SoGlos’s guide to the summer holidays in Gloucestershire in 2022 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 Jam at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
There’s loads of family fun to be had at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham this summer, plus the chance to start the holidays in style with three days of live music and family entertainment at Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 July 2022.
What’s happening?
With a live music line-up encompassing pop, rock, folk, indie, reggae and funk, Summer Jam sees Lakefest artists including The Roving Crows, Erica and The Shakes take to the stage, alongside local bands, for three days of live music – with DJ sets from Glastonbury favourite Joei Supernova and DJ Shippers, too.
Kids will love getting stuck into fun activities courtesy of Cheltenham Paint Festival, with face painting, an art board where littles ones can get creative and plenty of other children’s entertainment – and with a host of outdoor dining options at The Brewery Quarter, too, visitors can soak up the lively atmosphere while they enjoy dinner and drinks.
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 Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf, Hollywood Bowl and Cineworld offering fun for the whole family.
SoGlos loves
With warm weather and longer evenings providing the perfect opportunity for a spot of alfresco dining, families can try fragrant Vietnamese food at Pho, burgers and buffalo wings at BrewDog, quirky dishes like chicken in a basket, cheeseburger bao buns and chorizo and cheddar doughballs at The Alchemist, burgers, dogs and barbecue at Hub Box, or go for a crowd pleaser with hanging kebabs at The Botanist, Italian comfort food at Prezzo, or family favourite Nando’s.
The important bits
Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup takes place from 5pm to 9.30pm on Friday 29; 1pm to 9.30pm Saturday 30; and 1pm to 9pm Sunday 31 July 2022 and is free to attend.
Sessions at The Play Farm, Escape Hunt, Mr Mulligans and Hollywood Bowl can be booked online in advance.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Summer schools and family shows at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre is hosting summer school workshops and stage productions throughout the summer holidays, giving aspiring young actors and actresses the chance to appear in a show.
What’s happening?
During the school holidays, the Everyman Theatre is offering two exciting opportunities for budding actresses and actors to take to the stage. Musical theatre-loving kids aged 13 and over can get involved in the Shakespeare Summer School at the Parabola Arts Centre, hosted in collaboration with Cheltenham Ladies’ College, which will modernise one of the bard’s most iconic plays.
Meanwhile, the Everyman Summer School gives aspiring stars the chance to work with industry professionals to perform an adaptation of the iconic film and award-winning Broadway musical Legally Blonde on its iconic stage.
SoGlos loves
On your marks, get set, BAKE! Over the summer holidays, families can get together to watch star bakers and hearty handshakes in a heart-warming performance of the brand-new show, Great British Bake Off - The Musical – making its debut at the Everyman Theatre from Friday 22 July to Saturday 6 August 2022.
The important bits
The Shakespeare Summer School at the Parabola Arts Centre starts on Sunday 24 July and costs £140 per child; the Everyman Summer School: Legally Blonde Jr starts on Monday 8 August and costs £250 per child – with the show being staged on Friday 19
August 2022.
The summer schools are suitable for children aged 13 and above.
Tickets for Great British Bake Off – The Musical start from £22 per person.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
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 18 July to Friday 26 August 2022.
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 will be 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. Juniors will also get the chance to have a go at squash, too.
The important bits
Mini tennis camps for four- 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 18-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 activities in the Cotswolds
Summer holiday activities at Camp 4-2-11
When and where?
Keep young ones occupied this summer at Camp 4-2-11, when the holiday camp’s action-packed programme of activities returns from Monday 25 July to Friday 19 August 2022.
What’s happening?
The family-run camp will be offering plenty of excitement and action-packed adventures suitable for children aged three to 14 years at four locations across the county, including St Edward’s School in Cheltenham; Dinglewell School in Gloucester; The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water; and most recently launched, Beaudesert Park School in Stroud.
Kids can expect a jam-packed schedule, featuring an assortment of activities including dodgeball, baking, face painting, mindfulness, swimming, frisbee golf, mini-Olympics, arts and crafts, laser tag, science and magic workshops, archery, pedal cars, animal petting, kids yoga, inflatables and more.
SoGlos loves
Camp 4-2-11 has introduced two new camps for 2022 – the Beaudesert Park School in Stroud and The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water – running a brilliant selection of workshops and activities this summer for both small and older children.
