Things to do locally during a stay at The Red Lion
The Cotswolds and their immediate surroundings are home to some wonderful places to explore. Whether you are discovering the area as a solo traveller, with your partner, with your dog or as a family, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to go next.
We can't list all the fantastic things to see and do here, but we thought we'd list some of our favourites, all of which have been experienced by us or by others in The Red Lion team. We hope it's a useful source of inspiration to anyone planning an itinerary for a visit to the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds... with a dog
Your four-legged friend will be in heaven in the Cotswolds! There are so many wonderful walks and, when you want to stop for a break, the majority of pubs and cafes welcome dogs too. Here are our favourite dog-friendly attractions within an hour's drive of The Red Lion:
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens - dogs on leads, under adult control are welcome in outdoor areas.
Batsford Arboretum - dogs on leads are allowed throughout the arboretum, garden centre and café.
Cotswold Lavender - dogs on leads are welcomed and there is water available by the Lavender Cabin.
Broadway Tower - there is a circular walk that dogs may enjoy and some dog friendly seating areas at the Morris and Brown café and the Tower Barn café. Dogs are not permitted in the Tower Museum.
Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway - Dogs are welcome to ride the GWSR at a paw-print fare of £5 per dog.
The Cotswolds... with kids
Most of the dog-friendly attractions listed above are equally well-suited to a family day out as well, so they would be perfect for a family travelling with their dog. Here are some of the tried-and-tested locations for family days out that members of The Red Lion team have done with their children:
All Things Wild, Evesham - a great value day out, whatever the weather
The Light, Banbury - climbing, arcade games, bowling and cinema under one roof.
The Museum of Natural History, Oxford - admission is free and some of the exhibits say 'please touch'!
Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park - 50 rare breed farm animals and lots more
The Play Barn at Fosseway Garden Centre - serving decent hot drinks and delicious cakes, this is one of the best soft plays for adult spectators!
The Cotswolds... iconic towns and villages
It would be easy to go on about avoiding the crowds and discovering the off-the-beaten-track Cotswolds, but lets be honest, whilst you're here, you'll probably want to tick off the picture-postcard towns and villages that everyone else goes to!
Bibury - William Morris described Bibury as 'the most beautiful village in England' and it welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
Bourton-on-the-Water - nicknamed The Venice of The Cotswolds, this picturesque village has the River Windrush flowing through the middle of it and is home to attractions such as The Model Village at The Old New Inn, Birdland and The Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum.
Broadway - a thriving village with some great pubs and cafes, as well as art galleries, independent shops and the historic Broadway Tower to explore. We recommend a stop at The Broadway Hotel for lunch or afternoon tea.
The Cotswolds... iconic towns and villages (cont)
Burford - Often referred to as 'the gateway to the Cotswolds', Burford is a bustling medieval market town.
The Slaughters (horrible name for some very pretty Cotswold villages) - Comprising the two villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, the word 'slaughter' actually comes from an Old English word meaning 'muddy place'.
Snowshill - Famed for Snowshill Manor and Garden (NT) and close to Cotswold Lavender (which is an Insta enthusiast's dream during the summer months), the unspoilt village of Snowshill is definitely worth a visit.
'Stow-on-the-Wold...where the wind blows cold' is the highest town in the Cotswolds, standing at 800 feet above sea level. Its market square is home to wealth of independent shops, busy cafes and traditional Cotswold pubs.
The Cotswolds... Distilleries and Breweries
We are fortunate enough to have some exceptional quality brewers and distillers in the Cotswolds, many of which allow you to scrutinise their processes on behind-the-scenes tours. Here are a few of our favourite local breweries and distilleries:
Cotswolds Distillery, Stourton - talk to us about special deals for Red Lion guests visiting the distillery
Hook Norton Brewery - this family-run business celebrated its 175th birthday in 2024 and you can discover its rich history and its delicious ales on a brewery tour.
Wood Brothers Distillery - take a distillery tour or go to Gin School with these Bampton-based vodka and gin producers.
Hawkstone Brewery - you know that brewery that Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper are always on about? It's this one and it's not very far from The Red Lion.
The Cotswolds... historic sites
Long Compton's history abounds with tales of witchcraft and Civil War ruin. Located just down the hill from The Rollright Stones, The Red Lion is also a short drive away from these historic sites:
Blenheim Palace - Birth place of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as all the picturesque and historic stuff, there is an adventure playground for the kids and dogs are permitted in the grounds (but not the palace).
Chasleton House - located just a few miles from The Red Lion, this Jacobean house has hardly changed in the last 400 years.
Warwick Castle - A great day out for kids and grown ups, this imposing castle is over 1100 years old. Attractions include the Horrible Histories Maze, Zog Playland and birds of prey displays.
Sezincote House & Garden - The only Mughal Palace in Northern Europe, this extraordinary Indian house is well worth a visit during your trip to the Cotswolds.
Arts & Crafts
Larkswold Creative Studio - Indulge in a favourite craft or learn a new one, whilst sampling homemade cake and delicious drinks at this craft studio in Adlestrop, just outside Stow-on-the-Wold. Friends of The Red Lion get a 10% off bookings for two or more people. Just ask us for the discount code.
Compton Verney - Shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year award in 2025, this fantastic, interactive art gallery is set in beautiful landscape designed by Capability Brown. It's one of the most child-friendly art galleries we've ever been to!
Honeybourne Pottery - Suitable for all abilities aged 7+, Honeybourne Pottery's workshops help you make lasting memories as well as a unique piece of pottery.
Whichford Pottery - If you'd rather buy locally made pottery than create your own, visit this fantastic local pottery, just a few miles down the road from us.
