Cotswolds with Kids – 23 Best Places to Stay

On this page I have handpicked the best holiday cottages and family friendly hotels in the Cotswolds.

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13 Family-friendly cottages in The Cotswolds

Sleeps 4

Halmore Pod

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets No | WiFi | Garden

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Nestled in a remote location within the owner’s paddock, close to the rural village of Berkeley, is this snug living pod, Halmore Pod. Entering the pod you will find a minimalistic and stylish interior inside of wooden panelling.

Things to do:

Halmore Pod is the perfect for choice for those wanting to explore the wonderful towns and cities of Gloucestershire, along with the picturesque Cotswold Way. Spend a day in the picturesque market town of Stroud, browsing the eclectic mix of shops or make your way to Cirencester, home to some fabulous amenities and widely considered the capital of the Cotswolds.

Washpool

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot Tub | Open fire | Garden | Near a Pub

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Washpool can be found inside Cotswolds village Milton Under Wychwood. The property has undergone a complete modernisation and is now a stylish and beautiful cottage. Situated on a small farm and opposite the village’s old wash pool, the cottage is a traditional Cotswolds’ building where many of the period features have been carefully retained.

Things to do:

Relax in the hot tub. Within walking distance in the village of Milton is one of the Cotswolds’ best pubs, The Hare, along with a small coffee shop and also convenience store Co-Op.

Acorn Cottage

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Garden

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Acorn Cottage is an idyllic mid-terrace, thatched cottage located in the centre of the ancient village of Bretforton in the heart of the Cotswolds. This chocolate box cottage oozes character and charm, with an inglenook fireplace housing a warming electric woodburner-effect stove, many wall and ceiling beams and uneven floors. The open plan living area offers a very well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area and a cosy sitting area.

Options for big families:

Big families can also consider booking the adjacent cottages, Lavender Cottage which sleeps 5 and Rosemary Cottage, which sleep 4. All-in-all, the cottages can sleep 13.

Things to do:

Explore and walkThere are many unspoilt Cotswold towns and villages in the area, with Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh all within easy reach.

4 Masons Court

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets No | WiFi | Near a Pub | Garden

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It is considered the oldest house in Stratford-upon-Avon. This 15th century Grade II listed retreat is oozing with character and is situated within the historical town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Wander through the charming entrance, garden, and lovely walkway. Exposed beams give this property character while the amenities and beds are designed with comfort in mind.

Things to do:

Relax on the patio or stroll in the garden. Stratford-upon-Avon is on your doorstep, with fascinating buildings and historic features. Pubs, restaurants are within walking distance. Ride a boat or go fishing nearby.

The Orangery

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Swimming pool | Open fire | Games Room | Garden

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The Orangery is a detached barn conversion which includes a warming woodburning stove, two charming bedrooms and a rear private patio area with furniture. Lovingly furnished, this Worcestershire holiday cottage offers an ideal holiday home for a get together with family and friends.

Options for big families:

Big families can also consider booking the adjacent cottages,The Tack Room, which sleeps 4 and The Byre, which sleeps 2. Together, they can sleep up to 10. 

Things to do:

Each of these three Worcestershire self-catering cottages have their own private seating area, and shared amenities and structures. Among them include a shared lawned garden with pond, shared use of a games room with pool table, table tennis and dart board, as well as shared use of an indoor heated swimming pool with swim jet, Jacuzzi and relaxing area.

Fountain View Cottage

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Open fire | Garden | Near a pub

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Fountain View Cottage is situated at the heart of Upper Heyford village. It provides families a wonderful combination of thatched cottage charm and comfortable and modern amenities and fully-equipped kitchen.

Things to do:

After an action-packed day, be welcomed into a sitting room, where you can kick off your shoes and keep warm in front of a roaring open-fire. Your family can also head out to the local pub where you will find a superb menu or visit the take away van situated a little further down the village. Visit a number of wonderful attractions, including the Blenheim Palace and Estate and for a spot of shopping head to the Bicester Village designer outlet.

Grafton Mill

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets No | WiFi | Near a pub | Garden

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Get a chance to let your family experience staying inside a real watermill. Grafton Mill is a beautiful Grade II listed watermill superbly furnished throughout and provides unique accommodation for families and groups.

