Things to Do in Gloucestershire
48 attractions and days out
Photo © Laszlo Pall, Google Maps
Gloucestershire mixes Cotswold countryside with a working county heritage, and its attractions reflect that split. Gloucester holds much of the industrial and maritime interest, with the Jet Age Museum sitting alongside water-based options like SUP Gloucester, while Cheltenham leans towards indoor pursuits such as The Warehouse Climbing Centre.
Out towards Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh, the pace slows into open-air pursuits: the Cotswold Falconry Centre, fishing at Lakeland Fishery, and long stretches of the Cotswold Way National Trail for walkers wanting to cover ground rather than tick off a single site. Berkeley and Tetbury add their own smaller draws, from riding lessons at The Playmate Childrens Riding School to creative sessions at The Paint it Yourself Pottery Co.
Families after something more novel can try VRXPerience for a change of pace, or a working farm visit at BLACKLION Farm. With sites spread across market towns and open country, it is worth deciding whether you want a day built around one destination or a route that takes in several along the way.
⭐ 5.0
Parks & Play Areas
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Wander through woodland discovering imaginative artworks from giant wooden vessels to contemporary forest figures, with family facilities including accessible paths, restaurant and baby changing at Beechenhurst.
⭐ 5.0
Farm Parks
BLACKLION Farm
A fully accessible children's farm near Moreton-in-Marsh where families can enjoy hands-on animal experiences, with wheelchair and pushchair-friendly paths throughout plus baby changing facilities.
⭐ 5.0
Castles & Palaces
Berkeley Castle
Step into England's longest-inhabited fortress, where centuries of royal intrigue and medieval splendour await discovery in the heart of Gloucestershire's beautiful countryside.
⭐ 4.9
Museums & Galleries
Jet Age Museum
Step aboard historic aircraft and let little ones experience sitting in a real pilot's seat at this hands-on aviation museum, complete with café and full accessibility for families.
⭐ 4.9
Watersports
SUP Gloucester
Experience the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding at Shipton Square with expert tuition and board hire available. Fuel up at the onsite restaurant before or after your water adventure, with convenient parking provided.
⭐ 4.8
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
The Paint it Yourself Pottery Co.
Unleash your family's artistic side by decorating ceramics, crafting jewellery and capturing little ones' clay prints at this hands-on Cheltenham studio where imagination takes shape.
⭐ 4.8
Zoos & Animal Parks
Cotswold Falconry Centre
Experience spectacular birds of prey up close at this Batsford Park centre, where you can watch flying demonstrations and meet magnificent owls, eagles and falcons in the beautiful Cotswolds.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Pittville Park
This sprawling Cheltenham green space offers something for everyone, from children's play equipment and sporting facilities to picnic spots and an onsite restaurant, all with accessible paths and ample parking.
⭐ 4.7
Cycling & Bike Trails
Flyup 417 Bike Park
Thrill-seeking cyclists can tackle dirt jumps, pump tracks and dedicated trails across this expansive 100-acre hillside park at Crickley Hill Farm, though steep terrain limits pushchair access.
⭐ 4.7
Historic Houses & Gardens
Hidcote Manor Garden
This celebrated Arts and Crafts garden features stunning outdoor rooms filled with rare plants and colourful borders. Facilities include parking, a restaurant and baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Explore these stunning hillside gardens in the Cotswolds, featuring rare plants and spectacular views, with onsite parking, toilets and a restaurant for refreshments during your visit.
⭐ 4.7
Indoor Soft Play
Hocus Pocus Play
This sensory-rich indoor play venue sparks children's creativity through imaginative activities, with baby-changing facilities and accessible toilets available at the waterski club location.
⭐ 4.7
Laser Tag Arenas
BattleSports Glos
Experience thrilling laser combat in the Forest of Dean countryside, combining paintball-style action with pain-free fun for families and groups at this outdoor adventure venue.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Sudeley Castle
Step back in time at this historic Cotswolds castle set amid stunning gardens, featuring adventure play areas, a tricky maze, and exotic birds to discover. Family-friendly facilities throughout.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Westonbirt The National Arboretum
Home to an extraordinary living collection of 15,000+ trees, this stunning arboretum offers engaging family trails through beautiful woodlands. Fully accessible with pushchairs, wheelchairs welcome, dog-friendly, plus onsite dining.
⭐ 4.7
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Wotton Pool
A community swimming pool on Symn Lane offering aquatic fun for families, with onsite parking and toilet facilities available for visitors throughout their stay.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Chedworth Roman Villa
Step back in time at this remarkably preserved Roman villa nestled in the Cotswolds, where ancient mosaics and hypocaust heating systems reveal daily life from nearly 2,000 years ago.
⭐ 4.6
Climbing & Bouldering
The Warehouse Climbing Centre
Challenge your family to scale new heights at this Parliament Street climbing venue, though note it has limited facilities including no toilets or wheelchair access on site.
⭐ 4.6
Caves & Mines
Clearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines
Journey deep into historic mining caverns in the Royal Forest of Dean, where ancient iron workings create a dramatic subterranean world for families to discover together.
⭐ 4.6
National Parks & Reserves
Puzzlewood
Navigate enchanting woodland pathways and tackle mind-bending indoor and outdoor mazes filled with surprises, plus meet friendly farm animals in this magical Forest of Dean adventure park.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Batsford Arboretum
Young adventurers will love wandering through this enchanting woodland filled with hidden wildlife habitats and babbling brooks. Pushchair-friendly paths make it perfect for families with little ones.
⭐ 4.6
Lidos & Outdoor Pools
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Make a splash at this Cecily Hill lido where naturally spring-fed water stays pleasantly warm at 27°C, complete with a fun slide for little ones and an onsite restaurant for refuelling.
