SoGlos’s guide to the summer holidays in Gloucestershire in 2024 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 highlights at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
Running from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 July 2024, a live production of David Walliams' beloved story, Awful Auntie, comes to the Everyman Theatre for just three days this summer holiday.
What's happening?
Featuring a small ghost, a huge owl and a very awful aunt, get ready to laugh yourself silly at David Walliams' Awful Auntie stage show, for a side-splitting start to the summer holidays.
In this hilarious hoot of an adventure, Aunt Alberta is on a mission to cheat the young Lady Stella Saxby out of her inheritance, Saxby Hall. Thankfully, with mischievous Soot, the cockney ghost of a chimney sweep at her side, Stella is determined to fight back…
Presented by Birmingham Stage Company, following its acclaimed productions of Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist, this exciting stage adaptation of David Walliams' popular children's book is packed full of humour and heart.
SoGlos loves
For bigger kids, there's also the chance to step into the spotlight at the Everyman's unforgettable summer schools, part of its inclusive youth theatre programme. Young people aged 13 to 20 can secure a spot at senior summer school, which runs from Wednesday 7 to Friday 16 August 2024, with opportunities to develop confidence, performance skills and take part in an ensemble show in front of a public audience — with no previous experience required.
The important bits
Tickets for Awful Auntie start from £15 per person and senior summer school places cost £250 per person, with both available to book online.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
See live music and meet dinosaurs, Transformers and Paw Patrol characters at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham has a packed programme of free family entertainment throughout the summer holidays, with everything from live bands to dinosaur encounters taking place from Friday 26 July until Wednesday 28 August 2024.
What's happening?
Kicking off the summer holidays in style, Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup brings live music, family entertainment and more to The Brewery Quarter from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July 2024. From Saturday headliner Abz from Five to the most exciting up-and-coming talent competing for a spot on the Lakefest main stage, families can dance until they drop with live music taking place throughout each day and into the evening.
The Brewery Quarter is also sponsoring Cheltenham Paint Festival for another year, with Sam Art creating one of his photorealistic murals on Henrietta Street during the week leading up to Summer Jam.
Then there's a host of fun family events courtesy of 'Totally Crazy Entertainment', with Paw Patrol characters Chase, Marshall and Ryder taking to the stage on Wednesday 31 July 2024, plus meet and greet sessions after the shows; Dino Encounter on Wednesday 14 August 2024, which brings a lifelike T Rex, Parasaurolophus and Carnotaurus to The Brewery Quarter, as well as the chance to meet adorable baby dinos; and legendary robots the Transformers coming to The Brewery on Wednesday 28 August 2024, with the chance to meet Bumblebee and Optimus Prime.
SoGlos loves
If the Great British summer weather leaves a lot to be desired, there's plenty of indoor entertainment at The Brewery Quarter, from soft play for the littlest family members to adventure golf, bowling, movies and escape rooms for older kids, perfect for keeping them entertained when the skies are grey.
The important bits
Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup takes place from 5.40pm to 9.30pm on Friday 26; 1pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 27; and 1pm to 8pm on Sunday 28 July 2024.
Paw Patrol 'Prepare To Party' on Wednesday 31 July, Dino Encounter live shows on Wednesday 14 August and Transformers Meet and Greets on Wednesday 28 August 2024 all take place between 12pm and 3pm.
How to book
Live shows and meet and greets are free to attend and don't require pre-booking, but be prepared to wait for your turn with the characters.
To book activities like golf, bowling and soft play, or to reserve a restaurant table, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Summer holiday activities at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
When and where?
Creative kids can learn new skills, with arty holiday clubs and courses for all ages at The Wilson, Cheltenham's art gallery and museum on Clarence Street, running in July and August 2024. With free events happening throughout the summer holidays, too!
What's happening?
Kids can get messy at Creative Explorers — Summer Club, an artist-led holiday club for five to 11-year-olds. Get stuck creating collaborative artworks inspired by nature, with time outdoors and plenty of free play factored in. Children also get to take a tour of The Wilson's fascinating galleries to learn more about its collections.