The important bits
The St Edward’s camp in Cheltenham runs from Monday 25 July to Wednesday 24 August; Dinglewell School in Gloucester and Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water both run from Monday 25 July to Friday 19 August 2022; and the Beaudesert Park School in Stroud runs from Monday 1 to Friday 19 August 2022.
Admission starts from £30 per child per day and £130 per child per week.
How to book
For more information, visit camp4211.co.uk.
Go wild at Sudeley Castle
When and where?
Little ones can run wild at Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds this summer, with nature journals to collect, animal sculptures to spot, Punch and Judy shows to watch and Hysterical History with Professor Collywobbles to enjoy, from Monday 18 July to Sunday 4 September 2022.
What’s happening?
Throughout the summer holidays, visitors to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe can collect a nature journal when they arrive, full of activities to try as they head off to explore the gorgeous grounds. Search for wildflowers, spot animals, write a nature poem and enjoy the 10 spectacular gardens that surround the castle.
Along the way, families can spot life-sized sculptures of elephants, rhinos, hippos, camels, orangutans and even kangaroos made from bark, plants and grasses on the Sudeley Sculpture Safari around the grounds.
There are nature craft sessions with Dig and Delve taking place on the Falcon Lawn on Friday 5, 12 and 19 August 2022, where little ones can make willow bird feeders and bee hotels.
Plus, every Thursday throughout August, Professor Collywobbles will be at Sudeley Castle, too. Little historians can help him tell the story of Sudeley’s 1,000-year history using their imaginations and acting skills in the Hysterical History show; while a traditional Punch and Judy show, packed with slapstick comedy and sausages, is sure to get everyone giggling.
SoGlos loves
With its impressive royal connections, the exhibitions inside Sudeley Castle are well worth exploring, too – as is the tomb Queen Katherine Parr, with Sudeley Castle being the only private residence to have a royal buried in its grounds. Active kids won’t want to miss playing ‘king of the castle’ at its castle-themed adventure playground, either!
The important bits
Sudeley Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tickets must be booked online in advance and admission costs £19.50 for adults, £8.75 for children aged three to 15-years-old, or £48 for a family of two adults and two children. Children under three can visit for free and don’t need a ticket.
How to book
Visit sudeleycastle.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
When and where?
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum near Tetbury is open every day from 9am during the summer holidays, with additional activities taking place across the whole break.
What’s happening?
Capturing the imagination of little visitors, Westonbirt Arboretum is hosting a summer learning series on various dates from Saturday 30 July to Thursday 25 August 2022. The free Arboretum Apprentice workshops will introduce children to the kinds of exciting careers they could have at Westonbirt when they grow up – from propagating new trees to looking after wildlife. Little explorers will have heaps of fun following the Superworm activity trail in the Old Arboretum, too.
There’s also a brand-new children’s book festival to look forward to, with some of the country’s most famous authors coming to Wild Wonder at Westonbirt from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August 2022.
Celebrating stories set in and around nature, young bookworms can get inspired by fun activities and workshops and even meet their favourite writers, with literary greats like Michael Morpurgo and Cressida Cowell making appearances.
SoGlos loves
Saving parents some pennies while the kids are off school, Westonbirt Arboretum is introducing a 'kids go free' offer from Saturday 23 July to Sunday 4 September 2022 - with children up to 18-years-old able to enjoy the popular attraction with no admission fee during the summer holidays!
The important bits
Tickets to Westonbirt Arboretum cost £11 per adult and are free for children up to 18-years-old during the summer holidays. Pre-booking isn’t essential, except for anyone visiting from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August 2022 for the bank holiday weekend.
The Arboretum Apprentice workshops are free after admission, but must be booked in advance. The Superworm trail is also free after admission, with Superworm activity packs available to purchase from the Westonbirt Shop for £3.50.
Prices vary per event for Wild Wonder at Westonbirt and a standard admission cost of £11 applies for adults.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt.
To book an Arboretum Apprentice workshop, email learning.westonbirt@forestryengland.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 – open from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
What’s happening?
Little ones can put their detective skills to the test, searching for hedgehogs hidden around the arboretum from Saturday 23 July to Sunday 4 September 2022. The Big Batsford Hedgehog Hunt costs an additional £2.50 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 £8.10 for adults, £7.20 for concessions and £3.15 for children aged four to 16, with under fours free of charge. Family tickets are also available for £18.15. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
How to book
For more information, visit batsarb.co.uk/tickets.
