SoGlos’s guide to the summer holidays in Gloucestershire in 2026 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 camps and some unmissable special events, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.
Planning your Gloucestershire summer holidays
When are the summer holidays in Gloucestershire?
Most Gloucestershire state schools break up for the summer holidays on Friday 17 July and re-open on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
What's new for families in Gloucestershire this summer?
Many attractions across Gloucestershire refresh their summer programmes each year, with new trails, live shows, family experiences and seasonal events launching for the school holidays in 2026. This guide is updated regularly with the latest additions.
How can I keep the kids entertained over the six-week summer break?
From action-packed adventure days and wildlife encounters to creative workshops and family festivals, Gloucestershire offers plenty of ways to fill the summer holidays, whatever your children's ages and interests.
What are some good ideas for a rainy summer day?
If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are lots of indoor options across Gloucestershire, including museums, theatres, immersive attractions, sports venues and hands-on family activities.
Which Gloucestershire attractions are best for younger children?
Many of the county's family attractions cater particularly well for younger visitors, with farm parks, play areas, animal encounters and interactive experiences designed for preschool and primary school-aged children.
Are there family-friendly events happening throughout the summer holidays?
Yes. Across Cheltenham, Gloucester, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Stroud and the Forest of Dean, families can enjoy a packed programme of events throughout the holidays, from outdoor performances and sporting activities to festivals and seasonal celebrations.
Summer holiday activities in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Libraries summer holiday Library Challenge 2026
What's on?
Gloucestershire Libraries' exceptionally popular Library Challenge is back with the historical theme 'Tales Through Time' for the 2026 summer holidays – encouraging children of all ages to time travel by reading, attending a special event or taking part in fun interactive activities, from July to September 2026.
Keeping kids engaged and learning all summer, the Gloucestershire Library Challenge is free to take part in at libraries across the county, with the chance to win prizes along the way, too.
Why go?
Children aged three and above can take part in the free Gloucestershire Library Challenge – either on their own, or teaming up with friends, siblings or grown‑ups – and completing tasks to earn free rewards.
Sign up at your local library anywhere in Gloucestershire to receive a free challenge journal, where participants can track their progress – whether that's writing, drawing, sticking things in or adding photos.
And while borrowing books is encouraged, it isn't the only way to complete each challenge. Attending a library event, drawing or building something, going for a walk, watching an educational film all count towards reaching your goal!
Participants receive a reward at each stage: bronze, silver, and gold. Children who climb all the way to gold also earn a chance to win additional prizes!
SoGlos loves
The challenge's theme for 2026 is 'Tales Through Time', inviting children to delve into the past and the stories that bring history to life.
Along with the free journal and rewards to collect along the way, this year there's also a themed map for participants to download, dividing the county and its libraries into six different, history-themed zones: Daring Dreamers, Lost Worlds and Hidden Treasures, Courageous Quests, Big Stories Small Island, Perilous Past, and Epic Myths and Fables.
The map illustrates over 30 historical eras and themes that the libraries will be drawing inspiration from over the summer – making a visit to each location a unique voyage of discovery!
When?
The Gloucestershire Library Challenge can be completed at any time from Saturday 11 July until Saturday 12 September 2026.
How much does it cost?
The challenge is free to take part in, with a free library membership.
How do I book?
Sign up for The Library Challenge at your local library. For more information about the challenge and to download the discovery map, visit gloslibraries.uk/welcome-library-challenge.
Summer holiday activities in Cheltenham
Summer holidays at the Everyman Theatre's new Grove Street venue
What's on?
The Everyman Theatre is opening its brand-new Grove Street Education and Community Centre in Cheltenham this summer, giving young people even more opportunities to get involved in theatre, performance and creativity during the school holidays.
The new Grove Street venue is being created as a vibrant hub for the Everyman’s education and community work, with a summer programme of activities due to be announced soon.
One confirmed highlight is Acting Up!, a five-day performing arts project for young people aged 13 to 16.
Why go?
