Local activities
The owners of Windmill Barns have lived in the area for the past 20 years. Here are some of their favourite activities, all within a short drive and all fully accessible.
Cadbury World
Uncover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World.
From learning how your favourite confectionery is made and uncovering the fascinating story of Cadbury chocolate, to playing in chocolate rain and adding your favourite treat to a delicious pot of warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.
You'll discover the origins of the cocoa bean amidst trees and waterfalls in the Aztec Jungle, before jumping on board the magical Cadabra ride and visiting the brand new 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, a 4D cinema experience featuring Cadbury's most popular characters.
Cadbury World is located in the grounds of the original Cadbury factory, but isn't a tour of the factory itself. Instead, you'll discover the history, the making and the magic of Cadbury confectionery as you journey through our chocolatey zones.
More information can be found at https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en
All Things Wild
Let the children go wild at our various play attractions, including: beach area, outdoor play areas, pedal go karts and Jungle Mayhem soft play area! For our younger explorers, they also have a ‘Wild Fun Barn’ with a smaller soft play and pedal tractors!
Step through time at their ultimate dinosaur experience, where you can ride the Dino Land Train, and discover lots about these prehistoric creatures in the Dino Barn. Explore all about when these dinosaurs existed and get up close to the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus & Triceratops that remain ‘Frozen in time’.
They also run daily itinerary seasonal activities that may include: Lemur Walkthrough, Outback Trail, Meet the Farm Animals, bug hunting and arts and crafts.
Open 10-5 every day! (Excluding 25th/26th December). An onsite visitor café, and picnic area. Cater for groups, birthday parties, experience days, holiday club and toddler time!
More information can be found at https://www.allthingswild.co.uk/
British Motor Museum
Home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars the British Motor Museum has over 300 vehicles on display spanning the classic, vintage and veteran eras.
With a selection of interactive exhibitions and family activities, the museum is ideal for both families and enthusiasts alike.
Situated in Gaydon, Warwickshire just off junction 12 of the M40.
The museum building is a spectacular piece of architecture with art deco design, whilst the Collections Centre building is a modern contrast. Together they stand proudly in a beautiful landscaped setting of 65 acres, which rolls into the Warwickshire countryside.
More information can be found at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/
Simply Alpaca
Interested in finding out a little more about these beautiful animals. A never to be forgotten experience of getting up close to the alpacas with an opportunity to stroke and handle them.
Come and enjoy the animals on the edge of the Cotswolds and take the opportunity to get up close to these captivating creatures. Half day experiences will give you some insight into their history, care requirements and what it feels like to be with them. It will also give you the opportunity to have a go at felting with their fibre. Be warned, having been so involved this may turn into a life changing experience!
Also available is alpaca trekking and alpaca picnics which both take within this beautiful setting. Pre-booking required.
More information can be found at https://simplyalpaca.co.uk/
Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers something for everyone, be it one of our four stunning glasshouses showing tropical rainforest to arid desert, playground, tearoom and garden gift shop all surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK.
There are four glasshouses which range from our exotic Tropical House through to our Subtropical, Mediterranean and Arid Houses. There is a large lawn in front of the glasshouses with a range of beds and shrubberies around its perimeter. Overall, the character is that of a Victorian public park with a bandstand set in 15 acres (6.1 ha) of landscaped greenery.
More information at https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/
Royal Shakespeare Company
Based in the birthplace of Shakespeare, the RSC is a national theatre company. Performing out of three theatres in Stratford upon Avon, with a mixture of Shakespeare as well as other playwrights.
The company employs over 1,000 staff and produces around 20 productions a year. The RSC plays regularly in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and on tour across the UK and internationally.
Tickets for all productions are available throughout the year but booking is essential. Both matinee and evening performances are available. As well as having wheelchair seats for all shows, front row seats are kept free for people who have difficulties seeing or hearing, and they run assisted performances for all shows. For more information please contact the RSC box office.
More information can be found at https://www.rsc.org.uk/
Cotswold Farm Park
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors of all ages can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present.
As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and Highland cattle. The Animal Barn, Adventure Barn and Discovery Barn can be enjoyed all year round, as they are under cover and protected from the elements.
With an adventure playground, farm safari, maze and jumping pillows, there’s lots of entertainment for children of all ages. The on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food .
There’s plenty to offer outside the Farm Park too. Experience the stunning diversity of animals and plants by completing our two mile wildlife walk.
More information at https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/
Birdland & Jurassic Journey
Discover an amazing world of birds and their Jurassic ancestors on your day out in the Cotswolds.
Birdland is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy for the winding River Windrush. Meet over 500 birds from magical owls, large cassowary and rare species such as the Waldrapp Ibis. Spot flamingos, pelicans, cranes and waterfowl that live in our riverside habitats with many more inhabiting over 50 aviaries.
Meet England’s only breeding group of King Penguins and the comical Humboldts.
Explore the Out of Africa area and meet hornbills, village weavers and many more amazing birds from across the continent.
Venture into the woodland and meet life-sized dinosaurs lurking between the trees in the Jurassic Journey area.
Head to the Pandemonium of Parrots area and be amazed by vibrant and colourful parrots from macaws to lorikeets in their new enclosures.
More information can be found at https://www.birdland.co.uk/
Fairy Tale Farm Park
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. Fairytale Farm is the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all, but where disabled children come first in our design and layout. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome.
Fairytale Farm is divided into six main zones:
Huff and Puff for adventure play
Enchanted Walk for our fairytale sensory experience;
Alfie and Friends, where you can meet our amazing animals
Jack’s Yard, for a fairytale experience;
Wilderness Walk, where you can meander through a range of wildlife habitats and experience the mini world of seasonal senses along the way
Fairy Dell, enjoy the fun, sensory weather area. Discuss ‘What the Weather Is’ and enjoying making rain sounds.
More information at https://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk/
Warwick Castle
Where you can immerse yourself in a thousand years of jaw-dropping history – come rain or shine.
Where ancient myths and spell-binding tales set your imagination alight, and your hair on end.
Where princesses are pampered and maidens are wooed, as winners become true heroes and losers are confined to dark, dank dungeons to be forgotten for eternity.
Set in the heart of Shakespeare’s England, with over 64 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Warwick Castle is the ultimate backdrop for breath-taking shows and activities for all ages, all year-round.
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068.
Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, situated on a meander of the River Avon.
More information at https://www.warwick-castle.com/
