Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Gloucestershire
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Summer of Play 2025
3rd July-1st September 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Challenge friends and family to lawn games on Green Court from 3 July, Knock down pins in a game of skittles, try your hand at giant dominoes, get competitive with snakes and ladders or get in some target...
The Disgusting Sandwich Trail
5th July-8th September 2025
Venue: Painswick Rococo Garden
Website: www.rococogarden.org.uk
This summer, step into the wonderfully silly world of The Disgusting Sandwich - a brand-new interactive trail at Painswick Rococo Garden. Get ready to brave smelly wellies, explore touchy-feely boxes,...
The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge
5th July 2025
Venue: Nationwide
Website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Throughout the summer, children joining ‘Story Garden’ can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where...
Out of this World: Sci-fi Weekend
12th-13th July 2025
Venue: Avon Valley Railway
Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org
Expect to meet some of your favourite sci-fi characters around the station and onboard the train as you travel the line. Plus meet some of the ‘DroidBuilders’ as they show off their latest creations...
The Big Batsford Hedgehog Hunt
12th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre
Website: www.batsarb.co.uk
Find the hedgehogs hidden around the arboretum, enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in the larg cafe and explore the play area for a fun family day out. The Hedgehog Hunt costs £3 per participating child, plus...
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
12th July 2025
Venue: The Roses Theatre
Website: www.rosestheatre.org
The Roses Young Creatives present the youth edition of The Wizard Of Oz. Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach...
Living History Camp
15th-16th July 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the English Civil War. The day includes firing of muskets during...
Fearlessly Taylor
17th July 2025
Venue: Bacon Theatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
International tribute “Fearlessly Taylor” is performed by the brilliant Ashleigh Stevens, who has been performing as a Taylor Swift tribute for many years, and now she is bringing a new show to theatres...
Fantasy Forest Festival 2025
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Website: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Welcome to a weekend of enchanted, family-friendly fantasy! Whether you’re into sci-fi, films and books, art, comics, Cosplay, Steampunk, Marvel super heroes, take a moment to pause your everyday for...
Robin Hood
19th July 2025
Venue: Hookshouse Pottery Gardens
Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk/robin-hood
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone's favourite archer. Take a picnic and something to sit on. Children...
The Merry Wives of Windsor - Outdoor Theatre
19th July 2025
Venue: Cheltenham Lido
Website: www.cheltenhamlido.co.uk
Illyria is an intrepid band of five actors who perform Shakespeare’s plays direct from the First Folio. It’s fast, it’s polished and it’s spoken beautifully. Take your own seating/rug, suitable...
The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck
19th July 2025
Venue: Woodchester Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/woodchester-park
Enjoy Quantum Theatre's adaptation of Beatrix Potter's much-loved tale in a theatre production specially designed for younger children. Take blankets and foldaway chairs to sit on and go dressed for the...
Summer at the Castle
21st July-27th August 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
This summer at Berkeley Castle, enjoy a fantastic day out for the whole family with our exciting activities included in the standard admission ticket—no extra charge! The perfect way to make summer holidays...
Falconry Experiences
22nd July-29th August 2025
Venue: Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Website: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
On select dates throughout July and August, Walks with Hawks return to Sudeley Castle to share the thrill of seeing an exceptional variety of birds of prey. From eagles to owls, this falconry display at...
Summer of play at Newark Park
22nd July-31st August 2025
Venue: Newark Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/newark-park
This year is inspired by Bob's hospitality when he used to host parties for local community groups.Join in with the summer party and get active and creative with a wide range of activities in the great...
Dinosaur Adventure Live: The Big Jurassic Storm
23rd July 2025
Venue: The Roses Theatre
Website: www.rosestheatre.org
The adventure of a lifetime awaits… Take the family on a T-REX-IFFIC journey with our brand new dinosaurs, meet their ROAR-SOME babies and help the rangers save the Island. Are you brave enough to face...
Knight School
23rd July-28th August 2025
Venue: Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Website: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Children of all ages are invited to dress-up and join the fun of Sudeley's Knight School, every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer. The ancient art of sword-fighting, archery and jousting are...
Roman Swords and Shields Workshop
23rd July 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
This creative workshop is inspired by archaeology from the Roman fort and from tombstones of Roman cavalrymen. Make your equipment and take it home after you have made it all in this creative workshop. Booking...
Summer of play at Dyrham Park
23rd July-2nd September 2025
Venue: Dyrham Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Go to Dyrham this summer for art sessions, nature explorer trails and play activities running through the school summer holidays.Activities will be free of charge, normal admission charges apply.
