If you’re heading to Gloucestershire for your group holiday this summer, you might be thinking about days out and places to visit. You’ll be spoilt for choice – this is a county packed with child-friendly attractions for family days out, country houses with gorgeous gardens, upbeat towns, picturesque villages and the lushest countryside for walks and picnics. Check out our round-up of things to see and do, make it unforgettable.
Gloucestershire is great for summer holidays in the UK, striking the perfect balance of spectacular scenery and peaceful countryside with vibrant towns and stacks to see and do. The county is well-known for its beautiful Cotswold villages and the ancient Forest of Dean, but there’s so much more to discover. Join us on a whistle-stop tour of things to bring joy to family holidays, multi-generational stays and days away with friends in Gloucestershire.
Get to Know the Cotswolds
Lovely little Stow-on-the-Wold, a honey stone market town with a lively square that once hosted huge sheep fairs! Peek around the boutique shops, tea rooms, and pubs - The Porch House is one of the oldest pubs in the UK! And the entrance to St Edward’s church – apparently, the inspiration for the’ Doors of Durin’ in Lord of the Rings…
Bourton-on-the-Water
Stroll along the grassy riverbanks in the ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’ where the River Windrush babbles along beneath the low arched stone bridges. Thatched cottages of golden stone line the streets of this picturesque village, there are tea rooms and pubs, an artisan bakery and a model village.
Upper & Lower Slaughter
Ignore the name, The Slaughters are two of the most unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds, connected by the River Eye. Stop for a riverside stroll past historic watermills and old stone bridges, round it off with lunch at The Slaughters Country Inn.
Wander Through the Forest of Dean
Puzzlewood
Paths and mazes wind through an ancient woodland made magical by gnarly trees, wooden bridges and mossy ravines. There’s a play area, café and farm animals.
Clearwell Caves
Deep beneath the forest, these fascinating caves have been mined for iron ore and pigment for over 4,500 years. Take a tour of the caverns, visit the shop and café.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This child-friendly outdoor art gallery follows a 4.8 mile trail through ancient woodland, with artworks inspired by the ecology and industrial heritage of the forest. Immersive, peaceful – and free.
Enjoy the Urban Buzz of Towns & Cities
Gloucester
Gloucestershire’s only city has such a lively air, from the bustling shops at Gloucester Quays to the upbeat vibe of the Victorian docks. See the Gothic Cathedral with its fan vaulted cloisters and royal tombs, visit Beatrix Potter’s "Tailor of Gloucester" House, and as there’s such a thriving food scene, you should stop for eats.
Cheltenham
This Regency spa town has the perfect mix of elegant architecture, bustling shops, arts and culture, and good places to eat. Take in the hip vibe of Montpelier, hire rowing boats at Pittville Park, browse the Wilson Art Gallery & Museum.
Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is a waterside town with charm and history in abundance. Stroll along the riverside, take a boat cruise, visit the medieval Abbey, amble around the streets of historic black-and-white timber-framed buildings and 17th century alleyways.
Have an Outdoor Adventure
The Slad Valley
This slow and unspoilt corner of the Cotswolds is immortalised forever in Laurie Lee’s ‘Cider with Rosie’; sit in the Woolpack Inn, follow the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way through beech woods and wildflower meadows.
Westonbirt Arboretum
This is one of the most important plant collections in the world, with over 2,500 different trees and shrubs from across the globe! Get up in the canopy on the Treetop Walkway, spot the Gruffalo sculptures, go to the café. Kids will love the play areas.
Broadway Tower
This folly, complete with turrets and gargoyles, stands high on a hill with breathtaking views that span a staggering 16 counties. Stroll through the deer park, stop for a picnic or go to the café.
Get Close Up to Wildlife & Animals
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Say hello to over 260 animal species! Feed the penguins, walk with lemurs, stroll eye level with giraffes on a purpose-built walkway. Kids will be shrieking with delight – there’s also an adventure playground, a farmyard with more animals, and a miniature train. Grown-ups will appreciate the exquisitely planted formal gardens.
Birdland Park & Gardens
Explore the riverside park and gardens that are home to over 130 species of birds from owls, parrots and flamingos, to penguins, pelicans and ostriches. Watch daily feeding displays, see chicks hatching, spot dinosaurs in the trees (yep, really!). There’s a play area, gift shop, picnic spots and a cafe.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre
See native and exotic birds in their natural habitats, board a Wildlife Safari or paddle along the water trail by canoe. Join talks and feeding sessions, watch demonstrations and science shows in the open-air theatre, go to the Bird Hides to twitch with telescopes. For kids there’s a water play area, pond dipping and a Riverlife Playground.
Stroll Through Historic Houses & Gardens
There are so many beautiful country houses and gardens in Gloucestershire that narrowing them down to a few is no easy task. So in no particular order, we give you:
- Sezincote
- Sudeley Castle
- Upton Wold
- Painswick Rococco Gardens
- The Garden at Miserden
- Berkeley Castle
- Snowshill Manor
If you’re staying at a Sleeps12 luxury large group holiday house in Gloucestershire, you’ll find some of these attractions within a few miles; others may be further away, but are well worth factoring in for a day trip. Discover, enjoy, make memories.