Are you planning to visit Gloucestershire as part of your family trip to England? Then you’ll want to read this guide on all the best things to do in Gloucestershire with kids!
Gloucestershire, located in the heart of the Cotswolds, is a stunning destination with picturesque villages, rolling hills, and beautiful countryside scenery. There are numerous things to do Gloucestershire has for families making it the ideal place to take the kids.
The county of Gloucestershire encompasses many charming towns and villages, most of which have remained unchanged for centuries. With their slower pace, these towns are perfect for families to explore on foot, with vibrant marketplaces where you can browse small boutiques, try local produce, and eat at fabulous family friendly pubs.
Among the gorgeous honey coloured villages, some of the more popular family days out Gloucestershire has include visiting wildlife parks, farms, museums, historic houses and castles. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and discovering the region’s Roman history and some of England’s oldest churches.
To help you plan your family days out in Glocestershire, this guide covers some of the best places to visit in Glocestershire for families. While the guide doesn’t cover all the Gloucestershire attractions for families, it includes the more popular villages and places to go and links to some of our more detailed village guides.
So let’s jump straight into it and check out all the very best Gloucestershire things to do with kids.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
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Page Contents
Things to do Gloucestershire Map
To help you plan your trip, check out the map below, which shows the location of all the best places to go in Gloucestershire for families. This will help you plan your days out near Gloucestershire and assist you in determining where to stay too.
You can zoom in and out for a better view.
Best things to do in Gloucestershire with Kids
Below we list the very best family attractions in Gloucestershire. We’ve listed them by town to help plan your days out around Gloucestershire. Of course, we haven’t listed every single town (because there are many) – only the more popular family friendly activities and visitor attractions Gloucestershire has.
Please note that all prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing and are in local currency. To check the rate in your currency, click here.
Cirencester
Cirencester is a market town in the County of Gloucestershire and the largest town in the Cotswolds. During medieval times, the town was booming and became a wealthy centre in the region – which is why you’ll see so many beautiful stone buildings around town.
With such a rich history and picturesque streetscape, there are some lovely things to do that Cirencester offers for families. Below we list our favourite things to do in Cirencester with kids.
Click here for our full guide on visiting Cirencester with kids.
Corinium Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in South Gloucestershire, where the kids can learn all about Roman history at the Corinium Museum. The museum showcases the history and culture of the Cotswolds region and its Roman ties.
An audio guide and interactive exhibits will introduce artefacts, including prehistoric tools, jewellery, Roman mosaics and pottery, all of which originated from Corinium, now modern day Cirencester. It even has an Iron Age dog skeleton!
There is a cafe, shop and toilets on site.
Location: Park Street, Cirencester
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 4 pm
Price : Adults £7.40 | Kids (5 – 16) £4.70 | Family (2A+4C) £19.55 | Under 5’s free
Explore the Marketplace
Cirencester is probably the best Cotswold village for those families who like to hit the shops – perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Gloucestershire for teenagers with money to spend! There are lovely little markets and boutiques around town where everyone can pick up a few souvenirs.
The central Market Place is an attractive square lined by several historic buildings, independent shops and cafes. It has hosted a Monday and Friday charter market for hundreds of years (the market was mentioned in the Doomsday Book) and holds a Farmers Market twice a month plus an arts and crafts market once a month.
Location: Market Place in front of St John the Baptist Church, Cirencester
Hours: Everyday
Price: Free
Cirencester Park
Cirencester Park is a large 8 kilometre park in the centre of town. It is one of the great Gloucestershire places to visit with the kids for a picnic, a runaround, or to escape the busy town centre and is part of the working Bathurst Estate.
There is an Italian Garden and a Temple Garden, a privately owned mansion house, a lake and woodland areas to explore. It is a great place to spend a few hours on a summer day.
Even if you don’t have time to visit the park – take a photo of the family in front of the park gates – they’re quite impressive! It’s one of the free things to do in Gloucestershire too!
Location: Walk from the town centre to the gates at Cecily Hill.
Hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Price: Free
Chedworth Roman Villa
One of the more unusual things to do in Gloucestershire is to visit Chedworth Villa – a 20 minute drive from Cirencester.