Meanwhile, young people aged eight to 16 with a serious passion for art can pick up tips and tricks from a professional, with The Wilson's series of Summer Art Explorers courses — teaching everything from intensive drawing techniques, colour theory and how to create wearable art.
Also happening throughout the summer holidays, The Wilson's free Play! House experience gives children the chance to stand on stage, wear theatre costumes and experiment with creating stage sets and music — transforming the first-floor community gallery into an interactive theatre set for learning through play.
SoGlos loves
The Wilson goes to great lengths to create an inclusive environment for visitors of all ages and backgrounds — and its Family Inclusivity Day on Saturday 17 August 2024 cultivates a real sense of belonging and acceptance, with free activities, diverse events, inspiring stories and creative workshops for all ages and abilities.
And don't miss The Wilson's Radev exhibition, open until Sunday 15 September 2024, where you can find two real Picasso paintings and learn about an important chapter of Britain's queer history through famous 20th century artworks.
The important bits
Creative Explorers — Summer Club offers drop-off sessions every Wednesday, from Wednesday 27 July to Wednesday 28 August 2024, costing £20 per child.
Summer Art Explorers courses take place across three sessions, with the first starting on Tuesday 30 July 2024. Most courses cost £125 per child, except for the Wearable art project class, which costs £145.
Play! House is a free drop-in event, open from Saturday 20 July to Sunday 8 September 2024, with the activities best suited to children aged three to 14-years-old and no booking required.
Both the Family Inclusivity Day and Radev exhibition are free to attend, with no need to book in advance.
How to book
Visit cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/whats-on to see the full summer holiday programme and book tickets for Creative Explorers and Summer Art Explorers events.
Summer holiday activities at Roxy Lanes
When and where?
School's out for summer! Sip on soft drinks and tuck into tasty food while trying your hand at everything from ice-free curling and bowling to arcade games and batting cages at Roxy Lanes, in the heart of Cheltenham, from Monday 1 July to Sunday 15 September 2024.
What’s happening?
Roxy brings the playground to the bar — and it wouldn’t be much of a playground without some games to play! With three amazing floors to explore, challenge your friends and family to a day of competitive fun with Roxy Lanes' buzzing atmosphere, wicked games and tasty food.
Keen competitors can try their hand at ice-free curling; shuffleboard; air hockey; duckpin bowling; batting cages; ping pong; karaoke; basketball; and American pool; before taking pictures in the photo booth to commemorate their wins.
Providing an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together, the venue is offering a summertime deal of £5 bowling for kids, accompanied by a special mini ballers menu — there's even a signature rock and indie playlist to keep the energy flowing.
While bigger ballers can get two games of bowling for £10 per person between Monday and Thursday throughout the summer.
If all that wasn't enough, gamers can enjoy Roxy's arcade floor — which is completely exclusive to Cheltenham — where visitors can find classic games such as racing simulations and grabber-machines as well as dance-mat challenges and Pac-Man.
The important bits
Under-18s can enjoy Roxy Lanes before 5pm on Saturdays and before 7pm on all other days, as long as they're accompanied by a supervising adult.
The £5 kids bowling offer and mini ballers menu is valid from Monday 1 July to Sunday 15 September 2024.
Pre-booking is recommended, especially during the school holidays.
How to book
Visit roxyleisure.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities in the Cotswolds
Summer activity days at Westonbirt Arboretum
When and where?
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum near Tetbury is open every day during the summer holidays, with additional activities taking place across the whole break.
What's happening?
A natural playground awaits at Westonbirt, with a whole programme of free family activity days, themed around discovering nature, to take part in.
Head over to the Silk Wood Barn to discover Music in Nature on Saturday 20 July, with the chance to craft your own instruments from natural materials; join artist and children's author Pippa Pixley to uncover The Art of Mud, becoming a mud painter and practicing dorodango — the Japanese art of sculpting a shiny sphere from earth and water — from Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 August; or peer through the microscope to learn all about seeds that disperse in the wind at Blown Away from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 August.
