Planning a screen-free family holiday might just be the best decision you ever make for your tribe.
If you’ve followed my travels, you’ll know we recently went to Thailand.
It was a total eye-opener. I didn’t think my 18-year-old and 14-year-old could survive a flight without their phones. But they did.
From the night markets in Bangkok to the beaches in Phuket, they stayed off their screens. We actually talked. We made memories that will stick forever.
It made me realise that we don’t need pixels to have a ‘postcard’ moment.
You don’t always have to fly halfway across the world for that connection, either.
The Cotswolds is pure magic right here in the UK. You’ll find honey-coloured stone and rolling hills. There are little cafes where you actually want to linger.
Over the next four days, you’ll see the highlights of this stunning area.
You will do it all while keeping the tablets and phones firmly tucked away. Trust me, you won’t even miss the Wi-Fi.
Affiliate links ahead in this post. Your clicks may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you, which keeps this site online and the ideas coming. Thanks for being part of it.
| Booked It, Loved It: My Cotswolds Picks Where to Stay: Manor House, Castle Combe or The Fish Hotel, Broadway Highlights: Secret Cotswolds Tour, Cotswold Village Trail and Walking Tour Travel Insurance: SafetyWing |
Why We All Need a Digital Detox
Modern life is just too loud. Our pockets are always buzzing with pings.
As a parent of a young adult and teen, I know the ‘digital guilt’ well.
We are physically together but mentally miles apart. Planning a screen-free family holiday is like hitting a massive reset button.
It lowers the stress levels for the whole team. It allows our brains to slow down to the pace of nature. The Cotswolds is the perfect place for this experiment.
Many of the deep valleys have very patchy mobile signals. This isn’t a problem – it is a blessing. Use that lack of signal to your advantage.
The Analogue Toolkit: What to Pack
You cannot just ban the phones and hope for the best. That is a recipe for a holiday mutiny!
You need a plan and some proper gear to keep everyone happy on your screen-free family holiday.
1. The Mighty Paper Map
Pack a physical Ordnance Survey map of the area. Ditch the GPS for four days. Let your young adults or older kids navigate the country lanes.
It turns a simple drive into a proper family adventure. It also teaches them a vital life skill. Plus, there’s no “recalculating” voice to ruin the mood.
2. Instant Memories
Bring a proper camera or an Instax. Physical photos are so much more meaningful than a digital gallery.
You only get ten shots per roll. This makes the teens and younger kids really consider what is worth capturing. They start looking for the light and the perfect composition.
3. The Travel Journal
Pack a beautiful travel journal for everyone. Use it for sketches or jotting down the funny things the kids say.
My young adults like to use theirs for ticket stubs and pressed wildflowers. It becomes a tangible souvenir of the trip. You can’t scroll through a journal, and that’s the point.
How to Handle “Digital Withdrawal”
The first 24 hours of a screen-free family holiday are usually the hardest. Your young adults or younger kids might feel a bit restless. This is totally normal.
Our brains are used to the dopamine hits of social media. When that stops, it can feel a bit flat. Be patient with them.
Keep Hands Busy
Stay active. Keep their hands occupied with maps, cameras and sketchbooks. If they are busy doing things, they won’t miss scrolling.
Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds
Timing is everything for a screen-free family holiday.
- Spring (April-June): This is my personal favourite. You get the lambs in the fields and those iconic wisteria-covered cottages. It’s mild and much quieter than summer.
- Summer (July-August): This is peak season. It’s buzzing, and the weather is usually lovely for paddling in rivers. However, expect crowds in places like Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Autumn (September-October): The colours at Westonbirt Arboretum are world-class during these months. It’s perfect for crisp walks and cosy pub lunches.
- Winter (November-March): Think roaring log fires and frosty morning strolls. It’s very peaceful, though some smaller attractions might have shorter opening hours.
For the best balance of weather and avoiding the masses, I’d suggest aiming for May or September.
Getting to the Cotswolds and Around
You’ve got a few options for starting your screen-free family holiday.
By Car
Driving is the easiest way to see the hidden corners. From London, it’s a simple run up the M40 or M4. Having a car means you can reach the tiny hamlets where the buses don’t go.
By Train
If you want to kick off the “analogue” vibes early, take the train. Great Western Railway runs from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh in about 90 minutes. It’s a gorgeous, scenic route.
Getting Around
Once you’re there, local buses like the Pulhams 801 connect the main villages. If you’re feeling brave, hire bikes! The lanes are narrow, so just keep your wits about you.
How Much Does 4 Days in the Cotswolds Cost?
Budgeting for a screen-free family holiday is pretty similar to a trip to southern England. Here’s a rough guide for a family of four:
| Category | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Accommodation (per night) | £80–£120 | £150–£250 | £350+ |
| Food & Drinks (per day) | £40–£60 | £80–£150 | £200+ |
| Activities (total) | £50 (mostly walks) | £150 | £300+ |
| Total for 4 Days (approx) | £600–£800 | £1,100–£1,600 | £2,500+ |
Day 1: Finding Magic in Castle Combe
OK, so let’s get into the itinerary. Kick off your screen-free family holiday in Castle Combe. People often call it the prettiest village in England.
