A family day out in the Cotswolds village of Bibury
Bibury is a picturesque village in the heart of the Cotswolds. Located in Gloucestershire on the banks of the River Coln, it features quaint Cotswold-stone houses and is most famed for Arlington Row.
It’s a truly charming place, offering a pleasant countryside stroll alongside a fascinating history.
The River Coln flows through its centre, between the main street and Rack Isle water meadow.
What else is there to do in Bibury?
There is lots to see in the area. Bibury attractions also include Arlington Row, Rack Isle, The Church of St Mary’s, Bibury Trout Farm, and Arlington Mill.
Built around 1380, the Arlington Row cottages were once used as a monastic wool store. Later, the cottages would be converted into weavers’ cottages.
Rack Isle was named so, as the wool from the Arlington Row cottages would be hung upon racks to dry alongside the boggy water meadow.
The Gloucestershire village is one of the Cotswolds and England’s most photographed sights, featured in films including Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
What’s accessibility like?
Bibury is a village in the countryside so expect some accessibility issues. Navigating the area with a buggy or wheelchair is possible but may be difficult in narrow and/or muddier areas.
If you’re looking for something to eat, The Swan Hotel and Trout Farm Restaurant offer food nearby.
Parking is free but limited. You can park along the main road or opposite the Trout Farm.
Too Good To Go lets you purchase food in your local area that would otherwise go to waste.
How does it work?
Firstly, you’ll have to download the Too Good To Go app. Then, you can browse local shops and restaurants and see what surplus food is available in your area.
If available, you can select your Magic Bag for pre-order. Do be quick though as Magic Bags are limited. You will then have a set time to collect your bag that day or the following.
Most shops tend to refresh their offering each day so don’t worry if you initially miss out. You can also favourite shops to ensure you get availability updates.
Which shops are included?
There’s quite a lot of variety, depending on where you are. You can save food being wasted from:
Restaurants
Coffee shops
Food shops
Independent and local shops
What do you get in your Too Good To Go Magic Bag?
It’s a complete mystery! Depending on where you order from, you’ll get a selection of random goods.
These are often pre-chosen for you. However, you can try your luck and request things depending on dietary requirements.
Please note, these items often have a shorter shelf life. So, they may be due to expire that day or within a few days.
Here are some recent examples of our Magic Bags:
Order from Greggs
We paid £2.95 for our Greggs Magic Bag and got:
Two sausage rolls
Steak bake
Egg and mayo sandwich
Ham and cheese baguette
Milk chocolate cookie
Two novelty buns
This bag had a retail value of £10.
Order from CostaCoffee
We paid £3 for our Costa Coffee Magic Bag and got:
Tropical Muffin
Free Range Egg, Mushroom & Spinach Breakfast Bap
Vegan Smoky Ham & Cheeze Toastie
Vegan Bac’n Breakfast Bap
This bag had a retail value of £10.
Order from Crompton’s Bakery
We paid £3 for our Crompton’s Bakery Magic Bag and got:
Sausage roll
Double chocolate muffin
BLT baguette
Steak bake
This bag had a retail value of £9.
Is Too Good To Go worth it?
It’s so worth it. Not only are you saving money when you buy a Magic Bag, you’re also reducing food waste and helping the planet.
One thing to note, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you may get a selection of meat products. However, you can try your luck and ask for alternatives. We did this with our Costa Coffee Magic Bag above.
Unfortunately, you cannot choose dietary preferences beforehand on the app. Ultimately, the contents of your Magic Bag is random. Saying this, hopefully it’s something that is implemented in the future.
Overall, it’s a fantastic app and great for those who are conscious of waste and/or on a budget.
An afternoon of nostalgic gaming at the Power UPexhibition
Power UP is an interactive gaming event that highlights the very best of video games and their respective platforms over the last five decades.
You will discover 160 consoles in this unique hands-on experience in the heart of London. It’s a lot of fun and a must-see for gaming fans!
What is there to do?
There’s plenty to do! This is a truly interactive experience with something for everyone. The event offers visitors an in-depth history of gaming, just waiting for you to explore.
You will enter the darkened Basement Gallery with a buzz of tapping and happiness surrounding you.
