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

Situated high above the River Wye, Symonds Yat Rock provides an excellent viewpoint to observe the changing colours of the Wye gorge and surrounding countryside. Spot birds of prey and discover the ancient hill fort. Peregrine Falcons nest on the cliffs and you can see the birds hunt for their young from April to August each year. Waymarked trails and a choice of circular walks through the forest.

Housed in the former police station and magistrates court, the museum has a wide range of fascinating exhibits showing the history of the Gloucestershire Police Force. Our resident sergeant is always on duty in the station watching over the prisoners, local troublemakers and the public as he has done for over a hundred years. In the first floor courtroom there is a complete magistrates court with a display using models and depicting hearing, as it would have been in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

The Abbey is over 900 years old and is one of the largest parish churches in England, and larger than many cathedrals. The impressive tower is the largest Norman tower in existence (until 1559 had a wooden spire on top as well). Tower tours available on some Sundays in summer. Guided tours often available on weekdays. See website for details of services. Free admission, although donations are welcome.

A charming heritage and visitor centre in a restored 15th century building. Visitors get a taste of 17th century life in Tewkesbury: using hand held personal media players, follow Bartholomew Read, a glove maker who resided in the building during the 17th century, as he takes visitors around his former home. Interactive displays, games and information panels. School visits welcome.

Discover Tewkesbury’s rich and diverse past from prehistory to the Victorians. Explore the evidence of local Romans and unlock the secrets of a Roman skeleton. Find out about the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. See a vintage model funfair scene. Special exhibitions. School Visits welcome. Child friendly with dressing up clothes and quizzes. Small admission charge. Seasonal opening times.

A grade 1 listed building dating back to 1400. There are 12 rooms and a garden, with exhibits of all kinds relating to the life of Evesham and the surrounding Vale, including the history of the Benedictine Abbey, Battle of Evesham. Check website for opening times.

One of Britain’s most famous traditional hedge mazes, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedge planted in 1977.

The Centre is dedicated to community education, conservation of the Barn Owl and other species of owl. Open to pre-booked experiences, owl evenings and photography events, and from July-September open to the public on Sundays only without booking. Barn owl birthday parties provide a hands-on flying experience for children from 4 to 15 years old.

THE Bugatti Trust is a registered UK Charity situated on the same site as the world famous Prescott Hill Climb. The aims and objectives of the Trust are to preserve and make available for study the works of Ettore Bugatti. The Trust offers a visitors centre which is open to the public all year round. Please check our website for opening times.

In one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, the Old Mill is home to a museum, where you can learn about the history of bread making, as well as a gift and craft shop. Stay a while in the riverside café where you can enjoy homemade scones with your cream tea. Try one of the handmade organic ice creams in a sugar cone or tub, in mouth watering flavours.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum reopened on 5 October 2013 after major redevelopment costing in the region of £6 million. Renamed 'The Wilson' in honour of Edward Wilson, who was born in Cheltenham, and one of Scott’s key men on his 1912 expedition to Antarctica. There are four floors of temporary exhibitions for international and national touring shows and fun shows for families. An internationally renowned Arts and Crafts collection, celebrating the Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain. Free admission. Cafe serving light lunches, home-baked cakes.

Over a thousand years of history to explore. Tour the great hall and state rooms, dungeon and torture chamber, ramparts and ghost tower. Don't forget to visit the Mill and engine house, Victorian rose garden, Conservatory and peacock garden. School visits welcome. Open every day (except Christmas Day) see website for times and details of special events, including jousting, throughout the year..

The Arboretum contains around 18,000 trees and shrubs, covering 600 acres of Grade1 listed landscape. Enjoy a memorable day out among some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees in the country. Open 365 days a year. Special Events. Restaurant.

Displays illustrate the local history of Winchcombe and its people, including Victorian kitchen and agricultural displays. Finds from Neolithic Belas Knap and Civil War, as well as information on 17th century tobacco growing. Historic police collection, including uniforms and equipment. Many reference documents and photographs available for local and family history researchers

A Neolithic (4000-3500 BC) chambered tomb with an enigmatic 'false entrance'. It seems that the site was used for burials well after the Neolithic period as Roman pottery and coins of Claudius Gothicus (AD 168–70) have been found. Free to visit.

This small urban park of just over 1 hectare, was once a cemetery. It was acquired by St Mary's parish church, to become the New Burial Ground, when the churchyard was becoming full. The original chapel which was built in 1831, still stands in the gardens today and is a Grade II listed building. All the tombstones were removed in 1966 when the gardens were laid out. The Honeybourne Line cycle path runs along the western boundary of the gardens. There is a fenced play area with woodland trail, ornamental trees and formal gardens.