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 2026?
Gloucestershire state schools break up for the Easter holidays on Friday 27 March and re-open on Monday 13 April 2026.
Easter events in Cheltenham
Easter Revision Course at Dean Close School
What's on?
Dean Close School's Easter Revision Course provides expert revision support for GCSE and A Level students preparing for their exams from Sunday 29 March until Thursday 2 April 2026 – with residential and non-residential options.
Why go?
With small class sizes and expert tutors from both Dean Close School and other schools and colleges across the country, participants benefit from dedicated support to help them formulate great exam answers, build confidence in their knowledge and reduce overall stress.
From one-to-one help on specific subjects; core study skills to help with everything from making effective notes to organising study time; to just having someone around to provide reassurance during self-directed revision, pupils receive 30 hours of tuition per week, as well as access to Dean Close School's recreational facilities.
The residential option also includes overnight accommodation, breakfast, snacks, lunch and supper, too.
SoGlos loves...
International pupils can take advantage of specially tailored teaching with the International Student Extended Programme, which runs for an additional two weeks following the Easter Revision Course.
There's specialist support in English as an additional language, cultural excursions and even international food evenings, to provide a nurturing 'home away from home' feel, alongside expert academic guidance.
How much does it cost?
Places on Dean Close School's Easter revision course cost £1,350 per week for residential, £975 per week for non-residential and £1,100 per week for the International Extended Programme.
How do I book?
To book a place, visit deanclosefoundation.org.uk.
Easter family entertainment at The Brewery Quarter
What's on?
From fun family entertainment and brand-new movies, to tasty Easter treats, The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham town centre has lots to see, do and enjoy this spring 2026.
Why go?
The littlest Easter chicks can take their grown-ups along to Little Centurions soft play for free, with no charge for adults. The new, Roman-themed soft play centre provides plenty of fun for small explorers on its colourful, multi-tiered play frame; while parents can kick back in the cafe with a coffee, a snack and free WIFI.
Families looking for a little friendly competition can hit the lanes or the arcade at Hollywood Bowl, with 50 per cent off standard games before 11am with code BUNNY50; see if they can muster up a hole in one at adventure golf at Mulligans, with 40 per cent off games before 11am at its Early Chick Sessions; or go head-to-head with a mind-bending puzzle at Escape Hunt, ideal for older kids and teens, with 10 per cent off bookings before 12pm Monday to Thursday with code EHEARLYBIRD.
At Cineworld, film-loving families can watch new movies including The Magic Faraway Tree and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, as well as £2 Movies for JuniorsThe SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and Zootropolis 2 – or give The Golf Rooms at Cineworld a try, with 20 per cent off online bookings with code TGREASTER20.
While at Søstrene Grene, creative kids can have a go at making origami butterflies to take home at its free craft table.
SoGlos loves...
Keeping hungry little tummies filled up is easy at The Brewery Quarter, with kids eat free offers or family dining discounts at many restaurants, including Brewhouse & Kitchen, Five Guys, Hub Box, Mulligans, Pizza Express and Prezzo.
And seeing as it wouldn't be Easter without a little chocolate, don't miss paying a visit to Creams Cafe for a sweet treat, with Easter specials including Egg-splosion shakes, hot cross bun waffles and Great Egg-scape sundaes.
How much does it cost?
Prices
vary per activity.
Kids
eat free offers apply with each adult meal purchased.
How do I book?
To book activities or restaurant tables, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Easter events in the Cotswolds
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Brick Weekend
What's on?
From Friday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is celebrating 'all things brick-built' with a weekend of fun family activities.
Why go?
Hop on board a heritage steam or diesel train and make your way down the line from Cheltenham to Broadway, stopping off at stations along the way for some fun, brick-themed activities that little ones and grown-ups will both love.
At Winchcombe station, the Tim Mitchell Building offers visitors the opportunity to marvel at locomotives, engines, railways, landscapes and buildings all made out of bricks, with displays designed to inspire the imagination.
While Toddington station hosts an interactive, hands-on brick-building zone where builders big and small can have a go at making their own brick masterpieces.
SoGlos loves...
Is there anything more charming than a ride on a steam train through the Cotswold countryside? We don't think so!
