Days Out in Gloucestershire: Places to Visit & Family Attractions Gloucestershire

Building of the castle began in the late 11th century, by the English landowner Godric, after whom it is named. It stands next to the River Wye near to the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. Goodrich still boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle. During the Civil War, Goodrich was held successively by both sides, the Royalists eventually surrendered in 1646 under threats of undermining and a deadly Parliamentarian mortar. The famous 'Roaring Meg', the only surviving Civil War mortar, has returned to the castle after 350 years. Free audio tour tells the story of the castle and the Civil War siege.

The remains of a large and luxurious villa built around AD 250, with a bathhouse complex and possibly the shrine of a water spirit. An English Heritage property. Free admission to site.

Ruins of a Cistercian abbey, dating back to 1246. It is once a popular site of pilgrimage, due to it allegedly being the custodian of a phial of Christ's blood. An audio tour and information panels tell the story of the abbey and the monks and lay brothers who once lived there. Sculptures, stonework and other finds from the site are in the museum. No café, but refreshments are available in the shop. Picnics welcome in grounds. Don't forget to visit the adjacent parish church, which has medieval wall paintings. Seasonal opening times. English Heritage property.

An recreational park with ornamental lake, wildlife pond and mature trees providing a colourful display in the autumn. There are two children's play areas and football pitch. Feeding the ducks on the lake is a popular past time. Visitors are asked to bring birdseed to feed the ducks as it is less likely to foul the water and it is healthier for the ducks!

A partly reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound, 37 metres (120ft) long, atmospherically sited overlooking the Severn Valley. 'Hetty Pegler' was its 17th-century landowner. An English Heritage site, it is free to visit all year round.

Exquisite garden rooms, each with its own unique character. Discover rare shrubs, trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. The garden changes in harmony with the seasons, from vibrant spring bulbs to autumn's spectacular Red Border. Stunning panoramas across the Vale of Evesham. Opens end March to end Oct. Restaurant and plant sales. Managed by National Trust

Highnam Court was built in 1658 after the original house was seriously damaged in the Civil War. The accomplished artist, musician and art collecter Thomas Gambier Parry bought the estate in 1838 and designed the garden. When completed it rivalled any in the country. (He was also responsible for the magnificent frescoes in Highnam Church.) The gardens were sadly neglected after the turn of the last century, but since 1994 they have been restored to their former glory.

The childhood home of Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets. The museum is also a fine period house showing the upstairs downstairs way of life in times past, including a working Victorian kitchen and laundry, elegant Regency drawing room and charming Edwardian nursery. School visits welcome. Seasonal opening. Free admission for children under 5.

A Forest of Dean Freemine dating from the 1820′s. The museum tells the story of how mining has been carried out in the Forest of Dean since Roman times and features a display of old mine working tools. Regular guided underground tours allowing visitors to walk through the mine workings. Disabled visitors by prior arrangement. Refreshments available. Check seasonal openings.

The oldest dedicated bird of prey centre in the world and one of the friendliest. Daily flying demonstrations. Also offers falconry courses, photography days, owl evenings and birthday parties for children and adults.

We celebrate Gloucestershire’s rich aviation heritage from the early days of flight, through the birth of the Jet Age to the present day. Jet Age Museum is staffed only by volunteers, some of whom flew in aircraft we have on display. Come and visit, ask questions and learn about the history of aviation in Gloucestershire and beyond. We aim to preserve the past and inspire the future.

Home to an extensive Natural History collection featuring specimens of our native mammals and birds. A few doors away is The Merchant's House, a two storey building which has been beautifully restored and furnished to show the construction of a 15th century shop and dwelling. Special event days. Outreach service. Seasonal openings. School visits welcome. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

A grade 1 Listed Tudor farmhouse adjacent to the River Thames, built in 1570 from local limestone. The summer home of William Morris and contains an outstanding collection of the possessions and works of Morris, his family and associates, including furniture, original textiles, pictures, carpets, ceramics and metalwork. William Morris, his wife Jame and children Jenny and May are buried in the grounds of St George's church, Kelmcott. Seasonal opening.

Set on the edge of the Cotswold escarpments this is a delightful garden to explore with wonderful views to enjoy. Home to the famous Kiftsgate rose. Light lunches and teas. Plant sales. Some parts of the garden are set on very steep banks. House not open to visitors. For seasonal opening times see website.

The hill lies within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fantastic for walks, wildlife, picnics and views over Cheltenham. Look out for The Devil's Chimney, a limestone outcrop which stands above the disused quarry. Legend has it that it is the chimney to the devil's house which is deep below ground!

Experience quiet open spaces within a bustling city. Come to one of our regular events or use our beautiful spaces as your wedding venue or function. Within our grounds you can discover medieval ruins and some of the earliest medieval and Tudor brickwork in the county.