Family days out in Gloucestershire
We love a day out whether it’s just a weekend day popping out somewhere, or a day out while on holiday. I’m reliving my childhood visiting around the UK, near home and further away, and love sharing it with N. So if you’re looking for days out in Gloucestershire, you’re in the right place.
This series of days out posts are based on round ups of places we’ve loved on our travels. Hopefully it’ll make them easier for you to find, especially if you’re looking for recommendations for places to visit. I’ll also be including recommendations from other bloggers, because if you’re looking for guidance on where to go you want to hear from local people as well as visitors to an area.
Museums, culture and history
For defensive history, a chance to get inside a castle as well as enjoy the grounds
Hailes Abbey
Run by English Heritage, there’s a free audio guide available to go round the ruins of the abbey. There’s also a church to also look round
The woodlands are open year round, but check before visiting whether the house is open.
Cotswold motor museum and Bourton on the Water model village
Avoid the crowds and don’t go on a really sunny day. The motor museum is a hidden gem – it looks small but just keeps going. The model village is years old, and needs a bit of cleaning up, but for an hour it’s nice to have a look round – perfect size for children.
National Trust
If you’re a garden lover, Hidcote is the place for you. Beautiful gardens – and near enough to Chastleton, you can do 2 National Trust visits in one day.
Afternoon opening only, the house is a mix of old and more recent history in set up. Beautiful gardens
Fun and educational, we visited on Mother’s Day so there were lots of additional family activities. They have children’s trails around the villa, and plenty of signage to tell you what you’re seeing. Small café so either take a picnic or get in early to get a seat.
Lovely house with attentive volunteers offering lots of information, and formal gardens, with trails and walkways down into the valley to the lake. Watch out for the peacocks, but there’s only limited food at the refreshments kiosk.
Wildlife and nature
Birdland, Bourton on the Water
Great for young children because it’s not too big for them to walk round. Lots of different birds, including penguins. Café and play area.
Rare breed farm animals, tractor play, adventure play grounds and woodland trails. Lots of fun (and you can camp next door). Take a picnic
Great at seasonal times of year, to see the changing trees. Look out for the cascade you can walk next to. Nice café although limited choice and pricy. There’s a garden centre at the entrance and falconry centre next door.
Sprawling arboretum. Look out for Christmas light trails and other events through the year. Lovely children’s play area.
For lovely walks around the wetlands, there’s plenty of birds and nature around to spot. Plus for tots, there’s a Welly Boot activity area – take waterproofs and a change of clothes.
Beautiful historically designed garden, including a maze and children’s rustic play area. Book if you want to go for snowdrop season.
Other
Gloucestershire steam trains, Cheltenham
We went from Cheltenham Racecourse (avoid race days) for the Father Christmas days. I wouldn’t go back for that event – too much waiting around, but there’s plenty of other stations to visit and travel the line.
Mr Mulligans Lost World mini golf, Cheltenham
Located in the Brewery, alongside restaurants and cinema, there’s a restaurant to eat in before you play on one of 2 Lost World themed courses.
Enjoy Cotswold villages and towns
From Burford to Stow on the Wold, Bibury to Broadway, down to Cirencester, there’s plenty of pretty villages and towns to visit. Check out the lovely bakeries, pubs, antique shops, pretty houses, streams and rivers flowing through. Arrive early before all the crowds to stroll at leisure.
Eating out
The place to go for Lardy Cake – Huffkins bakery and café is in several Cotswold towns (and Stratford upon Avon). Great choice of food for all, and a traditional old fashioned feel
Where do you enjoy for days out in Gloucestershire?
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