Gloucestershire is home to some fantastic family days out with farm parks, play zones and inflatable assault courses right on our doorstep — but why should the kids get to have all the fun?
We’re giving grown-ups the chance to let loose with everything from activity days, through to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, in SoGlos’s hot list of 21 of the best days out for grown-ups in Gloucestershire.
Roxy Lanes in Cheltenham
Challenge your friends, family or colleagues to an evening of booze and ball games at Roxy Lanes, in the heart of Cheltenham — sipping on unique rock and pop inspired cocktails and tucking into tasty American-style pizzas, all while trying your hand at everything from ice-free curling and beer pong to arcade games and batting cages.
With three amazing floors to enjoy, gamers can battle it out at shuffleboard, tech darts, ping pong and American pool, before taking pictures in the photo booth, catching live sport on the TV's; and much more.
Clay pigeon shooting at Ian Coley Shooting School near Cheltenham
Ready, aim, fire! Located five miles from Cheltenham, Ian Coley Shooting School is run by its namesake and six-time Olympic coach — and is described as one of the top 10 shooting schools in the UK.
Catering for both beginners and more advanced shooters, the school benefits from friendly and experienced instructors, most of whom have shot at a county or national level, with both individual and group lessons available.
Go Ape in the Forest of Dean
Head to Go Ape in the Forest of Dean for an amazing day of action, adventure and adrenaline rushes with an obstacle course set high up in the trees.
Go Ape also offers a Segway safari trail through its beautiful site, perfect for adventurers who would prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. There’ll be a quick lesson on how to control these two wheeled off-road vehicles before taking to the tracks.
A day at the races at Cheltenham Racecourse
Feeling lucky? Experience world-class horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse, with a whopping 16 race days every season — including the renowned Cheltenham Festival in March.
With top entertainment, delicious food and plenty of places to grab drinks too, this iconic venue promises a fun and thrilling day out for raring racegoers.
Tubing at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre
Adults can ‘slide and dine’ at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre, tubing down the city’s famous dry slope before heading to the ski lodge to tuck into a tasty burger and grab a few drinks.
There’s hot chocolate and nibbles on arrival, a glass of prosecco with your meal, and a fully licensed bar to enjoy apres-ski. Minimum groups of six are needed to book this exciting experience.
Cider masterclass at Dunkertons Organic Cider near Cheltenham
Located just outside Cheltenham, Dunkertons Organic Cider teaches budding brewers the secrets of cider making at its masterclasses.
Groups can enjoy a glass of its award-winning cider on arrival ahead of a tour of the cidery with an expert guide, before getting stuck into a lesson with a master cider maker on how to create your very own blend. Participants can taste-test their creations with a selection of organic cheeses from the deli and take a branded Dunkertons cider goblet home, too.
Hit the bullseye at Cotswold Archery in Moreton-in-Marsh
Master a bow and arrow with a session at Cotswold Archery's dedicated range at Batsford Arboretum.
Suitable for archers of all abilities, its qualified archery coaches will show you the ropes before letting you have a go at hitting the target.
Explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This completely free activity is the perfect way to spend a day in the great Gloucestershire outdoors, exploring the beautiful Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Track down the sculptures hidden high in the treetops, amongst the scenery and on the forest floor on this four-and-a-half-mile route. Then relax and refuel with a bite to eat at the Beechenhurst Café.
Go karting at JDR Karting in Gloucester
Test your mettle on the track at JDR Karting in Gloucester, where groups of seven to 12 drivers can battle it out for a place on the podium.
Try the Mini Enduro event with 10 practice laps before racing for 50, or take on the Iron Man with 10 practice laps and a 60-lap race.
Bike riding at Flyup 417 Bike Park near Cheltenham
Flyup 417 Bike Park near Cheltenham is the perfect attraction for thrill seekers. Take your own bike, or hire one from the venue, and tackle the indoor pumptrack, dirt jump field or get stuck into the amazing downhill trails.