Have Fun with Sticks on Saturday 17 August, whittling sticks to make gnomes or even your own magic wand; play with Sunshine and Shadows for a lesson in experimental photography from one of the world's experts in pinhole photography from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 August; with water-themed fun planned from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 August, including designing a wooden raft to race, in Amazing Journeys.
SoGlos loves
Don't miss this year's summer trail, Green Games at Westonbirt, which encourages families to play together as they explore Silk Wood and the Old Arboretum. With eight fun games to look out for, this self-guided trail challenges you to use your imagination, flex your memory and hone your aim to beat your opponents!
Plus, launching late-July, the new Escape Time at the Arboretum trail is a time-travelling adventure that challenges you to hunt for clues and crack the puzzles to make it back to the present day!
The important bits
Adult tickets to Westonbirt Arboretum cost £12 on weekdays or £16 on weekends and bank holidays. Tickets cost £4 for children aged five to 18 and are free for children aged four and under.
All family activity days are free after admission, including the Green Games at Westonbirt trail.
Westonbirt is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Times for each activity vary — visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/summer-playtime for more information.
How to book
Visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum to book tickets in advance, or simply turn up and pay on the day.
Summer holiday activities at the Corinium Museum
When and where?
Running throughout the summer holidays, little explorers can take part in a fascinating journey through time at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, with interactive experiences, prehistoric tools on display, fun workshops to take part in — and even the chance to meet a rare dog skeleton called Rusty!
What’s happening?
During the summer holidays, visitors to the Corinium Museum can look forward to taking part in a selection of fun-filled activities and workshops; experience highlight tours of the museums stunning collections; see historic artefacts at the handling tables; and plenty more.
Little ones can unleash their creativity by making a mosaic tile
inspired by the museum’s Roman collections during Mini Mosaics; learn ancient pottery techniques and create your
own vessel using natural materials at the Bronze Age Beaker Pottery Workshop; craft your own Roman shield and sword; or even learn about Roman games and create your own.
Plus, visitors can also browse the brilliantly immersive exhibitions hosting over 600 fascinating objects and artefacts, dating back from the stone age, through to early Roman times.
SoGlos loves
We all love our four-legged friends, but have you ever met a fully-preserved Iron Age dog? Rusty, who was originally discovered in 2008 on the north-eastern edge of Cirencester, is the rare skeleton of an adult male dog is expected to date back to 400-200BC and is one of only a small number displayed in museums across the UK. Rusty is believed to be most similar to a modern terrier.
The important bits
The Corinium Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday.
Admission costs £7.90 per adult; £3.70 for children aged five to 16; £21 for a family ticket; and free for under-fives.
Mini Mosaics takes place on Thursday 1, 8 and 29 August 2024 from 10.30am to 12pm, costing £12.50 per child.
The Bronze Age Beaker Pottery Workshop takes place on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 22 August 2024 from 10.30am to 12pm, costing £12.50 per child.
The Roman Swords and Shields Workshop takes place on Thursday 15 August 2024 from 10.30am to 12pm, costing £10.50 per child.
Roman Games takes place on Tuesday 20 August 2024 from 10.30am to 12pm, costing £12.50 per child.
How to book
Visit coriniummuseum.org.
Summer holiday activities in the Forest of Dean
Summer holiday adventures at Forestry England sites
When and where?
Forestry England operates several visitor sites in the Forest of Dean, including Beechenhurst, Mallards Pike, Wenchford, Symonds Yat Rock and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.
What’s happening?
Wear the kids out this summer with unlimited forest fun in Gloucestershire’s ancient woodland. Hire bikes at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre and pedal the family-friendly, nine-mile Colliers Trail; hike to the awe-inspiring Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint; or try Gruffalo Orienteering at Mallards Pike, where there are also several running and lakeside walking routes.
There's also the chance to celebrate a very special birthday at Beechenhurst by following the Gruffalo Party Trail, hunting for missing party items on this engaging self-led adventure. You can even meet the birthday boy himself at the Gruffalo fun day on Monday 29 July 2024, with character appearances, lawn games and a funfair to mark his big 25th!