The villa was built in the 2nd Century AD and is one of the best preserved Roman villas in the U.K. Here; you can see the remains of the villa, its two bathhouses and a water shrine to get a sense of the scale and grandeur of the original villa. You can also walk along suspended walkways to see incredibly preserved in situ mosaics.
A visit to the adjacent visitor centre and museum will bring the ruins to life. Exhibits and artefacts such as pottery and jewellery will explain life in Roman times. Guided tours are available.
There is a cafe, shop and picnic area on site.
Location: Near Yanworth, Cirencester
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Price: Adults £12 | Kids under 16 £6 | Family (2A+2C) £30
Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswold Water Park is a picturesque area just a 15 minute drive from the centre of Cirencester. With 180 lakes across 42 square miles, this is the UK’s largest lake system and offers some of the best children’s activities in Gloucestershire for families. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including over 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and is a popular destination for bird watchers.
One of the highlights of a visit to Cotswold Water Park is taking a boat trip on one of the lakes. This is a great way to explore the area and see some wildlife up close. Various boat trips are available, including guided tours and self-drive options.
Families can also enjoy activities at the park, including cycling, walking, fishing, and watersports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
There are also several designated picnic areas and cafes to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If you’re staying in Cirencester – a trip to the Cotswold Water Park is one of the best days out with family Gloucestershire offers during the warmer months.
Location: The area covers some 42 square miles – there is no set location but rather various areas to visit.
Price: Free
Hours: Entry to the park is free – but some activities within have a charge
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
While visiting the Cotswold Water Park – one of the super fun things to do with kids Gloucestershire has is to visit the Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Located within the water park, this is the perfect place for families to visit on a warm summer’s day to cool off and have a swim.
Cotswold Country Park includes various activities the whole family will enjoy, including a swimming lagoon and water sports. In addition, there’s an awesome AquaVenture inflatable course and paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boats and boat hire. Off the water is mini golf and extensive parklands for picnics and relaxing.
The Cotswold Country Park also has a cafe offering a delicious takeaway menu, from hotdogs to wraps, drinks and ice creams.
If you’re in town with the kids during the warmer months – definitely put the Country Park and Beach on your list – it’s one of the top Gloucestershire tourist attractions for kids.
Location: Lakes 31 and 32 – Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote
Hours: July to September, daily from 10 am to 6 pm | Winter: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm – however, note no activities run during winter.
Price: A family is £14 per car during off peak season or £18 in peak season (up to 5 people) – activities cost extra
Bibury
Bibury is a small village just outside Cirencester and is considered one of the most beautiful Cotswold towns mostly due to its row of 14th century postcard perfect cottages, famously known as Arlington Row.
Below are our top recommendations for things to do in Bibury with kids. Click here for our full guide on visiting Bibury with kids.
See Arlington Row
Arlington Row in Bibury is what most people imagine the quintessential English village to look like. The small, honey coloured stone cottages look like an idyllic snapshot from the past, bordering a leafy car free lane and narrow river – one of the prettiest Gloucestershire points of interest.
The terraced cottages date back to the 14th century and were converted into the ones we see today in the 17th century. You may recognise the picture perfect row of houses from the movie ‘Stardust.’
You cannot enter the National Trust owned cottages as they are private homes, but wandering up and down Arlington Row, Bibury is a delight at any time of the year.
When taking photographs – please be mindful that people do live here. So take a quick picture and move on.
Location: Arlington Row is on your left as you enter the village from Burford.
Hours: Always
Price: Free
Cross a footbridge from Bibury to Arlington
Although the village is known as Bibury, it actually consists of two mini villages; Bibury and Arlington. The two locations are divided by the River Coln, which runs through the centre of the village. So when you cross the footbridge, you are actually travelling from Bibury to Arlington and vice versa.
There are three small pedestrian bridges you can cross; Row Bridge near Arlington Row is the most scenic of the three bridges.
Location: One bridge is near Arlington Row, the second is opposite The Swan Hotel (one of the best pubs in Bibury) and the third is near the William Morris Tea Room.