Sunflower Festival at Cotswold Farm Park
When and where?
Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power is open from 9.30am to 5pm every day during the summer holidays – with its vibrant sunflower field returning in August 2022.
What’s happening?
Giving snap-happy parents the perfect excuse to capture a new family photo, Cotswold Farm Park will be revealing its colourful flower displays for this summer’s Sunflower Festival. Admire the beautiful blooms, with thousands of sunflowers to see; spot busy bees hard at work; and search out the centre of the maize maze.
Families can enjoy all the usual activities, with friendly animals to meet, outdoor play areas to blow off steam in and bouncy pillows for kids to practise their acrobatic skills on.
SoGlos loves
Families looking to squeeze the most out of their summer can visit time and time again with Cotswold Farm Park’s summer pass allowing them unlimited entry to the attraction until Wednesday 31 August 2022 for just £30 per person! Plus, passholders get 10 per cent discount on food and drink from on-site catering outlets and souvenirs from the shop!
The important bits
Entry to Cotswold Farm Park’s Sunflower Festival is included in the cost of admission. When booked online, tickets to Cotswold Farm Park cost £15 per adult, £14 for children aged four to 15 and £10 for toddlers aged two to three. Babies aged one and under go free.
Sunflower Festival only tickets are also available, costing £5 per adult, £3 for children aged four to 15-years-old and free of charge for children aged three and under.
How to book
For more information, visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/sunflower-field.
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.
Celebrating the archaeological past with a series of events for the national CBA Festival of Archaeology running from Saturday 16 to Sunday 31 July 2022, little ones can create prehistoric scenes in the Stone Age Printing workshop; make Animal Mosaics inspired by the Roman mosaics on site; complete their own excavation at the Dig Pit; or even put together their own menu inspired by the Roman period during the Roman Food and Family activities.
Plus, visitors can also browse the brilliantly immersive exhibitions hosting over 600 interesting 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 4pm Monday to Saturday and 2 to 4pm on Sunday.
Admission – which must be pre-booked online – costs £6 per adult; £2.85 for children aged five to 16; £16 for a family ticket; and free for under-fives.
The Roman Food and Family activity takes place on both Monday 25 and Wednesday 27 July at varying times and is included in admission; the Dig Pit is included in admission to the museum and takes place on Tuesday 26 July at 10am; Animal Mosaics takes place on Wednesday 27 July from 10.30am and costs £15 per child; the Stone Age Printing workshop takes place on Tuesday 16 August from 10am and costs £8 per child; .
How to book
Visit coriniummuseum.org.
Summer holiday activities at Cotswold Alpacas
When and where?
Cotswold Alpacas in Cowley gives animal lovers the chance to interact with its herd of gorgeous Huacaya alpacas this summer — with alpaca experiences and shorter meet and greet sessions in the Gloucestershire countryside.
What’s happening?
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close to a friendly alpaca, you don’t have to go to the Andes to do it! Cotswold Alpacas offers alpaca experiences where visitors can get to know its herd and even lead them on a walk around the country lanes.
All walks start with a quick meet and greet, before guests get to take a gentle stroll with the inquisitive alpacas, who are fully halter-trained and used to walking with humans. The hour-long experience is rounded off with a mini drop spindle workshop, demonstrating how alpaca fleece is spun into yarn.
SoGlos loves
With the alpaca experience suitable for children over five-years-old, littler ones can try a 30-minute meet and greet session instead, where they can bond with their favourite member of the herd.
There's also the option to learn how to care for the alpacas with regular husbandry courses, take part in spinning workshops and even host a children's birthday party with the most adorable guests!
The important bits
Alpaca experiences are available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a two adult minimum booking. The excursion costs £25 for anyone over the age of 12 to walk with one alpaca; £12.50 for additional children aged five to 15-years-old; and £15 for accompanying adults. For an adult and a child to share one alpaca, it costs £37.50.
Meet and greets with the herd cost £15 per adult and £7.50 per child aged five to 15-years-old, with a two adult minimum per booking. All activities must be booked in advance.
How to book
For more information, visit cotswoldalpacas.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities in the Forest of Dean
Summer holiday activities at Forestry England sites
When and where?
Forestry England operates several visitor sites in the Forest of Dean, including Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, 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 nine-mile Family Cycle Trail; hike to the awe-inspiring Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint; or try Gruffalo Orienteering at Mallards Pike, where there are also several running and walking routes.