An immediate point of interest is the physical timeline at the back of the room. Here, you can learn more about gaming’s fascinating history with each respective console being illustrated via a placard.
You will work your way through this evolution from some of the earliest consoles such as the Binatone TV Master to modern consoles such as the Wii.
The sense of nostalgia is wonderful as you stop by each console and seek out the games of your own childhood. Across the exhibition, you’ll find yourself pausing to reminiscence constantly.
What are the games like at Power UP?
You can expect a sea of platforms and a plethora of genres. These include:
Sandbox
Shooters
Role-playing
Simulation and sports
Puzzlers and party games
Action-adventure
Platformer
Music-rhythm
You’ll find early and next-gen consoles, PC games, handheld games, arcade games and VR experiences.
Expect to see familiar franchises such as Pac-Man, Pong, Zelda, Mario, Sonic, Halo, Fortnite and Minecraft. There’s also a selection of indie games to boot.
For the competitive gamer, there are even opportunities to attempt to make it onto the leaderboard!
It’s a really fascinating and truly euphoric experience as you dash to and from each platform to play.
You’ll certainly find yourself lost for a few hours in this nostalgic and immersive experience that not only celebrates gaming history, but also its technological advancements.
Without a doubt, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how far gaming has come. It’s incredible to visualise the vast improvements in graphics and user experience as you work your way around the room.
Is Power UPfamily-friendly?
Power UP certainly is family-friendly. This is an experience for all ages with an interest in gaming!
There are loads of games children can battle it out on. Of course, do expect some age restrictions (most of which are at your discretion). However, this doesn’t take away from the fun and community spirit of the event.
The multiplayer section is particularly fun with your family in tow. You can learn more about what games and consoles are available via the Power UP floor map.
Green Dragon Eco Farm is a 44-acre farm in the Buckinghamshire countryside that offers a lovely day out for everyone.
Onsite, you’ll discover a large variety of farm, pet and wild animals alongside numerous play areas.
What is there to do?
There is so much to do! There are lots of animals to see alongside opportunities to play, eat and unwind.
As you enter, you’ll notice the daily animal encounters illustrated. These include feeding and interactive opportunities.
You can then choose to follow the nature and/or farm trail which loop around the paddocks.
There’s an expansive outdoor play area, field, soft play barn, messy play barn, eco-centre, greenhouse and walled garden, the animal barn, pond and even go pedal karting!
What animals can I expect to see?
You can expect to see lots of animals – and not just farm animals either! There’s also a pet corner and wildlife zone.
Farm animals
You’ll certainly get to see the usual suspects. The farm animals you can see include:
Alapacs
Cattle – Dairy Shorthorn, Highland, Friesian and Dexter
Chickens – Black Marans, Buff Orpington, Cream Legbar, Dark Brahma, Ex-Battery, Jersey Giant, Lemon Pyle Brahma, Light Sussex, Red Orpington, Speckled Maran and Wellsummer
Ducks – Aylesbury, Cayuga, Khaki Campbell, Silver Appleyard and Tufted
Equine – Donkey
Geese – Roman and Toulouse
Goats – Anglo-Nubian, Golden Guernsey, Old English, Pygmy and Saanen
Pigs – Gloucester Old Spot and Oxfordshire Sandy and Black
You can get up close to the alpacas and sheep within the barn. You’re even welcome to feed them with pellets pre-bought at the entrance. It’s honestly such a wonderful experience and was the highlight of our day!
Pets corner
There are lots of cute animals to see in the Pets corner. Expect amphibians, arthropods, molluscs, reptiles and small mammals!
Animals you can see include:
Amphibians – African Clawed Frog, Axolotl and Poison Dart Frog,
Arthropods – (arachnids, insects and myriapods) – Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula, Cricket, Giant Millipede, Hissing Cockroach, Locust, Pachnoda Beetle and Stick Insect
Molluscs – Giant African Land Snail
Reptiles – Bearded Dragon, Corn Snake and Panther Chameleon
Small mammals – Chinchilla, Continental Giant Rabbit, Ferret, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Harvest Mouse, Rat, Skunk and Tenrec
Wildlife Zone
There are lots to see in the Wildlife Zone too. Expect owls, eagles, wallabies, small cats, squirrels and foxes.