Hours: Always
Price: Free
Bibury Trout Farm
If the family are into fishing – one of the best things to do with kids in Gloucestershire is visit the Bibury Trout Farm. Founded in 1902, this is the oldest working trout farm in England. The farm breeds Rainbow and Brown Trout for angling waters around the country.
Visitors can wander around the extensive site, watch the fish being fed or have a go at catching their own trout. All equipment is supplied for free, but you must kill and pay for any fish that you catch.
There is a shop with a fresh fish counter, a deli, a play area for kids, a cafe, Crazy Golf course and a picnic and BBQ area. Onsite parking is free.
Location: On the B4425 opposite Bibury Post Office in Bibury
Hours: March – September 9 am to 5 pm (till 6 pm in July and August).October – February 9 am – 4 pm
Price: Adults £7.50 | Child £5 (3-16) | Family (2A+3C) £30. Crazy Golf is an additional £3.50 per person.
Stow on the World
Stow on the Wold is a market town on the top of an 800 foot hill – the highest town in the Cotswolds. Once home to a booming wool industry, Stow on the Wold was famous for its huge annual fairs where up to 20,000 sheep were sold at any time.
Below are our top recommendations for doing things in Stow on the Wold with kids. Click here for our full guide on visiting Stow on the Wold with kids.
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
If you’re after things to do with toddlers in Gloucestershire, a visit to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is a must! This working farm is home to various animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. It’s one of the fun children’s activities Gloucestershire offers, where the kids can learn about farm life and the animals that live there.
The popular family attraction was founded by farmer and television presenter Adam Henson and is known for its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The farm is home to a range of rare and endangered breeds of farm animals, which families can learn about during their visit.
The kids will love meeting the farm animals at the Animal barn and the Discovery Barn. The Discovery Barn is home to the farm’s smallest animals, such as baby chickens, guinea pigs, piglets and more. So grab some snacks and check out the rare breeds in the paddocks.
The Adventure Barn has a huge indoor sandpit, a soft play area, ride on toys and more. There’s a cafe here too so the parents can also have a break. Other play areas include the outdoor playground, the muddy kitchen and bouncy pillows.
Location: Guiting Power, Cheltenham
Hours: Daily 9.30 am to 3 pm – although seasonal, so best to be checked before arriving
Price: Adults £12.50 | Child £12 (4-15) | Child £7.5 (2-3) | Kids under 2 free
Market Square
Market Square is a central gathering place for the town and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally used for cattle markets and other commercial activities, and it is still home to a weekly market every Thursday.
Today, the market square is a popular tourist destination, with many shops, restaurants, and other amenities. It is surrounded by charming old buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The square is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Town Hall and the Market Cross, built in the 16th century. The Market Cross is a feature from the medieval days to denote the place for merchants to sell their wares.
Another interesting historic landmark is the old town stocks. Town stocks were a form of punishment used in some parts of the world. They were a public humiliation in which a person’s feet were locked into a wooden frame and left to sit in a public place as punishment for a crime or offence.
Tolkien’s Door at St Edward’s Church
One of the cool things to see in Gloucestershire is Tolkein’s Door, also known as the “Tolkien Door” or “Door of Durin”. This wooden door located at St. Edward’s Church is named after J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as it is believed to have inspired him in the creation of the Doors of Durin in his Middle-earth mythology.
The Door of Durin is a magical door in the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien, which appears in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It is located in the Misty Mountains and leads to the Mines of Moria. The door is inscribed with the words “Speak, friend, and enter,” and can only be opened by those who know the password.
The Tolkien Door at St. Edward’s Church is not a magical door but a unique and distinctive feature of the church. It is made of oak and has intricate carvings, including the words “Speak, friend, and enter,” inscribed in the same font as the original Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
The door is believed to have been designed and carved by the church’s vicar, Rev. Charles Dodgson, also known as Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Location: 2 Crossways House the Square
Cotswold Cheese Company
Top places to see in Gloucestershire for the foodie families? Eat cheese of course! The Cotswold Cheese Company produces artisanal cheese based in the Cotswold region of England.
The company produces a range of traditional and contemporary cheeses using milk from local farms. They make cheeses like Cotswold Brie, Cotswold Blue, and Cotswold Double Gloucester.