The 28-mile round trip between Cheltenham and Broadway provides spectacular views to take in – and with the countryside just beginning to burst into bloom, it's ideal timing to spot some spring colour.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost £28 for adults and £5 for dogs – childrens' tickets are free.
How do I book?
To book tickets, visit gwsr.com/events/bricks-bricks-and-more-bricks.
Easter Adventures at Sudeley Castle
What's on?
The Tudors are in town this Easter 2026! With Queen Elizabeth I and her hare paying a visit to Sudeley Castle during the school holidays.
Why go?
Follow the golden eggs on the hunt for the Queen's Hare at Sudeley Castle this Easter. From Saturday 28 March until Sunday 12 April 2026, little ones can set off around the grounds to seek out the golden eggs and follow the trail to find the Queen's elusive Hare – with a sweet treat in store for everyone who finds it.
Then across the Easter weekend, Queen Elizabeth I and her travelling court are in residency at Sudeley Castle for a very special trial.
The infamous Winchcombe bakers have been making illegal hot cross buns and selling them to the townsfolk again – and now they're going before the queen to beg for a Royal Pardon. But only the audience can decide whether they'll be forgiven, or banished forever, with this family-friendly show promising lots of laughs and plenty of participation.
SoGlos loves...
Sudeley Castle's colourful gardens are just starting to burst into bloom at Easter, so the school holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to soak up some spring colour, too.
There are 10 glorious gardens to explore, boasting everything from intricate box hedges, fragrant herbs, rainbow-coloured tulips and roses that climb the walls of Sudeley Castle's historic ruins.
How much does it cost?
Easter activities are all included within the price of admission, which costs £24 per adult and £10.50 per child when booked online advance.
Family tickets for two adults and up to three children are also available for £59.50.
How do I book?
To book, visit sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/easter-at-sudeley-castle.
Easter activities for families and dogs at Cotswolds Designer Outlet
What's on?
There's lots of fun for families and their furry friends this Easter at Cotswolds Designer Outlet near Tewkesbury, with everything from a new family trail to a treat hunt just for dogs.
Why go?
Children can pick up a sweet treat for following Cotswolds Designer Outlet's new spring trail from Monday 30 March until Sunday 12 April 2026. Find all the colourful bunnies, fabulous flowers and oversized eggs hiding around the malls, then visit Guest Services once you've completed the trail to claim your reward.
For a bit of friendly competition, there's an Egg and Spoon Race taking place on Tuesday 31 March 2026, where racers of all ages can test out their balance and speed.
Peter Rabbit™ is hopping into Cotswolds Designer Outlet on Wednesday 1 and Tuesday 7 April 2026, giving little ones the chance to meet and have their photo taken with him.
Then on Wednesday 8 April 2026, Cotswolds Designer Outlet gets a very special visit from the creators of Little Gold Ted. They'll be reading stories and hosting a pop-up stand where visitors can buy books and merchandise to take home – with Little Gold Ted books being ideal for Dyslexic and neurodivergent readers.
SoGlos loves...
There's no need for four-legged friends to miss out on the fun this Easter, with Cotswolds Designer Outlet hosting an Easter Treat Hunt for Dogs on Sunday 12 April 2026.
In partnership with SweetPea’s Doggy Deli, pups can sniff out special Easter treats just for them at the centre between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
How much does it cost?
Cotswolds Designer Outlet's Easter activities are free to take part in.
How to do I book?
No need to book, just turn up!
But please note, meet and greets with Peter Rabbit™ are on a first come, first served basis with timeslots from 12.30pm to 1.10pm; 1.30pm to 2.10pm; 2.30pm to 3.10pm; and 3.30pm to 4pm.
For more information, see Easter fun for families and dogs at Cotswolds Designer Outlet.
New nature trails and Easter activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
What's on?
Learn all about biodiversity and uncover the surprising secrets of the 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.
On its Best Kept Secrets spring trail in the dog-friendly Silk Wood, families can spot the changing colours of the horse chestnut flowers, learn about the hidden creatures living in moss, or create a 'zippy' darting bee dance – with a rubbing plaque to find at each trail spot to collect a hidden image in your trail leaflet and map – from Tuesday 3 to 31 March 2026.
