Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Faringdon is a charming market town with plenty to offer families looking for fun activities for their children. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical experiences, or interactive learning opportunities, Faringdon has something for everyone. With its picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, and family-friendly attractions, Faringdon is a wonderful destination for a day trip or weekend getaway with kids. Here are some of the best things to do in Faringdon right now for families with children.
1. Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland
One of Faringdon’s most iconic landmarks, the Faringdon Folly Tower offers both a fun and educational experience for families. This Victorian tower, standing at 100 feet tall, is located on top of a hill and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside. The climb to the top is an exciting challenge for children, and they’ll love spotting the different landmarks in the distance. After enjoying the views, you can explore the surrounding woodlands, which are perfect for nature walks, picnics, and wildlife spotting.
- Opening Hours: Open on weekends (check before visiting)
- Ticket Price: Adults £3, Children £1
- What’s on Right Now: Beautiful springtime views, woodland trails, and family hikes.
- Learn More: https://www.faringdonfolly.org.uk
2. Faringdon Recreation Ground
For families looking for outdoor play and relaxation, Faringdon Recreation Ground is an ideal spot. This spacious park is perfect for a family day out with its large play area, tennis courts, and open fields for picnics and games. The playground is well-equipped, with swings, slides, and climbing frames that will keep children entertained for hours. The park is also home to a lovely café, so you can grab a hot drink or snack after a fun-filled day of play.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, seasonal picnics, and tennis matches.
3. Buscot Park
Just a short drive from Faringdon, Buscot Park is a must-visit for families who love nature, art, and history. This National Trust property is set in beautiful grounds with a mix of gardens, woodlands, and a serene lake. The park is home to a fascinating collection of art, including works by famous artists such as Turner and Van Dyck. Children will love exploring the park’s vast grounds, with plenty of space to run, play, and discover nature. During the spring, the gardens are in full bloom, making it a particularly lovely time to visit.
- Opening Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £11, Children £5.50 (National Trust members get free entry)
- What’s on Right Now: Spring blooms in the gardens, art exhibitions, and family trails.
- Learn More: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4. The Old Crown Coaching Inn
For families interested in history and local culture, a visit to The Old Crown Coaching Inn is a great way to step back in time. This historic inn, dating back to the 16th century, offers a glimpse into Faringdon’s past. You can explore the inn’s fascinating architecture and learn about its role in the town’s history. The inn also has a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal or a snack after a day of exploring.
- Opening Hours: Check for opening times
- Ticket Price: Free entry to explore the inn; meals and drinks at the café or restaurant.
- What’s on Right Now: Enjoy a family meal or afternoon tea in a historic setting.
5. Faringdon Farmers’ Market
If you're in town on a market day, the Faringdon Farmers’ Market is a lovely place to visit with children. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the market features local produce, handmade goods, and delicious treats. Children can enjoy browsing the stalls, meeting local producers, and even tasting some of the delicious snacks on offer. It’s a great way to support local businesses while enjoying a fun and interactive experience.
- Opening Hours: First Saturday of each month (usually 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- What’s on Right Now: Fresh produce, local crafts, and family-friendly stalls.
6. Faringdon and District Museum
For a more educational outing, the Faringdon and District Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of the town and the surrounding area. The museum has a range of exhibits covering everything from local archaeology to the history of the Faringdon Folly. Children will love exploring the hands-on displays, and the museum often has family-friendly activities or interactive exhibits designed to engage younger visitors.
- Opening Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry (donations welcome)
- What’s on Right Now: History exhibits, family activities, and seasonal displays.
- Learn More: https://www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
7. The Vale of the White Horse
If your family enjoys outdoor adventures, The Vale of the White Horse is a beautiful area to explore, and it’s just a short distance from Faringdon. Known for its iconic white horse carved into the hillside, this stunning region offers scenic walks, bike rides, and nature trails. The surrounding countryside is perfect for children to explore, offering the opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the local environment. It’s a great spot for a family day out, particularly when the weather is nice.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and outdoor family adventures.
- Learn More: https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk
8. Radcot Bridge and the River Thames
For families who love exploring riverside locations, Radcot Bridge, located near Faringdon, offers a peaceful spot to explore. The picturesque area along the River Thames is perfect for a relaxed walk or a family picnic by the water. Children can watch the boats go by, feed the ducks, or play along the riverbank. It’s a great place for families looking for a peaceful and scenic outing close to nature.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Riverside walks, picnics, and family exploration.
9. Swindon Designer Outlet
If you're looking to treat the family to a bit of shopping, the Swindon Designer Outlet is just a short drive from Faringdon and offers a family-friendly shopping experience. The outlet mall has a wide variety of shops, from high-street fashion to sportswear, making it a great place for parents to shop while children can enjoy some of the outlet's entertainment options. There’s a soft play area for younger children and plenty of family dining options to enjoy after a shopping spree.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly shopping, dining, and soft play.
- Learn More: https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/
10. The Cotswold Wildlife Park
Just a short drive from Faringdon, The Cotswold Wildlife Park is an incredible family destination where children can get up close to a wide range of animals from around the world. The park is home to exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and lemurs, and children will love the hands-on experiences, such as feeding the goats or watching animal demonstrations. The park also has a large adventure playground where kids can burn off energy after exploring the animal exhibits.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £18.50, Children £11.50, Family Ticket £50.50
- What’s on Right Now: Animal encounters, outdoor play, and seasonal events.
- Learn More: https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at St Hugh's School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Faringdon? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: Faringdon Summer Camps
Conclusion
Faringdon is a delightful town with a range of fun, family-friendly activities that will keep children entertained and engaged. Whether you’re enjoying a day outdoors in one of the town’s parks or exploring the history of the area at the museum, there’s always something to do. From exciting adventures at the Faringdon Folly Tower to wildlife spotting at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Faringdon is a wonderful place for families to create lasting memories.