SoGlos has hunted high and low for a whopping 50 fun and completely free things to do in Gloucestershire while school’s out for the summer holidays.
From fruit picking and farm parks to exhibitions and family festivals, this jumbo hot list is jam packed with inspirational ideas to set you up for a memory-making, action-packed six weeks — split into free attractions, events and outdoor adventures to help you plan your summer.
Free attractions in Gloucestershire this summer
Explore the historic Gloucester Cathedral
Home to the only monarch’s tomb in the south west and a Whispering Gallery full of secrets, Gloucester Cathedral is packed full of exciting discoveries for culture-loving families. This summer, visitors can follow the Cubs in the Cathedral trail to find a pride of playful lion cubs hiding around the building and claim a prize for finding them all; and admire an exhibition on the crafts which built the cathedral, including live demonstrations of heritage crafts like stonecarving.
Get creative at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Not only are there some fascinating galleries to explore, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum has an immersive exhibition this summer encouraging visitors to 'rewild themselves'. Play Ground features interactive exhibits, nature-inspired crafts, self-guided walking trails and even a mini boating pond experience to enjoy throughout the summer.
Find Stroud’s secret garden at Museum in the Park
Peek inside the walled garden at Museum in the Park in Stroud’s Stratford Park, with plenty of outdoor space and floral features to explore. Inside, the museum's collection spans dinosaur bones to the world's first lawnmower, with kid-friendly elements throughout — including interactive toys and peep holes into cabinets at child-height. Look out for free drop-in activities, too.
Under threes go free at Dean Heritage Centre
Dean Heritage Centre welcomes the littlest visitors for free, with no charge for children under three-years-old. Delve into the history of the Forest of Dean, discovering interactive exhibits, including a replica Victorian schoolroom and free mine; hunt the woods for hand-carved Gruffalo sculptures; and blow off steam in the adventure playground.
Search for sculptures in the Forest of Dean
Children can burn off some energy along the four-mile Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean, with plenty of impressive woodland-inspired sculptures to see. What's more, there's a fantastic play area and picnic site at Beechenhurst, the trail's starting point, where families can follow up adventure with a bite to eat.
Wave to the prisoner at Tetbury Police Museum
With a sleeping prisoner in the cells, a magistrates' court in action and the largest collection of handcuffs in the whole country, little law-abiders are sure to love Tetbury Police Museum. There's even the chance to have a go at solving mysteries and read cold case files of real crimes that have taken place in the quaint Cotswold town.
Wander through Tewkesbury Abbey
Free to visit, the 900-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey has a rich architectural history with fascinating stories to discover within. There are lunchtime organ recitals taking place throughout the summer, as well as a gift shop and tea room – and, if you’re lucky, you might spot its resident peregrine falcons which nest in the tower.
Step into Beatrix Potter’s world in Gloucester
Wander into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter at the House of the Tailor of Gloucester, home to rare displays and memorabilia set within the same building that inspired the author’s magical tale.
See sky-high exhibitions at the Jet Age Museum
Promising pilots will get a thrill at the Jet Age Museum, where visitors can marvel at a replica of Britain’s first jet aircraft, the Gloster E28/39 and other original Gloster-built planes. The museum is free to enter and opens from 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Explore Tinkley Gate at Woodchester Park
Much more than just a gateway into Woodchester Park, Tinkley Gate has its own nature trail along its grassy paths, lawn games like Jenga for families to challenge each other and even its own secondhand bookshop. It's also hosting a Summer of Play during the school holidays, with performances, games, active play and creative craft sessions for little ones – plus pizza, focaccia and salads to tuck into at the cafe.
Go on an Iron Age adventure in the Cotswolds
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve in Bourton-on-the-Water is home to wildflower meadows and rivers bursting with wildlife, as well as working dairy cows, Neolithic fortifications and a replica Iron Age roundhouse. Travel back in time or get closer to nature, exploring the site by its two themed trails — both of which cover flat ground and have no stiles, making them suitable for the littlest of explorers.
Soak up the sunshine at Cotswold Lakes
With more than 40 square miles to explore, even the most energetic children will be tired after a day spent discovering the Cotswold Lakes, with footpaths and cycle routes boasting lovely lake views, picturesque picnic spots and the chance to spot some wildlife at the bird hides.
Free events in Gloucestershire this summer
Tuck in at Gloucester Quays Food Festival
Get the summer holidays off to a tasty start with the free Gloucester Quays Food Festival taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025. Across the two-day event, visitors can see live cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs and Great British Bake Off stars, tuck into the south west's tastiest street food and browse over 160 market stalls for treats to take home.
Watch sports on the big screen at Gloucester Quays
With the big screen back in Pillar and Lucy Square all summer, visitors can catch key sports fixtures including Wimbledon and the Euros for free at Gloucester Quays. Grab a picnic table; scan the QR code to order some tasty food to click and collect; and soak up the summer of sport in this sunny spot, with live music and childrens' events promised, too.
See top festival talent at Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham is hosting its annual summer music event from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025, bringing festival vibes to Cheltenham town centre. Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup sees bands and artists from the Lakefest lineup performing for free on the Brewery Quarter stage, with children's entertainment and a silent disco, too.
Learn the Moomin ABC in Gloucester
The Museum of Gloucester is home to the Moomin ABC exhibition all summer long, inviting visitors to step into the colourful world of Moominvalley. Learn which Moomins character you're most like, clamber through playful interactive exhibits and browse the gift shop for Moomin memorabilia, celebrating 80 years of Tove Jansson's iconic book The Moomins and The Great Flood.
Join in the kids' LEGO club at Stroud Brewery
Play with LEGO at one of Stroud's coolest venues, with Stroud Brewery's free kids' club giving children the chance to take over the balcony bar with their colourful constructions every Wednesday of the summer holidays — starting at 4.30pm.
Enjoy free family activities at Tewkesbury LIVE
The riverside town comes alive with music from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025 for Tewkesbury LIVE free music festival. As well as bringing loads of local bands to venues across town, Tewkesbury LIVE offers free entertainment for families like music workshops and arts and crafts, too.
Meet Stick Man at Beechenhurst's family fun day
Meet Stick Man himself at Beechenhurst's free family fun day on Thursday 14 August 2025. With meet-and-greets aplenty throughout the day – including a pre-bookable SEN session with less queues – plus storytelling sessions with the rangers, lawn games and crafts, Stick Man fans won't want to miss it!
Celebrate Regent Arcade's 40th birthday
Cheltenham's Regent Arcade turns 40 this summer and it's hosting a week-long birthday celebration packed with free family fun. Hear live music, tuck into birthday cupcakes, play Super Mario at the retro Nintendo gaming station and take home a goodie bag full of limited edition treats.
Go retro in Gloucester
Travel back in time when Gloucester Goes Retro returns to the city on Saturday 23 August 2025. Westgate, Northgate, Eastgate and Southgate Streets will all be themed around different eras, with highlights including live music, vintage fancy dress, classic cars and historical vehicles.
Sign up for free fitness classes for girls
Encouraging girls to keep moving into their teenage years — as well as helping them to build strength, confidence and meet new friends — Nuffield Health runs free weekly fitness classes for girls aged 11 to 16. Gloucestershire sessions take place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm at Longlevens Rugby Club and can be booked online.
Take on The Library Challenge in Gloucestershire
This summer, Gloucestershire Libraries' reading challenge has a theme of The Natural World, encouraging children to get reading and engage with everything their local library service has to offer by completing special tasks in exchange for stamps – with a prize draw for anyone who reaches the gold level! Join in from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 13 September 2025.
Head to The Suffolks on a Sunday
Taking over the streets twice during the summer holidays, The Suffolks Sunday Market takes place in Cheltenham on Sunday 27 July — with a dog show! — and on Sunday 24 August 2025 for bank holiday weekend fun. The popular market features delicious food and drink, alongside stalls selling everything from vintage goods to arts and crafts.
Take part in the Big Butterfly Count
Count the butterflies at Crickley Hill's free family fun day on Saturday 19 July 2025, with guided butterfly safaris, a self-guided butterfly trail, bug hunts and craft activities from 10am to 4pm. Kids are encouraged to come dressed up as colourful butterflies or moths, too!
Celebrate Orpheus Day in Cirencester
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Orpheus Mosaic in Cirencester, Orpheus Day takes place on Saturday 23 August 2025. Coinciding with the first day of Phoenix Festival, Orpheus Day features a puppet parade and the premiere of a brand-new piece of music performed by The Big Orpheus Choir, all inspired by the Greek myth depicted in the mosaic.
See a battle re-enactment at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Known as the largest medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is one of the town's biggest summer highlights, culminating in a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury from 1471. As well as watching all the action, visitors can browse the market stalls for glorious gowns or suits of armour; sip on a flagon of specially brewed ale; and meet fascinating characters – including a dragon-keeper or two! Medieval costume is highly encouraged.
Free adventures in Gloucestershire this summer
Tick something off The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List
Spanning outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, SoGlos's definitive list of 100 ways to make magical memories in the county is your one-stop shop for inspiration for family days out this summer. Pick up a free printed copy from the venues featured or see The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List for the digital version.
Follow the Lions at Large trail in Cheltenham and Gloucester
A pride of colourful lions are taking to the streets this summer for a very special sculpture trail. Lions at Large features 32 eye-catching sculptures designed by local artists displayed in prominent locations around Cheltenham and Gloucester. See how many you can spot before Sunday 14 September 2025, when the lions will be auctioned off to raise money for charity.
Visit Hogwarts and other famous filming locations
Film fans big and small can hunt down some famous filming locations in Gloucestershire. Whether it's walking in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione and Ron at Gloucester Cathedral or soaking up scenes from Peter Rabbit 2 at Gloucester Docks, many of the county’s film spots are free to visit.