Grove Street marks an exciting new chapter for one of Gloucestershire’s best-loved theatres, creating a dedicated space for young people and community groups to explore the arts away from the main auditorium.
The Everyman Theatre says the new centre will help make creative opportunities more accessible, with two floors of fully accessible, fit-for-purpose space for workshops, activities and community projects.
SoGlos loves
The chance for teenagers to be among the first young people to experience the Everyman’s new Grove Street venue.
Running from Monday 20 to Friday 24 July 2026, Acting Up! gives 13 to 16-year-olds the opportunity to work with the Everyman Theatre team, get behind the scenes at the theatre, learn stage combat and take part in practical acting exercises and games.
Participants will also work towards an Arts Award Explore qualification, making it a brilliant confidence-building summer activity for creative teens.
How much does it cost?
Acting Up! costs £50 per young person, plus a transaction fee. Fully funded places are also available for young people on free school meals, looked after children, young carers, and those from refugee or asylum seeker families, with priority given to those eligible for a free space.
How do I book?
For more information about Acting Up! or to book a place, email camille.cowe@everymantheatre.org.uk.
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk/grove-street-appeal for more information about Grove Street.
Summer holiday workshops for children and teens at Cook Stars Cheltenham
What's on?
Budding foodies can get hands-on this summer with Cook Stars Cheltenham, which is serving up a packed programme of cooking workshops for children and teenagers throughout the school holidays.
For younger cooks aged two to 11, Cook Stars Mini's and Cook Star Junior cookery workshops at Badgeworth Village Hall include Bake Off-inspired marble cakes, stuffed crust pizza and tiramisu, piñata cakes, picnic favourites, ice cream cone cupcakes and chocolate truffle making.
While older children and teenagers aged 11 to 17 can take part in Cook Stars Academy workshops at St Edward's School. These sessions span global themes including Japanese sushi, Jamaican patties and Spanish tapas, focusing on developing confidence, practical cooking skills and more advanced techniques.
As well as a unique childcare setting, all workshops include ingredients, equipment, drinks, snacks and recipe cards to take home – as well as the kids' culinary creations that they can bring home for families to sample. Yum!
Why go?
Cook Stars Cheltenham combines creativity, confidence-building and real-life skills, helping the youngest of children through to teenagers learn through hands-on experiences rather than screens.
Whether they're decorating cupcakes, mastering pizza dough or tackling more advanced recipes, participants can gain the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch while building independence in the kitchen and making new friends.
SoGlos loves
Cook Stars Cheltenham caters to a really wide age range. Younger children can enjoy being creative in age-appropriate sessions, while older children and teenagers can continue developing their culinary skills. Dedicated opportunities for 11 to 17-year-olds, in particular, can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to summer holiday activities, so it's great to see Gloucestershire families having this option.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary from £25 to £35 depending on the workshop selected.
How do I book?
Visit cookstars.co.uk/cooking-classes/cheltenham-south-to-bishops-cleeve to browse all of the upcoming summer holiday workshops and book online, you can also call 07499 640693 or email bethany@cookstars.co.uk for more information.
Summer holiday activities in the Cotswolds
The Big Batsford Butterfly Hunt at Batsford Arboretum
What's on?
Daily from Saturday 11 July to Wednesday 2 September 2026, young explorers are invited to Batsford Arboretum to take part in the Big Batsford Butterfly Hunt.
Can you find all the butterflies hiding around the arboretum? Kids of all ages have the chance to follow a special trail map and search for butterflies along the route, learning more about these beautiful pollinators as they go.
There's also a small prize waiting for trail hunters at the end.
Why go?
While Batsford is a stunning Cotswold day out destination all year round, the summer holidays and its interactive trail offers a special opportunity to explore this Gloucestershire gem dating back to the late 1880s.
Steeped in history: from the hermit's cave to the Japanese rest house (topped with a dragon to ward off evil spirits!), there's even the chance to see trees descended from survivors of the Hiroshima A-bomb and Anne Frank's famous horse chestnut growing in the arboretum – as a fascinating way to bring history alive for all ages.