The company is known for using traditional cheese-making techniques and sourcing ingredients to produce flavorful cheeses.
The perfect place to try out some of these cheeses is at the Cotswold Cheese Company shop in Stow on the Wold. As well as cheeses, the store sells other deli items such as bread, crackers, chutneys and meats.
A stop at the Cotswold Cheese Company is the perfect way to end or even start your days out in Gloucestershire area.
Location: 1-2, Fountain Court, Digbeth St
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm | Sundays 10 am to 4 pm
Eat at the Porch House – Britan’s Oldest Pub
Lunch at an old English pub is a must for days out with families in Gloucestershire! So when in Stow on the Wold – why not plan to eat at Britain’s Oldest Pub?
The Porch House is a historic pub and restaurant that claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling in England. Built in 947, it has served as a pub for over 900 years and is a popular place for tourists to come for a meal.
The Porch House is known for its traditional atmosphere and decor, with low beams, open fires, and a well-stocked bar. It also serves traditional pub food, including locally sourced meats and produce.
It is worth noting that the age of the Porch House is often disputed and there is some debate over whether it is truly the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling in England. However, it is generally accepted as a historic and significant building.
The building is named for the porch added in the 14th century and has been listed as a Grade I historic building since 1952.
As well as its interesting history – the Porch House is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In addition, they have a great kids’ menu sure to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
Location: 1 Digbeth St
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 10.30 pm | Friday and Saturdays, 8 am to 11 pm | Sundays, 8 am to 9 pm
Lower and Upper Slaughter
Despite being among the smallest villages, Upper and Lower Slaughter are among the prettiest places to visit near Gloucestershire – perhaps even the most beautiful! So they definitely should be included during your trip to the area. These postcard villages are perfectly placed along the River Eye and will have the kids thinking they’ve stepped into a real life fairytale land.
Below are our top recommendations for doing things in Lower and Upper Slaughter with kids. Click here for our full guide on visiting Lower and Upper Slaughter with kids.
Visit the Old Mill Museum, Gift Shop and Ice Cream Parlour
The Old Mill Museum is located in the village and is one of the most popular attractions. This old mill has been in this location as far back as the Doomsday book!
This museum features exhibits on the village’s history and showcases the mill’s importance in the area. There are displays about the history of bread making and you can see the inner workings of the mill machinery.
As well as the museum, there is a gift shop on site and most importantly for the kids – an ice cream parlour!
Location: Mill Lane, Lower Slaughter
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am to 5 pm | Closed Monday – Tuesday
Prices: Free
Visit The Slaughter Manor House
Part of a luxurious 5 star hotel estate, Lower Slaughter Manor Gardens is a beautiful garden in the heart of the village.
The five-acre garden features a variety of plants and flowers, nature trails, and a picturesque river. Family picnics and games are encouraged and games such as croquet, tennis and boules are freely available.
The onsite restaurant has a children’s menu, plus family picnic hampers are available.
Location: Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter
Hours: Every day from dawn till dusk
Prices: Free
Visit the Church of St. Mary
Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of St. Mary stands impressively in the Cotwold Lower Slaughter village. It is built with attractive creamy yellow Cotswold stone and features stunning stained glass windows.
Location: Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter
Hours: Every day from dawn till dusk.
Walk along the River Eye
The River Eye flows through Lower and Upper Slaughter and offers a picturesque village view. Take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Visit St. Peter’s Upper Slaughter Church
St. Peter’s Church Upper Slaughter dates back to the 12th century. The mediaeval church is located in the heart of the village and is well worth visiting. Don’t miss the ornate carved Saxon stonework on the church’s tower archway.
Location: The Square, Upper Slaughter
Hours: Every day from dawn till dusk
Afternoon tea at Lords of the Manor
The Lords of the Manor Upper Slaughter is the most luxurious Upper Slaughter hotel and one of the best hotels in the Cotswolds. It is best known for its gorgeous 8 acre gardens and its outstanding cuisine.
Enjoy a fantastic afternoon tea at the hotel for an indulgent family treat. You can dine in the historic lounge or – if the weather is good enough – on the hotel’s manicured lawns. You will get four finger sandwiches, two scones with jam and cream, plus a selection of cakes and tea or coffee.
