Immerse yourself in the history of the Cotswolds at one of the many Cotswolds museums, great historic houses, or just walk through the streets and down the back lanes within the beautiful Cotswold stone towns and villages. There is so much history to take in that you’ll be sure to find a historic story that rewards your interests. 'Cotswolds' is a combination of two very old English words. Everyone's pretty much agreed that 'Wolds' are gentle hills. And most people agree that 'Cots' are sheep enclosures. So 'Cotswolds' probably just means an area of gentle hills with plenty of sheep around. The Cotswolds hills are criss-crossed with dry stone walls. The picturesque Cotswold landscape is completed with hidden river valleys and distinctive market towns and villages made of the famous Cotswold stone. Many Cotswold villages have enigmatic names such as The Slaughters, Stow-on-the-Wold,

If you’re looking for a destination for a family holiday, or somewhere to go on a family break, then make sure you book your next break away with your family to the Cotswolds. Whatever your age, the Cotswolds is a great place to enjoy with a whole host of attractions and activities. If you are looking to keep young children amused then you’ll find many things to entertain them, including farm and wildlife parks, steam railways and museums. If you need to relieve the look of boredom on your teenagers' faces, then the activity centres, water sports and popular shopping outlets will definitely help. You don't have to splash the cash to enjoy the Cotswolds! Visit one of our free museums and explore everything from dinosaurs to historic aircraft, or spend the day discovering one of the many country parks. With breathtaking scenery, the Cotswold hills are a great place for a gentle wander or cycle ride. You'll be spoilt for choice for picnic spots and great places to fly a kite along the way. Take to the water and enjoy boat trips from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Lechlade on Thames, Saul and Ebley, near Stroud. The Cotswolds are famous for a whole host of large family festivals and events from the Science and Literature Festivals in Cheltenham, to the annual Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford and Wychwood, one of the most family-friendly music festivals.

Explore Stratford upon Avon The famous home of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is forever synonymous with history and culture. Set on the banks of the picturesque River Avon it is one of the most recognisable towns in the UK. Home to Blenheim Palace, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and of course the Royal Shakespeare Theatre what better place to visit to learn about Olde England than here? You can spend the day relaxing on the banks of the river or take a river cruise to really appreciate the town. If you want to learn more about the town itself then why not take the open-top tour bus which consists of 11 stops and you can hop on and off as you please throughout the day. For a day with a bit of a difference, you can visit The Mechanical Art and Design museum, but better known as the MAD museum in Henley Street which boasts "brilliant-but-bonkers machines" made by Kinetic artists. Items on show include mechanised flipbooks and a musical typewriter.

*The Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins Spread over three floors, the Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay is a phantasmagorical experience of magical delights *After Dark at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins Warwickshires Premier Scare attraction *Stratford's original theatre of fear, The Dark Arts Theatre Company present their Truly Terrifying Tales of History told by the original Master of the Macabre. *The Magic Alley at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins A phantasmagorical emporium of magical delights from wands and spells to sweets and quirky gifts - all at the sign of the Creaky Cauldron