There’s also the chance to learn about some heroic bugs and critters at Beechenhurst by following the Superworm activity trail, where youngsters can put on their mask and become a forest superhero themselves.
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 the six Forestry England sites, while members can park for free.
The Superworm trail starts at the visitor centre at Beechenhurst and takes approximately one hour to complete. Trail activity packs are available to purchase at Beechenhurst Café and the ranger hatch for £3.50.
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 at Puzzlewood
When and where?
Let your little ones’ imaginations run wild this summer in the historic Forest of Dean, as Puzzlewood invites kids of all ages to explore the woods and take part in the hunt for Roman nooks, iron ore crannies and more during the school holidays.
What’s happening?
Running throughout the summer holidays, little ones can discover the magic of Puzzlewood including its stunning woodlands which are filled with twisted trees and lookout points; a working farm; and a kids playground.
Pick up a Wizards Guide at admission so families and little explorers can seek out 20 objects, items, places and faces that they spot around the wood. Keep an eye out for the brand new ‘Big Four’ animals and hunt for the 10 Roman coins located around the woods.
Young discoverers can make their way through the Celtic double spiral, journey through tunnels and arches, discover igloos and dead ends, and see if they can spot any wildlife lurking around as they try to make it to the end of The Willow Maze, too.
Plus, once these activities have been completed, there’s still plenty of space for little ones to run around and explore.
SoGlos loves
After all the fun, tired woodland explorers can refuel at the Puzzlewood Café which offers food and refreshments throughout the day, including paninis, baguettes and sandwiches, salads, cake, crisps, ice cream, hot and cold drinks and children’s lunch boxes, too.
The important bits
Adult tickets cost £8.50, children aged three to 16 can visit for £7, while children aged two and under enter for free. Visitors are advised to book their tickets online in advance.
Puzzlewood’s summer season runs from April to September, when the attraction is open daily from 10am, with last entry at 4.30pm. The café closes at 5pm and the gates are locked at 6pm.
As Puzzlewood has over 200 narrow and uneven steps that can be slippery, sturdy footwear with sufficient grip is essential and pushchairs are not allowed anywhere onsite. Pets are not permitted.
How to book
For more information, visit puzzlewood.net.
Summer holiday activities 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 2022, taking 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, crossings and an extended zip line for an adrenaline-pumping finish.
Through the trees at Beechenhurst, little explorers of all ages 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.
SoGlos loves
Those who want to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground can hop on 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 drivers’ skills to the test as they soak up the forest wildlife.
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 £33 per person. Meanwhile, the Forest Segway costs £35 and is suitable for people of all ages, with a minimum weight of 45 kilograms.
Over at Beechenhurst, the Treetop Adventure is suitable for all ages over one metre tall and costs £20. The extended Treetop Adventure Plus course is designed for over six-year-olds who are taller than 1.2 metres and costs £25.
How to book
For more information and to book your adventure, 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?
From learning specialist woodland skills, like how to light a fire, to crafting traditional toys and dreamcatchers, children can get stuck in with a whole range of extra activities at Dean Heritage Centre.
Have a go at pyrography, make a seed bomb to help the bees and butterflies, and don't forget to pick up an activity pack to make exploring the museum's interactive galleries and outdoor exhibits even more fun!
Little knights will love the Medieval Day on Sunday 7 August 2022, led by Forest of Dean-based medieval re-enactment group, Companions of the Forest; while teacher's pets can look forward to lessons from Miss Wright in the Victorian schoolroom on Thursday afternoons.
SoGlos loves
Discover fascinating history right beneath your feet during Archaeology Weekend, with a real-life dig taking place at Dean Heritage Centre on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July 2022. Led by Dean Archaeological Group, budding historians will have the chance to grab their tools and get stuck in, with other activities for visitors to take part in, too.
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.
How to book
There's no need to book in advance but for more information, visit deanheritagecentre.com/summer-fun.
Summer holiday activities in Gloucester
Summer holiday activities at Gloucester Cathedral
When and where?
Take part in a 1,000-year-old tradition at Gloucester Cathedral, when the Labyrinth returns from Tuesday 2 to Friday 26 August 2022.
What’s happening?
With mindfulness, meditation and music at the centre of its summer activities, Gloucester Cathedral is inviting visitors to ‘connect with your cathedral’ this summer – providing a place for families to enjoy a moment of peace and reflection.