In a series of free family events taking place throughout April and May, explore the Secret World of Flowers through mindful observation and journaling, along with crafts including decorating miniature jars and finger painting bookmarks; test your spring knowledge with a spotter quiz and leaf and bud match challenge in Spring Awakenings; find out about how trees reproduce through the process of pollination, with crafts and games in Tree Pollinators; and discover the hidden superpowers of trees, with a quiz and craft activities in The Hidden Power of Trees.
There's also a series of guided walks throughout the season, where visitors of all ages can discover captivating trees and woodland flora – with fun and games for younger visitors on its Champion Tree family walks from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 2 April 2026.
SoGlos loves...
An ideal day out for the whole family, there's also a spring trail aimed at adults and older children – The Birds and the Bees... and Trees – featuring fun facts and curious discoveries that reveal the magical world of tree reproduction, along with why flowers look the way they do, suitable for anyone aged 15 and above.
And younger visitors won't want to miss the new Room on the Broom trail, where they can help beloved Julia Donaldson character, Witch, find her lost hat, bow and wand and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell, with activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun.
How much does it cost?
All spring activities are included in the cost of admission, which is from £14 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 18 and is free for children under four-years-old.
Room on the Broom trail activity packs are available to purchase from the Westonbirt shop and Welcome Building, costing £4. 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.
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can also be booked for free via forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum/hire-mobility-equipment-westonbirt.
Or just turn up on the day! Westonbirt Arboretum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.
Big Batsford Bunny Hunt at Batford Arboretum
What's on?
Hop into Easter fun with the Big Batsford Bunny Hunt, which takes places daily from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April 2026.
Why go?
The Easter Bunny's helpers have gone missing and are bouncing around the arboretum, so Batsford Arboretum is inviting kids of all ages to come and help find them all, with the chance to claim a prize for doing so!
While the hunt only covers a relatively small area of Batsford Arboretum, there's 60 whole acres of great outdoors to explore and dogs are warmly welcomed on short leads, too. Plus, lookout for Batsford's famous 120 Japanese cherry blossom trees, which create a colourful spectacle around the arboretum from mid-March to early May.
After the hunt, take time to browse the gift shop and garden centre, enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in The Garden Terrace Cafe, and let little ones burn off even more energy in the play area.
SoGlos loves...
Fully refurbished in recent years and a winner of SoGlos's Cafe of the Year in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards, The Garden Terrace Cafe is the perfect pitstop after exploring Batsford's grounds.
How much does it cost?
The Bunny Hunt costs £3 per child, payable on arrival, in addition to normal admission.
How to do I book?
Booking entry tickets in advance is highly recommended, as Batsford Arboretum is particularly popular during school holidays. See batsarb.co.uk/the-big-batsford-bunny-hunt for more information.
Easter events in Gloucester
Easter holiday offers at Ultimate Warriors
What's on?
Families that love a physical challenge can burn off some energy at Ultimate Warriors in Gloucester, with its family pass giving 25 per cent off during the Easter holidays.
Why go?
Epic challenges await at Ultimate Warriors on Metz Way in Gloucester, from holding steady on the balance beams, hanging tough on the gymnastic rings, wobbling your way through the inflatables to racing down the slides, with two floors of exclusive obstacles to tackle.
Competitive families can challenge each other to see who can finish first, with obstacles to test even the fittest participants; but for those who are just up for fun family day out, every obstacle can be enjoyed by everyone, from the littlest ninjas to the grumpiest grown-ups!
This energetic activity is sure to work up an appetite, but Ultimate Warriors' on-site cafe has you covered with a menu of crowd-pleasing treats from pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, nuggets and nachos, to coffees and sweet treats.
You can even order your food when you arrive at the venue, so it's ready and waiting for you when you finish your session.
SoGlos loves...
Ultimate Warriors' family pass means you get four places for the price of three!
One pass covers two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, so the whole family can get in on the action for less this Easter holiday.
How much does it cost?
An Ultimate Warriors family pass costs £43.50.
Participants are required to wear Ultimate Warriors socks during their session, which cost an extra £2.50. These can be bought when booking online in advance, or on check-in at the venue.
How do I book?
To book, visit ultimatewarriors.co.uk.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Over Farm's Countryside Adventure
What's on?
Over Farm is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza at its Countryside Adventure throughout the school holidays, from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 12 April 2026.
Why go?
There's so much going on at Over Farm across the Easter holidays – and every day is different.