Wildlife animals you can see include:
Birds of prey – Common Buzzard, European Kestrel and Golden Eagle
Mammals – Deer, Red Squirrel, Reindeer and Silver Fox
Marsupials – Bennett’s Wallaby
Mustelids – European Polecat
Owls – Barn Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Little Owl and Tawny Owl
Passerine birds – Raven
Small cats and wild cats – Eurasian Lynx and Scottish Wildcat
Is Green Dragon Eco Farm family-friendly?
It’s super family-friendly and perfect for all ages.
Children under two are free and our one-year-old absolutely loved it. We had so much fun feeding the alpacas, stroking the sheep and bouncing on the ginormous bouncy pillows outside.
Children can also take advantage of soft play, the outdoor play area, the amazing bouncy pillows, and for those slightly older, peddle karts!
There is just so much to do and it’s well worth the entrance price.
Where can we eat and drink?
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or drink and you’re also welcome to take your own picnic. These include:
Playbarn Café
The Playbarn Café is within the Play Barn. They offer adult and children’s menus and serve hot and cold dishes and snacks. There are a few gluten-free options available.
We opted for the children’s Grab ‘n’ Go Bag (£5.95) for our toddler, Theo, which includes:
Tuna mayo or cheese sandwich
Pom-Bear® crisps
Gingerbread man
Fruity pot, or fruit, or yoghurt
Your choice of drink
They open at 10 am each day and close at 5.30 or 6 pm depending on the time of year.
Takeaway Pizza Saturdays
On a Saturday, you can order and collect fresh wood-fired pizza by the pond with a host of toppings.
Coffee and Snack Truck
Open on select days, the Coffee and Snack Truck is located outside the play park. It serves hot and cold snacks and drinks.
Bring your own picnic!
Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own picnic! The picnic area is next to the play park and there’s also a field available under the shade of willow trees.
You can eat within the picnic shed or messy play barn on rainy days.
Boarstall Duck Decoy welcomes visitors to see one of the few remaining duck decoys in the UK.
Built in the 16th-century, the duck decoy was used to catch waterfowl for Boarstall Manor.
Although once very common in Britain, there are now only four left in the country. This one was built around 1697.
What is there to do?
Surrounded by woodland, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among bluebells, ancient trees and wildlife in this charming place.
It offers visitors an hour of tranquility as you wind your way around the lake.
Is Boarstall Duck Decoyfamily-friendly?
It is to an extent. I’d probably suggest leaving your buggy or pushchair at home.
The area is mostly covered in wood shavings but there are some muddy and uneven areas if you stray from the main path.
You may choose to navigate them with your buggy but I’d probably bring a carrier instead for younger children.
There is lots to see! A highlight is the lovely children’s natural play and den building area with carved wooden mushrooms dotted around.
There are plenty of places to stop and appreciate your surroundings and lots to discover in the woodland. It is also surprisingly quiet, adding to the tranquility.
Please note, that there are no baby-changing or breastfeeding facilities. However, there are male and female toilets available.
Where can we eat and drink?
There is no cafe but you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy and dedicated picnic tables are available.
Boarstall Duck Decoy is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 3 April to 25 September 2022. You do not need to pre-book your visit and it’s cash only.
Small Worlds at The Story Museum allows young children under five and their parents the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford for an hour.
This 60-minute structured storytelling and play session welcomes visitors to its magical patchwork world.
Inside Small Worlds, you’ll be greeted with a kind smile and introduction, an engaging song, and the featured traditional tale.
What can we expect?
Afterward, you can burn off some energy and explore five unique story zones at your leisure.
These beautifully themed areas allow you to:
Go on a bear hunt
Crawl into Traction Man’s under-sink world
Unwind in the soft glow of the Night Safe
Take a ride on the Story Bus
Get lost in stories in Winnie and Wilbur’s miniature theatre
There’s a thematic craft activity alongside a wealth of stories for you to read together and loads of interactive play opportunities.
Before it’s time to go, you gather around once more on the giant patchwork bed for a final story and goodbye song.
Is The Story Museum worth a visit?
It is indeed worth a visit and an amazing family day out! The gallery is designed for pre-school children and the storytelling is enchanting, engaging and interactive.