SoGlos loves
Fully refurbished in recent years and a winner of SoGlos's Cafe of the Year in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards, the Garden Terrace Cafe is the perfect pitstop for a treat after exploring Batsford's grounds.
Serving breakfast, lunch and tasty cakes — all freshly baked on the premises — the cafe also benefits from an a large terrace for alfresco dining when the weather is warm enough, overlooking the Evenlode Valley.
How much does it cost?
Tickets for the hunt cost £3 per child, plus normal admission.
How do I book?
Visit batsarb.co.uk/butterfly-hunt/ for more information and to book tickets. The Big Batsford Butterfly Hunt maps can be purchased from the centre admissions desk.
Knight Trail, medieval storytelling and falconry at Sudeley Castle
What's on?
Sudeley Castle invites visitors to travel back in time this summer, with a Knight Trail, medieval storytelling and falconry taking place from Tuesday 21 July until Monday 31 August 2026.
Why go?
Brave little visitors can embark on an epic journey to becoming a protector of the realm on Sudeley Castle's Knight Trail, with opportunities to dress up ready for battle and test their aim with target practice, to see if they've got what it takes to become a real-life knight.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and selected weekends, medieval storytellers will be spinning their yarns around the grounds, telling tales from medieval times to give visitors a taste of what life was like back then.
And on Tuesdays and Thursdays, see majestic birds of prey in flight with the ruins of the banqueting hall providing a dramatic backdrop. Led by an expert falconer, visitors can learn all about these powerful and agile predators, as well as getting to meet and have photos taken with them throughout the day, too.
SoGlos loves
An absolute must-visit on any trip to Sudeley Castle, the adventure playground is shaped like a castle, so it's ideal for both energetic and imaginative play.
There's also a 10-piece assault course to tackle, complete with a zip wire and swings, that's sure to tire out even the most full-of-beans kids!
How much does it cost?
Sudeley Castle is participating in the Great British Summer Savings campaign, offering discounted entry from Thursday 25 June until Tuesday 1 September 2026, with tickets costing £21 for adults, £9.20 for children aged three to 15, £20.15 for over 60s, and £52.10 for a family of two adults and three children. Admission is free for children under three.
The Knight Trail, medieval storytelling sessions and falconry are all included within the price of admission.
Printed Knight Trail maps cost an additional £1 per child and are available from the Visitor Centre.
The Pavillion Cafe is also offering discounted children's lunchboxes for £7 each.
How to book
Book online at sudeleycastle.co.uk/book, or pay in person at the Visitor Centre.
Summer activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
What's on?
A natural playground awaits at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum near Tetbury, which is open seven days a week, all year round, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn and play amongst nature.
Little visitors can explore the canopy up on its treetop walkway, take a stroll with their pooch through the dog-friendly Silk Wood, let off steam in its natural play areas and plenty more.
There's a whole programme of free family activities and events, all themed around switching off the digital distractions and 'tuning in' with nature, to take part in during the summer holidays, too.
Why go?
Families can sit quietly among the trees, map the sounds of woodland wildlife and sharpen their listening skills, in Creature Conversations; and connect with trees through sound creativity – capturing 'tree music' using biosensors, and recreating the sounds of nature through beatboxing – in Nature’s Soundtrack.
In Tune With Wellbeing features wellness walks and gentle yoga, designed for families to unwind together beneath the trees; while Wild About Bees invites visitors to watch the bees at work and to discover the fascinating lives of free‑living honeybees.
Children can get creative making their own musical instruments using natural woodland materials, in Woodland Orchestra; and young families can venture off the beaten path to explore the arboretum through smell, touch, sound and sight, with Sensory Woodland Walks.
There's also a family-friendly workshop, If Trees Could Talk, exploring tree rings and what they can tell us about the past – with children able to make their own tree ring art – as the arboretum hosts the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology; and Westonbirt's summer trail, In Tune With Nature, invites visitors of all ages to explore the 'quiet wonder' of trees using their senses.
