Just 4 miles from Sherborne, in Bourton-on-the-Water, is The Dragonfly Maze. The maze is a combination of a traditional Yew Hedge Maze and a Rebus Puzzle. As the centre is a central pavilion which houses the fabulous automated sculptures hand crafted by artist, sculptor and writer Kit Williams. The ‘Dragonfly’ is hidden at the centre of the maze! The maze is open in the summer from 10am - 5.30pm and in winter times vary.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens are only 12 miles away and together are amongst the most popular attractions in the area. With the backdrop of the Cotswold Hills the castle has a long line of royal connections. Katherine Parr once lived in Sudeley Castle and it has since attracted many royal members to visit, including Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I. King George III restored the castle after Cromwell’s troops caused its destruction. Tours of the castle are available showing some of the magnificent paintings and artifacts by the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck and Claude Lorraine. One of the highlights of the visit is walking round the castle’s grounds which are recent winners of the HHA Christies Garden of the Year award. The tours of the castle operate on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

Broadway Tower, about 14 miles from Sherborne, is one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and, at 312m. above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold Ridge. Built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an eighteenth century Gothic folly from which it is possible to survey an area which includes as many as thirteen counties. The views encompass the Vales of Evesham and Gloucester and on a clear day you may see across the Severn Valley and as far as the Welsh Mountains. The tower contains magnificent exhibitions and is furnished with designs of a previous resident, William Morris.

A place for all to enjoy is Birdland Park and Gardens, just 4 miles away in Bourton-on-the-Water. Established in 1957, it now houses some very rare and fascinating birds including flamingos, pelicans, penguins, parrots, toucans and many more. As well as being a fun and interesting place to visit, the park also supports an active breeding programme to help conserve the beautiful birds. Birdland is the only home in England, Wales and Ireland to King Penguins.

Motoring enthusiasts will enjoy the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, which houses memorabilia from the 20th Century. The museum takes you on a journey through the world of motoring from the 1920’s. The museum also houses items that accompanied the motors, including caravans, radio sets, gramophones etc. The museum will also interest children, as it is where the children’s series ‘Brum’ is set.

Chedworth Roman Villa is a fascinating National Trust site about 9 miles away at Yanworth, near Northleach. The villa was not known about until a gamekeeper came across a fragment of the mosaic in the mid-Victorian period. The excavations started in 1868 and are continuing to this day. The Villa is host to many events throughout the year, including ‘The Romans are Coming’ which sees the Legio II Augusta march into the villa with combat displays.