Need an interesting stop between Stratford/Warwick and Bath
 

Hi all -

My family (2 adults, 2 preteens) will be visiting the UK in a few weeks. We will be in London for several days, followed by a few days in Warwick area. We are ending our trip with a few days in the Bath/Salisbury area. I am undecided about what to do with the few days in the middle of the trip. I had hoped to try out Brecon Beacons park for a pony trek and see Hay on Wye, but I'm wondering if it is worth the extra driving over to Wales. I've also considered the Cotswolds, but I'm concerned that they will be pretty for us but boring for kids - and crowded for all. Any help? I'd appreciate ideas. I'd like to spend as little time as possible on the road.

Additionally, if anyone had any information on horse riding in Southwestern UK, I'd appreciate it. My daughter is a horse fan and we've promised to look in to it. I'm thinking we can try the New Forest area when we are in Salisbury if Wales doesn't work out.

Thanks!

I would recommend the Cotswolds indeed. For your preteens, Bourton-on-the-Water will be the most interesting place in the area, because they have a lot of attractions for kids, e.g. a model village, a motor museum, a maze, a model railway, a pottery, a perfume factory and, of course, the little river with options for waterplays.

http://www.bourtoninfo.com

Here's a couple of lists of stables offering trekking in the Cotswolds:

http://tinyurl.com/kjqttq

http://tinyurl.com/lmo8td

And if you don't already have somewhere to stay this B&B near Warwick offers ponytrekking too:
http://www.drybank.co.uk/index.html.

Thanks for the quick responses. :) I've looked at the Bourton site. That seems like a possibility. It also seems to be on a direct route between our other stops - so, even better.

Any reason to drive in to Wales other than to say we've driven in to Wales? Is the terrain or architecture very different? Any comments on Hay on Wye? (I'm a book lover, but not a collector.)

Forgot to add - thanks for the pony trekking links. There seems to be many options for horse riding in that area of the country. I'll pack the heeled boots. :)