There’s plenty to suit all interests, and keep the whole family entertained, in the Cotswolds this summer. We’ve gathered six of the best local attractions
Briery Hill House Briery Hill Lane, Newent, GL18 1NH
Telephone: 01989 720517
Facebook: @BrieryHillLlamas
Twitter: @bh_llamas
Briery Hill Llamas offer unique and bespoke Llama Experiences in a unique and breathtaking setting set in 32 acres of private land, with stunning views.
Suitable for groups, couples, hen parties and corporate events the Llama Experience is a superb way to experience the tranquillity of Llama Karma with these magnificent and gentle animals. This is one-to-one time with these beautiful animals where you will brush, walk and feed them!
Advance booking is essential as the farm is not open to the public. Afternoon and cream teas are made fresh at the farm: 5-star food hygiene rated.
Briery Hill Llamas also boasts two luxury holiday lets including the Granary cottage that sleeps two and the fabulous Stardust Stargazing hut for luxury glamping with a hot tub and pizza oven: also sleeps two!
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
Telephone: 01242 604244
Facebook: @sudeleycastle
Twitter: @SudeleyCastle
A must-see on any visit to the area, Sudeley Castle has played an important role in England's history, boasting royal connections that stretch back over 1,000 years. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of past kings and queens including Richard III, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey and visit the tomb of Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's six wives, who rests in the beautifully restored 15th century church. Sudeley Castle's magnificent gardens are world-renowned, providing variety and colour throughout the seasons.
Children will love a visit to the famed Adventure Playground, voted 'Best Children's Playground in Gloucestershire' 2018. Children can scale the wooden fun fort, whizz on the zip wire and tackle the 10-piece assault course.
Visitors can refuel with a visit to the Castle Kitchen, located within the Banqueting Hall to indulge in a locally sourced, seasonal menu or pre-book an afternoon tea to complete the perfect Cotswolds.
Dunnington Heath Farm, Alcester, B49 5PD
Twitter: @HillersFarmShop
Award-winning Hillers Farm Shop is owned and run by fourth generation sisters Sally and Emma. They are at the forefront of running this busy, thriving Farm Shop, with so much more.
This year, Hillers is celebrating their 99th year - to start the celebrations as they go into their Centenary year in 2020, this September they are holding their annual taster event on Saturday 28 and would like to invite you and your friends to join them 10.30am-4.30pm in the marquee, where you will be able to meet many of their suppliers and sample delicious products for a real taste of Hillers.
Along with the Farm Shop, which includes Ragley Estate Meats and Hillers Fish Shop, there is The Garden Restaurant, Gifts & Interiors and Garden Shop - There really is something for everyone.
1 Market Street, Woodstock, OX20 1SU
Facebook: @DantzigGallery
Twitter: @dantziggallery
St Ives Revisited
From July 4 to early September, Dantzig Gallery welcomes you to the "St Ives Revisited" Summer Exhibition which celebrates the wonderful abstract art of St Ives and features vibrant, very collectable, signed prints by the Sir Terry Frost RA. Born in Leamington Spa, Frost served with the Commandos in Sudan and Crete, where he was captured in June 1941. While Interned at Stalag 383 in Bavaria, he met artist Adrian Heath, who encouraged his painting. After the war, he gained a place at Camberwell School of Art.
He was renowned for his use of the Cornish light, colour and shape to start a new art movement in England. He became a leading exponent of abstract art and a recognised figure of the British art establishment.
Also in the gallery, admire work by Peter Blake, Tracey Emin, Albert Irvin and many more. From July 27 Dantzig will exhibit work by Iranian artist Mohammad Ali Alikhani, specialising in Classic Persian Calligraphy.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
The Railway Station, Toddington, GL54 5DT
Telephone: 01242 621405
Facebook: @gloucestershirewarwickshirerailway
Twitter: @gwsr
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a 15-mile heritage railway running through the heart of the Cotswolds from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway. With stunning views of the Cotswold and Malvern scenery and a friendly welcome aboard, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire makes a great day out for all the family.
Running behind historic steam or diesel locomotives, the GWSR offers an unparalleled opportunity to trial train travel from 50 years ago, hauled by steam, diesel or diesel railcar.
Broadway and Winchcombe stations provide walking distance access into charming Cotswold villages, or for something a little closer to home, why not visit one of the classic station tea rooms with views of the comings and goings along the line.
The GWSR hosts special events throughout the year, including Santa Specials, classic vehicle days, and the always-popular 'Teddy Bear Tuesdays' (August only). Visit the website to find out more.
The Old Park Park, Forest of Dean, Lydney, GL15 6BU
Telephone: 01594 844841
Facebook: @TaurusCrafts
Twitter: @TaurusCrafts
Taurus Crafts, part of Camphill Village Trust, is a vibrant visitor centre based in the beautiful Forest of Dean. Here you can see arts and crafts, discover your own creativity, meet artisan makers, shop for distinctive gifts, attend special events or simply relax and unwind in the café, all while supporting people with learning disabilities.
Taurus Crafts' shops and café are operated by mixed ability teams, providing work placements and supported employment for people with learning and other disabilities. Customers support is helping to ensure these opportunities can continue, thank you!
This summer they are running a six-week programme bursting with creative activities the whole family can enjoy together. Highlights include; slime making, stone carving, mini dens, bug hotels, magic shows, creature wings, pot throwing, gold panning, reptile encounters, and puppets. Some days there are four activities running and there are even free (or donation) ones to get involved in such as a puppet show run by Lullaby Leesa.
The activities run from the July 24 until September 1, visit the Taurus Crafts website and Facebook page to discover all the creative opportunities on offer.
