SoGlos’s guide to the summer holidays in Gloucestershire in 2023 is guaranteed to make the six-week school break fly by.
From cracking days out at Gloucestershire’s wealth of exciting attractions, through to energetic sports and some unmissable special events, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.
Summer holiday activities in Cheltenham
Summer holiday shows at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
Dubbed as a ‘sizzling summer of fun’, Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre will be providing plenty of onstage entertainment for the whole family throughout the school holidays.
What's happening?
Celebrating the summer — come rain or shine — families can get together to watch a series of fun-filled performances at the Everyman Theatre.
See favourites Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends when In The Night Garden Live comes to the stage on Saturday 22 July 2023, with full-size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music — plus, little ones will see a special visit from the flying Pinky Ponk!
From Thursday 3 until Saturday 5 August 2023, brave heroes can enter into a magical world of myths and legends, undertaking a spell-binding adventure and unveiling a plethora of dark secrets, as well as coming face-to-face with magnificent monsters when the interactive Dragons And Mythical Beasts takes to the stage.
Based on the much-loved children's book by Judith Kerr, audiences can meet a big, stripy, tea-loving tiger during the stage adaptation of The Tiger Who Came To Tea this summer, from Thursday 10 until Saturday 12 August 2023. Packed with magic, sing-a-long songs and more, it's a show little ones won't want to miss.
And perfect for magic-loving kids — and their childish grown-ups! — Morgan & West are back with their Massive Magic Show For Kids! on Wednesday 30 August 2023. Audiences can expect belly-laughs, fantastical tricks and wall-to-wall silliness, delighting those aged five and 105, as well as everyone in between.
SoGlos loves
Charming audiences in New York and London and now Cheltenham, a magical new musical adaptation of Disney's Winnie the Pooh will arrive on the Everyman's stage from Thursday 31 August to Saturday 2 September 2023, for a family treat as sweet as a jar of honey!
See the lovable Pooh bear and Christopher Robin and their familiar friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Tigger and Owl, set against a magical Hundred Acre Wood backdrop, as well as some of the original Grammy award-winning songs written by the Sherman Brothers for the original animated films.
The important bits
Tickets for In The Night Garden Live start from £19 per person; Dragons And Mythical Beasts tickets start from £15.50 per person; The Tiger Who Came To Tea tickets cost £16 per person; Morgan & West's Massive Magic Show For Kids! tickets start from £14 person; and Winnie The Pooh tickets start from £20 per person.
Performance times vary.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
Summer Jam at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham is kicking off the summer holidays in style with three days of live music and family entertainment at Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July 2023 — with loads more family fun to be had throughout the six-week holiday, too.
What’s happening?
With a live music line-up spanning up-and-coming bands, returning favourites and Lakefest DJs, Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup brings festival vibes to the heart of Cheltenham with three days of live music and entertainment on its outdoor stage.
Dance along to pop party hits from the likes of The Mark Walby Band and Camilla Lewington; admire the talents of some of Gloucestershire's homegrown singer-songwriters; see the hottest new talent compete for a spot at Lakefest in the Amped final; and tuck into an array of tasty street food and drinks from pop-up vendors and outdoor bars while you soak it all in.
There's plenty to keep little ones entertained for hours, too, with ventriloquist and magician Colin Dymond and his puppet friends performing between music acts on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5.30pm; the chance to meet Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario characters from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday; and photo opportunities with princesses and superheroes from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday — not to mention a Glitterbomb glitter station to get those all-important festival sparkles sorted on Saturday.
SoGlos loves
There’s lots more for families to do at The Brewery Quarter throughout the summer holidays, too, with everything from The Play Farm for very little ones; Escape Hunt ideal for older kids and teens; and Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf, Hollywood Bowl and Cineworld offering fun for the whole family — as well as a host of crowd-pleasing restaurants serving everything from burgers and wings to fragrant curries and noodles.
The important bits
Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup takes place from 5pm to 9.30pm on Friday 21; 1pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2023 and is free to attend.
Cineworld, The Play Farm, Escape Hunt, Mr Mulligans and Hollywood Bowl can all be booked online in advance.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Summer holiday camps at East Glos Club
When and where?
Keep the kids occupied during the summer holidays with action-packed tennis, padel and sqaush camps at East Glos Club on Cheltenham’s Old Bath Road, running every week day from Monday 17 July to Friday 1 September 2023.
What’s happening?
