Find all the cracking Easter holiday events in Gloucestershire in SoGlos’s handy guide – including egg hunts, free trails and Easter camps.
Here’s how you can have an egg-cellent Easter in Gloucestershire.
Easter events in Cheltenham
Easter egg hunt at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
Hop to The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham during the Easter holidays and find the hidden eggs for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
What’s happening?
Throughout the Easter holidays, there'll be Easter eggs hidden at venues all around The Brewery Quarter, just waiting for families to find them. Each egg contains a hidden letter, secret offer or a fun fact about where it was found.
Find all the eggs and decipher the Easter-themed phrase they spell out for a chance to win £200 in Brewery Quarter vouchers, which you can spend on everything from bowling, adventure golf and movies to delicious family meals at the likes of The Botanist, Hub Box, Mowgli, Pho and Pizza Express.
SoGlos loves
Little ones can pick up a chocolate egg from selected venues around the centre to keep them going while they hunt for all the other hidden eggs. Yum!
The important bits
The Brewery Quarter's Easter egg hunt requires a smartphone and the Facebook Messenger app to enter.
How to book
There's no need to book for the Easter egg hunt, simply head to The Brewery Quarter during the Easter holidays.
To book a restaurant table or family attraction, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Easter events in the Cotswolds
Meet gruesome gladiators at the Corinium Museum
When and where?
For those looking to experience something slightly different this Easter, the Gladiators - A Cemetery of Secrets exhibition and re-enactment days at the Corinium Museum are open for visitors to explore until Saturday 22 April 2023 – ideal for entertaining youngsters during the holidays.
What’s happening?
Easter explorers have the chance to get up close to six skeletons from the Driffield Terrace excavation in York, which are on loan from the Jorvik Museum collection. Little ones can ponder who they were in a previous life, where they came from and how they died - whether they were criminals, soldiers, gladiators or enslaved people.
Plus, there's plenty of shouting and mayhem to take part in, as families are transported back in time to experience the activities that once took place in amphitheatres across the Roman Empire, during gladiator re-enactment days running throughout the Easter break.
Re-enactment group, Legio Secunda Augusta, is also taking over the museum's Hare gallery with its exciting gladiator shows, featuring talks and gladiatorial combat to bring the gladiators to life for audiences.
SoGlos loves
Visitors to the Corinium Museum can also listen to talks and lectures; join in tours; and enjoy lots more historical activities suitable for all ages - with a filmed British Sign Language tour of the exhibition available, too.
The important bits
The Corinium Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday.
Gladiator re-enactment days take place on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, and Friday 14 April 2023 from 10am to 4pm.
Entrance to the Gladiators - A Cemetery of Secrets exhibition and re-enactment days is included in admission and costs £7.40 per adults, £3.45 for children aged five to 16 and is free for under-fives.
How to book
Visit coriniummuseum.org.
Easter events in the Forest of Dean
Easter family fun at Go Ape
When and where?
Go Ape has two amazing sites just 10 minutes apart in the Forest of Dean: a challenging high-ropes course for over 10s at Mallards Pike; and an entry-level treetop adventure for younger ones at Beechenhurst. Both sites are open throughout the Easter holidays.
What's happening?
Suitable for children over one metre tall, younger explorers will love the Treetop Adventure course at Beechenhurst, with fun tree-to-tree crossings, super wobbly bridges and slower-moving mini zip wires - all at a safe level from the ground. And for little monkeys aged six and above, the Treetop Adventure Plus goes higher into the trees, with more challenging crossings and a big zip wire down to the ground for the finish.
Meanwhile, over at Mallards Pike, adventurous older kids and grown-ups can get stuck into the 15-metre high treetop course. Situated in England's largest oak woodland, spend a couple of hours safely hanging from ladders, crossings, bridges and, of course, the popular high-speed zip wires.
And for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, Go Ape's Forest Segway experience, also in Mallards Pike, offers a one-hour all-terrain cruise through the woods, where you might spot anything from wild boar to deer leaping through the fauna.
SoGlos loves
After all those epic adventures in the canopies, families can cool off and grab lunch in the Beechenhurst café, then head for a gentle walk around the Zog trail, where little ones will love searching for golden stars.
The important bits
The Treetop Challenge at Mallards Pike is suitable for anyone over 10 years old and 1.4 metres tall, costing £35 per person. One adult can supervise up to two children aged 10 to 15 years old.
The Forest Segway experience is suitable for all ages, with a minimum weight of 45 kilograms, and costs £38. One adult can supervise up to three children. 16 and 17 year olds don't need supervision on either of these activities.
