16 of the best annual passes in Gloucestershire

From animal attractions and castles to glorious gardens and museums, SoGlos has found 16 of the best annual passes that Gloucestershire has to offer, perfect for families, couples and individuals.

By Annabel Lammas  |  Published
Parent and child feeding a pony at a farm
Animals, museums, castles and so much more – here are some brilliant annual passes for Gloucestershire attractions.

Allowing entry for 12 months, buying an annual pass offers the perfect opportunity to visit your favourite attractions time and time again, without repeated ticket costs.

Whether you’re obsessed with animals, find historical destinations fascinating or love exploring picture-perfect gardens, Gloucestershire is home to plenty of amazing attractions – and a year of visits is just a ticket away…

Annual passes for Cotswold Farm Park

With farmyard animals to meet and plenty of opportunities for outdoor play, Cotswold Farm Park is a hugely popular attraction, pulling families in all year round with seasonal highlights like lambing in the spring and autumn pumpkin picking.

For those who want to return again and again, a full annual membership gives unlimited entry to the park and costs £75 for adults, £60 for children and £40 for toddlers; while a saver membership is valid for term-time weekday visits and costs £50 for adults, £45 for children and £25 for toddlers. Both options include 10 per cent off in the shop and on food and drink, too.

Annual passes for Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a favourite amongst bird watchers and families thanks to its amazing wildlife, exciting programme of events, picturesque scenery and children’s activities – with Welly Boot Land a sure highlight, complete with waterwheels, fountains and streams.

Offering unlimited free entry to Slimbridge and all other WWT sites, annual memberships start from £75 for a family, £87 for a joint membership, and £57 for an individual.

Annual passes for Batsford Arboretum

Perfect for romantic day trips, leisurely walks and family outings, Batsford Arboretum is a picture-perfect destination near Moreton-in-Marsh that hosts regular events and seasonal trails to keep little explorers entertained.

With a whole host of benefits, including free entry to Westonbirt Arboretum too, an annual membership costs £35 per person, £30 for concessions and allows Batsford members’ children to visit for free.

Annual passes for the Forest of Dean from Forestry England

From warm-weather paddling at Wenchford to admiring seasonal colours along the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst, there’s so much to discover in the Forest of Dean – and families can explore time and time again with a Forestry England membership.

Costing £40, a year’s membership includes free parking at Gloucestershire's six Forestry England sites and savings on family adventures, as well as discounts from carefully-selected partners. Plus, the money raised helps to support the forest and its facilities.

Annual passes for Eastnor Castle

Home to a historic house, beautiful grounds and outdoor play areas, including a treetop walkway and junior obstacle course, Eastnor Castle near Ledbury promises a fun day out for the whole family, including four-legged friends – open on selected dates from Easter to the end of September.

An Eastnor Castle Privilege Card allows free entry on every open day for 12 months, plus discounts on refreshments and theatre performances, costing £29 for adults, £17 for children aged three to 15 and from £52 for a family.

Annual passes for East Glos Club

Welcoming players of all ages and abilities, Cheltenham’s East Glos Club is a fun and sociable multi-sports club, where members can hit the all-weather courts and enjoy unlimited tennis, squash, racketball and padel throughout the year.

Including a free introductory lesson with an expert coach and discounts on courses, annual membership to East Glos Club costs £493 per adult, with reduced prices for 19 to 25-year-olds, as well as 26 to 30-year-olds; £97 for juniors aged 11 to 18; and £56 for children aged 10 and under; with a family membership option costing £1,042, too.

Annual passes for Corinium Museum

As well as introducing visitors to Cirencester’s fascinating Roman past, the Corinium Museum boasts a vast archaeological collection of prehistoric tools, medieval sculpture and even the remains of an Iron Age dog! With a packed programme of events and exhibitions, the museum caters to all ages.

Membership includes unlimited free entry for 12 months, discounts on events and more, costing £17 for adults, £11.50 for concessions and £45.50 for a family of two adults and up to four children.

Annual passes for Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle near Stroud allows visitors to go back in time and walk in the steps of royalty. From the Great Hall that’s housed kings and queens to the spooky medieval dungeon, visitors are in for a treat – with lots to see throughout the grounds, too.

With a packed events calendar each season, joining the Friends of Berkeley Castle is a great option. Membership includes free entry and other incentives, costing £20 for adults, £7 for children aged three to 16 and £48 for a family.

Annual passes for Painswick Rococo Garden

Famed for its Cotswold views and characterful follies, Painswick Rococo Garden is an 18th century pleasure park that’s still as stunning as ever – with highlights including its seasonal displays of snowdrops and daffodils and fun woodland play area. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on leads.

For a year’s worth of visits, a season ticket costs £28 for a single adult, £50 for a joint membership and from £53 for a family.

Annual passes from the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

One of the Cotswold’s best-loved attractions, Westonbirt Arboretum is bursting with gorgeous colour, family activities and live events all year round. And by joining the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum as a member, nature lovers can enjoy free entry throughout the year.

Starting at £40, the annual membership also includes free admission for children, early bird booking for Forest Live concerts, discounts with local partners such as Go Ape AND early bird booking for the venue’s popular Enchanted Christmas trail – among other incentives.

Annual passes for Sudeley Castle

With an action-packed calendar of family events, there’s lots to see and do during a visit to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe – from soaking up its incredible Tudor heritage to letting off steam in the adventure playground.

Visitors can enjoy free admission to Sudeley Castle by becoming a member of the Historic Houses scheme, costing £65 per adult, £103 for a joint membership, and £30 for children aged three to 16. The annual membership also gives free access to hundreds of heritage houses, castles and gardens across the UK, including more Gloucestershire sites like Woodchester Mansion, Sezincote and Dr Jenner’s House and Garden.

Annual passes for Nature in Art

As the world’s first museum and art gallery dedicated to works inspired by nature, Nature in Art is home to an incredible collection and frequently hosts special exhibitions. With an on-site coffee shop, gift shop and regular children’s activities too, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Become a Friend of Nature in Art to enjoy free access to the museum, discounts on art courses, regular magazines and more. The membership costs £30 for individuals, £22.50 for concessions and £45 for a family.

Annual passes for Dean Heritage Centre

Dean Heritage Centre provides a fascinating look into the history of the Forest of Dean, with indoor and outdoor exhibitions, live demonstrations and family-fun events throughout the year. Kids will especially love following the Gruffalo trail and experiencing the Victorian classroom.

A season ticket for Dean Heritage Centre gives free entry to all attractions and costs £24 per adult, £12 per child and £60 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

Annual passes for Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the region’s most popular animal attractions, home to lions, rhinos, giraffe, zebra and more. Visitors can meet the residents, wander the glorious open space and enjoy a picnic, with pooches allowed to explore the gardens as well.

Animal lovers can book themselves a season ticket to return time after time, costing £78 for adults, £55 for children and senior citizens, and £250 for families of two adults and two children – with each additional child costing £50.

Annual passes for Perrygrove Railway

Families will love taking a trip on Perrygrove Railway, riding a steam engine through the picturesque Forest of Dean and hopping off to follow trails through the trees, build dens in the woodland or blow off some steam on the treetop adventure playground.

Promising free entry to the private site with no need to prebook tickets, annual passes cost £41 for adults and £33 for children aged two to 15.

Annual passes for Sandford Parks Lido

A season ticket for Sandford Parks Lido allows for unlimited outdoor heated swimming at Cheltenham’s popular summer destination during its opening months. Great value for those who hit the water regularly, the ticket also offers four hours of free parking and access to exclusive member events.

Prices for the 2023 season – which runs from March to October – start from £190 for adults and £120 for concessions, with various family membership options, too.

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