Whether they’re familiar with a racket or totally new to the sport, children can burn off some energy in the fresh air at East Glos Club’s rackets camps, learning the basics or mastering techniques at their own pace.
Kids are taught by qualified coaches, with sessions designed to cater for all ages and abilities – featuring gameplay, competitions and changing teaching themes to help young players develop their skills on the court.
SoGlos loves
Home to the south west’s first padel courts, East Glos is giving junior players the chance to try the up-and-coming racket sport during their sessions. Played on enclosed courts, the game is a tennis-squash hybrid that’s fun, sociable and easy to learn.
The important bits
Mini tennis camps for three- to eight-year-olds run from 9am to 11am on Monday to Friday – costing £20 per day, or £90 per week. Junior tennis camps for nine- to 16-year-olds run from 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday – costing £40 per day or £180 for the week.
Players can book as few or as many sessions as they like, with everyone welcome to join in the fun. East Glos Club members are eligible for a 20 per cent discount.
How to book
Places must be booked online via eastglos.co.uk/camps.
Summer holiday adventures at 270 Climbing
When and where?
Home to one of Europe's biggest and most exciting high ropes courses, 270 Climbing Park is located on Bentham Lane between Gloucester and Cheltenham. During the summer holidays, it's open every day from 10am to 4pm, with late openings until 6.30pm on Wednesdays.
What's happening?
Adventurous families can put their strength, balance and nerve to the test at 270 Climbing Park this summer, with 66 challenging obstacles — set across nine routes and six levels, spanning a gentle low-level course to a dizzying 18-metre high route dubbed, 'Mission Impossible'.
Younger kids can master the low ropes on a course set one metre above the ground; while older children can reach new heights, taking on tyre walls, tunnels and trapeze-style elements on levels two and above. With unique features that can't be found anywhere else in the county, you'll get to pedal a bike at 11 metres aboveground and pull yourself along a coal car crossing to complete the course!
For an even stronger rush of adrenaline, take the leap of faith, whizz down the zip line or brave an 18-metre freefall jump from the Activity Tower.
SoGlos loves
Competitive kids can go head-to-head on level five, where there's a high ropes racecourse featuring two routes with exactly the same elements. Take it at your own pace or try and beat a friend to be first around the route — and you might even make it on to the all-time leaderboard, if you're fast enough!
The important bits
Low ropes only sessions last for one hour and cost £12.50 per person; experience the rest of the course for two hours at £25 per person; or three hours at £30 per person.
Activity Tower add-ons cost £5 for one, £8 for two or £11 for all three, with the option to pick and choose which ones you'd like to do.
Age and height restrictions apply. Level one is suitable for children over four who are taller than one metre; levels two, three and four are suitable for children over six who are taller than 1.2 metres; and levels five and six are suitable for children aged 10 and over, providing they are over 1.45 metres tall.
Children under 12 must be supervised by one adult. Each adult can supervise a maximum of two under 12-year-olds and must participate on the course alongside them. For those aged 12 to 16, one adult is required to remain on-site for the duration of the session, but does not need to participate on the ropes.
All sessions include a safety briefing and all equipment is included, fitted and checked out by trained staff.
How to book
Visit 270climbing.com.
Summer holiday dining at Pho in Cheltenham
When and where?
Little noodle lovers rejoice! Pho in Cheltenham has everything you could want for a tasty, authentic Vietnamese meal out with the family — with a dedicated menu designed especially for kids.
The popular restaurant, located in The Brewery Quarter, is a great stop for a spot of grub during the summer holidays, with options for even the fussiest of eaters.
What's happening?
Whether they've got an aversion to all things green or onions just aren't their thing, all the delicious main meals at Pho can be tailored to satisfy picky taste buds.
The whole family is catered for, with kid-friendly options including classic wok-fried noodles; Vietnamese chicken curry; homemade pork meatballs served with steamed rice and prawn crackers; and mini pho soup with a choice of chicken, steak, brisket or tofu.
There's even options for those as young as two, with the Baby Bun — a picking plate of plain round rice noodles, sliced chicken breast, cucumber, curry tomatoes and more — ideal for the littlest members of the family.
Better still, a meal and a drink from the kids menu costs just £6.95 per child.
SoGlos Loves
More than a quarter of Pho's menu is vegan already, but with its newly launched vegan menu, there's even more to choose from. Plant-based diners can tuck into dishes like Gỏi Cốn, fresh rice paper summer rolls with herbs, vermicelli and pickle; Bún Chay Huế, hot and spicy tofu with mushrooms and a veggie stock base; or Phở Xào, tofu and mushroom wok fried flat rice noodles with lemongrass, chilli and Asian greens.