Things to do:

Outside, guests are welcome to take a peaceful stroll around the expansive grounds, or sit and relax with a refreshing drink whilst watching the wildlife; with a bit of luck you’ll spot an owl or a kingfisher. A twelve minute walk will take you to Grafton Flyford, a superb Worcestershire village with Millennium Way and Wychavon Way passing close to the village making it perfect for those who enjoy cycling in beautiful surroundings. There are also plenty of other delightful market towns and pretty villages to explore, such as Pershore with its excellent abbey and interesting Georgian architecture. Warwick’s superb castle is well worth a visit and lies within easy driving distance of this lovely cottage, as does Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

See Also

Sleeps 6

The Red Bus

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets Yes | Hot tub | Garden

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The Red Bus is a renovated 1982 Metro bus and is one of the most unique places you could spend a weekend. Set in a beautifully secluded spot adjoining a paddock, with the friendly goats as neighbours! It is a cosy space with charming décor and furnishings, all designed with comfort in mind. 

Things to do:

Have wonderful walks with the family and see an abundance of wildlife such as goats. The views over the wooded hills of the Forest of Dean are not to be beaten. Newnham-on-Severn nestles on the banks of the River Severn. The Royal Forest of Dean is also nearby. A little further afield, discover the beautiful Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacon National Park.

Cider Mill Cottage

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Near a pub | Garden

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A fabulous black and white, detached, thatched cottage situated in the heart of the pretty village of Alderton on the edge of the Vale of Evesham. This 16th century Grade II listed cottage boasts many original features including exposed wall and ceiling beams, an inglenook fireplace. This Alderton cottage offers guests a seamless combination of rustic charm with modern amenities.

Things to do:

On the ground floor is a stunning sitting room boasting the original stone floor and inglenook fireplace with warming gas woodburner-effect stove. The patio area makes a good location for alfresco dining. The nearby village of Alderton offers a traditional pub serving good food, a well-stocked shop and Post Office. The beautiful village of Broadway, the spa town of Cheltenham, Evesham and the Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold are all within easy reach and make great days out for all the family.

The Linhay

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Garden | Near a pub | Open fire

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Linhay is a converted barn located in a quiet corner of Oxfordshire and on the edge of a classic country village. It originally dates back to Tudor times and that gives the property a classic character. 

Options for big families:

For big families, the Linhay can be booked along with The Hemmel, which sleeps 4 to give enough space for 10 guests in 5 bedrooms.

Things to do:

There is a good pub about 5 mins walk away and a range of super walks literally from your door. With Oxford about 20 mins drive away and the shoppers paradise of MacArthur Glen 25 mins away, you have got everything for a great break in a superb self catering home.

The Old Mill

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Swimming pool

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The Old Mill is a charming architectural masterpiece with exposed timbers and brickwork.  Sun windows also gives off a lot of natural light. Outside you can do picnics al fresco style. Kids have a lot of running space and they’ll love the flowers and garden around The Old Mill.

Things to do:

Sit on the glass-fronted balcony overlooking the courtyard and grassed areas, a tranquil place to wind down or even find a quiet spot overlooking the owners’ lake. The lake is adjacent to the property and guests are welcome to walk by it. There’s also a good range of local amenities including shops, pubs and an open air market and cinema.

The View

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Swimming pool | Games Room | Open fire | Swimming Pool

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The View is a striking lakeside holiday home at the Lower Mill Estate which is perfect for families and friends. It’s a detached house where you can enjoy a great view across the lake. The beautiful architectural design and ceiling to floor windows make this holiday home relaxing, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy, perfect for the ultimate escape with your whole family.

Things to do:

Recline on the balcony and enjoy the scenery. You can also make use of the on-site facilities, which include membership of the ArtSpa (gym, sauna, spa, steam room, three pools). You can walk to the pub, while the honey-stoned loveliness of the Cotswolds is a short drive or cycle ride away.

Bittern Reeds

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Swimming pool | Open fire

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Bittern Reeds is a stunning family holiday home that has a large open plan living space that opens to a decked terrace through some sliding glass doors, bringing your family amazing views. Everything inside is modern and the ceiling to floor windows give this property a lot of class. Beds are comfortable and your family can warm up in the sitting area by the open fire.