The free-play element of the session is invaluable for younger children and the gallery offers a vibrant and secure environment to explore.
The Story Museum is a truly immersive experience and one of the best things to do in Oxford with a baby or toddler!
There are numerous timed sessions throughout the day and tickets are £5. Under 1’s receive a complimentary ticket.
Waddesdon Manor welcomes visitors to its grand Neo-Renaissance country home and grounds each day from 10am to 4/5pm.
This impressive French-style château was built in the 1870s and offers surrounding views of the Chilterns Hills, Oxfordshire and the Vale of Aylesbury.
What is there to do?
There’s so much to see and do, Waddesdon Manor is an entire day out in itself as the House and Grounds are so expansive.
Exploring the Grounds
You’ll start your day in the stunning Victorian Gardens. In spring, Waddesdon comes to life in a wash of colour. You’ll spot over 6000 tulips on the Parterre and plenty of daffodils left in Daffodil Valley.
The Aviary is charming. This ornate green and gold cast iron aviary features many exotic birds including the Rothschild mynah, a bird native to Bali. This bird was named after Walter, second Lord Rothschild (1868-1937), a famous zoologist.
All around you, there are things to discover. Whether it be the beautiful gardens, exquisite statues and sculptures, or the contrasting landscapes.
You could spend a few hours appreciating the grandeur of the House. Inside, you’ll discover a plethora of stately rooms, renowned paintings, exquisite furnishings, and fine porcelain.
I’d probably suggest leaving your buggy or pushchair at home. Although there are buggy-friendly routes, there are lots of hills and access from the car park is difficult.
From the car, the route takes 15 minutes to walk and is partly covered in wood shavings and in parts is uphill. This makes it awkward to navigate.
So, if you take a buggy or pushchair, you’ll want to utilise the shuttle bus (separate fee) or pay for parking outside the House (£20 per car). Alternatively, do what we did, and bring a carrier.
Please also note that buggies and pushchairs cannot be taken into the House and you are advised to bring a carrier.
You’ll find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available at the Manor and Stables.
You can enjoy afternoon tea in the Manor Restaurant, grab a bite to eat at the Stables, Woodland Playground, or Manor Terrace, and even pre-book a picnic!
Alternatively, if you fancy something a little different, why not bring your own yummy picnic to enjoy on the Grounds?
Please note, that visitors to Waddesdon Manor are advised to book Grounds admission in advance and online booking is essential for timed entry to the House.
On arrival, you’ll make your way down the tree-lined North Drive. Eventually, you will be greeted by the entrance to the honey-coloured stone country home alongside its beautiful terraced gardens.
What is there to do?
There is lots to do! Within the house, you will find plenty of character alongside a plethora of renowned and impressive artwork including paintings, porcelain, and tapestries. Some of the National Trust’s most celebrated paintings are featured within the gallery at Upton House and Gardens!
The expansive South Lawn behind the house leads to a deceptive and steep ha-ha with a terraced hillside beneath. This is surrounded by the Orchard, Wild Garden, Mirror Pond, Sunken Lawn and Bog Garden.
The gardens offer numerous landscapes including the orchard, woodlands. grassland and lakes. It’s truly a beautiful place to wander around and full of colour in spring.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can grab to grab a bite to eat in the Pavillion cafe or treat yourself to local produce at the gift shop.
For those feeling adventurous, you’re also welcome to explore the surrounding countryside if you fancy.
Is Upton House and Gardens family-friendly?
Upton House and Gardens are indeed family-friendly! However, it’s probably best to bring a carrier if you plan to go with a baby and leave the buggy at home.
Within the house, buggies will have to be left outside. Once in the gardens, there are lots of steps and slopes which would be awkward to navigate. However, there is a wheelchair-accessible route that partially covers the garden that you may wish to use if you do choose to bring your buggy.
Please note, the house and gardens are located near the edge of a valley and there are a few steep drops as well as open water elements.
You will find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available in the Courtyard.
The onsite Pavillion cafe serves light lunches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. A children’s menu and high chairs are available also.
If you wish to, you can also take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy a picnic in the gardens.
How much does it cost?