Plus, Pho soup is full of antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamins, so visitors can rest assured that their meals are as healthy as they are flavourful.
The important bits
Pho Cheltenham is open from 12pm until 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 12pm until 9pm on Sundays.
Pho is accredited by Coeliac UK and over 40 per cent of its menu is vegan, but it is important to disclose all allergies and dietary requirements on arrival.
How to book
Booking is not essential, but recommended. For more information, visit phocafe.co.uk.
Golfing fun at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex
When and where?
Brickhampton Court Golf Complex in Churchdown, between Cheltenham and Gloucester, has plenty to keep the whole family entertained this summer. And it's definitely for all ages — as long as little ones can swing a club, they will be able to play a game. The whole family can use one bay and play against each other — the competition could get fierce!
What's happening?
Blessed with 200 acres of rolling countryside to play golf, the complex has recently added another string to its bow — TrackMan! Giving players the chance to perfect their swing, as well as play on virtual courses, it also has lots of games for little ones to enjoy.
Magic Pond is a favourite for children. This immersive game transports them into a parallel universe with dragons, skeletons and other cute monsters thrown into the mix.
You can set a maximum number of attempts to see how many you can catch before hitting the limit or use as many goes as you like to catch them all.
It’s action-packed entertainment at its best and, if you’ve got little ones in the family, will give you all hours of fun and laughter.
SoGlos loves
You can bag a free SoGlos burger when you play! Just buy a large bucket of balls and the burger's on us this summer!
It's also really good fun for families. After trying out TrackMan, parents have found it's the children asking to go to the range, which never happened before.
Because there's feedback from the screen, children get invested in their scores and the enjoyment is greater.
It's also good for boosting little one’s confidence because it is not all about hitting a good shot, youngsters score points just by hitting the ball and that can mean they knock over a character on the screen. It makes them want to hit another shot to see if they can score more points!
The important bits
The course is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 9pm, with last balls served at 8.30pm.
On Saturdays and Sundays you can play from 8am to 6pm with last balls served at 5.30pm.
There are three basket sizes to choose from. Small, with 35 balls, for £5.50. Medium costs £9 for 70 balls. A large bucket with 100 balls costs £11.
How to book
Call (01452) 858606.
Summer holiday activities in the Cotswolds
Discover Activity Camps at Westonbirt School
When and where?
Boredom is being obliterated from Monday 10 July until Friday 18 August 2023, as Discover Activity Camps takeover Westonbirt School in Tetbury, hosting a variety of activity days throughout the summer holidays.
What's happening?
Westonbirt School's brand-new activity programme allows children to make the most of their time off school, with the opportunity to learn new skills through outdoor and indoor fun and adventure promising to make 2023 a summer of exciting experiences.
There are six weeks of sessions full to the brim with activities like dodgeball, cookery, arts and crafts, tag rugby, pedal karts and more — making full use of Westonbirt's 210 acres of sprawling parkland grounds, as well as the school's top class facilities including an indoor swimming pool and brand-new astro pitch.
SoGlos loves
For children who excel at, or just love sports, there's also the opportunity to book onto special two- or three-day Discover Sports Camps, each led by an expert coach to help kids hone their skills in rugby or netball.
The important bits
Discover Activity Camps take place from 8am until 5.30pm each day and are split into age groups ranging from four to 14, to ensure programmes are tailored children's age and ability.
Discover Rugby Camp, in partnership with Bath Rugby, is open to both boys and girls aged eight to 14-years-old; while Discover Netball Camp is for girls and boys aged 10 to 15-years-old.
Prices for the camps start from £52 per child, per day.
How to book
Visit discoveractivitycamps.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Batsford Arboretum
When and where?
Popular with families and nature-lovers all over Gloucestershire, Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh is welcoming visitors every day throughout the summer holidays.
What’s happening?
Little ones can put their detective skills to the test, searching for hedgehogs hidden around the arboretum from Saturday 15 July to Sunday 3 September 2023. The Big Batsford Hedgehog Hunt costs an additional £3 per child, with a map provided for kids to jot down each hog’s secret hiding place — and a prize up for grabs, too!
The children’s trail offers a perfect way for families to explore the Cotswold arboretum’s glorious grounds, which are home to botanical species from all over the world. Soak up the sunshine while keeping the kids amused as they discover Batsford’s natural wonders.