If you don’t have the time or budget for a full afternoon tea, an alternative is a lighter, cheaper cream tea. Pre booking for both options is essential.
Location: Upper Slaughter
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12 pm to 4 pm | Sunday, 3 pm to 4 pm
Prices: £29.50 per person (or £39.50 including a glass of champagne).
Walk between Lower and Upper Slaughter
Many walking trails around Lower Slaughter offer breathtaking views of the Cotswold countryside. One popular route is the short walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter (or vice versa).
The walk runs for one mile alongside the River Eye and takes around 25 minutes to walk between the two villages. The path is well marked, easy to follow, and starts near The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter or near the village square in Upper Slaughter.
Walk between Bourton on the Water and Lower Slaughter
You can extend your walk by continuing to neighbouring Bourton on the Water. The Bourton on the Water to Lower Slaughter walk is 1.5 miles long and will only take 35 minutes to complete each way.
Bourton on the Water
When you visit Bourton on the Water, you’ll soon understand why it’s regarded as one of the top places to visit around Gloucestershire. Located in the northern region of the Cotswold, this popular village is known for its charming stone architecture and low bridges that cross the River Windrush.
For those visiting Bourton on the Water with kids, below are our favourite things to do in town. Click here for our full guide on visiting Bourton on the Water.
Model Village
The Model Village is a 1/9th scale mini representation of Bourton on the Water village and a visit here is one of the super fun things to do in Gloucestershire with the kids.
Originally built in the 1930s by a team of local craftsmen, the attraction features over 100 detailed buildings made from local Cotswold Stone. Its intricate detail includes pruned to scale plants and miniature choirs singing in the churches.
The Model Village is continuously being restored and maintained – this makes it a great place to visit after you’ve explored the village, as the kids can spot some of the places they’ve seen.
Location: The grounds of The New Inn Pub, Rissington Road
Hours: Daily from 10 am until 6 pm in Summer and 4 pm in Winter
Price : £4.50 Adults | £3.50 Kids (3-13) | Under 3’s free
Birdland Park
A visit to Birdland Park is one of the best family things to do in Gloucestershire for families. This 9 acre park is home to over 500 birds ranging from cassowaries and flamingos to owls, parrots and hornbills. In addition, you can see rare species such as the Waldrapp Ibis and England’s only breeding colony of King Penguins.
There are daily ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks, animal feeding times, and pre-bookable experiences such as feeding a penguin or meeting a giant tortoise. Check out the times of everything you want to do in advance so you can plan your day accordingly and not miss out on anything.
Plus, it’s not only birds here – if you’ve little dinosaur obsessed kids – they’re in luck as there is a woodland Jurassic Journey section with life sized models.
The park has an indoor play area, a large outdoor play playground, a picnic area and a cafe.
Allow at least a few hours to explore the park – but you could spend most of the day here if you have little ones.
Definitely don’t miss Birdland Park in Bourton on the Water – it’s one of the top things to do with family in Gloucestershire.
Location: Rissington Road, Bourton on the Water
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Price : £11.95 Adults | £8.95 Kids (3-15) | Under 3’s free
Dragonfly Maze
Looking for fun activities to do in Gloucestershire with the kids? Then head to Dragonfly Maze, a small, quirky maze created from Yew hedges and consisting of over 800 metres of pathways. Families must find 14 clues around the maze to solve the pictorial Rebus puzzle in the centre and find the hidden golden dragonfly.
A limited number of timed tickets are available each day, and tickets can only be bought on site for the day of your visit. However, you can purchase tickets in the morning and return later for your allocated slot.
There are no toilets or cafe facilities on site and prams are not allowed due to the narrow nature of the maze.
Location: Rissington Road, Bourton on the Water
Hours: Opening hours vary from month to month – click here to find the opening times for your visit
Price : £4.50 Adults | £3.50 Kids (4-14) | Family (2A+2C under 14) £15 | Under 4’s free
Bourton Motor Museum
Across 7500 sq ft, the Bourton Motor Museum has an eclectic collection of more than 50 classic and vintage vehicles dating back to the early 1900s. Among the seven unique galleries and cars, there are classic motorbikes, vintage bicycles, caravans and toys through the ages.
