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

John 'Crump' Dutton built this 17th-century grandstand, fuelled by his passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining. The Lodge has seasonal opening times. Sherborne is a working estate and has an abundance of wildlife, from fallow and roe deer to badgers and foxes. Ewe Pen Barn is the starting point for Lodge Park's three main walking routes: Short Woodland Stroll; Family Fun Walk and Historic Farmland Hike.

Lovely place to walk with great views across the River Severn, on a clear day you can see the Severn Bridges and Berkeley Power Station. Some large rocks with bore holes in them, help you pick out points of interest. Picnic benches. Popular with dog walkers. Small children will need to be supervised.

The estate is open to the public in the Spring and is also open on selected days as part of the National Garden Scheme (Yellow Book). A visit to Lydney Park Gardens is a great fun family day out - stroll through the woodland garden, picnic in the Deer Park, explore the Roman ruins and visit the museums, including our New Zealand Museum. Groups and Guided Tours are available by prior arrangement. Dogs may be taken around the garden on a lead.

The summit and surrounding area consists of a wide expanse of open grassland, bracken and gorse with boggy areas and pools. The hill is capped by a clump of pine trees (not NT), planted in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is now the location of annual May Day celebrations. May Hill Common covers 30 hectares of common land acquired by the NT in 1988. This attractive area of bracken and developing trees (mainly birch, oak and crab apple) is still grazed by the commoners' ponies, pigs and occasionally sheep. There are beautiful views to the north and west across Herefordshire. Free to visit.

Minchinhampton Common is a large swathe of open grassland on top and slopes of the Cotswold escarpment, with fantastic views across the Severn Vale. Look out for the Winstone's ice cream van which is often parked nearby - the ice-cream is made just down the road! It is a really important archaeological landscape, with prehistoric field systems, burial mounds and the remains of a defensive earthwork, known as The Bulwarks. In the summer the common is grazed by local commoners' cattle. The area is managed by the National Trust. Let's keep this place special and please remember to take your litter home with you.

From early Spring until Autumn visitors to this Cotswold garden are rewarded with rich and memorable views: Spring flowers, shrubs, fine topiary (some designed by Edwin Lutyens) and, within the walled garden, herbaceous borders; roses, fine specimen trees and a newly planted parterre. The 17th century Manor House (not open) stands high overlooking the Golden Valley.

Family-friendly museum housed on two floors of a Grade II 17th century wool merchant's mansion, in the grounds of Stratford Park. Objects and displays include dinosaur remains, Roman temple remains and the world's first lawnmower. Always a variety of interesting exhibitions and events. School visits welcome. See website for opening times. Free admission, donations welcome.

The world's first museum dedicated exclusively to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature. School visits welcome. Special exhibitions throughout year. Children's activities during school holidays. Adult art courses held regularly (see website for programme). Free admission to under 8s.

A former Tudor hunting lodge which was converted into a fashionable Georgian home. Perched on a 40ft cliff, with outstanding panoramic views and beautiful gardens. See website for seasonal opening times.

A large Neolithic burial mound with spectacular vistas over the Severn Valley. Its internal burial chambers are uncovered for viewing. The remains of at least thirteen human skeletons, as well as Neolithic pottery, have been recovered during excavations. Free to visit.

A unique 18th century garden, set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Anniversary maze, Georgian follies, kitchen garden. Restaurant. Licenced for civil wedding ceremonies.

A new art gallery with a fresh approach to working with artists and clients. We offer a wide diversity of art across subject, media and style, from the classical to the avant-garde, from local, UK and international artists. We have a high proportion of affordable, signed and authenticated originals. We always have fresh, exciting new work to make each visit interesting.

Estate railyway goes to 4 stations with walks through ancient woods. 1 mile round trip, usually steam hauled. Picnic area. Indoor village with secret passages. Birthday parties catered for. Look out for special Christmas events.

Facilities for angling, golf and skateboarding. Take a walk around the large lake and feed the ducks. There are rowing boats available for hire in the summer months. On the other side of the road (subway avoids crossing) there is an enclosed children's play area which has picnic tables adjacent to the play equipment. Birds and other small creatures in the outdoor aviaries by the Pump Room. Second lake to walk round and grass to play on.

Venue for civil marriage ceremonies and receptions. Up to 220 guests can be catered for in a classic banqueting style.

A unique and magical place set in 14 acres of ancient woodland. A maze of paths, and eerie passageways through moss-covered rocks, weird rock formations and tangled vines. Believed to be the inspiration for Tolkien's Middle Earth. Living willow maze and friendly animals. Cafe. Not suitable for less physically able or pushchairs. No dogs. School visits welcome. Seasonal opening times.