Find the boats at Purton Ships Graveyard
Take a riverside stroll along the banks of the Sharpness Canal near Berkeley to see how many of the beached boats you can find at Purton Ships' Graveyard. This unique Gloucestershire landmark has a fascinating history, not to mention lots of quirky photo opportunities in and around the wrecks!
Spot birds of prey at Symonds Yat
Take a trip high above the River Wye to Symonds Yat Rock, a popular Gloucestershire viewpoint where budding birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons nesting on the neighbouring cliffs.
Get a personal best at Cheltenham’s junior parkrun
Suitable for youngsters aged four to 14, the junior parkrun takes places every Sunday morning at The Park in Cheltenham, inviting young runners to take on the 2km route and have fun. Run entirely on grass, the free weekly event is marshalled, with the whole course visible from the starting area.
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators
Discover Gloucestershire’s Roman heritage at the Cirencester amphitheatre, located just outside the historic Cotswold town, which was once known as the great city of Corinium, second only to London in size!
Pick some summer berries across Gloucestershire
Offering buckets of tasty fun in the great outdoors, head to one of the best places in Gloucestershire to go fruit picking. Many fields are free to enter — but you’ll have to pay for the fruits of your labour, of course!
Wander around a famous farmers’ market
As one of the biggest and busiest farmer’s markets in the UK, Stroud farmers’ market hosts local traders every Saturday morning, selling a variety of treats for hungry children to sink their teeth into. SoGlos has also rounded up the must-visit farmers' markets in Gloucestershire to browse this summer, too.
Explore Robinswood Hill Country Park
With woodland walks and nature trails aplenty, Robinswood Hill Country Park is a brilliant spot for a family day out in Gloucester. Let the kids run free while exploring historical and geological sites, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.
Count the trees at Painswick Church
Get some numeracy practice in at Painswick Church, trying to count all of St Mary’s famous yew trees. Little ones can have fun by weaving their way through the maze of trees, working from one to 99 — and making sure not to miss any on the way!
Step back through time along the Tewkesbury Battle Trail
Follow in the footsteps of 15th century soldiers during an excursion along the Battle Trail in Tewkesbury, a waymarked route that leads through the key battle areas.
Spot some of Britain’s rarest bats
Treat the little ones to a late night and head to Woodchester Park after hours for the chance to see rare Greater Horseshoe bats flying through the twilight sky. Many other bat species also call the site home, with plenty of chances to spot them soaring through the woodland.
Seek out the Devil's Chimney
Go on a trek up Leckhampton Hill in Cheltenham to seek out the Devil's Chimney – an unusual rock formation that has become part of Gloucestershire folklore. The strenuous walk is bound to burn off some energy, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular sights from the viewpoint.
Create shapes at Selsley Common
Parents and kids can take inspiration from the local family that used quarry rocks to bring dinosaurs to life at Selsley Common and create some rock formations of their own this summer holiday. The Stroud beauty spot is a gorgeous place to enjoy a family picnic, too.
Get walking
From the fantastic Forest of Dean to canalside paths in Stroud, a walk amongst wildlife is fun for the whole family — not to mention the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs after being cooped up in the classroom. And there’s a whole host of beautiful walks to enjoy in Gloucestershire.
Roll out the picnic blanket
With plenty of picturesque picnic spots in the county, summer is the perfect time to eat alfresco. From Frampton on Severn to Crickley Hill, discover the best picnic spots in Gloucestershire for some inspiration.
Run wild on adventure playgrounds
Let the little ones loose on one of Gloucestershire's best children's playgrounds, many of which are completely free to visit. Enjoy playing on tyre swings, climbing castle turrets, whizzing along zip wires and zooming down slides — all while getting a spot of fresh air.
Get pedalling in the Forest of Dean
Hop on your bike and head to the sign-posted Colliers Trail — formerly known as the Family Cycle Trail — in the Forest of Dean, a scenic route along the old Severn and Wye railway line with plenty of picnic spots along the way. Or discover more of Gloucestershire's best cycling spots, with plenty of family-friendly tracks for kids to practice their pedalling.
Find King Arthur’s Cave
Little knights can discover the stuff of legends just over the Herefordshire border, hunting for King Arthur’s Cave in the Great Doward. Cloaked in local superstition, the limestone cave has been dated back to the Late Stone Age, with flint tools, woolly mammoth bones and supposedly even the skeleton of a giant human discovered there.
Meet the birds at Pittville Park
Kiddies can go wild at Cheltenham’s Pittville Park, with plenty of fun play equipment to keep them entertained and its very own aviary, which is home to a whole host of fluffy and feathered friends.
Search for cows on Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
From limestone grassland to its famous herd of cattle, this protected site is home to some of Britain’s best wildlife. A popular beauty spot with locals and tourists alike, it’s ideal for a summer family adventure — and totally free to explore.
Stroll through Severn Ham
Get back in touch with nature at the stunning Severn Ham water meadow. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing family walk, with plenty of open space for little ones to let loose, just a stone’s throw from Tewkesbury town centre.
