Cotswold Sculpture Park — Local services in Cotswold District

Unfortunately we left as we were made to feel very unwelcome. We had a group of children with us and we explained the rules of no touching the sculptures and giving people space. They followed those rules but we didn't tell them that they had to be still and quiet as that was not implied when we bought the tickets. They thoroughly enjoyed looking at the sculptures and were excited to talk about them. They were told off for being too loud and for running between the sculptures which we didn't realise was not allowed. We were imagining a woodland discovery trail sort of thing so it hadn't occurred to us that they wouldn't be allowed to have fun. It would have been fine if we'd have been approached respectfully or if people with children were given a heads up when paying. I think we got the brunt of a few weeks of frustration as he kept saying that it wasn't a theme park and that people were touching the sculptures but our children were not doing that. There were plenty of kids about who were touching things, but my rather loud (ADHD Autism) child attracted the attention. So sad because he was genuinely bowled over by the art and was just a bit vocal about it. If we'd have known that it is an outside gallery or museum not a discovery park, we wouldn't have gone or we'd have explained the different expectations to the children. Consider changing your advertising or explaining the expectations when selling...

What an absolutely stunning place! Over 200 fabulous sculptures to discover as you wander around the well designed trail, through tranquil woods and delightful grounds. (Hard to imagine that there was absolutely nothing here 30 years ago. It's all been lovingly planted and built up from scratch by the owners.) The sculptures are captivating and made even more beautiful by their fabulous surroundings. Hard to choose a favourite, but we absolutely adored the stainless steel mice getting up to all sorts of shenanigans! Also the wonderful, moving oak leaves that bounced the sunlight around, acting like a day time glitter ball! So much to see...make sure you find the mind, boggling reflected hand! (Also, a stallion by the same artist/mathematician/scientist, to be found in the gallery.)

We enjoyed a delicious cake from the delightful tea room. All lovingly home baked.

We were also lucky enough to be shown around the fabulous glamping accommodation. The view from the top of the old, converted water tower; over fields with a lake in the distance, is just stunning. All the shepherd's huts are quaint and pretty. We'd happily stay in all of them of we could!

Hats off to the owners, who have created an absolute gem of a place, well worth more than one visit! I'd give at least 2.5 hours to complete the trail, but you could easily spend a whole afternoon there.

Highly...

4.5 stars - Very much enjoyed our visit. Arrived mid morning before the hot weather struck (heatwave). The exhibits are mainly under the dappled shade of the trees which was very pleasant and cool in the extreme heat. The majority of exhibits are placed so they can be viewed from all angles and the locations varied eg. Little groves, a pond, and in elevated positions. There is seating available throughout, for the occasional stop for those with tired or little legs.

We would have given 5 stars if the cafe offered a more varied menu (a personal preference) The options were either cake or prodominently vegetarian meals such as Vegetarian quiche and salad, falafel salads or paninis. These were a minimum of £9. For reasons i do understand (i assume littering and interruption of the viewing experience) picnics can not be taken, therefore we planned to eat lunch at the cafe and were a little disapointed and therefore only had drinks. It is a shame the menu isn't listed online for families to view before visiting to plan there meal options. The tickets for the sculpture trail are great value for money, however the experience could be made quite expensive because of lunch alone (especially if taking children)

Overall GREAT and 200+ exhibits to view....