Our locals’ guide to the National Trust properties in the area, and how the measure up for a day out with the kids.
Having a National Trust membership is great value for families that enjoy exploring and spending time outdoors. Visiting National Trust properties, parks and beauty spots is something that my family and I have enjoyed for years now, its our go-to weekend activity locally, and when on holiday in the UK we always love discovering the new national trust properties nearby.
A National Trust membership is a really a no-brainer for parents who want to expose their kids to nature and develop a love of the outdoors. No matter which place you visit, you know there will be beautiful views, great coffee ( a must have!) and lots of natural inspiration for the kids to just be enjoying doing what they do best outside; having fun!
Here are our favourite national trust picks for families when visiting the Cotswolds:
Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Bath, SN14 8HY
What we loved:
*The fab playground and café
*The formal gardens for picnics on the lawn
*Prospect Walk; Although an easy walk with to do with kids, you are rewarded with amazing views
Dyrham park in South Gloucestershire is an absolute gem! It has amazing views of the parkland, which is 270 acres and needless to say a brilliant space to take the kids for a walk and to explore and its the perfect place for a game of hide and seek!
The main walk is Prospect Walk. You can start at the car park and walk the flat grassy track round the edge of the hill to see stunning views. Follow the track along the edge and the down to the old lodge play area. This track would be perfectly manageable with an all terrain pushchair, and we often see people with standard strollers walking with the kids up here.
The play area is newly revamped; its a good one. The kids love the new play equipment, and it was a challenge to tear them away from this playground when it was time to move. There is an excellent café and seating inside and out with a view of the play area so if your children are old enough you can enjoy your coffee while keeping an eye on the little ones.
There are formal gardens and of course the main house to explore as well, and often they have children’s trails and activities in the grounds and on the lawn to delight the kids as well. Leading from the back of the formal gardens is access to the historic Chapel and the lost terraces walk. There is actually so much to do here that we didn’t manage to fit it all; we didn’t even make it inside the house. Hopefully we will next time! We will definitely be returning to this great property for another fun filled day out.
Newark Park
Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7PZ
What we loved:
*The woodland natural play area
*The play area field to run and explore
* The Stunning views from the house and the garden
Newark park is a large and popular national trust property with stately home, formal gardens and parklands to explore.
It has two play areas, a woodland play area with lots of animal carvings, willow tunnels, logs to climb and dens to build. The play field has space to run, jump and wooden climbing playground equipment.
It often has seasonal events so check out the website to see what’s on. The Christmas grotto and visits from Santa at Christmas are always a sell – out and great value if you have a national trust membership.
Hidcote Manor Gardens
Hidcote Manor Gardens, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR
What we loved:
*Having a game of tennis on the tennis courts within the garden.
*Spotting butterflies and bees in the stunning flowers of the formal garden
*Playing and picnic on the beautiful lawns
This Gorgeous garden is a must visit when in the Cotswolds. There is no dedicated play area for the kids but don’t let that put you off – every time we come here our boys have the best time! We have had picnics on the lawn, hide and seek amongst the trees, butterfly and bird spotting in amongst the amazing flowers. There are often games and activities to participate in on the lawn.
In the summer we have played a family match of tennis on the old style tennis court, learnt how to play croquet and have even spotted the resident snake in the stunning ornamental pond (complete with koi carp!) The children never seem to tire of this one and we always make sure to visit at least once in spring and again in the summer. In our opinion this national trust is best saved for visits in spring and summer so you don’t miss out on the stunning floral display, however it is still open partially throughout the winter months; see website for full details.
Snowshill Manor
Snowshill Manor, Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU
What we loved:
*The view from the café
*The quirky curiosities collection inside the country house
*The Local pub next door!
Normally we are all about the parklands, playgrounds and gardens when we come to a National trust property; whatever the season. This national trust is an exception though as we make sure to get inside this fascinating house every time we come here. Located within the beautiful tiny village of Snowhill, this house and grounds are situated on top of a large hill providing beautiful views of countryside all around.
Every room of this country house if full of amazing collections and quirky curiosities; from medieval suits of armour, Japanese samurai regalia, ship replicas, historical toys and costumes, there is so much to see its like visiting a museum. There is also a model village in the gardens. My boys love to discover something new in the house whenever we visit.