On selected dates in July, Gloucester Cathedral’s stonemasons will be teaching visitors how to carve with fun, hands-on sessions; filling the floor of the Nave throughout August, visitors young and old can follow the winding path of the Labyrinth, traditionally used for meditation and prayer; plus take part in sound-bathing sessions featuring ‘the sounds of Gloucester Cathedral’ – including bells tolling and birdsong – in the Quire and the Lady Chapel on selected dates during August.
SoGlos loves
There’s plenty more for families to discover at Gloucester Cathedral, from Harry Potter filming locations; medieval games and creepy gargoyles; to interactive activities in the Tribune Gallery. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the exploring, head to The Monk’s Kitchen and grab a takeaway Tea on the Green and a Mini Monk children’s lunchbox to enjoy on Cathedral Green when the sun is shining.
The important bits
Gloucester Cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday; entry is by donation, which will include the Labyrinth from Tuesday 2 to Friday 26 August 2022.
How to book
For more information, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Nature in Art
When and where?
Explore the wonderful world of art this summer, as Nature in Art is encouraging children to experience a cultural day out during the holidays with some impressive exhibitions.
What’s happening?
Running from Tuesday 26 July to Sunday 11 September 2022, kids can experience the ‘Natural World of Man – The Art of Conservation’, inspired by some of the conservation and environmental achievements of the renowned artist, Peter Scott.
Excitingly, the exhibition is set to include a painting entitled ‘The Natural World of Man’, representing man’s dilemma regarding his relationship with nature, as well as ‘Self-portrait with Humpbacks’ – with both works rarely seen in public.
Peter’s work will also be displayed alongside other well-known artists that draw attention to some of his own environmental passions.
On top of this, Nature in Art is also offering an extensive programme of bookable children’s activity days and drop in sessions throughout the summer, including the chance to create foil art, mosaics, bug hotels, puppets, music and more.
SoGlos loves
Little art enthusiasts can also look forward to viewing the rarely seen glittery display of gold, silver and metal thread embroidery that embraces nature in all its forms in ‘Stitches of Gold – Goldwork Guild’, from Tuesday 16 August to Sunday 4 September 2022.
Plus, visitors will be able to witness the ancient craft first-hand, daily, within the exhibition by members of the Goldwork Guild.
The important bits
Nature in Art is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday; entry is £20 per family (two adults, two children), £7 per adult, £6.50 for under 16s, and under eights enter for free.
Children’s activity days will run from Tuesday 26 July through to Friday 2 September 2022 and cost £6 per child.
How to book
For more information, visit natureinart.org.uk.
Wonderful wellbeing at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester and the Canal and River Trust is highlighting how you can help your family find a sense of wellbeing on the water this summer.
With Gloucestershire boasting a host of beautiful waterways, there are many places to enjoy walking, running, biking, boating, fishing, resting, spotting wildlife, picnicking or simply getting a bit of headspace during the summer holidays in 2022.
What’s happening?
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester is hosting Wellbeing Wednesdays with drop-in sessions to help families follow its five ways to wellbeing. Each week will centre around a different theme and offer fun activities for the whole family. A wellbeing bingo sheet will be available to take away, packed with practical wellbeing ideas to do at home, too.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to get out on the water with boat trips running from the museum in Gloucester Docks at midday and 1.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday during the summer holidays.
For a really relaxing experience, take a seat on a mindfulness bench and listen to some calming audio next to the water. The Canal and River Trust will be offering a water activity day in August 2022 for anyone interested in giving paddleboarding or kayaking a go as well.
The Summer of Wellbeing theme at the museum runs alongside Gloucester’s Serenity in the City initiative which aims to connect people to their local environment and to each other. As part of this, the National Waterways Museum is hosting a Chatty Bench, created to combat loneliness and help reduce social isolation by encouraging people to sit and chat.
SoGlos loves
The National Waterways Museum has a great selection of activity areas for kids and will be announcing more activities during the summer holidays – from weekend water play, to dressing up, giant blocks and activity sheets. There’s also an array of delicious drinks, snacks and ice cream available in the museum café.
The important bits
During the school summer holidays, the museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Wellbeing Wednesdays will begin on Wednesday 27 July 2022 and will run from 10am to 3pm for five weeks. Wellbeing Wednesday drop-in sessions are included with museum tickets, which allow visitors to return as many times as they like for 12 months.