Summer of Play at Tinkley Gate
23rd July-31st August 2025
Venue: Woodchester Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/woodchester-park
Take part in lots of activities for little ones - including performance, creative, 'loose parts' and active play. With a focus on younger children, there will be plenty of games, trails and activities...
Bug hotel making at Newark Park
24th-25th July 2025
Venue: Newark Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/newark-park
Book in for one of our bug hotel making workshops with volunteer Graham. The workshop is a drop-in session and it will take around 15 mins for you to complete your bug hotel. All materials are provided...
Falconry Displays
24th July 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
The beautiful birds and brilliant handlers from North Devon Hawk Walks are coming to Dunster Castle this summer. Watch on as the harris hawk soars to great heights before returning to the falconer.This...
Hamlet
24th July 2025
Venue: The Dean Garden Room
Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk/hamlet
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company as they put on a frantic disposition to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy in their own anarchic style.With live music, audience interaction,...
Project Orpheus Children’s Mosaic Workshop: Big Cats
24th July 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
In this workshop, children will learn about the Orpheus myth and its importance as they create mosaics inspired by big cats. Roar into creativity by decorating a wooden cut-out of a fierce feline using...
Summer of Play Bat Trail
24th July-1st September 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Bats are often associated with all things spooky season, but did you know they are most active in the summer months? Discover the garden and grounds on this summer trail, all while learning more about...
Outdoor Theatre: Twelfth Night
25th-26th July 2025
Venue: Dyrham Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them this summer for Shakespeare's greatest romantic comedy.With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, they present this great play as...
A King's Return
26th-27th July 2025
Venue: Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Website: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
For two days, the castle grounds will come alive with costumed historic re-enactors portraying Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell, and ladies of the royal court. Walk the very paths they once did,...
Alice Through the Looking Glass
27th July 2025
Venue: Llanthony Secunda Priory
Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk
Adapted and directed by Michael Whitmore, this enchanting play faithfully charts the fabulous and wonderful world created by Lewis Carroll, retaining all its quirky British charm, classic characters and...
Dinosaur Day
27th July 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
Join Berkeley Castle for Dinosaur Day and come face-to-face with two incredible dinosaurs as they stomp, roar, and entertain from the safety of their arena. Watch as these prehistoric creatures come to...
Nature Explorer Sessions
29th July 2025
Venue: Dyrham Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Explore and get to know nature and have a go at fun activities such as hunting for bugs, exploring trees and grass and identifying different plants. Sessions will run through the summer holidays on Tuesdays...
Roman Board Games Workshop
29th July 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
Learn about entertainment in the Roman world before making this exciting game. During this morning workshop you will create a unique game board with counters to take home. All materials and instruction...
Giffords Circus
31st July-4th August 2025
Venue: The Park, The Perry Way,Frampton on Severn
Website: www.giffordscircus.com
Step inside the tent into a colourful madcap world of acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians, and dancers. A production that would rival any West End show. Giffords is much more than a Circus, it’s a...
Project Orpheus Children’s Mosaic Workshop: Birds Mosaic Art
31st July 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
As part of the 200-year celebration of the Orpheus Mosaic discovery at Corinium Museum, children will learn about the myth of Orpheus—famous for charming animals with his music—while decorating a wooden...
Summer of Play - Storytelling
31st July 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Join a local storyteller for an immersive session of mythical tale-telling around the grounds. There will be three sessions running throughout the day. Also 21 August.
Summer of Play at Lodge Park
1st-31st August 2025
Venue: Lodge Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Lodge Park this Summer of Play will be transformed into a space for the whole family during the summer holidays. For their open weekends in August, take part in lawn games, activities and trails across...
Outdoor theatre: Sense and Sensibility at Newark Park
2nd August 2025
Venue: Newark Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/newark-park
Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons theatre company as they celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Anniversary with their 2025 touring production of Sense and Sensibility. As there is no seating available...
Tudorly Terrible History
3rd August 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
Packed with interactive entertainment and activities, Tudorly Terrible History promises fun for all the family. From tales of political plots to royal romances, there’s something to intrigue visitors...
Summer of Play at Chedworth Roman Villa
4th August-1st September 2025
Venue: Chedworth Roman Villa
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/chedworth-roman-villa
There will be a thrilling array of activities for visitors of all ages. Prepare yourself for games, puzzles, crafts, artefact handling and more.After all the excitement, take a moment to reflect at the...
Medieval Bestiary Workshop
5th August 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
Medieval monks used to make beautiful illuminated books called bestiaries, featuring artwork and stories of animals and monsters to educate and entertain their readers. In this workshop you’ll get to...