The café is lovely serving the usual coffees, cakes and lunches, the outside area has a few carving s and climb on toys for the children and a really beautiful view if the valley below. After visiting the house we always call in to the pub in the village, The Snowshill Arms. Its a cute family friendly country pub and its right next door to the carpark, a 2 minute walk up the lane. It has a small play area for the kids and is a great spot for a cool drink in the summer or a winter warmer by the fire in the winter.
Upton House and Gardens
Edge Hill, Banbury OX15 6HT
What we loved:
*The views from the south terrace garden
This National Trust wasn’t on our radar for a while, as we tended to go to the larger properties with playgrounds and large parklands. However we found ourselves near this place one sunny weekend and decided to give it a try and we really enjoyed it. The kids enjoyed the woodland walk, playing on the lawn which is framed by giant cedars, and exploring the secret gardens (orchards, mirror pool and shade garden). We enjoyed the delicious coffee and watching the kids let off steam! Well worth a visit for a few hours if you are in the area. The terraced gardens are beautiful.
Coaley Peak View Point
Coaley Peak View Point, 21 Rock Road, Dursley GL10 3TP
This beauty spot is managed jointly by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. There is no cafe or welcome centre, etc. However, you are just around the corner and less than 2 minutes drive from the National Trust managed Woodchester Park ( see more details below) and there is a brilliant cafe there for refreshments and lunch.
At Coaley Peak there is a small car park for free but it can get busy on nice days and weekends.
The views are incredible, and there are lots of walks up here. It actually forms a section of the Cotswold Way National Trail.
It’s a must-see if you are in the area. It’s a great spot for a picnic. The remains of the Nympsfield long barrow are at this site, an iron age tomb and the kids’ love to play and explore in there.
Woodchester Park
Woodchester Park Tinkley Lane Nympsfield, near, Stonehouse GL10 3UH – (Tinkley Gate entrance)
For Buckholt carpark, follow the brown signs from the B4066 ( This entrance does not have a postcode)
Woodchester Park is a lovely estate, with the grounds being managed by the national trust, but the mansion is privately managed by the Woodchester Mansion Trust.
Park at Tinkley Gate for a wonderful café, complete with kids corner with activities like Colouring and jigsaws, and an awesome looking pizza oven making fresh pizzas.
There are lots of woodland trails with a play trail through the woods, with a zip wire and climbing frame, as well as a really cool den building area. lovely views past the mansion, and large meadows with livestock grazing.
You can also park at the Buckland Car Park but this will take you to the other side of the woods, and there is no café at this end, but you can walk to the Tinkley gate side through the woods to visit the café there.
The river through the woods is stunning with a beautiful old unused boat house that is a very picturesque place to stop for a snack or a picnic.
Lacock Abbey and Village
What we loved;
* The beautiful Abbey Cloisters (a filming location for Harry Potter)
* The cafe with wide open green spaces outside and a great play area, including playground and a large playing field for footballs, etc
* The stunning grounds and orchards to walk in
* The picturesque and historic village of Lacock, which features more filming locations for Harry Potter, and also some beautiful village family-friendly pubs and cute shops
Beautiful Lacock, in Wiltshire, is nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, just 30 minutes from the centre of Bath. In the historic village, you will find a great family day out. The main draw is the amazing Abbey with its impressive beautiful stone Cloisters that were used as one of the settings for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Chedworth Roman Villa
What we loved :
- The beautifully preserved mosaics
- The cute cafe with mosaic brass rubbing station and book corner
- Views of the Cotswold hills
- The lawn games and indoor games room
Chedworth Roman Villa is a small National Trust tucked away in the Cotswold Hills near Cirencester.
After pootling along some lovely country roads, we found Chedworth, which has lots of beautifully preserved mosaics and the footprint/ ruins of a Roman villa and baths.
It is very informative, and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable and we’re really engaging with the kids. Its a fantastic place if you have an interest in history. There are some Roman artifacts on display as well as lawn games, picnic benches and even an indoor games room with dressing up, board games and various other activites for the kids (all Roman themed of course!)
It’s small and there is no play area unfortunately, but they have made it as child friendly as they can with lots of engaging stations around the grounds including building challenges, games and recreating a photo on a Roman Toilet!!
There isn’t enough here for a day out but definitely a morning visit or a picnic lunch spot. Perfect if your little ones are into History – especially for the Romans topic in the UK Year 3 curriculum!
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Cotswold Little Explorers 
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