Christmassy things for 3yo in Cotswolds this weekend?

[santasknackered]

We are going to be in the Cotswolds area at the weekend with our 3 year old and I'm looking for something Christmassy and fun to take him to. I've looked online but there are just so many random websites and nowhere central to see what's on - I know Cotswolds is a large area!

Anyway I thought perhaps someone local might have more intel!

I saw the Santa express train but it's sold out, as is the Adam Henson farm trail for the dates we wanted.

So does anyone know of any lovely preschooler Christmas events happening on Saturday? Also which towns or villages have the best lights up already?

Thank you

I know Sudeley Castle has a spectacle of light. I've not been there, so don't know how good it is. Whereabouts in the Cotswold are you staying?

In the Cotswolds, but not Christmassy, but great for a three year old is Dinky Street. https://www.dinkystreet.co.uk/

Burford Garden Centre the displays are really nice

I remember when eldest was a toddler we went to Westonbrit Arboretum. A quick google looks like they have a Christmas tree display - I vaguely remember a whole room of different trees to look at, but this was nearly 10 years ago now. It's not free and a bit NT ish, but worth a look if you also want outdoor space for running around. The autumn leaves were also nice to look at.

This show why we need a bit more information on where OP is staying, as Westonbirt Arboretum is about an hour's drive from Sudeley Castle, yet both are in the Cotswolds.

Staying near Cirencester

You could travel to Blenheim Palace (unless that's too much of a trek for you). Lots of Christmas stuff to do (I live next door!).
Cotswold Wildlife Park is definitely open, not sure if they are doing anything christmas related though.

If you're near Cirencester Westonbirt isn't far. There are Christmas markets in Cirencester this weekend so it will be busy but its very pretty, not a specific children's activity though.

Sudely Castle as mentioned by a PP is lovely, although I thought the light show looked quite expensive this year. Westonbirt is also lovely and also does a light show. Both are fun in the day as well.

Cirencester is not far from The Steam Museum at Swindon, so if he is into Steam Trains, you could visit their Christmas Extravaganza.

Bourton on the water is lovely at any time (albeit very busy) but the Christmas tree in the river and the lovely lights are worth a visit.

Burton on the water is nearby and has the most beautiful tree in the river. They also have a perfectly sized for young child wildlife park called birdland (includes a dinosaur walkthrough).
The gateway at south cerney is just a few minutes up the a419 and has a outdoor Christmas ice rink.
There is also the Cotswold reindeer herd. You can pay to visit the reindeer or combine with a santa visit.

In my opinion Batsford Aboretum (Morten in the marsh) is better than Westonbirt especially for younger kids. I think they have an elf trail on.

OK so cirencester lights are up.and it's looking really pretty. There is a nice walk in cirencester Park - the new totem pole is very cool and you get a fab view of the town from the top of the main walk, which should be doable for a toddler.

There is an ice rink at the waterpark De Vere/cotswold outdoor car park, don't know if you need to book, plus nice pubs for lunch at South cerney and siddington.

Bit further away but westonbirt always put on a nice lighted walk in the winter. Dobbies garden centre (just outside cirencester) probably has a santa claus and grotto, might be worth checking if Cheltenham has an Xmas Market - cirencester's was last weekend. Have fun whatever you find:)

I’m guessing you may be staying at lower mill?

There’s an event at the tap room in field farm by Somerford Keynes.

Christmas Craft Market in the morning starting 9am - carols from Cirencester Brass Band - followed by an afternoon wreath-making workshop and final evening taproom of the year from 5pm onwards

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0KEM8IMnOW/

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Great ideas thank you! @CalistoNoSolo could you recommend a child friendly pub for Sunday lunch round Cerney please? 🙏

The Eliot at SC is very nice inside and the food is good. The Greyhound at siddington is a really nice pub, they usually have some interesting things on the menu as well as the usual. The crown at cerney wick was good the last time I was there, but may not work for a young child as the tables are quite crowded together - huge garden if not flooded though. The Masons at Meysey Hampton is a nice pub, as is the spotted cow at Marston Meysey though the food wasn't so brilliant the last time I was there. A bit further away but a lovely pub is the red lion at castle Eaton. Again, nice big garden by the Thames, the pub itself is big and the food should be good. All of the above are dog/child/ancient gimmer friendly ime, with lovely helpful staff. Let me know which you choose and if you like it 🙂

As a quick postscript - do book for Sunday lunch asap as most places tend to get very busy and everywhere is struggling for staff. And do steer clear of the George at SC. It used to be a really great pub for lunch but it's gone rather downhill lately and is frequented by unsavoury characters these days.