SoGlos loves
Ideal on a hot summer’s day, visitors can find the perfect paddling area at Wenchford. Cool off under the shade and dip your toes in Blackpool Brook, with picnic benches dotted around the site for those looking to bring tasty treats.
The important bits
Parking charges apply at Forestry England sites, while members can park for free.
The Gruffalo Party Trail starts just past Go Ape at Beechenhurst, following wheelchair and pushchair accessible tracks for approximately one mile. Trail activity packs are available to purchase at Beechenhurst Cafe and the ranger hatch for £4.
How to book
There's no need to book, but for more information about Forestry England's Forest of Dean sites, visit forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean.
Summer holiday activities in Gloucester
Brick History Exhibition (LEGO®) at the Museum of Gloucester
When and where?
The Museum of Gloucester brings history to life in LEGO® with its Brick History Exhibition, which is available to visit every day throughout the school summer holidays.
What's happening?
From the Big Bang to the discovery of DNA, via dinosaurs, Da Vinci, the Blitz, the moon landings and the invention of the mobile phone, Brick History Exhibition (LEGO®) recreates some of history's most important moments in miniature.
As well as a whole host of exciting installations to marvel at, visitors can follow the LEGO® brick trail, have a go a daily LEGO® quizzes, try on costumes in the LEGO®-themed dressing up box and pose at the selfie station, with weekly building challenges to try at home, too.
SoGlos loves
Alongside the exhibition, there are loads of LEGO® workshops for little ones to have a go at, including painting and printing with bricks; clothing customisation; paper puppetry; and even cake decorating! For the full details, see Brick History Exhibition (LEGO®) at the Museum of Gloucester.
The important bits
Admission to Brick History Exhibition (LEGO®) costs £8.50 for standard tickets, £6 for open concessions and £32.50 for family tickets — and admission is free for children under three-years-old.
Additional costs apply for workshops and brick builder sessions, with prices ranging from £1 to £15.
The Museum of Gloucester is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 4pm Sunday throughout the school holidays.
How to book
Visit museumofgloucester.co.uk/events/lego-brick-history.
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 £55, so ninjas can visit every day for a two hour session between Tuesday 23 July and Sunday 1 September 2024. What's more, summer pass holders also get 10 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.
Retro summer holiday inspiration at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester this summer to get a taste of holidaying on a boat in the 1970s.
The museum is bringing the history of the boat, Bluebelle, to life with a summer holiday trail, picnics and pleasure boats.
What’s happening?
Collect a drawstring gingham bag and explore the museum, picking up things for your summer trip along the way. From plimsolls to instant mash, find out what the Bluebelle family took on their boat trips and then visit the boat to see how they managed to holiday with six people in such a small space.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Boat trips will operate from Wednesday to Saturday during the summer but be sure to check the museum's social media channels for any changes to the boat schedule before your visit. You can follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram.
SoGlos loves
If you want to experience the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal for yourself, take a trip on the museum trip boat Queen Boadicea II.
You're more than welcome to take your own picnic along for the journey to enjoy as you sail serenely along the waterways.
The important bits
Museum day tickets cost £10 for adults; £6 for children aged between five and 16; children aged fours and under go free; £9 for concessions; £25 for a family of two adults and two children.
Museum annual passes cost £15 for adults; £8 for children aged between five and 16; children aged fours and under go free; £13.50 for concessions; £37 for a family of two adults and two children.
Your annual pass allows you to visit the museum as many times as you like for 12-months to use the play areas, holiday drop-in activities, exhibitions, and the opportunity to book special events.
How to book
Book your boat trip tickets at the museum or online at canalandrivertrust.com.
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 Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August 2024.
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 at its education centre.
From making clay creations to yarn art, sun catchers, peg superheroes, bug hotels and even building a magical dream catcher, there’s plenty for budding artists to get stuck into with something to suit every child’s interests.
Visitors will also 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's plenty to have a go at.