SoGlos loves
Westonbirt is making it easier for families to visit this summer, taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme with reduced prices on standard admission tickets and children's meals, from Thursday 25 June to Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Standard adult weekend admission is reduced from £19 to £16; standard adult midweek admission is £13, normally £14; children’s tickets for five-18 year olds are reduced from £5 to £4.50; and a children's eat-in meal at Westonbirt's Kitchen restaurant that's usually £7.50, is reduced to £6.50.
How much does it cost?
All of Westonbirt's summer activities are included with admission, available at the discounted prices above, with under fives going free.
You don't need to use a code to get the discount, it's automatically applied.
How do I book?
For more information about Westonbirt's summer activities, and to book, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-summer.
Summer holiday sculpture hunting at Cotswold Sculpture Park
What's on?
Open seasonally every year since it opened in 2016, Cotswold Sculpture Park celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026 and is open on selected days throughout the summer holidays, until Wednesday 30 September 2026.
The beautiful 10-acre park features woodlands, unique sculptures from acclaimed artists, ponds and extraordinary flower gardens, as well as a tearoom and free on-site parking.
Why go?
Nestled among the beautiful Cotswold Lakes, Cotswold Sculpture Park is one of the area’s true hidden gems – and an ideal destination for a relaxing and inspiring day out.
Wander through acres of gardens and woodland trails, with 170 striking sculptures to discover within at every turn. Creative works include insects and birds to flowers and abstract characters, not to mention a car high up in the trees!
Whether you're a family of art lovers, want to spend time out in nature, or are simply looking for somewhere unique to explore and get some fresh air, the park offers a memorable experience for all ages.
Plus, as well as peaceful walks, stunning views, wildlife and a welcoming cafe serving homemade food and refreshments, there are a number of special outdoor theatre events taking place in its hand-built amphitheatre this summer, too.
SoGlos loves
With sculptures nestled amongst the trees in Cotswold Sculpture Park's beautiful woodlands, children love exploring this unique setting and will find a surprise around every corner!
Spotted a sculpture you love? Many are for sale if you fancy taking them home for pride of place in your own garden – ask the park's staff for more info.
How much does it cost?
Admission costs £10 for adults, £8 for seniors aged 65 and up, and £5 for children aged five to 14 as part of the Government's British Summer Savings Scheme – and under fives are free of charge.
How do I book?
Visit cotswoldsculpturepark.co.uk/information-for-visitors/.
Summer holiday activities in Gloucester
Big Summer Blowout at Over Farm
What's on?
From Saturday 18 July until Friday 31 August 2026, Over Farm in Gloucester is hosting its Big Summer Blowout, packed with live shows and special character visits.
Why go?
There's something exciting happening every day at Over Farm's Big Summer Blowout, from hilarious live shows from Rover the Farmer and Marky Jay's Monkey Magic, Roaming Reptiles meet and greets, hula hooping workshops, interactive bubbles and balloons, and unmissble highlight, Rover's foam parties, to special visits from The Gruffalo on Sunday 19 July and Bluey on Sunday 16 August 2026.
All that is on top of the fantastic family fun that's always on offer at its award-winning Countryside Adventure – recently named Family Day Out of the Year in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle & Community Awards 2026 – including sandpits, giant jumping pillows, foam cannon, mini golf, quad train and tractor trailer rides, animal trail, woodland walks and themed adventure play areas, all with a spectacular backdrop of glorious Gloucestershire countryside.
SoGlos loves
As a working farm, Over Farm grows all sorts of delicious crops throughout the year – and its juicy strawberries are ripe for the picking right now!
With lots of different strawberry varieties all grown at waist height, ideal for little pickers and no need for lots of bending down for the grown-ups, PYO strawberries isn't just a great way to get kids eating fresh fruit, it's a wonderful family day out in the great outdoors – and an ideal add-on to the Big Summer Blowout, too!
How much does it cost?