It feels like stepping into a movie set. The signal here is famously terrible – and this is a total gift! You won’t even be tempted to check your emails.
The Morning Stroll
Start at the Market Cross. Walk slowly down the hill toward the famous bridge. Don’t just take a photo. Stop and listen to the Bybrook River.
Can you smell the woodsmoke? This is sensory immersion at its best. It’s what travel is actually about.
The Curiosity Challenge
Ask your kids to find the ‘Oldest Thing.’ Is it the 14th-century medieval clock in St Andrew’s Church? This keeps them looking at history instead of a screen.
Next up: The Honesty Stall
Look for the little cake stalls outside the cottages. You take a treat and leave your coins in a tin. It is a beautiful lesson in trust. My two still find this concept amazing.
Day 2: Steam Trains and Secret Gardens
Kick off day 2 at Toddington station. We are boarding the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.
All Aboard the Steam Train
A vintage steam train is a sensory marvel. It huffs and puffs like a living creature. The seats are made of thick, patterned velvet.
Younger kids love the giant clouds of steam. My teens and young adults enjoy the vintage aesthetic.
Next up: Sudeley Castle
Hop off the train at Winchcombe. Walk over to Sudeley Castle. The gardens there are world-class.
It is the only private castle in England with a queen buried on-site. Catherine Parr lies in the chapel here. Show the kids the Secret Garden. It is the perfect place for a game of hide and seek – no phones required.
Day 3: Focus, Flight, and Fairytales
If you want a child to forget their phone, put a hawk on their arm.
The Cotswold Falconry Centre
Next up, book a private session near Moreton-in-Marsh. You cannot hold a phone and a hawk at the same time.
It requires total stillness. Watch the bird’s eyes. Feel the weight of its wings. This is a masterclass in being present.
The Venice of the Cotswolds
Afterwards, head into Bourton-on-the-Water. It is famous for its low stone bridges.
Go straight to the grassy banks of the River Windrush. Play a family tournament of Pooh Sticks. It is a simple, timeless game. Even my 20-year-old gets competitive here!
Next up: The Model Village
Finish at the Model Village. It is a 1/9th scale replica of the village. It is fascinating for younger kids, making them feel like giants.
Day 4: Treetops and Treasure Maps
We finish our screen-free family holiday at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Walking Among the Giants
Take the STIHL Treetop Walkway. You will be level with the birds in the canopy. The forest changes with every season.
Navigation Without GPS
Give the teens or older kids the physical map. Ask them to find the ‘Old Man of Westonbirt’ tree. Navigating with paper builds huge confidence.
The Final Reflection
Before you head home, sit on a bench together. Ask everyone for their favourite ‘analogue’ moment. Write these in your travel journals. These physical records will last a lifetime.
Where to Stay: My Top Picks
Finding the right base is vital for a screen-free family holiday.
- For Luxury: Calcot & Spa near Tetbury. They have a brilliant ‘Croft’ area for older kids and amazing grounds.
- For Adventure: The Fish Hotel in Broadway. Their treehouses are a total ‘wow’ moment for young adults.
- For Budget: De Vere Cotswold Water Park. It’s modern and great for lakeside walks.
Cotswolds FAQs
Are the Cotswolds good for families?
Absolutely. It is one of the safest and most engaging places for a UK break. There is a huge mix of history, animals, and outdoor play.
Where to take kids in the Cotswolds?
Bourton-on-the-Water is a must for the Model Village and Birdland. Cotswold Farm Park is also incredible for meeting rare breeds.
Which is the best Cotswold village to visit?
Castle Combe for beauty, but Bourton-on-the-Water for activities. If you want something quieter, try Snowshill or the Slaughters.
What is the best month to go to the Cotswolds?
May is stunning for flowers. September is perfect for mild weather and smaller crowds.
What town is best as a base for the Cotswolds?
Cirencester is a great ‘hub’ with lots of shops and history. Moreton-in-Marsh is best if you are arriving by train.
What is the prettiest place in the Cotswolds?
Most people say Castle Combe or Arlington Row in Bibury. They look like they are frozen in time.
How many days are enough for the Cotswolds?
Four to five days is perfect. It gives you time to see the main sights without rushing.
Is it expensive in the Cotswolds?
It can be, especially in the ‘honey-pot’ villages. However, many of the best things – like the walks and the views – are completely free.
A screen-free family holiday isn’t about what you lose. It’s about what you gain. You gain conversations, laughter, and a sense of calm that you just can’t get from a screen.
Your Turn
Could you handle 4 days without your phone? What’s the one app you’d miss the most? Let me know in the comments!