SoGlos loves
As well as hunting for hedgehogs, children can entertain themselves at Batsford’s outdoor play area, next to the garden centre — where green-fingered grown-ups can have a field day browsing for new plants. With all kinds of perennial flowers, shrubs and trees on offer, keen gardeners might even find themselves a Japanese maple to take home.
The important bits
Tickets to Batsford Arboretum cost from £9 for adults, £8.10 for concessions and £3.15 for children aged four to 16, with under fours free of charge. Family tickets are also available for £22.50.
Batsford Arboretum is open from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
How to book
For more information, visit batsarb.co.uk/the-big-batsford-hedgehog-hunt.
Summer holiday fun at Cotswold Farm Park
When and where?
A firm family favourite for all ages, Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power near Cheltenham is hosting an extravaganza of countryside activities this summer, alongside all of its amazing animals and play equipment.
What's happening?
The Flower Festival bursts into life in July, when the park's fields are blooming with carpets of wildflowers for visitors to meander through — and in August, a sea of bobbing sunflowers spring up, attracting a plethora of pollinators for families to spot and identify.
The popular Maize Maze is available for little ones to practise their exploring and navigating skills, while the Larkswold barn is offering activities such as wool weaving and crafting clay pendants and coasters using petals and leaves found on foraging sessions in the fields.
SoGlos loves
There's a brand-new summer menu at Cotswold Farm Park's on-site restaurant and bar, The Ox Shed, featuring light bites such as a pork, sage and apple sausage roll; heartier dishes like ham hock bubble and squeak; and even vegan options such as the 'green goddess' — a pasta dish with garlic roasted courgette, broccoli, peas and vegan pesto. And the 'little farmers' menu has an excellent selection of dishes for even the fussiest of little eaters.
The important bits
The Flower Festival takes place from Friday 21 July to Thursday 31 August 2023 and is open daily from 11am to 5pm, with tickets priced from £18.50 for an adult, from £16.50 for a child age 4 to 15 and £12.50 for a toddler age 2 to 3. Babies one and under go free. Tickets also include access to the farm park.
For those wishing to visit the flower fields but not participate in activities or gain access to the farm park, tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for children.
How to book
Visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities in the Forest of Dean
Summer holiday adventures at Go Ape
When and where?
Go Ape has two sites in the Forest of Dean, with an exhilarating high-ropes course and Segway safari at Mallards Pike and courses better suited to little monkeys at Beechenhurst. Both sites are open throughout the summer holidays.
What's happening?
Explore the ancient Forest of Dean from great heights this summer 2023, channelling your inner Tarzan on the Treetop Challenge at Go Ape. Brave climbers can head 15 metres up into the canopy at Mallards Pike, where they’ll encounter wobbly stirrups, a multitude of rope crossings and an extended zip line for an adrenaline-pumping finish.
Through the trees at Beechenhurst, little explorers can test their courage on the Treetop Adventure course, finding their feet on bridges and crossings before whizzing through the air on the double zip wire; while the Treetop Adventure Plus course offers a more advanced challenge for kids over six — with higher platforms and extra wobbly crossings. They even get to take home a personalised certificate and sticker to show how they smashed the treetop course!
SoGlos loves
Those who want to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground can hop on to one of Go Ape’s all-terrain Segways for a forest floor adventure. With winding trails and bumps in the road, the safari-style ride will put daring driver's skills to the test as they soak up the forest's sights and sounds.
And after all that adventure, head to the cafe at Beechenhurst for a well-deserved refuelling — and maybe even an ice cream, too.
The important bits
The Treetop Challenge at Mallards Pike is suitable for adventurers aged 10 and above who are at least 1.4 metres tall and costs £35 per person. Meanwhile, the Forest Segway costs £38 and is suitable for people of all ages, with a minimum weight of 45 kilograms. One adult can supervise up to three children. 16 and 17-year-olds don't need supervision on either of these activities.
Over at Beechenhurst, the Treetop Adventure is suitable for people of all ages over one metre tall and costs £20. The extended Treetop Adventure Plus course is designed for people over six-years-old who are taller than 1.2 metres and costs £25.
How to book
Visit goape.co.uk/forest-of-dean.
Summer holiday activities at Dean Heritage Centre
When and where?
There's plenty of summer fun to be had at Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley, with activities taking place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the summer holidays — as well as on selected weekends.
What's happening?