At Beechenhurst, the Treetop Adventure is suitable for all ages over one metre tall and costs £20; while the extended Treetop Adventure Plus course is designed for adventurers aged six and above, who are taller than 1.2 metres, and costs £23.
How to book
For more information, visit goape.co.uk/forest-of-dean.
Easter activities at Dean Heritage Centre
When and where?
Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley is inviting visitors to take part in some egg-citing Easter activities from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
What’s happening?
During the school break, kids can tackle an Easter-themed indoor scavenger hunt trail at Dean Heritage Centre, with all participants entered into a draw for the chance to win a special prize; take part in fun Easter crafts; and explore the five-acre site with a guided spring walk, where they might even spy some local wildlife!
Shedding light on the Forest of Dean's past, the attraction also has a fascinating number of exhibits to explore, including the replica Victorian schoolroom and free mine. Plus, follow the Gruffalo trail through the woods, spotting sculptures carved by Dean Heritage Centre's own site manager.
For even more fun, little ones can visit the recently revamped playground, featuring outdoor play equipment that takes inspiration from the local area, surrounding woodland and nature.
SoGlos loves
The weather can be unpredictable in spring, with April showers - but don't let that stop you! Dean Heritage Centre offers a rainy day guarantee as standard, giving families the opportunity to come back for another visit if the rain means they can't make the most of its outdoor exhibits and activities.
The important bits
Dean Heritage Centre is open every day during the Easter holidays from 10am to 4pm.
Afternoon guided spring walks take place on Wednesday 5 and 12, Thursday 6 and 13 April 2023; and springtime crafts take place on Thursday 6 and 13 and Friday 7 and Friday 14 April 2023.
All Easter activities at Dean Heritage Centre are free with admission, which costs from £7.20 for adults, £5.40 for children aged three to 16, and is free for children under three.
How to book
There's no need to book in advance but for more information, visit deanheritagecentre.com.
Easter events in Gloucester
Easter fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
When and where?
Looking for a family thrill this Easter? Develop some impressive ninja skills at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester, suitable for all ages, and take part in exciting challenges throughout the school holidays.
What’s happening?
Offering plenty of obstacles with varying degrees of difficulty, the whole family can get involved in a selection of activities this Easter break, including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping - and even take on a wickedly warped wall!
With the venue inspired by the hit television show Ninja Warrior UK, children can race their friends and family and see if they could be crowned champion, whilst developing some nifty ninja skills along the way.
SoGlos loves
Families can refuel after a session of adrenaline pumping fun at the venue's on-site café, choosing from a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
The important bits
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is open every day during Easter half term, welcoming ninjas from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 6.30pm on Sunday.
Tickets cost from £13 for children aged five and up.
How to book
Tickets must be booked online in advance via ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester.
Holy Week and Easter at Gloucester Cathedral
When and where?
Celebrate Easter with a range of activities, from guided tours to traditional family services, at Gloucester Cathedral from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
What's happening?
Families can learn all about the Easter story on the brand-new Cheeky Chicks Easter Trail at Gloucester Cathedral. Pick up a trail sheet from the welcome desk and see if you can find the flock of mischievous chicks hiding around the beautiful building.
Take part in free Easter arts and crafts sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm in the Chapter House on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 April 2023.
Or join in with one of Gloucester Cathedral's fascinating tours, with Highlights and Crypt Tours taking place every day of the Easter holidays except Good Friday; Library Tours on Saturday 15 April 2023; and Tower Tours on selected dates throughout April.
SoGlos loves
Gloucester Cathedral is also hosting a variety of traditional church services throughout the Easter season, including the Palm Sunday Eucharist on Sunday 2; the Chism Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, with the blessing of holy oils by the Bishop of Gloucester; culminating in a special Easter Sunday service with traditional readings and hymns celebrating the resurrection on Sunday 9 April 2023.
The important bits
All of Gloucester Cathedral's services, the Cheeky Chicks Easter Trail and Easter arts and crafts sessions are free, but anyone wishing to attend the arts and crafts sessions will need to pre-book a timeslot online.
Library and Tower Tours can be booked online in advance; while Crypt and Highlights tours are available to book at the welcome desk on the day of your visit. Crypt Tours cost £3.50 for adults or £1.50 for children; Highlights Tours cost £5.50 per adult and £2 per child; Library Tours cost £8 per adult and £5 per child; and Tower Tours cost £10 per adult and £5 per child.
How to book
For more information, see Holy Week and Easter at Gloucester Cathedral, or to book tickets, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Easter at Coal Kitchen
When and where?
Take the kids to Gloucester Quays to try Coal Kitchen's egg-citing new menu during the Easter holidays.
What’s happening?
