With its gorgeous surrounds, there are limitless outdoor activities to experience in the Cotswolds, whether you’re flying solo or entertaining loved ones.
From testing your motoring skills to taking a self-guided sensory walk to really connect with nature, SoGlos has handpicked 11 open-air activities to experience in the Cotswolds.
Outdoor activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
A haven for nature lovers with 2,500 botanical species from all over the world, Westonbirt Arboretum has two self-led sensory walks to help visitors to get outside, be active and connect with the world around them.
Stroll through the vibrant Acer Glade, taking in trees and open grassland; while the second route around Savill Glade is an easy walk that showcases the seasonal changes in the trees. Both are suitable for wheelchair users.
Outdoor activities at Cotswold Water Park
Whether for sport or leisure, Cotswold Water Park offers outdoor activities and open-water swimming all year round — with 180 lakes, spread over 42 square miles.
Reconnecting people with the great outdoors, the attraction offers everything from canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to land-based activities like archery, raft building and much more.
Outdoor activities at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre
Horse riding enthusiasts can experience scenic rides around the beautiful villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter at Bourton Vale Equestrian.
From complete beginners to advanced riders, budding equestrians will have the opportunity to bond with the horses – which have been spotted on the likes of Countryfile, Britain by Bike and BBC Real Rescues.
Outdoor activities at Far Peak Climbing
Brave dizzying heights at Far Peak Climbing in Northleach, challenging yourself to complete the outdoor climbing tower which reaches a whopping 16 metres above the ground.
Or if heights aren’t your thing, wander through the four-acres of lovely Cotswolds woodland just next to the climbing centre, with low ropes courses and great spots to refuel with a picnic.
Outdoor activities at Cotswold Driving Experiences
As seen on the BBC, ITV and Don’t Tell the Bride, visitors can put their motoring skills — and their nerve — to the test at Cotswold Driving Experiences in Cirencester.
From adrenaline-pumped rally experiences to vertical descents and axle twisters in 4×4s, there’s something to entertain everyone no matter their ability. Plus, Cotswold Driving Experiences is the only rally school in the UK to also offer the activities to disabled drivers.
Outdoor activities at QuadQuest
Thrill-seekers can have an exciting day out at QuadQuest, hopping on a quad bike and taking on the Electric Quad Bike Rambles experience.
With tracks located on the picturesque Notgrove Estate, the activity offers a unique pursuit, immersing riders in an adrenaline-fuelled rush as they whizz through the naturally beautiful Cotswold landscape.
Outdoor activities at Cotswold Walks
For a more leisurely outdoor experience, Cotswolds Walks hosts a variety of self-guided and guided walking tours for ramblers of all abilities and interests.
Adventurous walkers can explore the best of the Cotswolds, from beautiful wildflower fields to unique villages and towns, scattered across the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Plus, there’s the chance to sample fabulous local food along the way.
Outdoor activities at Cotswold Electric Bike Tours
Experience the beauty and charm of some of the Cotswolds most iconic towns villages by e-bike with Cotswold Electric Bike Tours, with local excursions taking in the likes of Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford and Chipping Campden,
A relaxing way to take in views of the surrounding countryside, the experience makes for a great day out for all, with two tours involving stop offs for a picnic at some of the Cotswolds' best breweries, too.
Outdoor activities at Cirencester Civic Society
History buffs can soak up Cirencester’s rich past by going on one of the Civic Society‘s walking tours, which take place every Saturday and provide a fascinating insight into the town’s 2000-year history.
Plus, each donation helps the Cirencester Civic Society to fund new projects in the town.
Outdoor activities at Naunton Downs
Tee off at Naunton Downs Golf Club, an impressive 18-hole course for golfers to hone their skills that’s set in 200 acres of rolling Cotswold countryside.
Designed with the natural features of the landscape in mind, the course provides challenges to suit golfers of all ages and abilities, alongside a variety of competitions and mixed events.
Outdoor activities at Cotswold Sculpture Park
For an artsy afternoon outdoors, Cotswold Sculpture Park in Cirencester has an array of beautifully crafted sculptures for visitors to peruse in amongst ten acres of lush forest and open grassland.
Take a walk through its impressive outdoor gallery — featuring works from over 200 artists — and check out its hand-crafted stone amphitheatre, with sculptures available to purchase and a cafe with outdoor seating on site, too.