Plus, TeenArt Taster Sessions are back! 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
A special exhibition will also be on display throughout the holidays — 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.
Adults entry costs £7.50 per person; under 8s go free; and a family ticket, for two adults and up to four children, costs £20.
The 'British Wildlife Photography Awards' will be on display from Tuesday 23 July until Sunday 1 September 2024. Entry to this exhibition is included in the admission price to the museum.
All summer activities must be booked online in advance.
How to book
For more information, visit natureinart.org.uk/activitydays.
Green Pledge Project summer activities at Gloucestershire Archives
When and where?
From junk modelling and nature spotting to mending and getting messy, there's plenty of eco-friendly fun to be had at the Gloucestershire Archives Heritage Hub and Garden this summer, with a different FREE session happening each week, throughout August 2024.
What’s happening?
Taking place on Thursday 1, 8, 15 and 22 August 2024, four free summer events are being run as part of the Green Pledge Project, funded by the Heritage Fund — a project which will expand, explore and share the environmental collections at Gloucestershire Archives.
Kicking off the fun is 'What a Load of Rubbish!' — in this session, little ones will be exploring pollution and its impact on nature in the beautiful Heritage Hub garden (as long as the sun shines!) by designing and making litter-picking robots, using recycled materials.
In week two's session, 'Eat Me!', depending on the weather, eco-curious kids will be in the Heritage Hub garden where the team grow organic fruit and vegetables. You’ll have a chance to plant some seeds to take home, make your own veg patch markers and even watch a cookery demonstration for an early 19th century soup recipe from the archives — as well as the opportunity to sample some, too!
Followed by 'The Tailor of Gloucester' in week three. This hands-on session will be looking at clothes — how they were made and mended in the past, long before fast fashion became an issue. Attendees are encouraged to bring an item of clothing that’s in need of repair and the team will show you what to do.
Ending the summer sessions is 'Water Water Everywhere'. Taking inspiration from maps and old photographs of floods in Gloucestershire, you'll be creating pictures of how we will adapt and thrive in our new environment through different mediums such as drawing, painting or collaging.
The important bits
Taking place from 10am to 12pm, all sessions are free and drop in, so no need to book.
All materials provided and refreshments will be also available.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
How to book
No need to book. Limited free parking on site.
Visit heritagehub.org.uk/going-green.
Summer holiday activities in Stroud
Enchanted Garden trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
When and where?
Discover the magic of Gloucestershire's fanciful pleasure garden, Painswick Rococo Garden, with its popular Enchanted Garden trail returning for the summer holidays, from Saturday 20 July to Sunday 1 September 2024.
What’s happening?
Step into a world of fairies, dragons and unicorns, hiding in secret spots around Painswick Rococo Garden!
Search high and low to find the willow-sculpted sprites, following the Enchanted Garden trail through the grounds — with other-worldly surprises around every corner, and some brand-new characters to meet this year, too!
This woodland adventure is sure to capture kids' imagination as they explore the twists and turns of the 18th-century garden, from peeking in the follies to getting lost in the maze. Dressing up is encouraged, too, so you can fit right into the fairy tale!
SoGlos loves
For a spot of alfresco entertainment during the summer holidays, Painswick Rococo Garden plays host to an undersea adventure on Monday 26 August 2024, as IKP brings its outdoor production of The Little Mermaid to delight families of all ages, with two performances at 11am and 2.30pm.
The important bits
Enchanted Garden trail tickets cost £7.50 for children aged four to 10 and include a trail pack plus admission. Standard admission tickets to Painswick Rococo Garden cost £6 for children aged four to 16 and £12.80 for adults.
Additional trail packs are available to purchase for £2.60.
Tickets for IKP's The Little Mermaid cost £14 for adults and £11 for children under 16.
Painswick Rococo Garden is open from 10am to 5pm, every day of the school summer holidays.
How to book
Enchanted Garden trail tickets must be booked in advance via rococogarden.org.uk/enchanted-garden. Visit rococogarden.org.uk/ikp-the-little-mermaid to book tickets for The Little Mermaid.
