The Cotswolds is charming and cosy during the festive period and there are lots of holiday activities and Christmas events you can do to get into the festive spirit, but like everywhere the costs can really add up. This itinerary gives you an affordable festive Cotswolds family trip, with the option to add in extra paid activities if you want (check out my post 25+ Unmissable family-friendly Cotswold Christmas Events to see what’s on). 

This itinerary includes some of the most magical Cotswolds villages at Christmas time so if you’re looking for the perfect winter getaway, read on.

A note on driving.

This itinerary assumes you have and does require a car. While it is possible to visit the Cotswolds without a car, public transport can be a limiting factor.

Friday afternoon

Go to Cirencester for medieval charm

Head to the outskirts of Cirencester for a walk around Abbey Park so the kids can let off some steam. In the park you can see statues and mosaics, a pretty lake and historical features.

The grounds used to be the site of the abbey of St Mary but this was demolished in 1536 during the dissolution of the monasteries. If you head to the far corner (when entering the park from the town centre) you’ll see the Norman Arch Gate House. The gate house was built in 1180 as the gateway to the abbey, and is the only part of the abbey that is visible above ground. 

In the town centre you can visit the Cirencester Parish Church of St. John Baptist and the market square which is lit up with festive decorations. There is often live music to enjoy and Christmas markets in the market square so check the dates before you leave.

Walk Broadway Tower and deer park.

Broadway Tower is set within 200 acres of parkland and looks like a tiny castle, making it an iconic landmark of the Cotswolds. It sits over 300m above sea level and is the second highest point in the Cotswold which gives it outstanding views. It’s a lovely walk on a frosty (or even snowy!) morning so grab your boots and prepare to burn off some energy. The tower has its own parking area however this gets very busy and is expensive so if you prefer, park outside of the main car park (there may also be local signs for cheaper options) or in the village of Broadway. From there you can walk to the tower and deer park via public footpaths which are manageable for kids. If you have really little ones it would be best to bring a carrier rather than a buggy or pram as it is likely to be muddy and the paths are not surfaced.

If you want to go into the tower there is an additional fee and you can go right to the top, however the views are just as good from the foot of the tower. Inside the tower is a small museum showing visitors the history of the tower and how it would have been furnished. The staircases inside are spiral staircases so visitors need to be able to walk or be carried up.

The tower is home to a beautiful herd of red deer whose enclosure runs from the car park to the tower. The herd was established in the early 1980’s and there are approximately 20 deer, including the stag, Lancelot. They are curious and sometimes come up close to the fence to say hi.

There is a cafe at Broadway Tower however it’s small and gets very busy. If you’re heading there from the village I would recommend bringing a picnic and just grabbing some hot drinks to take away at the cafe. The deli in Broadway village does amazing freshly baked pastries and samosas.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Like other Cotswolds villages, Stow-on-the-Wold looks like the set of a cosy Christmas movie in winter. Wander through the picturesque town and enjoy a spot of shopping in the charming village centre.

Once you have finished shopping, find the famous ‘Tolkien-esque’ North Door at St. Edward’s Church. The church also hosts an annual Christmas tree festival each year (8-11th Dec. 2025) so you can enjoy displays of dozens of decorated trees. The trees are usually decorated by local schools and community groups so this is a lovely way for the community to come together and celebrate Christmas.

After visiting the Church, pop to Huffkins for a festive treat and to warm up. Huffkins is an award winning bakery and tea room founded in the Cotswolds and family run. My partner’s family have been buying birthday cakes and baked goods from there for years and they never disappoint. I recommend the peppermint hot chocolate- delicious!

Sunday

Visit Cheltenham Christmas Market 

Cheltenham Christmas Market is situated on the Promenade and has 30+ stalls selling local handmade goods, Christmas gifts, homeware and jewellery. It’s got a fun, festive atmosphere and is set against a beautiful regency backdrop.

It’s easy to spend a morning here, on Bath Road or The Suffolks, wandering around and soaking up the festive atmosphere. If your family are looking for something a little more active you can also explore Cheltenham by doing the free self-guided walking tour. Kids will enjoy looking out for clues to the questions about some of Cheltenham’s most well known buildings. The map and questions can be found here.

Imperial Gardens are just a short walk from the town centre and is a great spot to watch people ice skating on the pop-up rink.

Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas activities

Bourton-on-the-Water is famed for its tradition of placing the village christmas tree in the Windrush river. The Christmas lights are switched on at the end of November and if you can plan your visit for that weekend it’s well worth it as people line the river to count down to the light switch on. Many shops and restaurants stay open late to celebrate and the village has several small Christmas markets. You might even spot Father Christmas while you are there!

It’s the perfect Cotswold village for a wander down the river stopping in at all of the little trinket shops or stopping for a festive afternoon tea. With the low bridges and the tree in the river it’s also a great spot for a family photo. 

The model village is great for little ones who want to pretend to be giants, or if you have a car lover then the motor museum is worth a visit. Before you leave don’t forget to head to the Victorian Christmas shop to buy a new bauble to remind you of your weekend away.

Are you planning to visit the magical Cotswolds villages at Christmas time? Let me know in the comments below.