14 Travel and Days Out


48 hours in the Cotswolds


Outdoor activities and fantastic food make this lush part of England ideal for a family weekend away. Words: Anna Evdokimou


DAY ONE Morning Check-in to the charming Ingleside House, which dates back to the late 18th century. T e hotel is just a short walk from the centre of Cirencester, the Cotswolds’ largest market town, and serves as the perfect base for a weekend of exploration. T e town centre brims with quaint shops and cafés. Step into Pick a Pot and Paint to create your own work of art, or stroll through the craft market for jewellery, art and soap stands.


Afternoon Explore Cirencester Park’s 3,000 acres of pasture and woodland. Enjoy a picnic among the meadows where you may even spot a grazing deer or two. While the kids try their hand at horse riding (daily passes available for £12), stop for a coff ee at Beano, a quirky cafe housed in a converted horse trailer.


Evening Tummies starting to rumble? Worry not. Within Cirencester Park lies


T e Old Kennels, where you’ll fi nd Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden. Championing sustainability, this dining hub’s menu showcases seasonal fruit and vegetables that are grown in the on-site garden, guaranteeing a true fi eld-to-fork experience. A selection of espresso martinis is also on off er, each with its own unique twist (the salted caramel is an absolute must). T e outdoor play area and fl ower- fi lled raised beds provide ample entertainment for little ones, too. On your way back into the hotel, pop by Téatro Bar and treat the family to some live piano music.


DAY TWO Morning If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss the Corinium Museum, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Its displays of Roman tools and artefacts document the development of the Cotswolds, from its rural beginnings to modern day. Keep an eye out for the mosaics (some dating to the third century),


11TH SEPTEMBER 2023 FAMILY VALUES DISTRIBUTED WITH


SEE PRETTY HOUSES AND A MINIATURE MODEL VILLAGE IN BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER/GETTY


which paint a picture of Roman day-to-day life and ideologies — see if you can spot Orpheus and Venus in the intricate designs. T ere’s also plenty of 3D objects and immersive learning experiences to keep the kids engaged. On your way out, stop by Jacks Tea Room and Kitchen for a quick caff eine boost.


Afternoon With curious minds sated, it’s time for some pulse-raising action. Cotswold Water Park is only a 15-minute drive from Cirencester, and has some 180 lakes to explore. Have a go at water-skiing or try a


less exerting activity like sailing or kayaking. T ere’s also archery for those that would prefer to stay dry, or go on a stroll and look out for wildlife including otters, fallow deer and watering birds.


Evening Kick back at T e Bear Inn as you sip on its award-winning Butcombe beer. You’re likely to fi nd yourself listening to live musicians as you bite into your Sunday lunch, which comes with maple-roasted parsnips and a big Yorkshire pudding. T e heated outdoor area is the perfect place for al fresco dining and for


the little ones to tuck into warm doughnuts or a chocolate sundae.


TIME TO SPARE? Drive to T e Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water, the only Grade II-listed model village in the country. An exact one-ninth scale replica of the actual village, it depicts Bourton’s streets, bridges and even the chestnut trees, all in miniature size. Listen carefully and you can hear music emanating from the tiny model church. While in Bourton, visit Cotswold China and Cookware for sweet treats, pottery and Cotswold candles, too.


GREENWICH THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS ANTHONY SPARGO IN


Enjoy a day out 1,400 years in the making


Kids Go FREE


until 31 December 2023 *Visitor entry. T&Cs apply


DIRECTED BY JAMES HADDRELL MUSICAL DIRECTOR ‘UNCLE’ STEVE MARKWICK “Greenwich Theatre… sets the gold


standard for pantomime” British Theatre Guide


THU 23 NOV ’23 - SUN 7 JAN ’24


BOX OFFICE 020 8858 7755 greenwichtheatre.org.uk


ALL CHILDREN’S TICKETS HALF PRICE!


NEW visitor experiences, tours & events for 2023 www.canterbury-cathedral.org


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