Upton House and Gardens offer free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:
There is lots to do and you can expect plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Stroll around the scenic garden at your leisure before heading into the surrounding parkland to discover its secrets.
You’ll see lakes, temples and plenty of monuments, alongside beautiful flora and fauna. If you choose to go off-the-beaten-track and explore further, you’ll be spoilt.
You could easily spend an entire day wandering around discovering new sights and sounds throughout the parkland.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, feel free to grab a bite to eat in the cafe, browse second-hand books at the Old Dairy Book Shop or treat yourself to local produce at the gift shop – all located at New Inn on the way out.
Is National Trust Stowe family-friendly?
It is indeed! There are buggy-friendly routes around the garden and surrounding parkland and you’ll also find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available at the New Inn entrance.
The onsite cafe offers a children’s menu and high chairs are available also.
How much does it cost?
National Trust Stowe offers free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:
Adult – £13.00
Child – £6.50
Family – £32.50
Family One Adult – £19.50
Children under five are free.
Please note, if you would also like to visit Stowe House, this is charged separately.
Looking to spend a day in the Cotswolds? We visited places in our home county Oxfordshire before heading onto some of the best Cotswolds towns and villages in Gloucestershire with our seven-month-old son, Theo, in tow.
Wrapped up snug on a chilly November day, here’s where we visited on our day out in the Cotswolds:
Our first stop was St Oswald’s Church. Slightly off the beaten track, St Oswald’s Church is a beautiful minuscule English Gothic church nestled amongst lush countryside in the Windrush Valley.
The church’s main construction is said to be from the 13th century but it also has 11th-century remnants. To our surprise, the church was open and you can wander inside and see its wonderful interior.
Nearby, you can find the outlined remains of the deserted medieval village of Widford in crop marks.
Burford, West Oxfordshire
Next, we visited the town of Burford, often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds.’ It’s a charming place with a rich history of wool production.
Visitors can see its beautiful church, medieval bridge, the Tolsey Museum, and thriving town centre.
Church of St John the Baptist, Burford
The impressive St John the Baptist Church was the first thing to catch our eye as we arrived in Burford. This Grade I listed church has gone through many restorations, with building starting in the 12th century.
Inside, you can view memorials of Burford’s great families, a 100AD carving said to depict the Celtic goddess, Epona, the tomb of Sir Lawrence and Lady Tanfield, and a memorial tablet of Burford mason, Christopher Kempster.
Burford town centre
Along a hill sloping toward the River Windrush, Burford’s High Street is booming with quaint old stone cottages, independent clothing, gift, and antique shops, as well as numerous old pubs and places to eat.
Bibury, Gloucestershire
Our next stop, the picturesque village of Bibury. Famed for its quaint Cotswold stone houses, Arlington Row, Rack Isle, The Church of St Mary’s, Bibury Trout Farm, and Arlington Mill.
Arlington Row
Arlington Row is a beautiful row of weavers’ cottages of honey-coloured Cotswold stone on one side of the River Coln. It is one of the Cotswolds and England’s most photographed sights.
You may have even seen Arlington Row featured in films such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary!
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
On to, Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds.’ Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming village, centered around the tranquil River Windrush, crossable by five stone arch bridges.
Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wealth of things to do. From tea rooms, shops, and restaurants, to attractions such as The Model Village, Birdland, Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
The Model Village
The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a must-see. It’s the only Grade II listed model village in the country.
It offers A one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water in intricate Cotswold-stone, allowing you to navigate it in its entirety.
There’s a lot of fun to be had pointing out the storefronts and buildings you may have seen earlier in the day, as well as wandering the city like a giant. Interestingly, there’s even a model village within the model!
Visitors can learn about the history of the mill and bread making and see the inner workings of its machinery.
Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
Finally, Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling and charming market town. It offers a lively Market Square, brimming with independent shops, delicious tea rooms, and fine British pubs, alongside a beautiful church.
As it was getting late in the day, we grabbed some pastries to go from Huffkins before heading to St Edward’s Church.
St Edward’s Church
St Edward’s Church is famed for its mythical tree-framed doorway, dominated by two ancient yew trees.
The door is said by locals to be the inspiration for Tolkein’s Doors of Durin, who was supposedly inspired during his many visits to the Cotswolds.
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