The museum is packed with driving related memorabilia, plus there is a fully recreated mechanics garage from the early days of motoring and an authentic blacksmith workshop. There’s also a special section just for memorabilia from the 60s and 70s.
And for the kids and a bit of nostalgia for the parents and grandparents, there’s an extensive toy collection, including pedal cars, bicycles, jigsaws, board games and more.
For the car loving families – a few hours at the Bourton Motor Museum is one of the fun family attractions Gloucestershire has!
Location: The Old Mill, Bourton on the Water
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm from mid February to December
Price : £7 Adults | £5 Kids (5-16) | Family (2A+2C) £22.00 | Under 5’s free
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
If you are looking for places to visit around Bourton on the Water to escape the crowds, the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is one of the nice places to visit in Gloucestershire.
Greystones Farms’ wildflower meadows are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and are packed with colour and insects in late Spring and Summer.
At other times of the year, you can see various birds (including migratory species such as swallows) and river animals, including water voles and otters. The Time Trail and the Wildlife Trail are pushchair friendly.
The reserve is also home to Salmonsbury Camp, a Neolithic and Iron Age meeting spot and visitors can view a replica Iron Age Roundhouse.
Note that there is no parking on site – however, you can park at the Station Road car park in the village. From there, it’s a 5 minute walk to the reserve.
The toilets, cafe and visitors centre are closed over winter, though the reserve remains open, so you can still wander around the property.
Location: Greystones Lane, Bourton on the Water
Hours: Every day (the best time to visit is May to September)
Price: Free
Winchcombe
Winchcombe is another stunning market town in the Cotswolds. The lively town has streets lined with pretty honey coloured cottages and a good range of shops, places to eat and things to see.
Most people come to Winchcombe to visit Sudeley Castle, as detailed below.
Sudeley Castle
Sudley Castle is one of the more popular attractions near Gloucestershire. The castle dates back to the 10th century and offers a range of activities and attractions for families.
The Castle has a long and varied history, having served as a royal palace, a fortification, and a private residence and linked to some of the most famous English monarchs, including Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I and Charles I.
While visiting Sudeley, a tour of the Castle is a must! You can tour the castle’s west wing, home to several rooms and special exhibitions with various items of historical significance on display.
Families are also encouraged to explore the castle’s 10 award winning gardens which include a playground for the kids. Other interesting places to explore include St Mary’s Church, where Katherine Parr – the last wife of Henry VIII, is buried.
Location: Sudeley Castle & Gardens GL54 5LP
Hours: Daily 11 am to 4 pm from Spring to October
Price: Adults £19.50 | Child £8.75 (3-15) | Kids under 3 are free | Family Pass (2A+2C) £48
Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is a mediaeval market town famous for its mediaeval black and white streetscape with half timbered buildings, narrow alleyways and beautifully carved doorways. Most of the town lies in a conservation area with over 350 buildings listed as having historical interest.
For those visiting Tewkesbury with kids, below are our favourite things to do in town. Click here for our full guide on visiting Tewkesbury.
Tewkesbury Heritage Centre
Set in a character packed 17th century Tudor building, the Tewkesbury Heritage Centre is one of the places to add to your Gloucestershire sightseeing list just for the building alone.
Families can enjoy a self guided tour around the upstairs Heritage Centre which will explain Tewkesbury’s history, including its involvement in the Wars of the Roses, the nearby Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 and the changes that occurred to the town during the industrial revolution.
There are interactive exhibits for kids and traditional games and activities to try. The displays don’t take long to cover but are a fantastic introduction to the local area.
Location: Out of the Hat, 100 Church Street, Tewkesbury
Hours: November to March on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. April to October from Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
Price: Free
Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Abbey was founded in the 11th century and is considered one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the world – another one of the places to go around Gloucestershire. The 45 metre high abbey tower is the largest Norman tower in existence.
Highlights of the abbey include its mediaeval and Victorian stained glass windows, the decorated abbey ceiling and its three organs. Kids can pick up a free child friendly guide to the Abbey at the entrance information point.