Things to do:

Do barbecue while relaxing at the patio. There are three pools to choose from (indoor, outdoor and natural), a tennis court and football pitch area and miles and miles of walks and bike paths. There is a village pub about 15 mins walk away in Somerford Keynes (there is a little cafe/restaurant at Lower Mill too, open weekends and school holidays) plus the joys of Cirencester about 10 mins away in the car.

The 10 Best Child-Friendly Hotels and Apartments in The Cotswolds

The Kings Hotel (Chipping Campden)

A family-friendly boutique townhouse hotel, combining traditional character with contemporary style. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, there is free parking and a welcoming restaurant and bar. Children under 2 can stay for free, with cots provided on request and extra beds for older children available at an extra cost.

The Clarence Court Hotel (Cheltenham)

Town house hotel with family rooms that sleep up to 5 people. There is complimentary WiFi, TV, DVD player and a coffee/tea maker in each room. Complimentary membership to use swimming pool at health club 2 minutes walk from the hotel. Free parking and pet friendly.

The Slaughters Country Inn (Lower Slaughter)

Set in a Cotswold stone building on the riverside, this Manor House hotel has family rooms which sleep up to 5 people. It’s set within 4 acres of grounds, so there is plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around. Rooms have TV, free Wifi and toiletries. Restaurant has a kids menu. Hotel is pet friendly and has free parking available. Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens and Sudeley Castle are both within 15 miles.

Ellenborough Park (Cheltenham)

Luxury country house hotel set in a Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Kids receive welcome packs on arrival and there are nice touches like milk and cookies and a turndown service. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has two family-friendly restaurants. There is also a swimming pool, spa, free parking and pets are welcome.

The Sheep On The Street (Stow-on-the-Wold)

Boutique hotel dating back to the 17th century. Restaurant serves freshly cooked pizzas and families are welcome, plus children have a bespoke menu. Hotel is also dog-friendly. Family rooms are available, there is free Wifi, free parking and a bar.

Calcot & Spa (Tetbury)

Family-focused classic country house hotel. Calcot is fully geared up for kids. There is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, baking classes, families can explore the grounds, play tennis, try disc golf or borrow some bikes! There is also The Play Barn, where you can leave kids at the creche. Hotel has free parking, free Wifi and is pet friendly.

Kings Head Hotel (Cirencester)

14th century historic inn with contemporary style and furnishings. There are self-catering apartments, with a master bedroom and a sofa bed in the sitting room, which are perfect for families. Hotel has a restaurant, spa, parking, free Wifi and is pet friendly. Cotswold Water Park is less than 4 miles away.

Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa (Stratford-upon-Avon)

Contemporary Hotel & Spa which features classic rooms. There is an indoor pool and tennis courts. Babysitting and child services are available and the restaurant has a kids menu. Family rooms and free parking are available.

De Vere Cotswold Water Park (Cirencester)

Contemporary resort hotel set on a lake in a nature reserve. There are plenty of self-catering apartments, which are perfect for families. There are also several interconnecting bedrooms and children’s beds can be set up in the larger rooms at an extra cost. Watersports are available on the lake and there is also a swimming pool. There is an informal restaurant, free parking and free Wifi.

Cowley Manor Hotel (Cheltenham)

Family-friendly contemporary-chic country house hotel. There is a Kid’s Club which runs through the summer holidays. Trundle beds can be added in some rooms and suites have sofas that can convert into bunk beds. The bar has a menu suitable for families. Hotel sits in 55 acres of rolling countryside and Hunter wellies are available from reception for the whole family. Spa is open from 8am to 11am, and 3.30pm to 5pm every day for children’s swimming. There is free parking and Wifi.

Your Perfect Family Holiday Cottage

We spend hours every day searching for the best accommodation so you don’t have to. We’ve handpicked the finest family cottages and hotels across the UK.

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Nicola Horgan

Nicola is a mum of two who loves to travel. After plenty of trips abroad and here in the UK, she enjoys writing about all of the best places to stay and visit, especially with the kids in tow. When it comes to our product guides, Nicola has a wealth of experience in reviewing baby products, kids clothing and homewares. Her background in beauty marketing and fashion, always keeps her looking for the next best product.

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