Packed with things to do during the Easter holidays in Gloucestershire, SoGlos's cracking Easter guide is your one-stop-shop for inspiration for family days out while the kids are off school, featuring everything from Easter egg hunts to events at the county's top attractions.
When are the Easter school holidays in 2025?
Gloucestershire state schools break up for February half term on Friday 11 April and re-open on Monday 28 April 2025.
Easter events in the Cotswolds
Easter activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
What is it?
Learn all about biodiversity and the amazing variety of plants and animals that thrive at Westonbirt, with a bunch of new nature trails and activities for the Easter holidays.
Why go?
Have fun immersing yourself in nature as the arboretum bursts into beautiful spring colour, with plenty of activities to pack into a full day at Westonbirt Arboretum.
Head to Silk Wood to become a biodiversity detective, searching for as many living things as you can as you explore the brand-new family spring trail — and don't miss the Stick Man trail which follows the popular children's book character on an adventure through the trees of the Old Arboretum.
There are two family events to take part in, too, including interactive 'Wildlife Walks' teaching you more about the natural world at this time of year and 'Awakening Woods', a drop-in quiz and crafts session that focuses on the new life emerging at Westonbirt during spring.
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An ideal day out for families with dogs, Westonbirt welcomes four-legged friends in all areas except the Old Arboretum. You can even follow the special, dog-friendly Forest Walkies trail, packed with different games and challenges for dogs and their owners to tackle — with a Wallace and Gromit theme!
See if your dog can sit, wait and give you a high five, collecting crossword clues as you go, with an activity pack full of goodies for you and your pup.
When is it on?
Westonbirt Arboretum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.
Easter activities run from 10.30am to 3.30pm, with ‘Wildlife Walks’ taking place from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 April and ‘Awakening Woods’ from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 April 2025.
How much does it cost?
All spring activities are included in the cost of admission, which is from £12 for adults, £4 for children aged five to 18 and is free for children under four-years-old.
Trail activity packs are available to purchase from the Westonbirt shop and Welcome Building, costing £4 for the Stick Man trail and £5 for Forest Walkies. Westonbirt maps are free from the Welcome Building.
How do I book?
Tickets can be booked up to seven days in advance via forestryengland.uk/westonbirt. Or just turn up on the day!
Discover Activity Camps at Westonbirt School this Easter
What is it?
School holiday day camps where children have a chance to get immersed in a range of creative, active and adventurous activities at Westonbirt School near Tetbury, that not only provide exercise and plenty of time outside, but also offer an opportunity to develop social skills as children play and work together.
Why go?
In addition to Discover Activity Camps, there are number of specialist camps open for Easter, including lacrosse, musical theatre, art, swimming and Lego robotics — catering for kids with all kinds of passions.
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What sets Discover Activity Camps apart is the beautiful location and use of school facilities such as daily pool sessions, extensive grounds and forest school. A hot lunch is included and with a qualified and experienced team, parents can be assured their children are not only enjoying an adventurous and fun-filled holiday, but they are also in a caring and nurturing environment.
When is it on?
Easter camps run daily from 8am to 5.30pm, from Monday 7 April to Friday 25 April 2025, for children aged four to 14 years old.
How much does it cost?
A day at Discover Activity Camps is £52 when booked individually, and a £20 block booking discount is automatically applied when booking a week. Childcare vouchers can be used.
And with a range of other great specialist camps available during the Easter holiday, there is something for everyone.
Visit the website for details of Discover Lacrosse, Discover Swimming, Discover Lego Robotics and a Wicked themed Discover Musical Theatre camp.
How do I book?
Discover Activity Camps can be booked as individual days or block booked for a discount. Head online to discoveractivitycamps.co.uk/activity/easter-activity-camp-westonbirt/.
Easter Discover Activity Camps at Cricklade Manor Prep School
What is it?
Discover Activity Camps at Cricklade Manor Prep School near Swindon are designed to spark curiosity and embrace children's adventurous side.
Aimed at youngsters aged between four to 14 years old, the camps host an array of activities from baking and crafting to den building that run from morning to late afternoon.
Why go?
Children are cared for in a warm and engaging environment, hosted at a beautiful location, with great facilities and there are lots of exciting activities throughout the week, ensuring plenty of variety, so no one gets bored.
Across each activity day, children are immersed in a range of creative and adventurous activities that not only provide great exercise and plenty of time outside, but give the opportunity to develop social skills as children play and work together.
Along with a range of daily activities, youngsters can tuck into a hot lunch every day.
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In addition to Discover Activity Camps, this Easter break children aged between six to 12-years-old can take part in a Discover STEM camp on Wednesday 23 April 2025, where they can flex their problem-solving muscles with a Lego robotics challenge.