Tickets to the Big Summer Blowout at Over Farm cost from £8.99 per adult when booked before Saturday 4 July 2026.
Entry to the PYO strawberries field is free, but timeslots must be booked online in advance. Any strawberries you pick are paid for by weight.
How do I book?
To book tickets to the Big Summer Blowout at Over Farm, visit overfarm.co.uk/over-farms-farm-park/big-summer-blowout.
And to book a PYO strawberries timeslot, visit overfarm.co.uk/pick-your-own/strawberries.
Written on the Waterways activities at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
What's on?
From Tuesday 21 July until Saturday 29 August 2026, families visiting the National Waterways Museum Gloucester can explore the designs, textures and words of the lettering used across England's canals through the eras, as part of its Written on the Waterways season.
From decorative hand-painted boat panels, to hard-wearing enamel signs, discover the beautiful, eye-catching decoration that's brought vibrant colour to England's canal network throughout history, with themed activities to take part in, too.
Why go?
Visitors can discover the different approaches used to create these colourful decorations through a series of self-guided activities, inspired by the signs found throughout the museum.
Suitable for all ages, participants will come to recognise the contrast between styles – with some canal signs carefully painted by hand, full of colour and individuality; while others were made in enamel, with raised letters designed for the elements.
SoGlos loves
Showcasing the rich history of Gloucester Docks and its surrounding waterways, there's something for visitors of all ages to enjoy on a visit to National Waterways Museum Gloucester, with inspiring exhibits including photography and model ships, and even a deep sea diving suit!
The museum also has its own tea room and an outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy tasty refreshments including hot and cold drinks, a selection of cakes and sweet treats – plus ice cream! – in the sunshine, as you watch the boats go by at the historic docks.
How much does it cost?
Museum day tickets start from £10 for adults, £6.36 for children aged five to 16 and are free of charge for children aged four and under.
There's price options for concessions starting at £9.09 and family tickets for two adults and two children at £25.
Or with changing activities every school holiday, an annual pass lets you drop in again and again – costing £20 for adults; £10 for children aged five and above; and £47 for a family of four.
How do I book?
To book day tickets or annual passes for the museum, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/national-waterways-museum-gloucester.
Summer holiday art workshops at Nature in Art
What's on?
Children aged three and up can take part in a series of nature-inspired creative craft sessions at Nature in Art near Gloucester during the summer holidays.
Offering morning and afternoon sessions on selected days between Tuesday 21 July and Thursday 27 August 2026, activities include cave painting, wet felting, watercolours, making suncatchers, sewing a hand puppet, Aboriginal-inspired animal art, batik, weaving, mobile making and even a junk robot workshop.
There are also dedicated kids yoga sessions every Tuesday afternoon during the school holidays, where little ones can enjoy mastering poses and playing games – with classes taking place outdoors when the weather is good.
Why go?
These hands-on workshops give children a chance to exercise their imaginations, get messy, and have lots of fun, taking inspiration from the natural world to create their very own art to take home and display – while yoga sessions get kids moving in a calm and mindful way.
According to Nature in Art, yoga can help boost children's confidence, reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and improve balance, strength and fitness. Kids yoga sessions also include entry to the museum for one adult and one child within the price of each class, so parents and children get the chance to spend some quality time together admiring the artwork, too.
SoGlos loves
Nature in Art's activity days are ideal for creative kids, offering a variety of different artistic techniques and projects to try at an afforable price.
Its Young Artist Hub also provides valuable activities for older children and teens aged 10 and up, which parents are also welcome to join in with, if they'd like to.
How much does it cost?
Monday activity days, when the museum is closed, cost £6 per child.
Tuesday to Sunday activity days cost £8 per child.
Yoga for Kids on Tuesdays costs £5 per session.
How to book
For more information, and to book, visit natureinart.org.uk/activitydays.
Summer holiday activities in Stroud
Dragonfly Festival at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What's on?