Children can get stuck in with a whole range of extra activities such as craft workshops for creative kids; the chance to explore the grounds' rich history on guided walks; and plenty of outdoor play at Dean Heritage Centre this summer.
Uncovering the Forest of Dean's storied past, the attraction has a number of fascinating exhibits to explore, including the replica Victorian schoolroom and free mine. Back for another year, pick up an activity pack to make exploring the museum's interactive galleries and outdoor exhibits even more fun — with each pack including a special DHC pencil and a small gift.
Plus, follow the Gruffalo trail through the woods, spotting sculptures carved by Dean Heritage Centre's own site manager along the way; and for some added fun, head to the revamped adventure playground, kitted out with play equipment that takes inspiration from the local area, surrounding woodland and nature.
SoGlos loves
Dean Heritage Centre is also celebrating its 40th anniversary in August 2023. Visitors can enjoy a fair with stalls and food, entertainment, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August; guided tours on Tuesday 15 August; a special day where kids go free on Wednesday 16 August; plus, there'll be a celebratory picnic for all staff, volunteers and trustees, past and present, on Thursday 17 August 2023.
The important bits
With Gift Aid, admission to Dean Heritage Centre costs £8 per adult, £6 for children aged three to 16-years-old and is free for children under three.
The 40th anniversary celebrations take place from Saturday 12 until Thursday 17 August 2023. Tickets cost £5 per adult and £2 per child, except for Wednesday 16 August when kids go free.
How to book
There's no need to book in advance but for more information, visit deanheritagecentre.com/summer-holidays.
Summer holiday activities in Gloucester
Summer holiday activities at Gloucester Quays
When and where?
Gloucester Quays has a packed programme of activities taking place throughout the summer holidays, from its free food festival to the much anticipated launch of the Barbie movie.
What's happening?
Kicking off the summer holidays, the Gloucester Quays Food Festival takes place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2023, bringing Bake Off stars, celebrity chefs, street food traders and a whole host of artisan producers to Gloucester Quays — and admission is completely free! Children's entertainment includes roaming stilt walkers, face painting, an 'edible bubblelogist', carrot cupcakes and tips on how to grow a garden.
Hot on its heels is the much-anticipated launch of Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie. Strike a pose and snap a selfie in the Barbie Box from Friday 7 to Friday 21 July 2023 for a chance to win four tickets to see the movie at Cineworld.
There's loads going on throughout August, too, with a kid's summer trail to follow around the centre; Superhero School and seed planting workshops; the monthly Orchard Street Market taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August 2023; and the Strongman Champions League on Saturday 12 August 2023 — plus kids eat free all month at Bill's and The Real Greek.
SoGlos loves
As well as keeping the kids entertained all summer long, Gloucester Quays has plenty of places to stock up on back to school essentials, from school uniforms at the M&S outlet, new shoes at Clarks, to sports gear at the newly opened PUMA store, as well as that all-important new pencil case from The Works.
The important bits
Gloucester Quays Food Festival is free to attend, but places in the Cookery Theatre are first come, first served, so get there early to bag the best seats.
Tickets to the Strongman Champions League cost from £11 for adults and £6 for children.
How to book
Visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Nature in Art
When and where?
Little ones can unleash their arty side at Nature in Art in Twigworth, with the museum hosting a series of children’s summer activity sessions on selected days from Sunday 25 June to Friday 1 September 2023.
What's happening?
Encouraging kids to flex their creative muscles this
summer, Nature in Art is welcoming children to get crafty nearly everyday throughout the holidays, with
a range of nature-inspired activity sessions in its garden.
From making pressed flower lanterns, to weaving, salt painting, 'no hands' art, insect hotels and even building a magical fairy garden, there’s plenty for budding artists to get stuck into with something to suit every child’s interests.
Located in the Sculpture Garden, visitors will have the chance to meet a different artist in residence each week in the art studio. From ceramics to glass engraving, paper textiles to botanical illustration, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Plus, TeenArt Taster Sessions are starting up again! Teenagers interested in experimenting with art and crafts can take the chance to try new ideas, techniques and mediums and to get creative during the holidays. Inspiration, materials and guidance are all provided.
SoGlos loves
Two special exhibitions will also be on display throughout the holidays.
Firstly ‘Wrestling with a Pencil’, an exhibition of the work of popular cartoonist, Norman Thelwell; followed by the revered showcase of nature photography in the 'British Wildlife Photography Awards’. The images displayed serve as a crucial reminder of what value our woodlands, wetlands and other ecosystems still hold.
