Top Activities in Gloucestershire

Indoor activities

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, these indoor activities could be a valid alternative to outdoor exploring.

Corinium Museum

Located in Cirencester’s heart of the action, the Corinium Museum is an award-winning venue home to various displays and exhibitions. YYou can find everything from prehistoric tools and Roman mosaics to rare Anglo-Saxon finds and Medieval sculptures. Your children can spend a day like the Romans by exploring the Roman garden and participating in interactive painting workshops.

Opening times: from Monday to Saturday between 10:00-17:00; Sunday between 14:00-17;00.

Ticket prices: Adults £6.40. Concessions £4.10. Seniors (age 65+) £5.30. For more information on admission, visit https://coriniummuseum.org/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-prices/.

Gloucester Cathedral

Fan of Harry Potter? Then you can’t miss Gloucester Cathedral! Found in Gloucester’s city centre, this 11th-century architectural masterpiece appeared in two Harry Potter movies – the Philosopher’s Stones and the Chamber of Secrets. But the cathedral is an all-around must-go site. It presents a fascinating mix of styles, with its majestic Norman nave, Gothic and Neo-classic details. And it’s free to visit!

Opening times: every day between 07:30-18:00.

Berkley Castle

A day at Berkley Castle is a day steeped in history. It dates back to the 11th century and has been owned by the Berkley family since its reconstruction in the 12th century. Your children will be able to choose between an exciting range of activities, including arts and crafts, Jester’s Dragon Hunt, archery sessions and storytelling.

Opening times: from Sunday to Wednesday between 11:00-17:00.

Ticket prices: Adults £14. Concession £12.50. Children (3-16 years old) £7. For more details a. For more details about admissions, visit https://www.berkeley-castle.com/online-tickets.

JDR Karting

Time for some pure adrenaline? Look no further! JDW Karting knows the trick. Located in Gloucester’s city centre, this venue offers children aged between four and 15 the chance of putting pedal to the metal. There are also other activities they can take part in, such as Segways, LaserTag and Axe Throwing.

Opening times: from Wednesday to Saturday between 11:00-21:00. Sunday between 11:00-19:00.

Ticket prices: prices for karting vary. 15 minutes’ session £18. 2x15 minutes’ session £30. 3x15 minutes’ session £40.

Outdoor activities

If you love the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. There is always something to do in Gloucestershire if you’re travelling with your little ones. Below are some of the best outdoor activities in the county.

Go Ape

Explore one of England’s largest oak woodlands at Go Ape Mallards Pike in the Forest of Dean. The most adventurous can try the Challenge course with the new extended zip. Or the Treetop challenge, which will take you 15 metres from the ground. If you prefer exploring the surrounding countryside by less adrenaline-filled means, why not jump on board one of the Segways to discover the local wildlife?

Opening times: every day except for Tuesday between 10:00-15:00.

Ticket prices: prices vary according to the activity. Treetop Challenge £33. Forest Segway £35. For more information about other activities, visit https://goape.co.uk/locations/forest-of-dean-mallards-pike.

Painswick Rococo Garden

The 18th-century Painswick Rococo Garden is found within the Cotswolds Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. Roam free around the garden and discover a great variety of flora and fauna, along with an explosion of bright colours during springtime. There is also a woodland play area for your children to enjoy.

Opening times: no need to pre-book. From Wednesday to Sunday between 10:00-17:00.

Ticket prices: Adults £10.60. Seniors (60+) ££9.30. Children (4-16 years old) £4.90. For more information, visit https://www.rococogarden.org.uk/plan-your-visit/#open.

Dean Heritage Centre

Follow the Gruffalo Trail at Dean Heritage Centre and explore Soudley’s countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for the carved montages that tell the history of Gruffalo, designed by Julia Donaldson. Don’t miss Westonbirt Arboretum for a collection of 2,500 different species of trees and plants.

Opening times: every day from 10:00-16:00.

Ticket prices: Adults £8. Concessions £7. Children (3-16 years old) £6. Visit https://www.deanheritagecentre.com/plan-your-visit/admissions for more details on admissions.

Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway

What better way to discover Gloucestershire’s glorious countryside than hopping on a steam train? This 28 kilometre-round journey will take you through the wonders of the Cotswolds for a chance to admire spectacular stretches of open woodland. It stops at Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse.