SoGlos has hunted high and low for a whopping 50 fun and completely FREE things to do in Gloucestershire while school’s out for the summer holidays.
From fruit picking and farm parks to exhibitions and family festivals, SoGlos’s hot list is jam packed with inspirational ideas to set you up for a memory-making, action-packed six weeks — split into free attractions, events and outdoor adventures to help you plan your summer.
Free attractions in Gloucestershire this summer
Discover Gloucester Cathedral’s best-kept secrets
Home to the only monarch’s tomb in the south west and a Whispering Gallery full of secrets, Gloucester Cathedral is packed full of exciting discoveries for families seeking fun. This year's summer trail has a Wellbeing Olympics theme, with free craft activities, family-friendly yoga and sound bathing sessions, too — see Summer at Gloucester Cathedral for all the details.
Get creative at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Not only are there some fascinating galleries to explore — including the Radev exhibition, where you can see two real-life Picasso paintings! — The Wilson is hosting a free, immersive Play! House theatre experience this summer, giving children the chance to stand on stage, dress up in costumes and have a go at creating background sets and music.
Find Stroud’s secret garden at Museum in the Park
Peek inside the walled garden at Museum in the Park in Stroud’s Stratford Park, with plenty of outdoor space and floral features to explore. Inside, the museum's collection spans dinosaur bones to the world's first lawnmower, with kid-friendly elements throughout — including interactive toys and peep holes into cabinets at child-height. Look out for free drop-in activities for families this summer, too.
Kids go free at Dean Heritage Centre
Dean Heritage Centre is welcoming little visitors for free on Wednesday 24 July and Friday 30 August 2024. Delve into the history of the Forest of Dean, discovering interactive exhibits, including a replica Victorian schoolroom and free mine; hunt the woods for hand-carved Gruffalo sculptures; and blow off steam on the playground.
Search for sculptures in the Forest of Dean
Children can burn off some energy along the four-mile Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean, with plenty of impressive woodland-inspired sculptures to see. What's more, there's a fantastic play area and picnic site at Beechenhurst, the trail's starting point, where families can follow up adventure with a bite to eat.
Wave to the prisoner at Tetbury Police Museum
With a sleeping prisoner in the cells, a magistrates' court in action and the largest collection of handcuffs in the whole country, little law-abiders are sure to love Tetbury Police Museum. There's even the chance to have a go at solving mysteries and read cold case files of real crimes that have taken place in the quaint Cotswold town.
Wander through Tewkesbury Abbey
Free to visit, the gorgeous Tewkesbury Abbey has a rich architectural history with fascinating stories to discover within. There’s a pop-up shop and tea room for refreshments and, if you’re lucky, you might spot its resident peregrine falcons which nest in the tower.
Step into Beatrix Potter’s world in Gloucester
Wander into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter at the House of the Tailor of Gloucester, from the tiny home to rare displays and memorabilia, set within the same building that inspired the author’s magical tale.
See sky-high exhibitions at the Jet Age Museum
Promising pilots will be delighted at the Jet Age Museum, where visitors can marvel at a replica of Britain’s first jet aircraft, the Gloster E28/39 and other original Gloster-built planes. The museum is free of charge to enter and open at 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Play at Primrose Vale
Families can enjoy a few hours of free fun at Primrose Vale near Cheltenham, which has a brilliant outdoor play area, complete with a jungle gym and obstacle course — and a well-stocked cafe for parents! There’s also the chance to pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and seasonal vegetables, although you’ll need to pay for the produce, of course.
Explore the Tinkley Gate site at Woodchester Park
Much more than just a gateway into Woodchester Park, Tinkley Gate has its own nature trail along its grassy paths and lawn games like Jenga and badminton for families to challenge each other. It's also hosting a Summer of Play during the school holidays, where you can borrow kites and frisbees, have a go on a giant chess set and discover new games you might not have played before.
Go on an Iron Age adventure in the Cotswolds
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve in Bourton-on-the-Water is home to wildflower meadows and rivers bursting with wildlife, as well as working dairy cows, Neolithic fortifications and a replica Iron Age roundhouse. Travel back in time or get closer to nature, exploring the site by its two themed trails — both of which cover flat ground and have no stiles, making them suitable for the littlest of explorers.
Soak up the sunshine at Cotswold Water Park
With more than 40 square miles to explore, even the most energetic children will be tired after a day spent discovering Cotswold Water Park, with footpaths and cycle routes boasting lovely lake views, picturesque picnic spots and the chance to spot some wildlife at the bird hides.
Free events in Gloucestershire this summer
Watch the Olympics on the big screen at Gloucester Quays
Catch all the Olympic action at Gloucester Quays, with selected events being streamed live from Paris on its big screen, outside Pillar and Lucy Warehouse from Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August 2024. Roll out a picnic blanket or grab table and chair, with plenty of takeaway options from surrounding food outlets, too.