On Saturday 28 March, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 April, Marky Jay brings his variety show to the farm, with circus-style tricks and plenty of surprises; while on Monday 30 March, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, little ones can have a go at circus skills themselves, with Loz Hoops bringing high-energy hula hooping to the farm, with plenty of chances to join in.
On Sunday 29 March, Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 April, Little Paws Petting Corner gives visitors the chance to get to know the farm's friendliest fluffballs, with rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and tortoises to meet; then from Tuesday 31 March to Monday 6 April, there are two Barnyard Bonanza live shows per day, packed full of energy, giggles and farmyard mischief!
As well as all the live shows and special activities, visitors get full access to the farm park, where there are tractor trailers and quad trains to ride; jumping pillows to bounce on; mini golf and games to play; duck racing to compete in; a mystery trail to solve; and loads of space to run around and let off some steam in the barnyard and scrapyard play areas.
SoGlos loves...
Across the Easter weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026, Over Farm is bringing back its Easter egg hunt for families to take part in, too.
Led by real-life Easter bunnies, visitors are encouraged to scour the woodland to find the colourful eggs hidden along the trail, with tasty treats waiting at the end.
How much does it cost?
Early bird tickets cost from £8.79 for adults when booked online in advance before Saturday 14 March 2026, with prices rising from then.
Booking online in advance is always cheaper, but tickets are also available on the gate.
How do I book?
To book tickets, visit overfarm.co.uk/over-farms-farm-park/easter.
Secret Easter Garden Trail and free drop-in activities at Gloucester Cathedral
What is it?
Gloucester Cathedral invites families to celebrate the season of 'hope and new life' this Easter 2026, with a free spring trail, drop-in activities and special church services.
Why go?
Little ones can explore The Secret Easter Garden trail, searching high and low for the flowers hidden around the cathedral to create their own garden design inspired by the spring blooms.
There are free drop-in activities to try on the cathedral's Spring into Easter: Family Activity Days, where children can learn all about the connections between nature and Easter traditions, while spotting the signs of new life emerging around the Cloister garden.
Families are also welcome at the cathedral's special Easter services on Palm Sunday, where Puzzle the Donkey leads a procession from St Mary de Lode church to the cathedral; Good Friday; and Easter Sunday.
SoGlos loves
This Easter 2026, Gloucester Cathedral is launching a brand-new guided tour of the Cloister, giving visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of the monks which once called this spectacular building home.
Participants can also see the cathedral's master craftspeople undertaking vital conservation work to ensure that its spectacular architecture – which provided the backdrop for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films – can be enjoyed by generations to come.
When is it on?
The Secret Easter Garden Trail is available from Saturday 14 March until Sunday 12 April 2026.
Spring into Easter: Family Activity Days are on Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 April 2026, with activities taking place between 11am and 3pm.
How much does it cost?
Easter activities and services at Gloucester Cathedral are free to attend, but donations are gratefully received.
The new Cloister tour costs £6 for adults and £3 for children under 16.
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.
To book a guided tour, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/holy-week-and-easter-2026.
Easter activities at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
What's on?
Hop along to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester to enjoy an array of Easter holiday activities and make your visit to Gloucester Docks egg-stra special.
Why go?
Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of model boats on a trip to the museum this Easter. Follow an imagined journey along the River Severn as you search for seven hand-made models hidden around the museum on its new activity trail, picking up a handy sheet to help you find them all and discovering more about each craft along the way.
Also new for Easter, visitors wont want to miss The Boat Yard – a 'fascinating' collection of model boats from the Canal & River Trust Collection, brought together in one place for the first time.
There's Easter fun for the whole family, too, including the return of its cute bunny trail for little ones; crafty activities with the Gloucester Docks Activity Hub's 'Let's Create' sessions; and the chance to
SoGlos loves...
Once you've had your fill of Easter fun, museum visitors can enjoy drinks and cakes in its light-filled cafe – a warm and welcoming space away from the hustle and bustle of Gloucester Quays.
There's also an extra special spring afternoon tea on offer, featuring a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam, plus unlimited tea and filter coffee – all for £19 per adult, with child portions also available.
How much does it cost?
Museum day tickets start from £10 for adults, £6.36 for children aged between five to 16 and are free of charge for children aged four and under. There's price options for concessions starting at £9.09 and family tickets for two adults and two children at £25.