From Saturday 18 July until Thursday 3 September 2026, the Dragonfly Festival returns to Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Stroud, with a dazzling array of dragonfly-themed family fun, from pond dipping and science shows, to circus workshops and silent discos.
Why go?
Inspired by one of nature's most dazzling creatures, Slimbridge's Dragonfly Festival offers families 'a day of discovery and the chance for imaginations to take flight'.
Curious minds will love seeing exciting experiments demonstrating everything from how dragonflies see to how they fly in Dragonfly Science Shows, before setting off on a Dragonfly Safari to spot the resident dragonflies that live at Slimbridge, pond dipping for minibeasts hidden beneath the surface, and even hopping into a canoe to see the dragonflies up-close on the water.
For an extra immersive experience, have a go at the Dragonfly Drone Course, where visitors can pilot a mini drone through a specially designed assault course replicating a dragonfly's natural habitat.
Or for little ones with lots of energy, they can embrace their inner dragonfly with circus skills workshops and a silent disco, where they can move like a dragonfly, darting, gliding and twisting as they embody these fascinating flyers.
SoGlos loves
Wetland centres like Slimbridge are some of the very best places to see dragonflies in the wild – and the WWT does important work to protect the wetland landscapes that dragonflies, and many other plants, animals and insects, call home.
According to the charity, evidence shows that connecting with nature makes children feel happier, boosts their self-esteem and improves their behaviour, physical and mental health, so a day out at Slimbridge does a world of good for visitors and the environment.
How much does it cost?
The Dragonfly Festival is included within the price of admission to Slimbridge, which costs from £17.91 for adults, from £16.02 for young adults aged 18 to 24, and from £11.84 for juniors aged three to 17 – tickets for children under three are free.
Visitors who book online in advance receive a 10 per cent discount compared to pay-on-the-day prices.
An additional cost applies for Canoe and Wild Safaris.
How to book?
Visit wwt.org.uk/dragonfly-festival-at-slimbridge-wetland-centre.
Medieval mayhem, The Joust and outdoor theatre at Berkeley Castle
What's on?
Berkeley Castle has a summer of medieval mayhem lined up, with animal adventures, outdoor theatre, and the legendary Berkeley Castle Joust all taking place during the summer holidays.
Why go?
Alongside being one of Gloucestershire's most fascinating historical attractions, Berkeley Castle is giving visitors a chance to try their hand at archery every Monday from Monday 20 July to Monday 24 August, enjoy thrilling falconry displays every Tuesday from Tuesday 21 July until Tuesday 25 August, and get up-close to friendly critters like snakes, rats and frogs with Historical Hysterical Creatures taking place every Wednesday from Wednesday 22 July until Wednesday 26 August.
Sunday 26 July is Dinosaur Day, where Raptor and Diablo will be rampaging through the castle grounds from 11.30am until 3.30pm, while on Sunday 23 August, the Tudors are in town for Tudorly Terrible History, where Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Thomas Cromwell and the ill-fated Anne Boleyn bring interactive entertainment spanning political plots to royal romances to the castle.
And as a fitting finale, one of the most exciting events of the whole year, The Berkeley Castle Joust, sees the legendary Knights of Nottingham ride into battle on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August for a weekend of combat, courage and horsemanship.
SoGlos loves
Berkeley Castle provides a spectacular backdrop to performances of Romeo and Juliet, The Railway Children and Sherlock Holmes as part of its outdoor theatre series this summer 2026, with these family-friendly performances making a visit to Berkeley Castle extra special.
See Romeo and Juliet on Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July at 7pm; The Railway Children on Sunday 2 August, with performances between 11am and 5pm; and Sherlock Holmes on Tuesday 25 August at 6pm.
How much does it cost?
Admission to Berkeley Castle costs £17 for adults and £9 for children aged three to 16, with free tickets for under threes. Family tickets for two adults and two children cost £48.
Tickets for The Joust cost £19 for adults and £11 for children, with family tickets costing £52, including access to the castle, grounds and all the entertainment.