Just in time for Easter, Coal Kitchen has launched its brand-new set menu for spring. From tacos, pasta, burgers, salads and wraps, there's something for all tastes and dietary requirements, including vegetarians, vegans and little diners.
Children can also get creative and enter a fun Easter colouring competition, with the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend on a future visit to Coal Kitchen.
SoGlos loves
For the grown-ups, there's a special limited edition cocktail on the menu, too. The 'Springtime Spritz' features a delicious mix of rhubarb and ginger gin, elderflower and pink grapefruit – finished off with a garnish of edible flowers.
The important bits
Coal Kitchen's new set menu offers two courses for £14.95 and three courses for £15.95.
The kid's colouring competition is running throughout the Easter holidays, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023. The winner will be announced on Thursday 20 April 2023.
How to book
To book a table, call (01452) 523760 or visit coalkitchen.co.uk.
The Wild Escape at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Explore your wild side during the Easter holidays and hop on over to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester to take part in its brand-new Wild Escape activities and trails.
What's happening?
As part of the Art Fund and Arts Council England project, special activities and wildlife trails will be available at the museum throughout the Easter holidays - following the Wild Escape theme.
Activity days will take place alongside the bounds of fun and engaging wildlife trails happening throughout the two weeks. Highlights include a drop-in session with the Canal & River Trust Explorers, where little adventurers can take part in a whole host of wildlife themed activities; and a chance to gain first-hand experience with some extraordinary reptiles and amphibians as Jonathan's Roadshow Jungle pays a visit - all whilst learning about conservation and how the animals live.
The Wild Escape project is aimed at encouraging the next generation, giving them the opportunity to join the biodiversity conversation.
SoGlos loves
Building towards a national movement for Earth Day 2023, the Wild Escape project is inviting children aged seven to 11 to seek out their favourite animal found at the museum and create a piece of artwork, illustrating its journey to a natural habitat.
The pieces created will be featured in an epic collective work of art that will be unveiled on Earth Day to celebrate the natural world.
The important bits
National Waterways Museum Gloucester is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 3pm.
The Canal & River Trust Explorers session takes place on Saturday 1 April 2023 and is included in the museum entry price; and the session with Jonathan's Roadshow Jungle takes place on Wednesday 12 April 2023.
Sessions with Jonathan's Roadshow Jungle are also available to book for visitors with annual museum tickets or a Canal & River Trust Membership on board the boat, Sabrina 5 - a fully-accessible floating classroom. Details can be found on the museum's Facebook page.
Entry to the museum costs £8.50 for those over 16; £5 for children aged six to 15; and free for children under five. Plus, each ticket gives you access to the museum for 12 months.
How to book
For more information, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.
Lambing, calving and farrowing live at the River Severn Fairy Trail
When and where?
The River Severn Fairy Trail on Lime Kiln Farm is inviting families to meet fairies and friendly farm animals on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2; Thursday 6 to Monday 10; Thursday 13 to Sunday 16; Thursday 20 to Sunday 23; and Thursday 27 April to Monday 1 May 2023.
What's happening?
Ideal for families with children under 12, the River Severn Fairy Trail invites families to pick up a booklet and head off on a quest to help the Fairy Queen find her best friend, Pickle the Pig, who is hiding somewhere on the farm. Providing an adorable way to spend a day out in the glorious Gloucestershire countryside, little ones can look for clues while parents take plenty of snaps at picturesque photo opportunities all around the trail.
Just in time for the Easter holidays, the resident native breed farm animals are currently lambing, calving and farrowing, so there are lots of cute baby animals to meet, too! The farm offers families the chance to witness animals being born live - and even bottle feed orphaned lambs and goat kids.
SoGlos loves
As well as providing farmyard fun for the whole family, the River Severn Fairy Trail is known for its fantastic homegrown food, with all of its meat coming directly from the farm. Tuck into burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, sausage and chips and ice cream, all served in compostable packaging to minimise food miles and waste. There's even a butcher's shop on-site so visitors can take home something delicious for dinner.
The important bits
Gates to the farm open at 10am with last entry at 4pm. The Fairy Trail takes around 45 to 60 minutes to complete and visitors who have booked a bottle feeding slot are asked to arrive 10 minutes before their allocated time.
Tickets cost £3 for adults, £5 for children and are free for babies, with bottle feeding costing an additional £4 each. Visitors are politely asked not to bring their own food onto the farm.
How to book
Places must be booked online in advance at theriversevernfairytrail.co.uk.
Easter events in Stroud
Duck Detectives at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Join feathered friends and become a Duck Detective at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, with this year's Easter trail taking place from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
What's happening?