If you have time, the green fields south of the abbey are worth a quick look. It was here in 1471 that the penultimate and decisive battle of The War of the Roses took place between the houses of York and Lancaster.
The Abbey has a tearoom, shop and toilets.
Location: Church Street, Tewkesbury
Hours: Daily 9 am to 4.30 pm. Note that some areas of Tewkesbury Abbey may be closed during services.
Price: Free (though donations to the upkeep of the abbey are welcome)
John Moore Museum and the Merchant’s House
These two museums are in rare 15th century timber frame buildings and are perfect for families looking for top things to do in Gloucestershire with their kids.
The John Moore Museum is home to an extensive collection of naturally deceased taxidermied animals, all of which can be found in the U.K. It is dedicated to local naturalist John Moore.
The neighbouring Merchants House has been restored and furnished to show what life would have been like in Tudor times. It feels like stepping back in time and will bring Tudor history to life for kids.
Both museums run regular family friendly events such as live animal talks and living history days.
Location: 41 Church Street, Tewkesbury
Hours: November – March Saturdays only from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. April – October Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
Price: Adults £3.50 | Kids over 5 years £1.50
Tewkesbury Town Museum
Like the Heritage Centre, the charming Tewkesbury Town Museum is in a splendid 17th century building and is another one of the interesting family things to do in Gloucestershire.
The small museum focuses on Tewkesburys rich cultural history. It has an eclectic collection ranging from Roman artefacts to a diorama of the Battle of Tewkesbury to the history of fairgrounds. It also includes information on local notables such as Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley.
Location: 64 Barton Street, Tewkesbury
Hours: Opening hours vary according to the season (and volunteer availability), so check online here in advance of your visit
Price: Free
The Old Baptist Chapel and Court
Around the corner from the John Moore Museum (and run by the same organisation) is the newly restored Old Baptist Chapel.
The 15th century chapel started as a house in the 15th century and was converted to a chapel in the early 18th century. It is one of the oldest known chapels in England.
An audio tour and interactive touch screens portray the chapel’s history and how it was used. In addition, kids will enjoy the opportunity to dress in historical outfits – one of the fun things to do Gloucestershire has for little ones.
Location: Church Street, Tewkesbury
Hours: November – March Saturdays only from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. April – October Tuesdays and Saturdays (plus Bank Holidays) 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
Price: Adults £3 | Kids over 5 years £1.
Combined tickets to the chapel and John Moore Museum and Merchant’s House are also available. Adults £6 | Kids over 5 years £2
Boat Cruise
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do with the kids in Gloucestershire, take a leisurely 45 minute cruise on the River Avon, where you’ll see Tewkesbury from a different perspective.
You will see spectacular views of Tewkesbury Abbey, some of the town’s Tudor houses and Tewkesbury Marina. It is a lovely relaxing way to spend an hour and to rest weary sightseeing feet.
Location: Back of Avon waterside mooring, Tewkesbury
Hours: Daily in July and August at 11 am. At other times, trips run on weekends or from Wednesday to Sunday. Click here for up to date times.
Price: Adults £10 | Kids (3-15) £8 | Kids under 3 free
Croft Farm Water Park
If you’re looking for things for kids to do in Gloucestershire for active fun, spend some time at Croft Farm Water Park. The park has a large central lake and offers a variety of individual and family watersports, including kayaking, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding and raft building.
There is a shop and parking on site, plus toilets, changing rooms and showers. There is also the opportunity to hire a waterside cabin for the day.
You can book a teacher led session or just turn up and hire equipment by the hour or day.
Location: Bredons Hardwick, Tewkesbury
Hours: Daily from March to November from 9 am to 5 pm, with the remainder of the year open weekdays only from 9 am to 4 pm. Pre booked tuition sessions are available daily from 10 am to 1 pm.
Price: Varies. Check the website for details.
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Hopefully you found this guide to things to do in Gloucestershire helpful. We also have a guide on where to stay in Gloucestershire with kids too. Other great guides which you may also find helpful include things to do in Bath with kids, things to do in London with kids or the best London hotels for families.