Autism-Friendly Days Out in The Cotswolds This February Half-Term
I’m sure plenty of you are frantically Googling right now, trying to pre-plan your week and figure out what on earth to do for half-term. I know that feeling all too well! As a parent, I always want to find places that are fun but also work for my child’s needs - with plenty of space to burn off energy, minimal stress and a lower chance of sensory overload. If you’re in the same boat, I hope this guide gives you some ideas for sensory friendly days out in the Cotswolds, plus some tips to help make outings a little easier.
Good Weather Days Out
Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Image credit: Fairytale Farm
Why it’s great for SEN children:
Fairytale Farm was specifically designed to be accessible and inclusive for all children, including those with autism and sensory processing challenges. The Enchanted Walk offers plenty of visual and tactile stimulation, while the Fairy Dell provides a calming space for children who might need a break from excitement.
This half term they have a dinosaur event on, so any dinosaur lovers will absolutely love this! And If you visit dressed up in a dinosaur-themed outfit, you will get a sweet treat on arrival.
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ The farm has a gentle, relaxed atmosphere, so there’s no pressure to move quickly through activities.
✔️ Their accessible outdoor play area means children of all abilities can enjoy it.
✔️ There are plenty of quieter spots to take breaks if needed. Perfect for half term as I know it can be hard when everywhere tends to be a lot busier.
Free Carer Ticket Available
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford
Image credit: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Why it’s great for SEN children:
This park allows children to observe animals at their own pace, without the overwhelming crowds of a traditional zoo. The enclosures are spacious, so children don’t feel confined, and there are large open areas to run around freely.
There is a massive playground to help burn off some energy, with plenty of space for everyone. We particularly love the toddler zip line!
NOTE - The minature train will not be running during half term
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ The wide paths and open areas reduce feelings of overcrowding and sensory overload.
✔️ There are plenty of picnic areas, so you can bring your own food if your child has specific dietary needs.
✔️A social story may be needed to explain the train isn’t running before going if you have a train-mad child like me. The tracks go all around the site, so they will notice them while looking around.
Broadway Tower, Broadway
Why it’s great for SEN children:
Image credit: Broadway Tower
This iconic landmark offers stunning views and lots of open space for children who like to run around. There’s no pressure to go inside the tower itself if that feels overwhelming. There is plenty to explore around the grounds, including a red deer park, a little play house and two cafes.
There is also plenty of space to bring a picnic with toilets on site.
You could continue your day by heading into the village afterwards. I’d reccomend driving as the walk is very long. There is free road parking for a couple of hours right by the shops, including disabled bays. The model village is also a wonderful place to visit, but can get quite crowded and certain areas you aren’t allowed to walk in/stand on and the barriers are just rope.
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ The bottom cafe has a lot more space available, but the top cafe has a wider choice of options and a quieter area above the tills to sit in.
✔️ There are picnic areas, so you can bring your own food if your child has specific dietary needs.
✔️ Avoid midday visits, as this is when it tends to be busiest.
Image credit: Cotswold Motor Museum
If your child loves vehicles, this museum offers an exciting but low-stimulation environment compared to busier attractions. The museum is small and usually quiet, meaning it’s easy to explore without sensory overload.
After visiting the museum, there is plenty to see around Bourton-on-the-Water. And if the main areas are too busy, there are lots of countryside walks you can go on starting nearby the museum. Or you could also visit Birdland Park and Gardens for another fun activity, which also includes a dinosaur trail and special events for half term.
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ The dim lighting and quiet atmosphere help children who struggle with bright lights and loud sounds.
✔️ Many of the vintage exhibits allow visual and tactile interaction, perfect for children who enjoy hands-on learning.
✔️ The museum is usually less crowded than other attractions, which can help reduce anxiety.
Hollywood Bowl, Cheltenham
Why it’s great for SEN children:
Image credit: Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham
Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham is a quieter, more accommodating bowling alley compared to many others, making it a great choice for SEN families. They offer SEN-friendly adjustments and the atmosphere is generally more relaxed. You can order food and drink from the lanes and they will bring it over to you without you needing to move, reducing transition struggles. It’s very easy to win enough tickets in the arcade for a small gift, so your child can come away with a treat each time. Our favourite games to win tickets there are the ball drop game, piano playing game and the clown ball toss.
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ Go during quieter times (weekday mornings or early afternoons) to avoid crowds.
✔️ Use bumpers and ramps if needed to make bowling more accessible and fun.
✔️ If your child is sensitive to noise, bring ear defenders during peak times. But this bowling alley is significantly less noisy than most.
Free Carer Ticket Available
Image credit: Funky Warehouse
Why it’s great for SEN children:
Funky Warehouse is a fantastic venue for children to let loose and have fun in a safe, spacious indoor environment. It offers a variety of soft play areas, including sensory rooms and zones designed for exploration without feeling too overwhelming. The space is bright and colourful but not overcrowded, making it a great option for kids who enjoy active play while also needing time to reset.
They offer SEN sessions every Monday evening, including during half term.
Sensory-Friendly Tips:
✔️ Visit during quieter hours to avoid overstimulation from crowds and noise (SEN sessions or weekday mornings are ideal).
✔️ The venue has different activity zones, allowing children to play in areas that suit their energy levels.
Free Carer Ticket Available
How about a completely different type of day out for both good and bad weather days?
Instead of the usual outing, why not book a sensory-friendly photo sessions with me in The Cotswolds? You’ll enjoy a relaxed, stress-free session where your child can be themselves. They get to enjoy a fun activity or explore somewhere a bit unique and you’ll have beautiful photos to enjoy afterwards. It’s a relaxed experience full of fun, without the pressure of a traditional photo shoot. I tailor everything to meet their needs and ensure a stress-free experience.
Learn more about my sensory friendly photo sessions here.