Adult tickets cost £8.50, children aged six to 15-years-old are £5. Children five and under are free and family tickets are also available for £20. Boat trips are charged separately.
How to book
There’s no need to book in advance for museum entry and boat trips, you can just turn up on the day.
For more information visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
When and where?
As well as providing a fascinating insight into the lives of local servicemen from the last 300 years, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is offering an abundance of exciting activities for little ones to take part in during the summer holidays.
What’s happening?
Throughout all six weeks of the summer holidays, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is offering little ones the chance to become an investigator for the day in The Museum Detectives Agency Summer trail – children will use their UV torch or wear their 3D glasses to find clues hidden around the museum and claim their free prize at the end!
But that’s not all, kids can bounce to their heart’s content on the bouncy castle and inflatable slide outside the museum; take part in children’s outdoor crafts and paint their own wooden decoration; challenge themselves to the 28ft inflatable obstacle course; and of course, see an exciting variety of military hardware on display as part of Gloucester Goes Retro.
SoGlos loves
Parents can grab a coffee and a slice of cake from the museum café to refuel, whilst the kids are kept busy with all of the fun summer activities on offer.
The important bits
The Museum Detectives Agency Summer trail will run throughout the summer holidays; the bouncy castle and inflatable slide will be at the museum on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2022; outdoor crafts will run on Wednesday 27 July and Wednesday 3, 10, 17 and 24 August 2022; the inflatable obstacle course will run on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August 2022; and Gloucester Goes Retro takes place on Saturday 27 August.
Admission to the museum costs £5 per adult; £3 per child; and £12 per family ticket. The Museum Detectives Agency Summer trail is free and there’s a surplus charge for all other summer activities.
How to book
For more information, visit soldiersofglos.com.
Summer holiday activities at the Museum of Gloucester
When and where?
Explore the Museum of Gloucester's newest exhibition, Titanic: Honour and Glory, throughout the summer holidays, with the museum open from Tuesday to Sunday each week.
What's happening?
Telling untold stories from the Titanic through rare artefacts from the ship and personal belongings from some of its passengers, the Museum of Gloucester's latest exhibition marks 110 years since the vessel sank on its maiden voyage.
As well as genuine items from the Titanic and its sister vessels on the White Star Line, the exhibition features costumes - including the famous Heart of the Ocean necklace - from the 1997 blockbuster movie Titanic, directed by James Cameron and starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
It also explores Gloucester's own connections to the doomed liner - and is due to feature a programme of family and educational activities alongside the exhibition, with details to be announced soon.
Whether you're a film fan or a nautical history enthusiast, the exhibition promises to be one of the summer's most unmissable events, with The Times calling it one of the top five exhibitions in the UK.
The Museum of Gloucester is also taking part in the Gloucester Holiday Activities and Food programme, with free sessions on making Saxon charms and remedies and bug hunting taking place on Thursday 4, Wednesday 17 and Monday 22 August 2022, as well as den building and goddess storytelling on Friday 5, Friday 19 and Wednesday 24 August 2022, all taking place on Greyfriars Green, behind the museum.
SoGlos loves
There's so much to discover at the Museum of Gloucester, from human skulls and dinosaur bones, to the famous Birdlip Mirror, showing off Gloucester's rich history in a variety of fun, interactive ways. Visitors can learn all about the Prehistoric creatures that used to roam the lands around the city; the Roman city of Glevum and its famous walls; and even see one of the oldest games in the world, as well as following the fun family Animal Trail around the museum - with trail sheets available for just £1.
The important bits
Titanic: Honour and Glory at the Museum of Gloucester is on until Thursday 29 September 2022 and tickets cost £4.95 for adults, £3.95 for senior citizens and £2.95 for those aged 18 to 25. Under 18s can visit for free.
The Museum of Gloucester is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
Gloucester Holiday Activities and Food sessions are free to attend, but must be booked in advance on the Gloucester Holiday Activities and Food website.
How to book
For more information, see Titanic: Honour and Glory at the Museum of Gloucester, or to book tickets, visit museumofgloucester.co.uk.
Summer holiday activities at Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre
When and where?
Far from deserted in the summer, Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre in Robinswood Hill is a hive of activity during the holidays, with ski school and snowboard camps held on selected dates from Wednesday 27 July to Tuesday 30 August 2022.
What’s happening?
