The summer holidays are here! And whether you’ve got little ones to entertain or want to try something different this month, SoGlos has something to keep every fun-loving local happy in our August 2023 round-up of unmissable things to do in Gloucestershire.
From being blown away by incredible feats of strength to strolling through pretty flower fields, it’s time to get your August calendars packed full of inspirational outings.
Let loose in Cattle Country's new indoor play barn
With the school holidays and a very rainy summer upon us, Gloucestershire families are surely keen for things to do with the kids when it rains — so Cattle Country's epic new indoor play barn, The Cowshed, comes at the perfect time.
Packed with state-of-the-art play equipment to entertain children of all ages, The Cowshed opens on Tuesday 1 August 2023 and features three levels of soft play and cow-print slides; a Tiny Town role play area, plus pedal go-kart track with its own car wash; and an interactive timed course, The Cattle Run, where kids can race each other across different obstacles.
For a peek at what to expect, see First look inside: The Cowshed play barn at Cattle Country Farm Park.
Float out into Gloucester Docks for an immersive art exhibition
Merging art with storytelling, 'Crossings' is a new immersive exhibition that gives people the opportunity to row into Gloucester Docks on brightly-coloured boats, while being taken on an audio journey into another life and circumstance.
Launching on Wednesday 9 August 2023, this unique exhibition is a collaboration between renowned artist Luke Jerram — who's big-scale public artworks including Gaia have been displayed at Gloucester Cathedral in the past — and BBC Radio 4 producer Julian May, hosted at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester.
Stroll through the sunflowers at Cotswold Farm Park
With thousands of dazzling yellow sunflowers and wildflowers set to bloom in August 2023, brighten up your day with a visit to Cotswold Farm Park's Flower Festival.
As well as gram-worthy photo opportunities and spectacular countryside scenery, visitors can solve the puzzling maize maze, have a go at weaving crafts and enjoy a whole crop of activities at the Farm Park itself.
Get your groove on at Gloucester Goes Retro
Turning into a time machine for the day, Gloucester will come alive with vintage memorabilia and classic cars when Gloucester Goes Retro returns to the city on Saturday 26 August 2023.
From the roaring 20s to the disco-filled 80s, there’ll be different eras to explore on each of the city’s Gate Streets, with an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of times gone by — and the chance to see vintage boats bobbing about at Gloucester Docks, too.
Make the most of free things to do in the summer holidays
School’s out until September — and SoGlos has families covered with our whopping round-up of 50 free things to do in the summer holidays in Gloucestershire.
Jam-packed with inspirational ideas for keeping the kids busy on a budget, discover everything from alfresco entertainment to fruit picking, as well as the popular local attractions that you can visit for free.
Go to a music festival in Gloucestershire
Anyone who loves live music is spoilt for choice this month, with festivals taking place all around the county. First up, there's Lakefest, bringing McFly, Clean Bandit and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr to the grounds of Eastnor Castle on Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 August.
Meanwhile, with a stellar line-up of big-name musicians, top chefs and family entertainers, there’s something for everyone at the Big Feastival, taking place at Alex James’s farm near Kingham from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August 2023; while the likes of Rag 'n' Bone Man and Chase and Status are performing at Witcombe Festival the same weekend.
Enjoy open-air performances at Cheltenham's amphitheatre
Firing up Tuckwell Amphitheatre for a week of stage performances, films and family shows, don’t miss the return of Cheltenham’s annual Open-Air Theatre Festival from Tuesday 1 to Sunday 13 August 2023.
Highlights include piano jams at Peter Gill's A Swinging Summer Evening; a stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, complete with glitzy costumes and high drama; and the chance to become a dancing queen at the alfresco screening of Meryl Streep's iconic musical, Mamma Mia!
Spot the world's strongest men in Gloucester
Gloucester Docks is bringing out the big guns on Saturday 12 August 2023, as it plays host to the UK round of the Strongman Champions League.
Hold your breath as seven-foot-tall competitors take on gravity-defying challenges, lifting tractor tyres and pushing trucks with their bare hands, as they're spurred on by the roaring crowd and a truly electric atmosphere.
Wave your flag at Pride in Tewkesbury
Bringing the spirit of Pride to Tewkesbury on Saturday 12 August 2023, Pride in Gloucestershire is partnering with the newly-refurbished Canterbury pub to host a free Mini-Pride day for the whole family to celebrate Gloucestershire's LGBTQ+ community.
Come together for a relaxed celebration featuring special performances from local talent, live entertainment and tasty grub served from The Canterbury's bar. With a merch store on-site, you can pick up your flags ahead of the county's annual Pride Day in September, too!
Grab the popcorn for outdoor cinema in Gloucestershire
From starlit cinema nights to screenings at some of the county’s most striking attractions, there are plenty of chances for film fans to catch an open-air movie in Gloucestershire this August 2023.
Belt out 'Summer Nights' when Grease screens at Westonbirt Arboretum on Saturday 5; travel Back to the Future at Cirencester Park on Friday 11; and see Tom Cruise back in action in Top Gun: Maverick at Sandford Parks Lido on Sunday 27 August 2023. Don't miss Flicks on the Farm at Apperley Hall Farm for more blockbusters, including family favourites like Encanto and Matilda the Musical, too.