Or with changing activities every school holiday, an annual pass lets you drop in again and again – costing £20 for adults; £10 for children aged five and above; and £47 for a family of four.
How do I book?
To book day tickets or annual passes for the museum, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/national-waterways-museum-gloucester.
Afternoon tea should be booked with at least 48 hours notice, by calling 01452 915676.
Anyone interested in Gloucester Docks Activity Hub or Canal & River Trust Explorers sessions should keep an eye out for details on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Easter events in Stroud
Gozzle trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What's on?
Slimbridge Wetland Centre's brand-new interactive trail, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Sarah Ogilvie's new book Gozzle from Macmillan Children's Books, opens on Friday 20 March 2026 for wild wetland adventures this Easter.
Why go?
Families can follow Gozzle's journey from fuzzy fledgling to grown-up goose on Slimbridge's interactive new trail, at a wonderful time of year as all the spring flowers burst into life.
Providing loads of fun family activities along the route, kids can strike a pose as their favourite animal, hop over the stepping stones – just don't fall in! – and seek out all 15 of the mini Gozzles hiding around the wetlands, before reaching the giant goose wings and waving her off on her first migration.
There are also Gozzle activity packs filled with games, puzzles and stickers, as well as a bear headband to wear while they follow the trail.
SoGlos loves...
As well as following the Gozzle trail, little ones can try their hand at being a vet with the immersive Vet Check station activity on weekends and school holidays.
Just like a real WWT vet, they'll learn how to handle, weigh, measure and X-ray a toy goose, as they help nurse it back to health ready for its next adventure.
How much does it cost?
Access to the Gozzle trail is included within the price of admission to Slimbridge, which costs from £17.91 for adults, from £11.84 for juniors aged three to 17 and from £16.02 for young adults aged 18 to 24, with children under three able to visit for free.
Book tickets online before midnight the day before your visit to save 10 per cent.
Gozzle activity packs cost an additional £4 each.
How do I book?
To book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on/events/gozzle.
King Charles II at the races at Berkeley Castle
What's on?
King Charles II pays a visit to Berkeley Castle this Easter weekend to spend a day at the races, 17th century-style!
Why go?
Promising an action-packed day out, Berkeley Castle transports visitors right back to the 17th century when the 'Merry Monarch' was a regular at horse racing fixtures across the country.
Experience the elegance of traditional dance moves and music; enjoy a military parade celebrating the King's arrival with marching soldiers and musket fire; before cheering on the horses in a thrilling race around the grounds.
This immersive event brings this pivotal point in English history to life in the most exciting way, with plenty to see and do for both adults and children.
SoGlos loves...
As one of Gloucestershire's most important historical attractions, don't miss the chance to see what makes Berkeley Castle most famous while you're there.
The ill-fated King Edward II was imprisoned in a cell at the castle before he was murdered by his wife Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer, supposedly by red-hot poker. Scandalous! The deposed king now lays at rest at Gloucester Cathedral.
How much does it cost?
King Charles II at the races is included within the price of admission to Berkeley Castle.
Tickets cost £17 for adults and £9 for children aged three and up, with children under three able to visit for free.
There are family tickets for two adults and two children available for £48, too.
How do I book?
Visit berkeley-castle.com/event.
Easter events just beyond the Gloucestershire border
Super Smashing Easter Treasure Hunt at Eastnor Castle
What's on?
Sporting a brand-new theme every year, Eastnor Castle's popular Easter treasure hunt is back for the 2026 school holidays with a 'Super Smashing' twist
Why go?
Giving trail-goers the chance to find bunny's dropped eggs and piece together a recipe, visitors can 'hop in and save the day' with a chocolate reward for everyone who completes the challenge!
A wonderful way to get the kids exploring Eastnor Castle's history-packed, 200-year-old castle and extensive grounds, the Super Smashing Easter Treasure Hunt is on from Sunday 29 March to Thursday 9 April 2026 – and is included in the price of admission.
SoGlos loves...
Eastnor Castle offers a family day out brimming with fresh air, with rope swings suspended from trees, an adventure playground, junior obstacle course and a challenging Knight’s Maze to explore, too.
Plus, 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!
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 aged 16 and over; £9.50 for children aged 3 to 15; £45 for a family including two adults and three children; or £30 for a family including one adult and three children. 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 Eastnor Castle's Special Easter Adventure.
