environment that appeals to families.
Established in 1971 by Joe Henson to protect rare and native farm animal breeds, the farm continues its conservation mission while offering a range of attractions.
Accommodation Options
The park offers diverse lodging, from camping and glamping pods to safari tents and luxury lodges. The lodges can accommodate four to six guests and feature amenities like kitchens, private bathrooms, smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and outdoor seating areas with gas barbecues. Upgrades such as wood-fired hot tubs are available. Safari tents provide a more adventurous stay with proper beds, kitchen facilities, private bathrooms, and decking. Farm Park entry is included for overnight guests.
Dining and Refreshments
The main dining area, The Ox Shed, serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Options include full English breakfasts, breakfast baps, burgers, and sandwiches. The venue also offers Friday fish and chips and Sunday roasts, though evening hours can vary. Smaller outlets within the park provide drinks, ice creams, and quick snacks. A shop adjacent to The Ox Shed sells local food products, gifts, toys, and souvenirs.
Activities and Attractions
Cotswold Farm Park is home to over 50 rare and native breeds of farm animals. Visitors can explore the Rare Breed Trail, feed some of the animals, and learn about animal care in the Discovery Barn, which offers opportunities to handle chicks, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Beyond the animals, the park features three outdoor play areas with bouncing pillows, swings, slides, and sandpits. The indoor Adventure Barn offers soft play for younger children. Tractor rides, lasting approximately 30 minutes, are also available for an additional fee. The park's seasonal calendar includes activities like pumpkin picking in autumn and festive events during Christmas.
Nearby Excursions
The farm park is a good base for exploring the surrounding Gloucestershire area. Nearby attractions include the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its stone bridges and shops, and Stow-on-the-Wold, famous for its antique shops and historic market square.
For those preferring to stay closer to the park, a Wildlife and Conservation Walk offers a longer route through farmland and woodland, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy views of the Cotswold hills.