Family days out: the best museums in the Cotswolds

Planning a family day out in the Cotswolds? The rolling hills and chocolate-box villages are always a hit. But sometimes the weather, or little ones with endless curiosity, calls for something different. Luckily, the Cotswolds is full of family-friendly museums. They’re just as fun as they are educational. From vintage cars and cheeky TV icons to Roman treasures, jet planes, and local tales, there’s something to delight every member of the family. Yes, even the teens.

Cotswold Motoring Museum, Bourton-on-the-Water

Step into a world of gleaming chrome, quirky classics, and a touch of nostalgia at the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Tucked away in the storybook village of Bourton-on-the-Water, this family-friendly museum is full of vintage cars, caravans, motorcycles, and toys. Parents will be saying, “I had one of those!” while kids race from one shiny display to the next.

And then there’s the star of the show: Brum, the cheeky little car from the beloved children’s TV series. He even has his own corner of fame. If your little ones haven’t met him yet, they’ll fall in love fast. A fun pit stop for the whole family.

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 Corinium Museum, Cirencester

If your kids are the kind who love digging in the sand for treasure, imagine their delight when faced with a museum full of Roman mosaics, coins, and ancient artefacts. The Corinium Museum in Cirencester is the place to uncover the story of Roman Britain, right in the heart of what was once one of the most important Roman towns, Corinium.

This isn’t just a wander-and-read museum. It’s interactive, engaging, and perfect for families. There are immersive exhibitions, a children’s treasure trail, and play areas for young archaeologists to get hands-on. Want to sneak in a bit of education on your family holiday? This is your golden ticket.

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Jet Age Museum, Brockworth

For families with future pilots, plane-spotters, or just kids who think “bigger is better,” the Jet Age Museum is a must. Run by passionate volunteers, this museum celebrates Gloucestershire’s proud aviation history with full-sized aircraft, engines, and stories of the people who made flight possible.

The beauty of this museum is that it’s as much about the people as the planes. History comes alive in a way that’s fun for kids and fascinating for adults. Even better? Entry is free. A budget-friendly family adventure in the Cotswolds.

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Museum in the Park, Stroud

Set in a charming Grade II listed mansion in the middle of Stroud’s Stratford Park, the Museum in the Park offers a colourful snapshot of local life through the ages. You can go from medieval armour to Victorian toys in the blink of an eye, and children love the variety.

Outside, the park itself is perfect for letting off steam, so once the history lesson is done, pack a picnic, let the kids run wild, and enjoy one of the Cotswolds’ loveliest green spaces.

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Winchcombe Museum, Winchcombe

Small but mighty, the Winchcombe Museum is a gem for families who like their history local, quirky, and packed with personality. This friendly little museum tells the story of the town and its surroundings, from ancient artefacts to tales of Winchcombe life over the centuries.

It’s the kind of museum where children can really connect with the stories, there’s something special about learning how people lived in the exact spot you’re standing in. A perfect stop-off while exploring this historic Cotswold town.

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Ready to explore?

From Roman ruins to retro rides, local legends to lofty aircraft, the Cotswolds is brimming with museums that are perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike. So whether you’re dodging the drizzle or hunting for something new to spark the imagination, these family-friendly museums in the Cotswolds will keep everyone smiling.

Who knows, you might even go home with a new favourite historical hero, a fascination with mosaics, or just a lot of photos of your kids pretending to fly a jet. Either way, that’s a family day out well spent.

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