Travelling to Gloucestershire with the whole family? The county is blessed with glorious stretches of open countryside and historic sites, meaning there are some great family-friendly activities to discover. Whether you want your kids to learn about Gloucester’s past at its magnificent cathedral or prefer roaming around the Cotswolds, this part of the South West has it all.
Here we dive deeper into Gloucestershire’s best indoor and outdoor activities, so you’re all covered no matter the weather.
Here we dive deeper into Gloucestershire’s best indoor and outdoor activities, so you’re all covered no matter the weather.
Outdoor activities
Gloucestershire is home to a great wealth of natural scenery, from the Cotswolds and the River Severn Valley to the vast Forest of Dean. So, if the sun is shining, don’t miss out on these exciting outdoor activities.
• Birdland Park and Gardens
• Go Ape
• Cotswolds Wildlife Park
• Berkeley Castle
Birdland Park and Gardens
Lying within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birdland Park and Gardens makes a perfect day out with your kids. It is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland along the River Windrush and is home to over 500 birds, from owls and flamingos to pelicans and large cassowaries.
Find out more details on admissions and opening times at https://www.birdland.co.uk/.
Go Ape
Up for the challenge? Head to the Forest of Dean for an exciting adventure. Once King Henry VIII’s hunting forest, Go Ape offers some adrenaline-filled activities, like zip-wires, treetop challenges, and forest segways. There is also a picnic area and scenic walking routes, all dog-friendly!
Visit https://goape.co.uk/locations/forest-of-dean-mallards-pike for more details on admissions and opening times.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park
Found at the border with Oxfordshire, next door to Burford, Cotswolds Wildlife Park exhibits over 260 species of animals, from giraffes and camels to wolverines and zebras. The park hosts various daily activities and competitions; your children can come up close with penguins, hop on a narrow-gauge railway, or join the Madagascar walk-through.
Visit https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/ for information on admissions and opening times.
Berkeley Castle
Sitting along the River Severn in Berkley, Berkeley Castle is a must-see. This 12th-century ancient fortress home has been and still is the residency of the Berkley family, making it England’s oldest architecture to be inhabited by the same family who built it. The estate includes a medieval deer park, 18 tenant farms and the historic family archive.
For more information on admissions and opening times please visit https://www.berkeley-castle.com/.
Indoor activities
Gloucestershire knows how to impress even on a gloomy day. Find below some of the best family-friendly indoor activities in the county, suitable for all ages.
• Gloucester Cathedral
• Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum
• Funky Warehouse
• JDR Karting
Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is Gloucestershire’s crowning jewel, and it’s no wonder why. It is located in the heart of the action and built over three centuries. Enjoy some of the finest examples of Medieval architecture, from the Norman Nave to the majestic Gothic Perpendicular.
Find out more at https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/.
Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum
Take your kids on a compelling journey through time at the Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum. Lying next door to Cheltenham, the museum explores the history of 20th- century motoring through its fascinating collections. Mill Gallery focuses on motoring memorabilia, Windrush Alley on 19th-century bikes and Paved Paradise on the funky 60s and 70s.
Find more information on ticket prices and opening times at https://www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk/.
Funky Warehouse
Found on Cheltenham’s outskirts, Funky Warehouse is where good fun abounds. Indoor trampolines, ninja warrior courses, football pitches and soft play areas provide recreational activities for children of all ages. And if you’re looking for a venue to celebrate your child’s birthday, look no further!
Visit https://www.funky-warehouse.co.uk/ for details on opening times and ticket prices.
JDR Karting
An excellent venue for birthday parties, karting, Lasertag, Segways and Axe Throwing – JDR Karting makes the perfect adrenaline-filled afternoon. Kids from 4 years old up to 12 can enjoy karting and track and multi-activity sessions.
Visit https://jdrkarting.co.uk/ for more information on admissions and opening times.
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