When is it on?
Easter camps run daily from 8am to 5.30pm from Friday 7 April to Thursday 17 April 2025.
How much does it cost?
Standard pricing is £48 per day. Childcare vouchers can also be used. Parents save £20 when booking five or more days together.
How do I book?
For further details and to book visit discoveractivitycamps.co.uk/location/cricklade-manor-prep-school.
Discover Activity Camps at Hatherop Castle Prep School
What is it?
Discover Activity Camps at Hatherop Castle Prep School in Cirencester are designed for adventurous, inquisitive and curious youngsters.
Catering for children aged from four to 14 years old, camps include forest school, cooking, creative crafts, sports and themed activities.
Why go?
Discover Activity Camps give children the chance to get immersed in a range of creative, active and adventurous activities.
Providing great exercise and plenty of time outside, the camps also encourage youngsters to develop social skills as they play and work together.
Along with a wide range of daily activities, children get a hot lunch every day.
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In addition to Discover Activity Camps, there's also a special Discover STEM camp for children aged between six to 12 years old. On Thursday 24 April 2025, children can flex their problem-solving muscles with a Lego robotics challenge.
When is it on?
Camps run daily from 8am to 5.30pm during the Easter break, from Monday 7 April to Thursday 17 April 2025.
How much does it cost?
Standard pricing is £52 per day. To enjoy the full programme of varied and fun activities, the team behind the camps recommend signing up for a full week — parents save £20 when booking five or more days.
Childcare vouchers can also be used.
How do I book?
Discover Activity Camps can be booked as individual days, visit discoveractivitycamps.co.uk/location/hatherop-castle-prep-school.
Easter events in the Forest of Dean
Easter adventures at Forestry England sites
What is it?
Forestry England runs several visitor sites in the Forest of Dean, including Beechenhurst, Mallards Pike, Symonds Yat Rock, Wenchford and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, with plenty for families to do in the Easter school holidays.
Why go?
The Forest of Dean is a natural playground, with lots to keep children entertained while getting a daily dose of fresh air. There's an all-new activity trail at Beechenhurst, following Julia Donaldson's Stick Man on an interactive adventure through the woodland and encouraging kids to get hands-on with nature.
You can also hire bikes at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre and pedal the nine-mile Colliers Trail; bring your pooch to Mallards Pike to try the Wallace and Gromit-themed dog walking trail; or see if you can spot peregrine falcons from the viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock.
And, in case of Easter sunshine, pack a picnic and find Wenchford's popular paddling spot for a chance to dip your toes in Blackpool Brook.
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As well as the interactive Stick Man trail, Beechenhurst is packed with family activities for the ultimate forest day out. Swing from the treetops at Go Ape and go searching for all 18 sculptures along the famous Sculpture Trail.
The large play area is a standout highlight, with its zooming zipline and mining-themed climbing frame; while recently added features like the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, sensory nature wall and toddler tower make it fun and inclusive for all.
When is it on?
Forestry England sites are open every day during the Easter holidays, from 8am to 8pm.
How much does it cost?
Forestry England sites are free to visit but parking charges apply. Members can park for free.
Activity packs for the Stick Man trail are available to purchase at Beechenhurst Cafe and info hatch for £4.
How do I book?
Booking isn't required but you can find out more about Forestry England's Forest of Dean sites by visiting forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean.
Easter events in Gloucester
Easter fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
What is it?
Looking for a family thrill this Easter? Develop some impressive ninja skills at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester, suitable for all ages, and take part in exciting challenges throughout the school holidays.
Why go?
Offering plenty of obstacles with varying degrees of difficulty, the whole family can get involved in a selection of activities this Easter break, including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping — and even take on a wickedly warped wall!
With the venue inspired by the hit television show Ninja Warrior UK, children can race their friends and family and see if they could be crowned champion, whilst developing some nifty ninja skills along the way.
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Families can refuel after a session of adrenaline-pumping fun at the venue's on-site cafe, choosing from a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
When is it on?
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is open every day during the Easter holidays, welcoming ninjas from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 6.30pm on Sunday.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost from £13.95 for children aged five and up.
How do I book?
Tickets must be booked online in advance via ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester.
Easter activities at Gloucester Cathedral
What is it?
Popular cultural attraction and place of worship, Gloucester Cathedral, is inviting visitors to 'experience Easter in a new light', with all sorts of activities taking place throughout April 2025.
Why go?
Gloucester Cathedral is undoubtably one of Gloucestershire's must-visit destinations at any time of year, but it really comes to life around important dates in the Christian calendar like Easter.
As well as traditional church services providing an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the season, there's lots for families to do — with an Egg-cellent Easter trail to follow, cracking the clues as you go, as well as the chance to experience a Medieval Easter with arts and crafts including egg painting, drawing illuminated letters, games and dressing up in the Chapter House on selected dates in April, too.
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Recreating Jesus's last days, from his trial to his crucifixion, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting an immersive street theatre performance of The Way of the Cross in the grounds on Friday 18 April 2025, where audiences are invited to take part in the performance by walking with Jesus on his final journey.
When is it on?
From Sunday 30 March until Wednesday 30 April 2025.
How much does it cost?
Easter activities and services at Gloucester Cathedral are free to attend, but donations are gratefully received.
How do I book?
There's no need to book Easter activities or services in advance, just turn up! Gloucester Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths and of none.
For more information, see Lent and Easter 2025 at Gloucester Cathedral or visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Easter events in Stroud
Easter weekend at Berkeley Castle
What is it?
History comes to life at Berkeley Castle on Easter weekend, with an impressive re-imagining of an English Civil War skirmish — taking visitors back to the 1600s with battle re-enactments, living history activities and period entertainment.
Why go?
You'll find yourself at the heart of one of English history's most pivotal moments as King Charles I and Parliament come to blows over who should control the government. See soldiers march, muskets fire and the cavalry charge across the castle grounds, transformed into a 17th-century battlefield.
It's an immersive opportunity to learn more about the conflict and get a feel for what life was like at the time, with period dancing displays and children's activities throughout the weekend. Not to mention there's almost 1,000 more years of history to discover behind the castle walls, too.
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Gloucestershire's oldest castle provides a proper backdrop for this action-packed re-enactment of the Civil War, with so much to explore once the battle comes to a head. Peek inside the dungeons where King Edward II was imprisoned and search for all kinds of historical treasures, including explorer Francis Drake’s cabin chest!
Don't forget to stop by The Kitchen Garden restaurant for a bite to eat, with light lunches and homemade bakes served daily at this gorgeous spot in the castle's walled garden.
When is it on?
The Civil War event takes place on Easter weekend, from Saturday 19 to Monday 21 April 2025.
Berkeley Castle is open from 11am to 5pm. It's also open Sunday to Wednesday throughout the Easter holidays, so there's plenty of chance to visit outside of the Civil War weekend.
How much does it cost?
All Civil War activities are included in the cost of admission to Berkeley Castle, which is £16 for adults and £8 for children aged three to 16. Children under three go free.
How do I book?
Visit berkeley-castle.com or buy tickets on arrival.
For more information about the event, see Experience the drama of the English Civil War at Berkeley Castle this Easter.
Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What is it?
Discover a brand-new family trail which uses augmented reality to shrink you down to bug size and explore Slimbridge Wetland Centre's minibeast habitats, led by children's comedy character Lloyd of the Flies.
Why go?
WWT is partnering with Bristol-based animation studio Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society to bring the Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt to Slimbridge, taking families on an epic minibeast wetlands adventure.
Follow the trail to help Lloyd find his friends and family and make their way to the bug hotel, with help from his new friend, Dart the Dragonfly — your enthusiastic WWT tour guide!
Don't forget to download Aardman's augmented reality app, Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt, to become as small as a fly and see the world through insects’ eyes.
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No two visits to Slimbridge are the same, with all kinds of wildlife encounters and attractions to discover after finishing the Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt.
Try pond dipping, splash about in Welly Boot Land and visit the friendly pair of otters, Sam and Tilly. Come April, the Canoe Safari trail is open, too, so you can grab a paddle and get up close to wildlife on the water.
When is it on?
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm every day during the Easter holidays.
How much does it cost?
The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt trail is included in the cost of admission, which is £18.95 for adults, £12.50 for juniors aged four to 17 and is free for children under four.
You can also pick up an exclusive WWT Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Activity Pack from the visitor centre, to take your hunt to the next level, for £4.
How do I book?
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge to book tickets.
For more information about the event, see Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt launches at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Dragon Egg Trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
What is it?
An Easter egg hunt with a mystical twist, Painswick Rococo Garden's popular Dragon Egg Trail gets children to step into a fantasy world where their job is to find mislaid dragon eggs before they start to hatch...
Why go?
Become a dragonologist for the day, hunting high and low for the colourful, freshly laid dragon eggs that are hidden around the Rococo Garden. Keen explorers will need to scamper through the maze, search the woodland and look inside the whimsical follies to find them all!
Dare to enter dragon territory and you'll get your hands on a chocolatey prize for completing the trail, too.
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Rococo Garden has a reputation for being one of the best dog-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds, so no member of the family needs to miss out on this Easter adventure!
Have fun teaming up with your four-legged friend to sniff out dragon eggs, before tucking into homemade cake and sweet treats from the cafe as a well-earned reward.
When is it on?
The Dragon Egg Trail takes place from Saturday 12 to Sunday 27 April 2025.
Painswick Rococo Garden is open from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
How much does it cost?
The Dragon Egg Trail costs £2.50 per child in addition to standard admission, which costs from £12.20 for adults, £5.70 for children aged four to 16 and is free for under fours.
How do I book?
Visit rococogarden.org.uk/easter — it's expected to be a popular event, so advance booking is recommended.
You can purchase the trail sheet when booking online or on arrival.
For more information about the event, see Dragons return to Painswick Rococo Garden for an Easter egg hunt with a difference.
Easter events beyond the border
Easter treasure hunt at Eastnor Castle
What is it?
Sporting a new theme every year, Eastnor Castle's popular Easter treasure hunt is back for 2025, giving wannabe detectives the chance to 'crack' the case of the missing chocolate treasure.
Why go?
Searching for clues rather than chocolate eggs, this fun, family Easter treasure hunt gets brains whirring with puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover — for a tasty prize!
It’s a fantastic way to get little bunnies hopping around Eastnor's impressive castle and its gorgeous gardens, with a well-deserved chocolatey reward for everyone who takes part.
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As well as wandering through the castle and soaking up its fascinating 200-year history, Eastnor offers a bumper family day out, with rope swings suspended from trees, an adventure playground, junior obstacle course and a challenging Knight’s Maze to discover, too.
It's also one of the only historic houses in the country that welcomes dogs inside as well as out, so furry members of the family needn't miss out!
When is it on?
Eastnor Castle's Easter treasure hunt is on from Sunday 13 to Sunday 27 April 2025
The attraction is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
How much does it cost?
The Easter treasure hunt is included in the cost of admission to Eastnor Castle, which is £15.50 for adults and £9.50 for children aged three to 15. Children under two go free and don't need a ticket.
How do I book?
Tickets must be booked online in advance via eastnorcastle.com.
For more information about the event, see Crack the code at Eastnor Castle's Easter treasure hunt.
Easter activities at The Roman Baths
What is it?
With hands-on activities, thrilling stories and fun discoveries, there's fun for all ages at The Roman Baths this Easter — from exploring ancient ruins to meeting fascinating Roman characters!
Why go?
Take the kids on an epic adventure to Bath, exploring the ancient Roman Baths site and discovering what life was really like in Britain 2,000 years ago.
With activities for all ages, little explorers can come face to face with characters of The Roman Baths; follow Luna the Globetrotter on a fun-filled activity trail; and take part in free arts and crafts sessions to decorate paper eggs, celebrating an 'egg-citing' discovery at the Baths.
Adventurers big and small can also embark on a new exciting archaeology adventure, digging for lost relics and Roman treasures in the special excavation trench, learning how to identify, record and uncover hidden riches — just like a real archaeologist; while older ones can immerse themselves into the history of the Baths with the free audio guide designed with children in mind.
Plus, you can experience The Roman Baths from a unique perspective this Easter, offering visitors a rare chance to see the Great Bath illuminated by torchlight during the site's late-night openings.
During evening sessions, ticket holders can explore the museum and its collection of artefacts at a more relaxed pace and sip on drinks from the pop-up bar, under the stars.
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If costumed characters and Easter activities aren't enough, take a piece of history home. From toy shields and swords to build-your-own Roman Baths model sets, the shop has plenty to keep the magic going.
And don't forget to pick up the activity book for £5 at the Welcome Desk, packed with puzzles, games and fascinating facts to keep youngsters amused on the trip home, too.
When is it on?
Activities at The Roman Baths take place throughout the Easter break from Monday 14 April to Sunday 21 April 2025.
Archaeology adventure sessions and free arts and craft sessions are available from Monday 14 to to Thursday 17 April 2025 only.
Easter late openings take place from Friday 18 to Monday 21 April 2025 from 9am, closing at 8pm.
How much does it cost?
Archaeology adventure sessions cost £6 in addition to the entry ticket, per child.
Weekday tickets cost £22.50 for adults and £15.50 for children aged six to 18, with general weekend tickets costing £25.50 per adult and £18.50 per child.
Easter weekend tickets cost £28 for adults and £21 for children aged six to 18.
There's also the option to save by booking family tickets.
How do I book?
Visit romanbaths.co.uk.