There’s also an uplift service where drivers will load your bike onto a trailer and take it to the top of the hill, so you can reserve your energy for more pedalling action!
Wine tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard near Stroud
Discover the wonderful world of English wine with a guided tour and tastings session at Woodchester Valley Vineyard.
An expert guide will introduce you to the vineyard and winery, before treating you to a tutored tasting of five current wines – with the option to buy your favourite from the cellar door shop and continue the fun at home!
AquaVenture at Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Take on the ultimate Total Wipeout style experience right here in Gloucestershire with the AquaVenture inflatable obstacle course at Cotswold Country Park and Beach.
Slip and slide your way through the course with your friends — and for the ultimate day out, hire your own barbecue area to enjoy a bite to eat and gorgeous views of the water as you relax after an energetic session.
Try social darts at Flight Club in Cheltenham
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham is home to social darts venue Flight Club, providing a fun night out for competitive friends.
Step up to the oche and take on a variety of fun, interactive games like Killer and Demolition before tucking into pizza and cocktails — or go for the brunch social every Thursday to Sunday with prosecco and bottomless pizza.
Go underground at Clearwell Caves
Dare to venture beneath the Forest of Dean in the footsteps of freeminers at Clearwell Caves, where you’ll discover an ore-inspiring natural cave system.
Wander the caverns or don a helmet and head deeper into the underground labyrinth on an epic caving adventure. The caves also play host to regular live music events for a super unique experience.
Beat the clock at Trapped Escape Rooms in Gloucester
A must for horror movie fans, Trapped Escape Rooms has zombie apocalypse and serial killer themed rooms available for group hire, where it’s a race against the clock to work together and escape a locked room by solving a set of tricky puzzles.
Although scaredy cats can rest assured, the games aren't designed to be frightening, so even the fainthearted can feel comfortable taking on this exciting challenge.
Swing by the driving range at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex in Churchdown
Described as Gloucestershire’s finest driving range, Brickhampton Court in Churchdown features 28 floodlit bays, ideal for perfecting your swing. Membership isn’t required to take part and there’s a choice of 35, 70 or 100 balls, with discounts available for members.
Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a meal and drinks overlooking the 18th green at the beautiful Nineteen at Brickhampton restaurant.
Unleash your inner warrior at Eat Sleep Axe in Cheltenham
Test your aim and your nerves with urban axe throwing at Eat Sleep Axe on Cheltenham's Winchcombe Street.
Try to master hitting the bullseye before taking on one of the nine different games to unleash your inner warrior.
Cheer on the Cherry and Whites at Gloucester Rugby
Since 1873, Gloucester Rugby has grown to be one of the best rugby clubs in the UK — with Kingsholm capable of holding capacity crowds of over 16,000.
Take your place at Kingsholm Stadium and follow the fortunes of the Cherry and Whites, with premiership, European and international fixtures scheduled throughout the season.
Try stand up paddleboarding in Stroud
Take to the water on a paddleboarding session along the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal. Join Paddleboarding Adventures on a trip from Slimbridge to Purton Ships' Graveyard, led by an experienced guide so boarders can learn techniques and skills along the way, as well as enjoying a floating picnic before the paddle home.
You can even test your balance with paddleboard yoga sessions.
Go crazy golfing at Mr Mulligans in Cheltenham
If real golf feels a bit too serious, head to Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter for the crazy kind! Mr Mulligan’s Lost World Golf offers two indoor adventure golf courses and a late-night bar and restaurant.
Join the legendary explorer Mr Mulligan on an ‘out of this world’ golfing adventure, encountering everything from sea monsters to dinosaurs on the way — with a maximum of six people per group.
Sail down the Gloucester-Sharpness canal on a narrowboat
Learn how to captain your own ship for a day, setting sail down the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.
Starting at Saul Junction Marina, it’s anchors away for a leisurely day on the water — preferably with a drink in hand — floating through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stopping off at some of the lovely waterside pubs along the way.