The important bits
Nature In Art is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm.
The 'Wrestling with a Pencil' exhibition will continue until Sunday 16 July 2023; and the 'British Wildlife Photography Awards' will be on display from Tuesday 25 July until Sunday 3 September 2023.
All activities must be booked online in advance. Booking is available from Friday 7 July 2023.
How to book
For more information, visit natureinart.org.uk/activitydays.
Summer holiday fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
When and where?
Looking for a family thrill this summer? Develop some super ninja skills at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester and take part in exciting challenges for all ages throughout the school holidays.
What’s happening?
This summer — come rain or shine — adrenaline junkies can take on exciting obstacles including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping and even a wickedly warped wall at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester. With plenty of activities at varying degrees of difficulty, the whole family can get involved.
With a venue inspired by the hit television show Ninja Warrior UK, children can race their friends and family to see if they could be crowned champion, while developing some nifty ninja skills along the way.
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is also offering its Ninja Summer Pass for £50, so ninjas can visit every day for a two hour session between Friday 21 July and Sunday 3 September 2023. What's more, summer pass
holders also get 15 per cent discount in the cafe, too.
SoGlos loves
After a wild session of energetic fun, families can refuel at the venue's on-site cafe, choosing from a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
The important bits
Tickets to Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester must be booked online in advance.
The Ninja Summer Pass is available to everyone over the age of five years and allows access to any of the Ninja Warrior (age five and above) sessions.
How to book
Visit ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester.
Summer holiday activities at Gloucester Cathedral
When and where?
Gloucester Cathedral has a packed progamme of events and activities taking place during the summer holidays this year, from exciting new trails to follow to a special community art exhibition celebrating 75 years of the NHS.
What’s happening?
Gloucester Cathedral's Family Discovery Guide is a fun, interactive trail that's ideal for families, highlighting some of the building's most fascinating features. There are lots of free family activities to try up in the Tribune Gallery high above the Quire, too, like dressing up as a cathedral character, designing your own gruesome gargoyle and experiencing the magic of the Whispering Gallery.
To mark 75 years of the NHS, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a special art exhibition in the Cloister throughout the summer, which features art created by members of the community as part of NHS Gloucestershire's sessions to boost mental and physical wellbeing, alongside the award-winning sculpture The Hand That Cared by renowned sculptor, Deborah Harrison.
Intrepid explorers can join one of Gloucester Cathedral's famous tours, climbing the 269 steps to the Tower to admire one of the most spectacular views over the county, descending down into the Crypt to learn about the building's rich history, or taking in the the highlights with an expert guide; then throughout August, visitors can enjoy a moment of calm meditation as they follow the winding path of the Labyrinth — the ideal antidote to summer stress!
SoGlos loves
For music-loving families, don't miss the Three Choirs Festival, which is back in Gloucester from Saturday 22 to Saturday 29 July 2023. The world-famous festival has plenty of family events to get involved in, a lively festival village to explore and even offers the chance to hear orchestras and choirs rehearsing at the cathedral for free!
The important bits
Gloucester Cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday with entry by donation.
Family Discovery Guides are available from the welcome desk or gift shop and cost £3.50 each. Tours can be booked at the welcome desk with the Crypt Tour costing £4 for adults and £1.50 for children aged six to 17; the Highlights Tour costing £6 for adults or £2 for children aged six to 17; and the Tower Tour costing £10 for adults and £5 for children aged six to 17.
The Tribune Gallery is open from 10.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday with last entry at 4pm; 10.30am until 3.45pm on Saturday with last entry at 3.15pm; and 12pm until 2pm on Sunday with last entry at 1.30pm. Activities in the Tribune Gallery are free and suitable for all ages, but there is no level access to this area.
NHS 75 Community Art Exhibition and The Hand That Cared are both available to view in the Cloister from Saturday 1 July until Friday 1 September 2023.
Opening hours vary while Three Choirs Festival is taking place so please check the Gloucester Cathedral website for the very latest details. Ticket prices for Three Choirs Festival events vary, for more information see Three Choirs Festival.
How to book
For more information, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Summer holidays architecture and art at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester at Gloucester Docks is hosting a summer of fun centred around art and architecture from August to September 2023.
A new 'Crossings' immersive art installation by Luke Jerram will run from Wednesday 9 August to Sunday 3 September 2023.
On Wednesdays, throughout the summer holidays, the museum is hosting junk modelling sessions from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The models created will go on display during Gloucester Heritage Open Days on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September 2023.