Dinosaur Day, Tudorly Terrible History and The Railway Children outdoor theatre are included within the price of admission.
Tickets for Romeo and Juliet cost from £20 for adults and £18.50 for under 16s, and Sherlock Holmes tickets cost £18 for adults and £15 for under 16s, not including daytime access to the castle.
How to book?
Visit berkeley-castle.com/whats-on.
Summer dance workshops with Severn Dance Studios
What's on?
Providing fun, supportive dance activities for children of all ages and abilities, 'the home for dance in the heart of the Cotswolds', Severn Dance Studios, is running a range of workshops throughout the summer holidays, from ballet and theatrical masterclasses, to Disney-themed dance for little ones.
Whether they love to dance, perform, tumble or simply try something new, there's a workshop waiting for them this summer at the state-of-the-art studios in Cam, with high-quality, professional instruction, industry-standard sprung harlequin floors, first-class equipment and comfortable waiting areas for parents.
Why go?
Severn Dance has classes for multiple styles and abilities this summer, including expert-led masterclasses for older children with dance experience.
Dancers aged 11 plus can step into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker, to develop their confidence, technique and stage presence with Giacomo Rovero, soloist of The Royal Ballet; and explore contemporary movement with professional dancer Fi Caspia, in a Contemporary Creative workshop designed to develop performance quality and expression.
Those aged 10 and over explore classical technique through choreography inspired by Giselle, with Birmingham Royal Ballet first artist, Lucy Waine; or develop theatrical performance skills and musicality through high-energy dance inspired by Cats, with musical theatre performer Rhys Batten.
For younger children, there's a range of fun, high energy acro dance workshops designed to build confidence, coordination and performance skills, with themes including K-Pop and Zootropolis for ages five to eight; and Pop Star Live and Glow Up for ages nine to 13.
There's also two fun and imaginative workshops for dancers aged three to six – a Disney Dance Experience that brings beloved characters for life through dance, movement games, and simple choreography; and a Wild Kingdom Dance Advenrture, where little ones will explore movement inspired by animals from around the world.
And in Defined Dance, children of all ages can move, groove and have fun with street dance, with Mini Groovers for ages four to seven; Street Squad for ages eight tp 11; and Urban Flow for ages 12 plus.
SoGlos loves
A vibrant, welcoming dance community, Severn Dance Studios offers both professional tuition for young dancers looking to enhance their technique and performance levels, and fun dance activities for those who simply want to try something new over the summer, in a purpose-built modern space with first-class facilities.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary from £10 for Defined Dance sessions; £12 for the Contemporary Creative workshop; £14 to 16 for acro workshops; £22 for Disney Dance and Wild Kingdom; and £30 for the masterclasses.
How do I book?
For more information, and to book classes, visit severndancestudios.co.uk/summer-workshops.
Summer holiday activities in Tewkesbury
Cotswold Sands beach, craft workshops and first birthday celebrations at Cotswolds Designer Outlet
What's on?
Cotswolds Designer Outlet brings the seaside to the centre this summer 2026, with its very own Cotswold Sands beach open until September.
There are free children's craft workshops, evening live music, and a whole weekend of birthday celebrations at Cotswolds Designer Outlet turns one, too.
Why go?
Pull up a deckchair and soak up the sunshine while the kids build sandcastles, with Cotswolds Designer Outlet's very own sandy beach – complete with buckets and spades to play with – bringing seaside fun to the centre throughout the summer holidays.
Creative kids will love taking part in free craft workshops, where they can have a go at making a willow dreamcatcher on Friday 24 July 2026, or a driftwood mobile with seashells on Monday 10 August 2026.
And from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday 6 August 2026, Live After Five sees Cotswolds Designer Outlet come alive with music, a pop-up bar, prize giveaways and late night shopping, ideal for an after-work treat, but before the kids' bedtime.
SoGlos loves
Visitors are invited to celebrate Cotswold Designer Outlet's first birthday on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026 with a whole weekend of birthday celebrations.
