After lots of searching, we booked four nights in a Lupin Pod at Notgrove Holidays, and it turned out to be everything we’d hoped for. From the moment we arrived, we felt ourselves slow down. Surrounded by rolling countryside, birdsong and fresh air, it was exactly the escape we’d been looking for.

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Staying at Notgrove Holidays

Notgrove Holidays quickly became much more than just somewhere to sleep. The estate itself became part of the adventure, and it was one of the reasons our holiday felt so special. Our Lupin Pod was cosy, modern and surprisingly spacious. I’d never been glamping with a baby before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it couldn’t have been easier. We had comfortable beds, heating, electricity, a modern shower room and a kitchenette, making bottle feeds, breakfast and Joni’s bedtime routine completely stress-free. Having all the comforts of home while still feeling surrounded by nature gave us the best of both worlds.

Every morning Archie was desperate to get outside and explore. His favourite place on the whole estate was the mini football pitch, where he spent ages kicking a ball around with Johnny. Watching the two of them laughing together while Joni watched happily from her pushchair became one of my favourite memories from the trip.

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The games room was another brilliant surprise. Archie loved playing table football with his dad, and it gave us something fun to do together if we fancied a slower afternoon without heading out.

The animals were another huge highlight. Archie couldn’t wait to visit the friendly alpacas, donkeys and goats, and even little Joni was fascinated watching them. Seeing her smile and giggle whenever the animals wandered close was so lovely, and those simple moments are the ones we’ll remember most.

Notgrove also offers unique experiences, including yoga, which is a lovely addition for parents looking for something a little different during their stay. We spent plenty of time walking around the beautiful estate, exploring the countryside and simply enjoying being outdoors. There was no pressure to rush from one attraction to another, and that’s exactly what made this holiday so relaxing. Once both children were asleep each evening, Johnny and I would sit outside our pod with a vino and a beer, listening to the sounds of the countryside as the sun went down. Those quiet evenings were every bit as memorable as our days exploring.

Where we went..

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A Perfect Day in Bourton-on-the-Water

One of our favourite days was spent exploring Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the Venice of the Cotswolds. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular villages in the area. The beautiful River Windrush runs through the middle of the village, crossed by charming little stone bridges, creating the perfect setting for families.

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After wandering through the independent shops and taking in the scenery, we stopped for lunch at The Rose Tree Restaurant & Bakery beside the river. The food was delicious, the homemade cakes looked incredible, and sitting outside watching the world go by made for the perfect family lunch. It was relaxed, welcoming and ideal with young children.

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We also visited the Model Village, which Archie absolutely loved. Seeing miniature versions of the buildings we’d just walked past fascinated him, and it was something a little different that both children and adults could enjoy. Afterwards we explored the Cotswold Motoring Museum, which was another unexpected favourite. From vintage cars to classic memorabilia, there was plenty to keep Archie entertained while Johnny and I enjoyed looking around too. By the time we headed back to our pod, we’d all had one of those lovely family days that felt busy but never stressful.

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We also spent time wandering around Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the prettiest market towns in the Cotswolds. We loved browsing the independent shops, stopping for coffee and simply taking our time. Travelling with little ones teaches you to slow down, and Stow-on-the-Wold was the perfect place to do exactly that. The wide streets made it easy with the pushchair, and there were plenty of places to stop whenever we needed a break.

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No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without visiting Broadway. The honey-coloured cottages, boutique shops and beautiful streets make it feel like something from a postcard. We spent the afternoon wandering through the village before heading towards Broadway Tower, where Archie had plenty of space to run around while Joni enjoyed the fresh countryside air. The views across the Cotswolds were incredible and gave us one of our favourite family photos from the holiday.

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Our Verdict

Looking back, this wasn’t just our first family holiday – it was the start of so many memories we’ll treasure forever. From peaceful evenings outside our Lupin Pod to Archie playing football, meeting the alpacas, donkeys and goats, exploring beautiful villages and watching Joni experience so many new sights and sounds for the very first time, every day brought something special.

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The Cotswolds completely exceeded our expectations, and Notgrove Holidays was the perfect base for exploring everything the area has to offer. If you’re thinking about your first family holiday with a baby or toddler, we’d wholeheartedly recommend the Cotswolds. It offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and quality family time, and we can’t wait to return.

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