⭐ 4.6
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Pick a Pot and Paint in the Cotswolds
Select your own ceramic piece and unleash your creativity at this charming Cotswolds pottery studio, where families can craft personalised keepsakes while enjoying refreshments from the onsite restaurant.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park Berkeley
Meet farmyard friends and explore action-packed play zones at this all-weather Berkeley Heath attraction, where indoor and outdoor activities blend perfectly for family adventures whatever the season.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Dr Jenners House
Step into the historic home of Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, and discover his groundbreaking medical legacy. This accessible museum welcomes picnics and offers convenient parking.
⭐ 4.6
Historic Houses & Gardens
Woodchester Mansion
Hunt for carved stone creatures among the Gothic architecture of this unfinished Victorian mansion, where 44 animal sculptures hide throughout the atmospheric rooms and grounds.
⭐ 4.5
Adventure & Activity Centres
Saul Junction Boat Hire
Explore the peaceful Gloucester waterways at your own pace with canal boat rentals perfect for families who want a unique day out on the water, complete with parking and picnic-friendly facilities.
⭐ 4.5
Cycling & Bike Trails
Pedalabikeaway
Explore the Forest of Dean on two wheels with bike routes suitable for every skill level at this family-friendly cycle centre offering equipment hire, refreshments and full facilities.
⭐ 4.5
Railways & Transport
Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure
Experience miniature steam trains winding through woodland, then soar through the trees on aerial adventures or discover a delightful indoor village at this action-packed attraction near Coleford.
⭐ 4.5
Sightseeing & Attractions
Elton Giant Mazes
Navigate your way through challenging outdoor mazes suitable for pushchairs and families with young children, complete with baby changing facilities in this Forest of Dean adventure.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Tewkesbury Town Museum
Step into local heritage at this compact Barton Street museum where families can explore Tewkesbury's fascinating past, then enjoy a bite at the onsite restaurant or bring along your own picnic.
⭐ 4.3
Arts & Crafts Workshops
Taurus Crafts
This creative visitor centre in Lydney's Old Park features hands-on arts and crafts activities perfect for families, with special children's events throughout school breaks.
⭐ 4.2
Beaches & Coastline
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
This family-friendly lakeside park features a sandy beach area perfect for picnics, plus an onsite restaurant, parking and toilets, though wheelchair access is limited.
⭐ 4.2
National Parks & Reserves
Cotswold Water Park & Beach
Spanning 150 tranquil lakes across 40 square miles, this expansive waterside destination offers families endless outdoor adventures with onsite dining and a dedicated beach area.
⭐ 4.2
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Tewkesbury Leisure Centre
This family-friendly leisure centre on Gloucester Road offers swimming pools, gym facilities and diverse activities to suit all ages, plus an onsite restaurant and full accessibility features.
Horse Riding
The Playmate Childrens Riding School
Young riders aged 2-12 can learn equestrian skills in a welcoming environment at this specialist children's riding school near Cheltenham, with snacks available and space for packed lunches.
TV & Film Attractions
Comics Assemble
This wheelchair-friendly entertainment venue at Gloucester's GL1 Leisure Centre welcomes families with pushchairs and provides baby changing facilities for visitors enjoying comic-themed fun.
Boat Tours & Cruises
Cotswold Way National Trail
Embark on this iconic 102-mile walking trail stretching through stunning Cotswold countryside, perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure and breathtaking views across rolling hills and charming villages.
Short Breaks & Holidays
Camp Wilderness at Badminton Woods
Experience woodland adventure breaks with on-site dining in the heart of Badminton's scenic forests, offering an escape into nature for families seeking outdoor exploration and camping experiences.
Museums & Galleries
Nature in Art
Discover artwork celebrating the natural world at this accessible gallery housed in historic Walsworth Hall, where families can explore wildlife-inspired collections before enjoying picnics in the grounds.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Tewkesbury Treasure Hunt Trail
Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure through Tewkesbury's historic streets, solving riddles and cracking codes in this interactive family quest that transforms little ones into seafaring explorers.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Cotswold Farm Park
Experience hands-on farming fun at this family-friendly park featuring safari rides, outdoor play areas, and interactive sessions where children can meet rare breed animals and learn countryside skills.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
The Old New Inn Model Village
Step into a charming miniature world where Bourton-on-the-Water's famous honey-stone cottages and bridges are recreated at one-ninth scale. This enchanting model village delights visitors of all ages with intricate details.
⭐ 4.6
Boat Tours & Cruises
Bourton on the Water Mystery Trail
Explore the charming village streets on this self-guided detective adventure that takes families through Bourton's scenic spots while solving clues and puzzles together along the way.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Cotswold Motoring Museum
Step into automotive history at this charming museum housed in a historic mill, showcasing vintage cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia from bygone eras.
⭐ 4.5
Cinema & Theatre
Bacon Theatre
Enjoy affordable family entertainment at this welcoming Cheltenham venue within Dean Close School, offering accessible facilities, onsite parking and refreshments for theatre-goers of all ages.
⭐ 4.5
Zoos & Animal Parks
Birdland Park and Gardens
Meet Britain's only King Penguins at this charming wildlife park featuring exotic birds and interactive exhibits. Family-friendly with wheelchair access, picnic areas and dining options available.
⭐ 4.4
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Cheltenham Montpellier Treasure Trail
Solve clues and discover hidden secrets as you explore Cheltenham's elegant Montpellier district on this family-friendly outdoor adventure along The Promenade. Pack a picnic and enjoy a self-guided quest through one of the town's most beautiful areas.
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