Boat trips also run from the museum at midday and 1.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday and selected Sundays throughout the summer.
The museum is open from 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday and on selected Sundays. Check social media for the most up-to-date information.
What’s happening?
This summer, the museum is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Llanthony Warehouse, its home in Gloucester Docks which was built in 1873.
Throughout the summer, visitors will be able to take part in a celebration of the architecture of the building — a very early example of a skyscraper — through trails and family activities.
Create new and exciting things from discarded items in junk modelling sessions. The whole family can join in, designing, investigating and problem solving to bring plans and ideas to life.
There's also the chance to join immersive art installation 'Crossings' by Luke Jerram in collaboration with BBC Radio 4 producer Julian May. Float out on brightly decorated boats and go on an audio journey that transports you to another life and circumstance.
SoGlos loves
An entry ticket to the museum allows you to come back as many times as you like for a whole year!
The important bits
'Crossing' boats experience costs £10 for one hour and can fit a family of four or up to three adults.
Drop-in junk modelling sessions are free with an annual ticket or buy your ticket on the day.
Adults, over 16 years old, cost £8.50. Children, from six to 15-years-old, cost £5. Children under five go free.
Family tickets cost £22. The entry ticket allows you to come back as many times as you like for 12 months.
How to book
Ticket bookings for 'Crossing' will open soon. For entry to the museum as well as boat trips, there's no need to book, just turn up!
Summer holiday activities in Stroud
Summer holiday activities at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Splash into summer at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, open every day of the summer holidays from 9.30am to 5pm.
What’s happening?
With all kinds of creatures to meet at Slimbridge, animal lovers can discover deadly amphibians in Toad Hall; feed hungry birds at Geese of the World; meet the world's rarest goose, the Hawaiian nene, at Mission Possible; and watch the wildlife from the water on a canoe safari.
Cool off
with a splash about in Welly Boot Land, which got an exciting upgrade and new play equipment earlier this
year, and visit the Living Wetland Theatre for interactive
family shows throughout the summer holidays.
Don't forget to explore Slimbridge's brand-new Drawn to Water trail and Quentin Blake exhibition, with arty workshops and craft sessions for little ones inspired by his illustrations, including water marbling and screen-printing on selected dates.
SoGlos loves
Throughout the summer holidays, children can get stuck into extra activities at Slimbridge, including pond dipping for nymphs and water fleas and iSandBox sessions, where they can create lakes, form rivers and raise volcanoes within the interactive wetland sandbox. There are engaging amphibian talks to join every day, too.
The important bits
General admission to Slimbridge Wetland Centre costs from £17.50 for adults, £11.50 for children aged four to 17 and is free for children under four.
Many summer holiday activities are included in the ticket price. The children's screen-printing workshop costs £20 per child and places must be booked online in advance.
How to book
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/splash-into-summer.
Summer holiday activities at Berkeley Castle
When and where?
Berkeley Castle near Stroud is open from Sunday to Wednesday every week during the summer holidays, with plenty of seasonal activities to keep little princes and princesses entertained.
What’s happening?
Adventurous kids can channel their inner Robin Hood on Mondays during the summer holidays, with the chance to wield their own bow and have a go at archery; history fans can join in with Tudor dancing and storytelling on Tuesdays; while on Wednesdays, animal lovers can meet all kinds of creatures at the Tudor ZooLab and learn more about the weird medicinal practices used back then.
Throughout the season, visitors can also expect meet-and-greets with Tudor royalty and medieval characters, with the chance to see Gloucestershire’s bravest knights battle it out in an exciting jousting display, too!
SoGlos loves
Wannabe knights can learn from the best at Berkeley Castle's Warrior Day on Sunday 13 August 2023 — as accomplished swordsmen, Dressed to Kill, demonstrate their 15th century combat skills while donning their own handcrafted, authentic steel armour.
The important bits
Tickets to Berkeley Castle cost £14.50 for adults, £13 for concessions and £7.50 for children aged three to 16. Children under three go free, with family tickets available at £40 for two adults and two children.
Most summer holiday activities are included in the price of general admission, but there's a small additional cost of £1 per person to watch The Joust.
Archery is available from Monday 31 July to Monday 21 August and the Tudor ZooLab is running from Wednesday 2 to Wednesday 30 August 2023 only.
How to book
Visit berkeley-castle.com/whats-on.
Summer holiday activities at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley is open to visitors every day of the summer holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
What’s happening?