Meet Paw Patrol characters, Transformers and dinosaurs at The Brewery Quarter
See Chase, Marshall and Ryder take centre stage at The Brewery Quarter, with Paw Patrol meet-and-greets on Wednesday 31 July; followed by dinosaur encounters on Wednesday 14 August, with the chance to meet baby dinos and a lifelike T Rex, Parasaurolophus and Carnotaurus; and robots in disguise Bumblebee and Optimus Prime visiting the Cheltenham leisure destination on Wednesday 28 August 2024.
Join a kids' LEGO club at Stroud Brewery
Play with LEGO at one of Stroud's coolest venues, with Stroud Brewery's free kids' club giving children the chance to take over the balcony bar with their colourful constructions every Wednesday of the summer holidays — starting at 4.30pm.
Enjoy free family activities at Tewkesbury LIVE
As well as bringing over 100 bands to venues across Tewkesbury for a weekend of free live music, Tewkesbury LIVE offers free entertainment for families including line dancing, open mic sessions and even a silent disco! Join in the fun from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July 2024.
Go back in time for a re-enactment of the Siege of Gloucester
There's a special opportunity to re-live a chapter of Gloucester's history this summer, as the Folk of Gloucester and Gloucester Civic Trust team up to re-enact the 1643 Siege of Gloucester on Saturday 31 August 2024. Experience musket displays, meet the siege doctor and learn all about Gloucester's role in the English Civil War for free — with insightful talks that cost £5 per person, for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the history books.
Play with colour at Cheltenham Paint Festival
With big wall murals and colourful artworks to discover all over town, watch world-renowned street artists at work during the colourful Cheltenham Paint Festival, taking place from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 July 2024 — or take a stroll along the five-mile arts trail to discover graffiti new and old after the paint has dried.
Rock out at Gloucester's Battle of the Bands
Get ready to rock! Head down to Kings Square on Saturday 17 August 2024 to see some of Gloucester's best musicians compete in Battle of the Bands, bringing live music all day from 12pm to 5pm.
Meet the Gruffalo at Beechenhurst's family fun day
Everyone is invited to celebrate the Gruffalo's 25th birthday party at Beechenhurst's free family fun day — with plenty of character appearances, meet-and-greet opportunities and Gruffalo-themed activities for the whole family on Monday 29 July 2024.
Celebrate diversity at The Wilson's free Family Inclusivity Day
Discover diverse events and hear inspirational stories at The Wilson's community-focused Family Inclusivity Day on Saturday 17 August 2024, with free activities and creative workshops for all ages. Don't miss book readings from Bob Tregoning, author of The Dress In The Window and Out of the Blue, too.
Learn to craft and cook at St James's City Farm allotment
Hosted by Fair Shares, which runs Gloucester's Community Time Bank and has its own allotment at St James's City Farm, these free sessions give local kids the chance to get crafty and flex their culinary muscles — with leaf and block printing and tie dying workshops, as well as pizza making and firepit cooking classes. See Fair Shares Community Time Banks on Facebook for more information on how to book.
Go retro in Gloucester
Travel back in time when Gloucester Goes Retro returns to the city on Saturday 24 August 2024. Westgate, Northgate, Eastgate and Southgate Streets will all be themed around different eras, with highlights including live music, vintage fancy dress, historical vehicles and more.
Sign up for free fitness classes for girls
Encouraging girls to keep moving into their teenage years — as well as helping them to build strength, confidence and meet new friends — Nuffield Health is running free weekly fitness classes for girls aged 11 to 16. Gloucestershire sessions take place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm at Longlevens Rugby Club and can be booked online.
Take on The Library Challenge in Gloucestershire
This summer, Gloucestershire Libraries has a brand-new reading challenge with a sporty theme, encouraging children to get active, get reading and engage with everything their local library service has to offer by completing special tasks — from borrowing books to taking part in sport-themed crafts and storytelling events. Join in from Saturday 13 July to Saturday 14 September 2024.
Head to The Suffolks on a Sunday
Reclaiming the streets twice during the summer holidays, The Suffolks Sunday Market is taking place in Cheltenham on Sunday 28 July — with a dog show! — as well on Sunday 25 August 2024 for bank holiday weekend fun. The popular market features delicious food and drink, alongside stalls selling everything from vintage goods to arts and crafts.
Go on a butterfly safari at Crickley Hill
Count the butterflies at Crickley Hill's free family fun day on Saturday 28 July 2024, with guided butterfly safaris, a self-guided butterfly trail, bug hunts and craft activities from 10am to 4pm. Kids are encouraged to come dressed up as colourful butterflies or moths, too!
Free adventures in Gloucestershire this summer
Tick something off The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List
Spanning outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, SoGlos's definitive list of 100 ways to make magical memories in the county is your one-stop shop for inspiration for family days out this summer. Pick up a free printed copy from the venues featured or see The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List for the digital version.
Find Hogwarts — and other famous filming locations — in Gloucestershire
Film fans big and small can hunt down some famous filming locations in Gloucestershire. Whether it's walking in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione and Ron at Gloucester Cathedral or soaking up scenes from Peter Rabbit 2 at Gloucester Docks, many of the county’s film spots are free to visit.
