If anyone knows that Gloucestershire has an enormous range of activities and days out right here on the doorstep, it’s SoGlos. But it’s also exciting to travel somewhere new — so we’ve handpicked 13 fantastic family days out, all within an hour’s drive.
From the world's first 'amazement park' in Bristol, to Bear Grylls-approved adventures in Birmingham, via safari experiences in Wiltshire and an impressive collection of dinosaur species from Oxfordshire, where do you want to start?
The Wave in Bristol
Gloucestershire might be miles from the coast, but you don’t have to travel too far to catch a wave. Bristol’s unique inland surfing centre, The Wave, promises consistent surfing conditions all year round.
With its 180-metre surfing lake, people of all ages and abilities can take to the water, with surf lessons for absolute beginners to non-guided sessions for intermediate to expert-level surfers.
The Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham
Boasting one of Europe’s tallest high ropes courses, as well as indoor skydiving, climbing and archery, The Bear Grylls Adventure at Birmingham’s NEC is an unmissable experience for adrenaline junkies.
Offering adventures approved by the TV daredevil, you can head 65 feet up in the air to see if you can tackle all 36 high ropes obstacles and plunge into the centre's own aquatic reef for snorkelling and shark diving activities.
The Roman Baths in Bath
Take a trip to Bath and travel through time with a visit to the Roman Baths — one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Northern Europe, providing an immersive experience full of stunning spots for photos.
Visitors can enjoy an audio tour of the historic venue and explore a series of interactive exhibits, ancient artefacts and CGI projections. You can even taste the famous spa water!
Eastnor Castle near Ledbury
Packed with activities for the whole family, Eastnor Castle boasts an adventure playground, puzzling maze and the chance to go head-to-head on the junior assault course, with rope swings and woodland play equipment, too.
Visitors can even bring their dogs to explore the grounds and 19th century castle, touring its impressive state rooms and collection of fine art. And keep an eye out for its ever-popular annual events, from the spicy Eastnor ChilliFest to its Steam and Vintage vehicle showcase.
Longleat Safari Park
Arguably one of the best safari parks in the UK, Longleat offers an amazing safari drive-through experience as well as a walking safari, where you can get up close to koalas, hand feed lorikeets and spot giant otters and crocs.
With plenty of experiences to enjoy elsewhere, don't leave without visiting the historic Longleat House and gardens, exploring the family farmward and riding the minature railway through the park's woodland.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath
One for horror fans, Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is a multi-sensory, immersive experience that gives a real insight into the dark world of Mary Shelley — with the chance to see her vision of The Creation as he was intended in the book, written while she was living in Bath.
Set across four floors, with sights, sounds and smells to stimulate your senses, this unique attraction is a must for Franken-fans and families with older children. There’s even a Frankenstein themed escape room to try out!
Cadbury World in Birmingham
From discovering the origins of the cocoa bean in an Aztec Jungle, to diving into liquid Dairy Milk in the 4D cinema and getting some hands-on experience in chocolate-making, Cadbury World in Bournville is nothing if not choc-full of fun!
As well as finding out about the Cadbury family that founded the business in Birmingham and how treats like Creme Eggs and Buttons are made, the Cadbury World cafe even has chocolate pizza on the menu.
Bristol Zoo Project
Discover animals from all over the world by driving just a short distance down the M5 to Bristol Zoo Project — with a massive new adventure playground for 2024 that's not to be missed.
Stand face-to-face with the world's tallest animal in the giraffe house, interact with the lemurs in their enclosure and go back in time to an ancient British woodland where bears and wolves still roam.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Housed inside a stunning neo-Gothic building in Oxford, the University’s Museum of Natural History is home to a large collection of fossils, gemstones, zoology exhibitions and stunning art.
Take a walk down skeleton parade, meeting dinosaurs and bugs, and come face-to-face with The Oxford Dodo — the most complete remains of a dodo in the world. What’s more, the museum is completely free to visit, although donations are welcome.
Warwick Castle
Enjoy a day of medieval fun at Warwick Castle, where brave explorers can take a spine-chilling walk through the castle dungeon featuring gruesome characters and special effects, or cheer on the knights going head-to-head in the purpose-built jousting arena.
See falconry displays, watch the Warwick Bowman show off his archery skills and venture off on an activity trail with Zog the loveable dragon.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol
Board ‘the ship that changed the world’ at Brunel’s SS Great Britain — fully restored to its former glory, it looks just like it did in 1843, complete with sounds and smells from its Victorian past!
The attraction has a fascinating dockyard museum, where visitors can learn about the steamship’s history and stroll under a spectacular glass sea, as well as getting to explore the historic ship itself.
STEAM in Swindon
STEAM is Swindon’s Museum of the Great Western Railway, bursting with stories about how it became one of the most advanced railways in the world.
Test your skills as a steam train driver in the simulator, walk in the footsteps of a railway worker and get up close to some iconic GWR locomotives. The musuem is right by the Swindon designer outlet for a bite to eat or spot of retail thearpy, too.
Wake The Tiger in Bristol
Dubbed the world's first 'amazement park', Wake The Tiger combines elements of an art gallery, theme park and film set to transport visitors into a parallel world.
Explore the universe of Meridia, with a labrynth of different environments to discover, from forests, temples and ice caves — all part of an immersive 'art maze' from the creative minds behind Boomtown music festival.