From hands-on animal experiences to outdoor play, there’s lots of fun to be had at Cattle Country during the summer holidays. As well as daily sheep racing and animal handling, kids can let loose on the castle-themed adventure playground, boing on the jumping pillows and dig around in the construction sand barn.
Cool off with a dip in the splash pool, hop on a tractor, or get the family together for a row around the boating lake. After a day of farmyard fun, hungry visitors can tuck into cones from the ice cream kiosk, with fresh, locally-sourced food served at the on-site café, GRAZE.
SoGlos loves
Open from Tuesday 1 August 2023, Cattle Country's brand-new indoor play barn, The Cowshed, offers over 800 square metres of fun-filled space for children to burn off some energy. Kids can whizz down slides, pedal around the go kart track and join in with interactive games – plus, let their imaginations run wild with the new Tiny Town role play area, complete with a mini GRAZE café!
The important bits
Admission to Cattle Country Farm Park costs £12 for adults and concessions, £16.50 for children aged four to 17 and £13.50 for toddlers aged one to three. Babies under one go free.
All attractions and activities are included in the cost of admission, with the exception of the tractor and trailer ride, which costs £1.50 per person.
How to book
Visit cattlecountry.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities in Tewkesbury
Summer holiday shows and activities at The Roses Theatre
When and where?
There's loads going on at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury during the summer holidays in 2023, with everything from craft workshops for creative kids to fantastic family shows.
What's happening?
Taking place in the gorgeous Tewkesbury Town Hall gardens, creative little ones aged five to 14 can get involved with FREE heritage- and wildlife-inspired craft workshops on Tuesday 15, Saturday 19 and Friday 25 August 2023. While budding actors, singers and stage managers won't want to miss the three-day Young Creatives Holiday Club from Wednesday 2 August 2023, where they'll get to learn new skills, make new friends and take to the stage for a final performance on day three.
For theatre-loving families, there are lots of fantastic shows taking place throughout the summer holidays, too, with a riotous open-air retelling of the myth of Pandora's Box on Sunday 20 August; a chance to see Milkshake! Monkey and his best buddies on stage at Milkshake Live! on Tuesday 22 August; and a singalong performance of I Spy With My Little Eye! including the chance to meet Bingo and Molly after the show on Friday 1 September 2023.
SoGlos loves
Little film fans can catch the new Dreamworks movie Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken at The Roses Theatre cinema from Saturday 22 to Thursday 27 July 2023, for a fun start to the summer holidays. Pass the popcorn!
The important bits
Craft workshops are free and no booking is required.
Young Creatives Holiday Club costs £115 each including lunch and refreshments, with a limited number of bursary spaces available.
Tickets for Pandora's Box cost £14 for adults and £12 for children; Milkshake Live! costs £18.50 for adults and £16.50 for children; and I Spy With My Little Eye! costs £12 for adults and £10 for children, with family discounts available for all three shows.
How to book
Visit rosestheatre.org.
Summer holiday activities beyond the border
Summer holiday activities at Eastnor Castle
When and where?
Families can hop over the Herefordshire border for a summer of fun at Eastnor Castle near Ledbury, open Sunday to Thursday every week during the summer holidays – with special activities running from Sunday 23 July to Thursday 31 August 2023.
What’s happening?
If the castle and its impressive grounds – featuring walking trails, adventure playgrounds and ride-on Land Rovers – weren’t enough, Eastnor Castle is also hosting a varied programme of events and activities throughout the summer season.
Dinosaur-obsessed visitors can bump into a walking, roaring T-Rex; while there are also chances to bust a move at dance workshops, clown around learning circus skills and encounter exotic animals at the visitor attraction, too.
Plus, hunt for bugs, build a den and mess around in the mud kitchen during Wildplay; experience medieval cooking, crafts and combat at the Woodvilles Living History Camp; and get a lesson in chivalry at the Knights and Princesses School, featuring foam sword training games and medieval princess shows.
SoGlos loves
As one of the only historic houses in the country that welcomes dogs into its grounds AND castle, Eastnor Castle is a day out the whole family can enjoy – with their four-legged friends in tow!
The important bits
Grounds-only tickets to Eastnor Castle cost £10 for adults and £6 for children aged three to 15, with family tickets costing £19 for one adult and up to three children or £29 for two adults and up to three children. Castle upgrades are available for an additional cost.
All summer holiday activities are included in the cost of admission.
How to book
For more information, visit eastnorcastle.com/summer-of-fun.