Get your hands on a free ice lolly from the Cotswold trike to enjoy while you listen to laid-back live music and watch performances from local community groups; snap a selfie at the Bramble and Bloom floral arch; and enjoy special surprises, discounts and in-store promotions to mark the occasion.
How much does it cost?
Cotswolds Designer Outlet's summer events and activities are all free for visitors, but children's craft workshops must be booked online in advance.
How to book
For more information, or to book children's craft workshops, visit cotswoldsdesigneroutlet.com/events.
Summer holiday activities beyond the Gloucestershire border
Six weeks of summer holiday fun at Eastnor Castle
What's on
From dragons and circus skills to animal encounters and dinosaurs, families will be hopping over the Herefordshire border for a jam-packed summer of fun at Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury.
Eastnor Castle is open Sunday to Thursday every week during the summer holidays — with special activities running from Sunday 19 July to Thursday 27 August 2026. The castle grounds are open from 10.30am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 3pm; while the castle itself opens from 11.30am until 4pm, with last admission at 3.30pm.
Why go?
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.
Kick start your summer adventures as you get up close and personal to the Dragons of the Lost Land in the first week of the holidays. The following week is all about Circus Skills as you clown around with Thomas Trilby, with interactive circus fun throughout each day. While week three is time for Wildplay, as kids have fun with the mid kitchen, bug hunting, den building and rope trails.
Into week four and Animal Encounters give wildlife-loving families the chance to see and learn about a fascinating range of exotic animals. This is followed by Make & Take – Air Dried Pottery in week five, as you join Eastnor Pottery to design and model a work of art to take home. While the final week of a summer of fun is entitled Dino UpROAR – travel back in time with a lifelike walking, roaring T-Rex, with shows throughout the day.
SoGlos loves
Summer holiday days out at Eastnor can be enjoyed by all the family – even the four-legged members!
One of the most dog-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds, pups are treated like VIPs at Eastnor Castle, with furry visitors welcome not only in the stunning grounds but inside the historic castle itself – one of the few stately homes in the UK to open its doors to dogs.
Eastnor even sells puppy ice-cream for well-behaved pooches.
How much does it cost?
Summer tickets for Eastnor Castle are discounted under the Great British Summer Savings Scheme, so cost £10.06 for adults and £6.56 for children aged three to 15, with family tickets costing £20.13 for one adult and up to three children or £29.75 for two adults and up to three children. Castle upgrades are available for an additional cost. Grounds only tickets are not available on Sundays.
How do I book?
Visit eastnorcastle.com/whats-on/.
Summer at The Amp – The Courtyard Hereford's new events venue
What's on?
From chart-topping musicians and comedy heavyweights, to inspiring speakers and family-friendly entertainment, brand-new big top venue, The Amp, is bringing a packed programme of live events to nearby Hereford, throughout August 2026.
This summer, the brand-new venue will welcome stars including Jools Holland, James Morrison, Alfie Boe, ABC, Elkie Brooks and The Shires to its stage, with comedy fans able to catch Russell Howard, Chris Ramsey and Al Murray.
Audiences will be treated to talks by stars including Harry Redknapp and Simon Reeve, while energetic tribute act K-Pop All Stars promises plenty of fun for younger audiences.
Why go?
If you're looking for a summer trip that feels a bit special, The Amp is offering the chance to see a varied array of acts – including some big names – perform in an unforgettable setting without travelling too far.
Launching for the first time in 2026, the spectacular 1,400-seat big top is set to become one of the region's hottest tickets, with live music, comedy and entertainment all under one roof.
SoGlos loves
Bringing together the excitement of an outdoor festival with the comfort of reserved seating, all within easy reach of Gloucestershire, The Amp offers an experience that's unlike anything else in the region.
There's something undeniably special about spending a summer evening in a tent, whether you're dancing with the kids to a K-Pop anthem, singing along to a favourite artist, laughing through a comedy set or discovering a new performer.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on the event.
How to book?
Visit courtyard.org.uk/theamp to see the full programme and book tickets.