Project Orpheus Mosaic Workshop: Dinosaurs
7th August 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
Young artists will bring their wooden dino cut-outs to life with colourful mosaic tiles—whether it’s a classic green triceratops or a bright, glittering disco stegosaurus. Realistic or fantastical,...
Summer of Play - Forest School Drop In
7th August 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Enjoy drop-in crafting sessions in the River Garden with Forest Catkins. Make and decorate a wood cookie or a whirligig. Use traditional whittling techniques and take away or own natural toy. Or create...
Wind in the Willows
10th August 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
Follow the charming adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the mischievous Mr. Toad as they explore friendship, bravery, and the wonders of nature. This enchanting adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic...
Tuckwell Open-Air Theatre Festival
12th-24th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk/tuckwell
Bacon Theatre have a first-class line up of performances to bring you including live music, melodrama, film and plenty of family friendly shows. With a jam-packed line-up of shows, they have something...
The Big Bad Wolf
13th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Go on a musical journey of plotting and scheming with folklore’s most notorious villain - the Big Bad Wolf. Following their 2024 production of ‘The Secret Garden’, The Plandits are back on the road...
The Secret Garden
13th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Following their success in 2024, The Plandits are bringing their re-imagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book back for a second summer season. Suitable for anyone aged 6+ who loves literature...
Open-Air Cinema at Westonbirt Arboretum
15th-17th August 2025
Venue: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Website: www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt
Adventure Cinema is bringing your big-screen favourites to the stunning grounds of Westonbirt this summer. This spectacular open-air cinema tour has an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters...
Robin Hood
15th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
From songs around the campfire to archery competitions and sword fights the story of Robin Hood is brought to life. Full of memorable characters, silliness, songs and charm this production is an hour of...
Sense and Sensibility
15th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
2025 marks the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen, and what better to way to celebrate her life than to delve into the world of one of her finest novels. A cast of five actors and DOTS renowned comedic...
The Tempest
15th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
With heaps of audience participation, this mesmerising show will be brought to life in unforgettable style, perfect for both, seasoned theatre-goers and newcomers to Shakespeare’s work. Suitable for...
Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer Night's Dream
16th August 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Enjoy a tale of love, magic and mayhem with a telling of a Midsummer Night's Dream by the Three Inch Fools, hosted by Dunster Castle. Take your own rugs and camping-chairs and join this outdoor adventure....
Robin Hood
17th August 2025
Venue: Scarr Bandstand
Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk/robin-hood
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone's favourite archer. Take a picnic and something to sit on. Children...
Treasure Island
17th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Looking for adventure? Join Jenny Wren Productions as we sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure! There’s never a dull moment on board ship – the grog flows, we love a sea shanty, and Long...
Prehistoric Painting
19th August 2025
Venue: Corinium Museum
Website: www.coriniummuseum.org
Prehistoric art tells us about the early life of the nomadic hunters and gatherers. Be inspired by the cave paintings of animals, handprints and people that have been found all over the world. Be prepared...
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
20th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Midsummer night. An enchanted forest. Puck and his musical fairy band tell a tale of lovers, mechanicals, and magical mayhem. The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons present their innovative and hilarious...
Wind in the Willows
23rd August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous...
Cinema Under the Stars: The Greatest Showman
24th August 2025
Venue: Tuckwell Amphitheatre
Website: www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Orphaned, penniless, but ambitious and with a mind crammed with imagination and fresh ideas, the American entertainer, Phineas Taylor Barnum, will always be remembered as the man with the gift to blur...
The Joust
24th August 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
The legendary Knights of Nottingham ride back into Berkeley Castle for a day of thrilling medieval action and family fun! Sir Frederick will have the whole family in fits of laughter with his jolly antics...
Summer of Play - Forest School Drop In
28th August 2025
Venue: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Enjoy drop-in crafting sessions in the River Garden with Forest Catkins. Decorate a wand with ribbons to add a magical touch to your day out or hand weave a bird-seed holder out of wicker and bring some...
Hamlet
30th August 2025
Venue: Newark Park
Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk/hamlet
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company as they put on a frantic disposition to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy in their own anarchic style.With live music, audience interaction,...
Falconry
31st August 2025
Venue: Berkeley Castle
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
Watch in awe as majestic birds of prey take to the skies, showcasing their speed, grace, and power in thrilling displays that will captivate the whole family. The event is included in the standard admission...
Three Inch Fools Presents A Midsummer Night's Dream
2nd September 2025
Venue: Woodchester Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/woodchester-park
Take your own cushions, and camping-chairs for Woodchester Park 10th anniversary open-air adventure. Go prepared for the weather - the performance will continue come rain come shine! They recommend booking...