Spot birds of prey at Symonds Yat
Take a trip high above the River Wye to Symonds Yat Rock, a popular Gloucestershire viewpoint where budding birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons nesting on the neighbouring cliffs.
Get a personal best at Cheltenham’s junior parkrun
Suitable for youngsters aged four to 14, the junior parkrun takes places every Sunday morning at The Park in Cheltenham, inviting young runners to take on the 2km route and have fun. Run entirely on grass, the free weekly event is marshalled, with the whole course visible from the starting area.
Follow in the footsteps of gladiators
Discover Gloucestershire’s Roman heritage at the Cirencester amphitheatre, located just outside the historic Cotswold town, which was once known as the great city of Corinium, second only to London in size!
Pick some summer berries across Gloucestershire
Offering buckets of tasty fun in the great outdoors, head to one of the best places in Gloucestershire to go fruit picking. Many fields are free to enter — but you’ll have to pay for the fruits of your labour, of course!
Wander around a famous farmers’ market
As one of the biggest and busiest farmer’s markets in the UK, Stroud farmers’ market hosts local traders every Saturday morning, selling a variety of treats for hungry children to sink their teeth into. While SoGlos has also rounded up nine must-visit farmers' markets in Gloucestershire to browse this summer, too.
Explore Robinswood Hill Country Park
With woodland walks and nature trails aplenty, Robinswood Hill Country Park is a brilliant family outdoor attraction in Gloucester. Let the kids run free while exploring historical and geological sites, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.
Walk through Roman ruins
Families can visit the Great Witcombe Roman Villa to uncover a piece of Roman Britain on their doorstep. Dating back to around 250 AD, the building was once one of the largest villas in the Cotswolds, complete with a bathhouse complex and at least one shrine to an unknown god.
Count the trees at Painswick Church
Get some numeracy practice in at Painswick Church, trying to count all of St Mary’s famous yew trees. Little ones can have fun by weaving their way through the maze of trees, working from one to 99 — and making sure not to miss any on the way!
Step back through time along the Tewkesbury Battle Trail
Follow in the footsteps of 15th century soldiers during an excursion along the Battle Trail in Tewkesbury, a waymarked route that leads through the key battle areas.
Spot some of Britain’s rarest bats
Treat the little ones to a late night and head to Woodchester Park after hours for the chance to see rare Greater Horseshoe bats flying through the twilight sky. Many other bat species also call the site home, with plenty of chances to spot them soaring through the woodland.
Create shapes at Selsley Common
Parents and kids can take inspiration from the local family that used quarry rocks to bring dinosaurs to life at Selsley Common and create some rock formations of their own this summer holiday. The Stroud beauty spot is a gorgeous place to enjoy a family picnic, too.
Get walking
From the fantastic Forest of Dean to riverside paths, a walk amongst wildlife is fun for the whole family — not to mention the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs after being cooped up in the classroom. And there’s a whole host of beautiful walks to enjoy in Gloucestershire, too.
Roll out the picnic blanket
With plenty of picturesque picnic spots in the county, summer is the perfect time to eat alfresco. From Frampton on Severn to Crickley Hill, discover the best picnic spots in Gloucestershire for some inspiration.
Run wild on adventure playgrounds
Let the little ones loose on one of Gloucestershire's best children's playgrounds, many of which are completely free to visit. With some incredible play areas in the Cotswolds too, enjoy playing on tyre swings, climbing castle turrets, whizzing along zip wires and zooming down slides — all while getting a spot of fresh air.
Get pedalling in the Forest of Dean
Hop on your bike and head to the sign-posted Colliers Trail — formerly known as the Family Cycle Trail — in the Forest of Dean, a scenic route along the old Severn and Wye railway line with plenty of picnic spots along the way. Or discover more of Gloucestershire's best cycling spots, with plenty of family-friendly tracks for kids to practice their pedalling.
Become a cycling pro
If the Forest of Dean’s bike routes weren’t enough, children can become better cyclists with Forestry England, too. Download the Cycle Superstar Challenge from its website to record your progress as you build confidence while learning to ride in the forest — with mini challenges to complete along the way.
Find King Arthur’s Cave
Little knights can discover the stuff of legends just over the Herefordshire border, hunting for King Arthur’s Cave in the Great Doward. Cloaked in local superstition, the limestone cave has been dated back to the Late Stone Age, with flint tools, woolly mammoth bones and supposedly even the skeleton of a giant human discovered there.
Take a day trip to Pittville Park
Kiddies can go wild at Cheltenham’s most exciting outdoor play area in Pittville Park, with plenty of fun equipment to keep them entertained. Not to mention its aviary, which is home to a whole host of fluffy and feathered friends.
Discover Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
From its famous limestone grassland to its eclectic herd of cattle, this protected site is home to some of Britain’s best wildlife. A popular beauty spot with locals and tourists alike, it’s ideal for a summer family adventure — and totally free to explore.
Stroll through Severn Ham
Get back in touch with nature at the stunning Severn Ham water meadow. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing family walk, with plenty of open space for little ones to let loose, just a stone’s throw from Tewkesbury town centre.
