2024 Summer Holiday Guide to Gloucestershire

With summer holidays around the corner once more, you might be filled with dread at the thought of having to plan six weeks’ worth of activities to keep your children entertained. If you’re bored of the usual outings to the park or the cinema, this could be the perfect opportunity to get out and explore all that Gloucestershire has to offer, but it can be a struggle to find attractions that will keep the whole family happy. 

Luckily, the team at Simon Long Removal Gloucestershire knows the local area inside out and is here to help with this summer holiday guide to Gloucestershire.

Run free in the Forest of Dean 

The Forest of Dean is one of Britain’s most spectacular areas of woodland, covering an impressive 27,000 acres. The perfect spot for nature lovers, this expansive forest boasts miles of cycling and walking routes with plenty of room for your children to run wild. One highlight of any visit is the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, an entirely free attraction made up of 18 contemporary art pieces set against the backdrop of the tree canopy. 

For a magical day out filled with twisting trees, winding pathways and an enchanting willow maze, why not head down to Puzzlewood? This mystical woodland has caught the attention of Hollywood and has been featured in numerous film and TV shows, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Doctor Who, The Secret Garden and so many more. 

Roam amongst Roman ruins

If you’d like a unique insight into what life was like in Roman Britain, Chedworth Roman Villa makes for an interesting and educational day out. Adults can view historical artefacts and ancient mosaic floors from the modern conservation building, while there are plenty of games, costumes and activities to keep your children entertained. 

From 13th – 18th July, history lovers can attend the Festival of Archaeology here, and with hands-on demonstrations and fascinating talks, this interesting event offers something for everyone – you can even take part in your own archaeological dig!

Explore historic castles

Gloucestershire is an area steeped in history, and nowhere is this more evident than in its castles. Sudeley Castle is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the region and you can delve into its long and illustrious past with one of the daily guided tours or explore the grandeur inside at your own pace. If you fancy some fresh air, there are over 10 magnificent gardens to admire with acres of perfectly manicured lawns and plants, plus, there’s an adventure playground where your little ones can burn off some energy. 

During the summer holidays, there are also falconry demonstrations every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as a ‘Knight School’ hosted on Wednesday and Thursday to give children a taste of medieval life and teach them about jousting, sword fighting and archery.

Beat the heat

If we’re lucky enough to experience some scorching temperatures this summer, you’ll need a place where the whole family can cool off and escape the heat. Luckily, Gloucestershire is home to many picturesque outdoor pools, such as Sandford Parks Lido, Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool. 

For the older kids and those who are a bit more adventurous, you could also try paddle boarding, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding and more at Cotswold Water Park – they even have a mammoth inflatable waterpark where you can splash and slide around to your heart’s content.

Enjoy tranquillity among the trees

Whether you want a picturesque spot for a picnic, some quiet time to enjoy nature or space for your children to run wild, Westonbirt Arboretum is the perfect setting. Home to over 2,500 species of trees, this 6,000-acre garden is a haven for nature lovers, and with a treetop walkway, you can even explore the canopy from up above. 

Plus, with plenty of activities being held throughout the summer months – such as daily guided walks, a Gruffalo party trail and summer games – there’s always something to keep the whole family entertained.

If you’re looking to move to Gloucestershire, Simon Long Removals Gloucestershire should be your first port of call. Our team is made up of local people with a passion for the area, and with offices in Cheltenham and Gloucester, we can help facilitate your move to the region. Contact us to find out more or to obtain a free quote.