New Year’s Eve in the Cotswolds

We spent the last holiday season in the UK and started the new year in the Cotswolds. We based ourselves in Gloucester, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, and it ended up being a great spot for exploring the area. Our Airbnb was across from a huge park where we could walk Rex and it was close to activities that kept Dylan entertained. The villages and stone houses around the Cotswolds were easy to reach from Gloucester and we drove through a few before settling in for the night.

Around Gloucester

One of Dylan’s favorite stops was JDR Carting. We played lasertag, went go karting and watched people try Segway rides and axe throwing. It was a fun break from the sightseeing and a good way to spend the afternoon before New Year’s Eve.

  • Family wearing go kart suits at JDR Karting in Gloucester during a New Year’s trip.
  • Indoor go karting track at JDR Karting in Gloucester with karts racing during a winter visit.
  • Family standing on the podium at JDR Karting in Gloucester after finishing their races.
  • Airbnb living room in Gloucester decorated for New Year’s Eve with balloons and a banner.

    • New Year’s Eve

    We made a mistake with our dinner choice and ended up at a chain restaurant. Not our best move, but the night still turned into something memorable. At midnight, fireworks lit up the sky in every direction. We only had to step outside our airbnb and fireworks were in every corner of the park. It felt festive and chaotic. We didn’t stay up too late because we had an early morning planned. But we did have our first encounter with a fox that night. But not our last.

    Starting the Year With a Cold Plunge

    The next morning we kicked off the new year with a cold plunge. None of us had done one before and this felt like the perfect time to try. We booked a fairly early slot and the fee included a bright swim cap, a wet suit rental and a warm drink with a snack afterward. The lifeguards were friendly and made the whole experience feel safe. One even walked into the water with Dylan and checked on him the entire time.

    Dylan went first and did great. He lowered himself into the water, stayed a short moment, and then was ready to get out. When it was our turn, we got in and out quickly. We were worried about warming back up but once we were out, we regretted not staying in longer. So we went back in, swam around and ended up loving it. Our hands and feet got cold but it was worth it. It felt energizing and it was a fun way to start the year. We would happily do it again.

  • Swimmers in wetsuits and bright swim caps preparing for a cold plunge on New Year’s morning in the Cotswolds.
  • Bright living room of an Airbnb in Gloucester with blue walls, yellow curtains, and a view of the park.
  • Bright bedroom in a Gloucester Airbnb with a brass bed, Haute Couture sign, and large window overlooking the park.

    • Where We Stayed

    We booked an Airbnb in Gloucester and used it as our base for visiting the Cotswalds. Staying here made the trip so much easier since we did not have to unpack and repack every night. Parking was simple, grocery stores were nearby and the drives to the other towns were quick and straightforward.

    Next time we want to stay in a cottage in the Cotwalds. Live out our “The Holiday” dreams.

    Know Before You Go

    When to visit: Late December and early January are cold but manageable. Expect short days and quiet towns.
    How to get there: Fly into London or Bristol, rent a car, and drive into the Cotswolds region. Gloucester is a convenient edge-of-Cotswolds base.
    Where to stay: Gloucester worked well for easy parking and quick access to nearby towns. Look for places near parks or walking paths.
    What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof shoes, and something comfortable for early morning walks. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to try a cold plunge.

    Planning More Winter Travel?

    Explore more winter destinations across Europe.
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    Copenhagen Guide → winter lights, canals, and easy city walks
    Prague Guide → medieval squares, festive markets, and riverside views