Places to visit

Located in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, Bicester Village is an open-air shopping experience home to more than 160 boutiques of world-leading brands offering their collections on sale, all year round. There are plenty of options for the hungry shopper – savour the splendour of Café Wolseley or grab a bite at Soho House & Co’s farmshop restaurant. Open seven days a week, Bicester Village offers an array of personalised services including a concierge and personal hands-free shopping.

Famous for its mosaic floor and museum containing historical artefacts that date back to Roman occupation, Chedworth Roman Villa is one of the largest Roman villas in the UK to visit. Once inside, you’ll be able to explore how the Romans lived in this area of England and you can easily while away a few hours. On your way back, visit Cirencester, a gorgeous market town that’s steeped in history.

Lacock Abbey is a quirky country house developed over the centuries around a former 13th century nunnery, and the birthplace of modern photography. It’s set in spacious wooded grounds with plenty of space to picnic and there’s a regular programme for families with seasonal activities and trails around the grounds. With level access and winding paths, it’s suitable for everyone – and beyond the Abbey grounds is a quintessential English village with independent shops to discover along its medieval streets. Pop into The Stables Café for a meal or a snack before heading out on one of the walks in the surrounding countryside.

Great for a family day out, Cotswold Country Park & Beach is the largest inflatable waterpark in the area. With over 40 pieces to challenge yourself, The AquaVenture is the ultimate total wipe-out style experience.

Near the pretty town of Winchcombe, is a gorgeous day out and one of the most romantic castles in the Cotswolds. Explore the 11 gardens and soak up some history. Don’t forget to visit the tomb of Catherine Parr, the only English Queen to be buried on private land. Afterwards, take a tour around the lovely gardens of the National Trust’s Showshill Manor – a Cotswold manor house that is home to the many treasures collected by Charles Wade.

Discover various species of animals from around the world including lions, tigers, wolves, koalas, porcupines and sea lions as you travel by road, rail, waterway or foot in the UK’s number 1 Safari Park. Wind up your windows, hide all the sandwiches and enjoy a safari tour that’s wilder, furrier and growlier than you ever dared imagine.

Fancy something a bit stronger? The Cotswolds Distillery is your place to go. Take a tour of the stills and gem up on botanicals which make the craft gin. Plus, the obligatory tastings too, of course. Make sure you book in advance as it can get busy, and don’t forget to bring home a bottle or two.

For the wine-lovers amongst us, you no longer need to head to Tuscany or Bordeaux. You’ll find brilliant micro-breweries, distilleries and vineyards dotted near The Lakes. One of them is the Little Oak Vineyard in Chipping Campden – they do private tastings and tours followed by an al-fresco lunch, and you can order a crate of wine for next day delivery to your lakeside door. For an extra-special gift (or as a treat to yourself), you can even lease a row of vines for a year, meaning you’ll receive several bottles of your own-label wine throughout the year to savour back at home.