With slippery slides, zooming zip wires and climbing frames galore, Gloucestershire’s playgrounds are brilliant fun for kids — and a great way for little ones to burn off some of their boundless energy.
From woodland-themed adventure play parks to toddler-friendly spaces, SoGlos has rounded up the best children’s playgrounds to discover in the county.
Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean
The play area at Beechenhurst is bound to keep youngsters busy testing out the basket swing, clambering up the climbing frame or whizzing down the zip line — with all equipment expertly designed to reflect the mining heritage of the Forest of Dean and a dedicated toddler zone for the littlest explorers.
With a picnic area and cafe, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, family-friendly cycle route the Colliers Trail and even Go Ape on-site, too, families have all the ingredients for a great day out in the forest.
Pittville Park in Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s Pittville Park offers an impressive adventure playground that’s suitable for little and big kids alike. Children can bounce on the trampolines, play in the sensory spaces, splash around in the water features, climb aboard the pirate ship, make melodies in the music area or brave the zip line.
The park benefits from wheelchair accessible swings and roundabouts, making the space suitable for all abilities, as well as a cafe and toilets. There's also an aviary with bunnies and birds to say hello to, plus there's a skate park nearby that's perfect for older kids.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Stroud
Little nature lovers will be intrigued by the huge array of wildlife to see at Slimbridge Wetland Centre — and will love burning off some energy balancing on the wobbly bridge and climbing the tower in the Riverlife playground.
Meanwhile, the wonderful Welly Boot Land, complete with streams and fountains to splash about in, is sure to delight. Slimbridge also has plenty of benches, which double up as bee hotels, that families can enjoy a picnic on during the summer months.
Gloucester Park
As one of the largest parks in the city, Gloucester Park is bursting with places to let the little ones run wild among the towering trees, while the children’s play area ensures small adventurers will be in their element.
There’s plenty for older kids too, who can enjoy practicing tricks at the skate park, shooting hoops on the basketball court or a game of table tennis. The park also benefits from accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley
Offering more than just furry friends, Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley has an abundance of indoor and outdoor play areas so you're covered no matter what the weather decides to do. There's acres of fun to be had outside, with tractor trailer rides, jumping pillows, a 14-metre climbing net, sand barn and a splash pool.
While inside, huge indoor play barn The Cowshed has everything from slippery slides to soft play spread over three floors of fun. There's even a light-up ball pit and a tiny town role play area!
Stratford Park in Stroud
Stratford Park is a 56-acre space located on the outskirts of Stroud that boasts a family-friendly play area aimed at four to 11-year olds, with equipment including activity frames, swings, slides and more.
Bustling with birds and surrounded by glorious trees, Gloucestershire families can also enjoy pitching up for a summer picnic or wrapping up for a winter’s walk in this glorious setting; or checking out the latest exhibitions at the on-site Museum in the Park.
Perrygrove Railway in Coleford
As well as heritage train rides through the Forest of Dean, little visitors can blow off some steam at three epic outdoor play areas at Perrygrove Railway.
Crawl through the secret passages for a game of hide and seek at Twilight Village; spin down the fireman’s pole at Foxy Hollow; or head up to the forest canopy and wave at the trains below, exploring the treehouses and bouncy bridges at Treetop Adventure.
Hatherley Park in Cheltenham
Bright and colourful, the playground at Cheltenham’s Hatherley Park is great for toddlers and younger children, offering a seesaw, springers and a fun train structure, where little ones can climb aboard or take the driver’s seat.
There’s equipment designed for older kids nearby too, as well as a basketball hoop and junior football pitch.
Painswick Rococo Garden
Ideal for outdoor playtime, Painswick Rococo Garden not only has its very own three-centre maze for kids to explore, but is home to a rustic play area, too.
Complete with a woodland swing, wobbly bridge, clamber nets and even an impressive wooden folly for climbing, youngsters have plenty of chance to play in this magical setting, whilst accompanying adults can soak up the beautiful sights of this unique Cotswold attraction.
Woodchester Park in Nympsfield
Get the kids out in nature by following the waymarked play trail at Woodchester Park, with activities every few hundred metres, including rope swings, stepping logs, balancing beams and a wooden hopscotch etched into the floor.
The short circular walk is around two miles long and brings you close to the imposing Woodchester Mansion, an unfinished Gothic house that’s fascinating to explore, if you’re looking to make a day of it.
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe
Just outside Cheltenham in the pretty Cotswold town of Winchcombe lies Sudeley Castle — where kids can compete to be king of their very own castle at its impressive adventure play area.
Packed with turrets, hidey holes, bridges and slides, the multi-level castle-themed play area is a big hit; while the obstacle course, zip wire and swings provide even more outdoor fun. The grounds around Sudeley Castle are spectacular, too, with everything from heritage roses creeping up the ruins to the sculpture safari to enjoy, not to mention the final resting place of King Henry VIII's last wife, Queen Katherine Parr.
Leaf and Ground in Dursley
Perfect for playtime while the grown-ups browse, Leaf and Ground is a farm shop, deli and garden centre in Dursley, which offers an incredible castle playground and plenty of space to run around.
Kids can climb the turrets, hop over wooden obstacles and play on the swings and slide, with wood chip flooring to keep them extra safe, before refuelling with one of Leaf and Ground’s famous sausage rolls from the Roundhouse hut.
Eastnor Castle near Ledbury
While not strictly in Gloucestershire, young families can discover a wealth of opportunities for outdoor play just over the border at Eastnor Castle, where competitive children can race to find the centre of the Knight’s Maze and finish the junior obstacle course in record time.
Elsewhere, kids will love zooming down the mini zip wire, flying high on the rope swings and tree climbing in the woodland; with lots of fun to be had on the adventure playground, treetop walkway and super-slide, too.
