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The woodland play area at Newark Park
The woodland play area at Newark Park | © James Dobson

Family-friendly places in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

Discover gardens, family trails and winding walks in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Plan your day out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.

Summer of Play in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create memories with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

Dyrham Park 

Get active and creative with a wide range of activities in the great outdoors this summer. Every day, families can let their imaginations run wild with play stations filled with different things to try and a chance to perform on a mini stage with puppets and props. 10am - 5pm, from 23 July to 2 September

Family visitors in the Pool Gardens in summer, Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire

Chedworth Roman Villa 

Prepare yourself for games, puzzles, crafts, artefact handling and more. After all the excitement, take a moment to reflect at the viewpoint and soak in the timeless beauty of the Cotswold countryside. 10am - 4.30pm, from 4 August to 1 September

A parent and child looking at Roman ruins at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire

Newark Park 

Come to Newark Park this summer to experience a summer party in the garden running through the school holidays. Why not have an ice cream at the Tea pavilion and have a go at the lawn games? Or find a shady spot for a picnic in the garden and create your own musical performance? 10am - 4.30pm, from 22 July to 31 August

A family at the south front of Newark Park, Gloucestershire

Snowshill Manor 

Experience the theatrical world of Charles Wade through his costume collection. Dress up in authentic eighteenth century costume and snap a photo with your group then enjoy some vintage lawn games in the orchard. 11am - 5.30pm, from 21 July to 31 August

Two adults and a toddler walk along the path admiring the plants in the Armillary Court at Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire in spring

Tinkley Gate 

This year at Tinkley Gate, we'll be transforming our outdoor space into a mini festival for the whole family to enjoy. Take part in lots of activities for little ones - including performance, creative, 'loose parts' and active play. 10am - 3pm, from 23 July to 31 August

Visitors exploring Tinkley Gate at Woodchester Park

Lodge Park 

Lodge Park this Summer of Play will be transformed into a space for the whole family during the summer holidays. Take part in lawn games, activities and trails across this beautiful patch of the Sherborne Estate in the Cotswolds. 10am - 3pm, from 1 August to 31 August

A family group collecting leaves and flowers in the sunshine at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire

Places to visit with the family

Discover all the best places to explore for lots of family fun.

Dyrham Park 

Find out what’s on for families this season at Dyrham Park and see what's happening for Summer of Play through the school holidays.

Family visitors in the Pool Gardens in summer, Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire

Newark Park 

There's plenty for families to enjoy throughout the seasons at Newark Park.

A child climbs the rope bridge to reach play fort at Newark Park, Gloucestershire

Hidcote 

Find out what activities you can join to make the most of your next visit – and discover all the facilities available for families.

A mother holds a baby while walking the garden

Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate 

Discover how to make the most of your visit to Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate - what activities you can join in with and what facilities are available for families.

A family group collecting leaves and flowers in the sunshine at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire

Woodchester Park 

There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Woodchester Park. Find out what activities are available to make the most of your next visit - and discover all the facilities available for families.

Visitors exploring Tinkley Gate at Woodchester Park

Visiting Westbury Court Garden 

Discover everything you need to know about visiting Westbury Court Garden with your family.

The statue of Neptune in Westbury Court Garden with the Tall Pavilion in the background, Gloucestershire

Chedworth Roman Villa 

Chedworth Roman Villa is packed with family friendly things to do from Roman puzzles and games to seasonal trails and archaeological activities.

Children playing with garden games at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire.

Snowshill Manor and Garden 

There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Snowshill Manor and Garden from seasonal trails and activities to the Garden explorer notebooks and Wolf's Cove model village.

Family Exploring the Garden at Snowshill

Ideas for rainy days

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

There's lots to do even on a drizzly day at Dyrham Park 

Get togged up and explore the parkland, sheltering in the Old Lodge cafe if needed, or embrace an entirely indoor day out as the house and exhibition are filled with interactive opportunities for all ages.

Two adults and a child peek up into a chimney above a stove inside the house at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire