Things to see and do in Gloucestershire

August 22, 2017

Gloucestershire

5 Unmissable things to see and do in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire offers beautiful countryside and picturesque scenery, in the South West of England. In Gloucestershire, make sure to visit the Cotswold Hills and the River Severn - There are so many places to see and explore!

1. Dean Forest Railway

Dean Forest Railway is a four and a half mile line, which runs through the beautiful countryside offering visitors a chance to discover the relaxing country branch line. There are 5 stations along the way, where you’ll be able to explore the local area. Around the railway, there are many things to do, including country walks and pubs to explore, so why not admire the railway and take a walk in the countryside? There’s nothing better than a pub or café lunch with a view! You can even walk down to the Severn estuary to see Lydney Harbour, with its amazing views across the Severn.

There is also a museum at the railway, where you can browse the museum and shop. The museum is definitely worth a look, where you can see how the railway use to look many years ago.

It makes a great day out for the family and also railway enthusiasts! There are many events that take place at the railway, including Galas and fun events for children. Why not spend the morning watching the trains and then have lunch at one of the popular pub restaurants?

Opening times
Visit website for more information
Prices
Visit website for ticket information
Address
New Mills Forest Road
Lydney
GL15 4ET
England
Contact details
01594 845840
www.dfr.co.uk

2. Clearwell Caves

Clearwell Caves is a great place to visit if you are planning on going to Gloucestershire. You can explore the caves and discover life that use to live there, including bones, teeth and shells from over 345,000,000 years ago! There are many exciting and educational displays throughout the tour, where you will learn all about its history. In the caves, you will be able to see the workshop, where pigment is still produced. Clearwell Caves is one of the best and most ancient caves in the England.

At the caves, you can walk through the peaceful caverns, where you will learn all about the stories of the miners who creative the caves. If you would like to explore more, you can go far beyond the show caves, where you can go on dirty and fun activities in the caves, offering great experiences for all ages. There is so much to do and see at the caves and make sure to check which events are on before you go.

The caves make a great day out with friends or family, so why not discover what’s underground? Children will love exploring and learning all about the caves history.

Opening Times
We are open 7 days a week.
Now until 3rd September 2017 - 10am – 5pm
5th September until 29th October 2017 10am – 4pm
Prices
Adults £7.00
Children (ages 4 to 16): £5.00
Concessions: £6.00
Address
The Rocks
Clearwell
Coleford
GL16 8JR
England
Contact details
01594 832535
www.clearwellcaves.com

3. Wye Valley and Forest of Dean

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean is the perfect destination to visit throughout the year, whatever the weather. There is so much to do at Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, whether you are looking for adventure or entertainment, there are many activities and attractions to choose from. Why not go mountain biking or kayaking? Or if you are looking for something more relaxing, why not go on a Sculpture trail or enjoy a walk and admire the countryside?

There are so many things to see and do, including steam trains, castles, museums, and cathedrals – perfect for the whole family to enjoy. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley would make a great holiday or weekend out, so why not go and enjoy the countryside?

Explore walking trails through the ancient forest or visit a museum if it’s raining, you will never be stuck on things to do. There are also steam trains to see, so make sure to go on a train ride through the valley, where you can enjoy lunch on the train admiring the views of the countryside!

There are also many places to stay, so if you are looking for a hotel, cottage, camping or glamping, Gloucestershire has it all! Don’t forget to discover the popular restaurants and cafés nearby. Whether you plan on going with friends or family, they won’t be disappointed.

Address
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 8RE
England
Contact details
01452 831719

4. Cheltenham

Cheltenham is the place to go if you would like to experience the culture of the Cotswolds. It has won awards for ‘Design Destination’ with offering perfect places to stay, eat and drink. There are also many festivals that take place in Cheltenham, which run through the year all the way to autumn. These include outdoor and indoor events for all of the family to enjoy!

You can even experience a guided walking tour if you plan on seeing Regency Cheltenham and many other fantastic heritage and architectural features. There are also many modern developments to discover as well, such as The Brewery Quarter with a fun atmosphere where old meets new. The Brewery Quarter is home to a range of high street and independent shops, a cinema, bowling alley and many popular restaurants. It’s a great place to visit with friends or family, as Cheltenham has so much to offer.

The shopping centres are called Montpellier and The Suffolk’s, where there are many popular shops such as John Lewis and much more. They also plan on opening leisure centres, which will be popular with locals and holiday makers.

Cheltenham is easy to get to from the M5 and isn’t far from Bristol and Birmingham city centre, as well as being 2 hours from London. There is so much to do and see at Cheltenham, whether you want to explore the countryside in the Cotswolds, or take part in many leisure activities and attractions – There is something for everyone to enjoy.

www.visitcheltenham.com

5. Bristol

If you want to explore and adventure in the outdoors, there are a range of activities to choose from. From cycling, canoeing, walking and much more – perfectly suiting all activity levels. There are also many family friendly attractions to visit and activities to enjoy such as castles, the butterfly house, wildlife parks and more.