Mini detectives can quack the clues and take on an Easter hunt with a difference, using their senses to reveal wildlife secrets around Slimbridge Wetland Centre to investigate the mystery of the missing duck.
Using everything from feathers, bird calls and footprints to solve the case, complete the trail with help from your special Duck Detective case file before putting your new-found nature detective skills to the test around the wetlands.
As well as plenty of other quack-tastic Easter activities to look forward, there's so much to discover at Slimbridge – from pond dipping for critters; setting off on a canoe safari to spot wildlife from the water; to learning how and why nature conservationists use animal poo at the Living Wetland Theatre.
SoGlos loves
For even more splash-tastic fun, Slimbridge's revamped Welly Boot Land adventure play area has brand-new lily pad trampolines and log tunnels to discover, alongside its popular water play elements.
The centre has also invested in accessibility improvements, with new levelled surfacing at Welly Boot Land and a Changing Places toilet facility helping to make the visitor attraction more inclusive.
The important bits
The Duck Detectives trail and additional Easter activities are included in the cost of admission. Tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre cost from £15 for adults, £8.63 for children aged four to 16 and are free for children under four.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is open every day during the Easter holidays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/duck-detectives.
Civil War living history event at Berkeley Castle
When and where?
Prepare for battle at Berkeley Castle this Easter weekend, with its Civil War living history event taking place from Saturday 8 to Monday 10 April 2023.
The castle is open from Sunday to Wednesday throughout the Easter holidays, as well as on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 April 2023.
What’s happening?
Transporting visitors back to 1642, Berkeley Castle is re-imagining the English Civil War with living history activities and re-enactments from skilled living history performers.
Expect a fun-filled Easter weekend of fast-paced arena displays, with soldiers on horse and foot; plus, get involved with period dancing to seventeenth-century tunes, and join in with children’s activities.
SoGlos loves
If the Civil War activities spark an interest for British history, dig deeper into the past and discover fascinating historical artefacts inside the 12th-century castle – from pieces of Francis Drake's furniture to the dungeon where King Edward II was imprisoned.
The important bits
Civil War activities are included in the price of admission. Tickets to Berkeley Castle cost £14.50 for adults and £7.50 for children aged three to 16, with free entry for children under three.
How to book
For more information, see Civil War at Berkeley Castle, or to book tickets, visit berkeley-castle.com.
Easter activities at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Meet the newest members of the herd at Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley, with Easter activities taking place from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
What's happening?
With so many baby animals being born on the farm this spring, visitors can get up close to Cattle Country's new arrivals in the Animal Barn – saying hello to lively lambs, spotting adorable piglets and even handling tiny chicks, ducklings and rabbits.
Plus, meet the Easter bunny around the farm park; have a go at decorating a yummy Easter biscuit; and enjoy everything the family attraction has to offer, from boinging on the jumping pillows and making sandcastles in the beach barn, to hopping on a tractor and trailer ride or scaling the climbing net.
SoGlos loves
Keep your eyes peeled when visiting Cattle Country during the Easter holidays. There are golden eggs hidden around the farm park, with the chance to win daily prizes if you can find them all!
The important bits
Cattle Country Farm Park is open every day during the Easter holidays from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets must be booked online in advance and cost £14 for children aged four to 17, £11.50 for toddlers aged one to three and £10 for adults. Babies under one can come along for free.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets, visit cattlecountry.co.uk/easter.
Easter events beyond the border
Coronation Chicken Easter Treasure Hunt at Eastnor Castle
When and where?
Bunny hop over the border to Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, for its annual Easter treasure hunt – taking place from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April 2023.
What's happening?
Families are invited to join Eastnor Castle on a royal egg-venture over the bank holiday weekend, hunting for clues to complete its Easter treasure hunt. This year, there’s a 'Coronation Chicken' theme to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
It’s a fantastic way to get little bunnies hopping around the impressive castle and its gorgeous gardens – with rope swings suspended from trees, an adventure playground, junior obstacle course and a challenging Knight’s Maze to discover, too.
SoGlos loves
As well as getting a chocolate Malteaster bunny for their efforts, happy hunters will also be entered into an egg-citing prize draw after completing the Coronation Chicken Easter Treasure Hunt… for the chance to win a GIANT chocolate treat to take home!
The important bits
Eastnor Castle is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm for the Coronation Chicken Easter Treasure Hunt
Tickets to Eastnor Castle cost £14 for adults and £8 for children aged three to 15, while children aged two and under can enter for free and don’t need a ticket. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
The attraction welcomes well-behaved dogs, too.
How to book
For more information, see Easter treasure hunt at Eastnor Castle and to book tickets, visit eastnorcastle.com/easter-treasure-hunt.