The summer months are an ideal time to get children on the dry slopes if you plan on searching out some real snow later on in the year - with Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre's ski schools teaching beginners who have never tried the sport before, as well as helping children who can already parallel ski to get even better!
Smaller skiers from six to nine-years-old will get three hours to practice with the instructors, while older children aged 10 to 16 will get to enjoy longer sessions on the slopes - with lunch included. Beginners' snowboarding is also an option for those aged 10 and over.
SoGlos loves
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre also runs great value activity days for children aged eight to 16, where they can try out skiing, tubing and laser tag.
The important bits
Three-day skiing courses for ages six to nine take place between 10am and 1pm and are available on Monday 1 to Wednesday 3; Monday 8 to Wednesday 10; and Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 August 2022, costing £110.
While two-day skiing courses for ages 10 to 16 are held between 10am and 4pm and are available Thursday 28 to Friday 29 July; Thursday 11 to Friday 12; and Thursday 18 to 19 August 2022 and also cost £110.
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre also offers a three-day crash course for beginner snowboarders, which runs from 10.30am to 1.30pm, Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 July 2022, and is suitable for children 10 and up - again, priced at £110.
Anyone using the slope needs to be wearing a long sleeve top, trousers and gloves. If forgotten, gloves can be bought at reception for £2.50 per pair.
How to book
Please call (01452) 501438 to reserve a space and visit gloucesterski.com/holiday-activities for more information.
Summer Fun at Over Farm
When and where?
What’s happening?
Alongside its popular Countryside Adventure, where children can meet farm animals, ride on tractors and tackle the adventure playground – among other things, this year’s Big Summer Blow Out will see different entertainers at Over Farm every day of the week.
Youngsters can enjoy disco dancing on Mondays and meet the reptiles on Tuesdays, while Wednesdays will be given over to bubble and balloon parties, Thursdays to magic shows and Fridays to puppet shows, with Saturdays and Sundays promising a craft bonanza!
Also coinciding with the school holidays, Over Farm’s PYO fruit and flower fields will be open, with strawberries, raspberries and blackberries charged by the punnet between now and the end of August. Its pick your own sunflowers should be ready by mid-August.
SoGlos loves
Over Farm has plenty of grassy areas and benches if you want to bring a picnic and make a real day of your countryside adventure, as well as an excellent café for cakes and coffees, savouries and sandwiches.
The important bits
Countryside Adventure is open from 10am to 4pm daily, with family tickets (admitting two adults and two children) costing £37 on the gate, or £27 online. PYO entry costs £3 per person on the gate or £2 per person online.
How to book
Visitors are advised to book online in advance via overfarm.co.uk for both Countryside Adventure and Pick Your Own.
Summer holiday activities in Stroud
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 every Monday during the summer holidays, with the chance to wield their own bow and have a go at archery; while on Wednesdays, animal lovers can meet all kinds of creatures at the Tudor ZooLab and discover what life was like back then from Berkeley’s very own Tudor urchin.
Throughout the season, visitors can expect meet-and-greets with Tudor royalty; interactive theatre experiences from Wild Geese Theatre; and even the chance to see Gloucestershire’s bravest knights battle it out in an exciting jousting display.
SoGlos loves
Little warriors can put their bravery to the test at Berkeley Castle by attending Knight School on Sunday 14 August 2022. Inviting youngsters aged five to 12 to don their armour, the sessions will see accomplished swordsmen, Dressed to Kill, share their skills and teach kids the way of the warrior.
The important bits
Tickets to Berkeley Castle cost £14 for adults, £12.50 for concessions and £7 for children aged three to 16. Children under three go free, with family tickets available at £39 for two adults and two children.
Most summer holiday activities are included in the price of general admission, but entry to Knight School must be booked separately – costing £7.50 per child.
All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
How to book
For more information, and to book tickets, visit berkeley-castle.com.
Summer holiday activities at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Immerse yourself in the world of wetland wildlife 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; see live bird demonstrations at the Living Wetland Theatre, starring Sprout the pelican; and explore the Hawaiian landscape of Mission Possible, where they’ll find the world’s rarest goose, the nene.
Wave to the colourful flamingos and say hello to Slimbridge’s friendly resident otter, Haha, or watch the wildlife from the water on a canoe safari – before cooling off with a splash about in Welly Boot Land.
Don’t forget to download Slimbridge’s free Wetland Heroes app to discover the attraction in a whole new way, with new challenges to complete and areas to explore on every visit.