If you plan on staying for longer, there are great places to stay where you can sit back and enjoy the countryside.

Bristol is right next to South Gloucestershire and the South Cotsworld, making it a great place to visit with beautiful countryside to explore. Why not take a visit and discover the market towns, old churches, and peaceful country pubs? There are many popular restaurants to choose from.

www.visitbristol.co.uk/about-bristol/areas/south-gloucestershire

Top 5 activities with the kids

On your visit to Gloucestershire, why not take the kids to one of these great attractions?

1. Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park Gloucestershire

Cotswold Farm Park is where you will meet the nation’s favourite farmer, Adam Henson, along with his animal friends at Cotswold Farm Park. There is so much fun to be had at Cotswold Farm Park, the kids will love it!

Children can enjoy shearing, milking and bottle feed the lambs and calves during the spring. There are many activities that take place at the farm, including safari tractor rides, sandpits and even a maze! It’s a great place for children to run around and play with their friends. They will meet so many animals and learn all about them.

Cotswold Farm Park makes a great day trip during the weekend, or even during the school holidays. Its great fun for all the family, so why not make a day of it?

Opening hours
11th February - 22nd December
Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults: £12.00
Seniors: £11.25
Kids (4-15): £10.50
Toddlers (2-3): £7.50
Family: £40.00
Under 2's: Free
Address
Guiting Power
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL54 5UG
England
Contact details
01451 850307
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

2. Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle Gloucestershire

Sudeley Castle is home to historic figures and stunning natural beauty, which makes it a great place to visit with the family, with many fun activities to do.

Why not start at the Queen’s Garden? It has beautiful flowers and grounds and is one of ten award winning gardens. There is a maze for children to run around in and also a Pheasantry for them to explore – There are so many things to do and see, as well as an adventure play park for the children to burn off energy.

You can even take a tour around the castle and learn all about its history and visit one of the exhibitions. Sudeley Castle would make the perfect family day out, especially if the sun is shining!

Opening hours
6 March to 29 October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults from £14.95
Kids from £6.00
Address
Sudeley Castle
Winchcombe
Gloucestershire
GL54 5JD
England
Contact details
01242 604 244
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

3. Birdland Park and Gardens

Birdland Park and Gardens Gloucestershire

Birdland Park and Gardens is the only place where you will see King Penguins in the country, where you can see and learn all about them. If your children are animal lovers, they will love Birdland Park and Gardens. Spot the King Penguins swimming underwater, through a glass viewing panel and watch them get fed at feeding time!

Children will learn all about the different species of birds, as there are many talks and feeding displays that take place throughout the day. There is also an Indoor Discovery Zone, where visitors can learn about other egg laying animals such as invertebrates like fish, reptiles, and mammals. There are so many animals to see, the kids will love it!

Before you leave, there is a gift shop children will love and also the Penguin Café – The perfect day to relax after a long day with the kids! Children will love discovering the animals, so why not take them during the school holidays?

Opening hours
Easter to 2 November
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
November to March
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Adult: £9.95
Child (3-15): £6.95
Under 3: Free
Senior/Student: £8.95
Address
Rissington Road
Bourton-on-the-Water
Gloucestershire
GL54 2BN
England
Contact details
01451 820480
www.birdland.co.uk

4. Cattle Country Adventure Park

Cattle Country Adventure Park Gloucestershire

There is so much to see at Cattle Country Adventure Park, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, deer, and ducks. Children will also be able to bottle feed the lambs and calves in the spring – definitely something to tell their friends about!

At the park, children will be able to play around in the Splash Pool, especially on warmer days, so remember to take a towel and a picnic! Children can also test their strength on the climbing net and assault course. There are also two play barns indoors, with slides and other soft play areas for kids to enjoy.

It’s a great day out for the kids, so why not visit Cattle Country Adventure Park one weekend or during the holidays with their friends.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Hours are subject to change. Call or check the link for further details before your visit.
Pricing
Adult: £9.75
Child (4-17): £10.45
Toddler (2-3): £6.45
Under 2: Free
Concession: £7.45
Address
Berkeley Heath
Berkeley
Gloucestershire
GL13 9EW
England
Contact details
01453 810510
www.cattlecountry.co.uk

5. Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood has an amazing forest, full of the natural landscape where kids can play and enjoy the outdoors. They will be able to meet animals including, goats, donkeys, Shetland ponies, cattle, hens, and ducks. There are fun indoor and outdoor mazes for kids to enjoy, as well as adventures with secret doors! – Puzzlewood offers endless fun!

Who wouldn’t want to meet the animals and play in the outdoors – it's great fun for kids to enjoy.

Opening hours
February, April to October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
March, November and December
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
Pricing
Adult: £6.50
Child (3-16): £5.50
Under 2: Free
Family (2 adults +2 children): £23.00
Address
Perrygrove Road
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 8QB
England
Contact details
01594 833187
www.puzzlewood.net