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 make lava flow, oceans swirl and grass grow within the interactive wetland sandbox. There are engaging talks and tours to join every day, too.
The important bits
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.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge.
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, bouncy pillows and indoor play barns.
Cool down 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
For the perfect summer photo opportunity, don’t miss your chance to explore Cattle Country’s sunflower patch when it opens in August 2022. Families can wander through dazzling displays of yellow sunflowers and wild flowers, while challenging each other to find the centre of the maize maze, too.
The important bits
Cattle Country has reduced its ticket prices online, with admission costing £10 for adults and concessions, £15 for children aged four to 17, and £12 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 per person.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets, visit cattlecountry.co.uk.
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 24 July to Thursday 25 August 2022.
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 the Bhangra-inspired dance workshops; or clown around learning circus skills. Plus, hunt for bugs, build a den and mess around in the mud kitchen during Wildplay.
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 £9 for adults and £6 for children aged three to 15, with family tickets costing £24 for two adults and up to three children – and castle upgrades 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/whats-on.
Surf lessons and sessions at The Wave
When and where?
Located near junction 17 of the M5 motorway in South Gloucestershire, near Bristol, The Wave’s inland surfing destination is easily accessible by bicycle, car or bus and open from 6am, seven days a week in the summer season.
What’s happening?
Using technology to generate the ‘perfect wave’, kids can pull on a wettie and learn how to surf, or develop their technique at The Wave, making swift progress at any level.
The lake is divided into different areas, including the beginner bay and the advanced reef, with an experienced team of qualified coaches promising to bring out the best in everyone, leaving new surfers with a real sense of achievement!
SoGlos loves
Keen to make surfing accessible to all, The Wave offers ‘adaptive surfing’ for those with physical, learning or sensory impairments. The venue has even hosted the English Adaptive Surf Championships twice in the last couple of years!
The on-site café champions food that is natural and seasonal, doing visitors good and fuelling them for surfing. It also likes to showcase different street food vendors, too. Plus, you can sit outside and listen to the waves as you refuel.
The important bits
Ninety-minute lessons for beginners and improvers must be booked online, costing £60 for children aged six and over, while hour-long sessions without a coach cost £50 for children.
Spectators are welcome, but unless six or under, will need to book a £2 spectator pass online in advance, allowing all-day access to The Clubhouse, shop, playpark and all outdoor areas.
The Wave also runs Play in the Bay sessions in the wave pool for all ages, where parents can help little ones build their confidence in the water before progressing to surfing lessons for beginners.
How to book
Call 0333 016 4133 or visit thewave.com/surf.
BIG Summer Send-Off at Bristol Zoo Gardens
When and where?
From now until the Clifton site closes its doors on Saturday 3 September 2022, Bristol Zoo Gardens is holding end of an era celebrations to give visitors one last chance to experience the fifth oldest zoo in the world, which first opened its doors back in 1836.
What’s happening?
To coincide with the zoo’s BIG Summer Send-Off, a giant interactive gorilla sculpture has been unveiled on the main lawn. Taller than any giraffe and weighing over four tonnes, Wilder 'eats' lettuce, squirts water and reveals glimpses of her baby.
Award-winning Bristol theatrical company, Bakehouse Factory, is also putting on a new family show. Part silent disco, part storytelling adventure, kids can dance around in animal-eared headphones to the conservation-inspired music, stories and games in Into the Wild!
Plus there's the Past, Present, Future timeline exhibition on the top terrace, featuring poems, pictures and stories shared by visitors, while the zoo’s famous gorilla troop and other incredible animal species can still be visited throughout the summer.
SoGlos loves
The local yew, cedar, pine and oak used to make the Wilder sculpture was donated by Gloucestershire's Westonbirt Arboretum.
Visitors also have the chance to feature in the timeline exhibition by sharing their favourite memories using the hashtag #TheZooAndYou and tagging Bristol Zoo Gardens on Facebook or Instagram.
The important bits
Tickets for Bristol Zoo Gardens include admission to the BIG Summer Send-Off and cost £19.95 for adults and £14.50 for children aged two to 14, with under twos going free. Family show theatre tickets must be purchased in addition to admission for £5 per person.
The last entry timeslot for Bristol Zoo Gardens is 3.30pm to 4pm, with the animal houses closing at 5pm and the whole zoo closing at 5.30pm.
How to book
Visit bristolzoo.org.uk.
