THE SUMMER holidays are here and Stroud District Council have compiled a list of dozens of activities to enjoy throughout the Stroud district.

From drop-in drawing sessions and reading challenges to sculpture spotting and games at a traditional English fete, there’s something for everyone – and many of them are free or low cost. 

Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District said: “There are so many brilliant activities on offer in our district, and our summer holiday guide shows plenty of ways to entertain children on a budget.

“Ensuring everyone has access to high quality leisure opportunities that meet their needs is one of the priorities in our Council Plan.

“For anyone struggling with the cost-of-living crisis there is information and sources of support on our website.”

The Museum in the Park

There are more than 4,000 objects to discover, an award winning `secret’ walled garden, art gallery, café and gift shop and full programme of fun family activities at Stroud District Council’s Museum in the Park.

The Museum in the Park is open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 11am – 4.30pm. Free admission. 

Stratford Park

There’s plenty of outdoor space at the 56-acre SDC-owned Stratford Park including a large newly refurbished play area, acres of grassy lawn, a small skate park, a lake, woodland, sensory garden, six top class tennis courts, a 5k parkrun on Saturdays, bands playing in the bandstand most Sundays and a miniature railway which runs on the last Sunday of the month.

The Pulse

There’s a full programme of activities at The Pulse leisure centre in Dursley, from family swimming and slippery slide inflatable sessions to dance workshops and full activity days.

Canals

There’s plenty to see and do along the miles of mostly flat and accessible canal towpath.

Take a walk or bike ride and spot the wildlife along the way including swans, kingfishers, otters and water voles.

 

Commons

We’re spoiled for choice with the number of commons across throughout the district offering wide open spaces and panoramic views across the five valleys.

Take a picnic, fly a kite, walk part of the Cotswold Way or watch the paragliders who take off from the steep sides.

Swim outdoors

As well as the indoor pools at Stratford Park and The Pulse there are a number of outdoor pools in the district where you can enjoy a swim in the fresh air:

Stratford Park Lido, Wotton Pool, Berkeley Community Swimming Pool, and slightly further afield the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham and Portishead Open Air Pool. 

Join the Library Challenge

There are different activities, fun challenges, workshops and rewards for everyone that joins the sport-themed summer library challenge. 

Wander around Wotton-under-Edge

The Cotswold Way runs right through the centre of Wotton-under-Edge, a bustling town in the south of the district.

Walk to Wotton Hill which has spectacular views across the River Severn, or to the Tyndale Monument in nearby North Nibley.

Climb the Tyndale Monument

The striking 111-foot Tyndale Monument in North Nibley was built to commemorate local hero William Tyndale, the martyred 16th century Bible translator.

Woodchester Park and Mansion

The National Trust-owned Woodchester Park has a chain of five lakes set in a tranquil wooded valley, and an outdoor woodland play trail.

Farmers’ Market & farm shops

Farmers’ markets and farm shops are great places to show children where seasonal fresh food comes from.

We’re spoiled for choice in the Stroud district with the award-winning Stroud Farmers’ Market every Saturday, the Shambles Market every Friday and Saturday in Stroud, and regular markets in many other towns too including Wotton-under-Edge, Minchinhampton, Dursley, Berkeley and Nailsworth.

Have a free day out

The Stroud district Summer HAF & HAP programmes offer free-of-charge children's activities. Search by location, age range, activity type and date to find in-person or online activities including sports, music, crafts, day trips and cookery classes. 

Discover Stroud Trails app

Walk this way to find out all about the district’s most spectacular heritage and landscape. The free-of-charge walking app will allow all the family to explore circular routes throughout the district – including walks in Stonehouse, Dursley, Berkely and a new treasure hunt based in Stratford Park.

Dursley Sculpture and Play Trail

The artwork at Dursley Sculpture and Play Trail in Twinberrow Woods has been created by local community groups with new artworks added throughout the year. 

Go Outside trails

Go Outside maps are fun, child-friendly, interactive maps that help you discover more about the place you live. 

Gloucestershire Play Rangers

Free, outdoor, active play including den building, fires, arts and crafts, sports and playful games for 7–14-year-olds. 

The Door

Youth charity The Door runs free youth clubs across the district throughout the holidays for young people aged 11-17.

Giffords Circus

The Giffords Circus cast of acrobats, jugglers, magicians, musicians and clowns brings its Avalon tour to Minchinhampton Common from 8 – 19 August. 

Longfield Community Hospice Summer Fete

Enjoy a day of joy, laughter and community spirit in the beautiful grounds of Longfield Community Hospice in Burleigh, Minchinhampton.

Take a bus ride

Take a scenic bus route through the district and discover somewhere new – local buses drop off in villages, towns and commons.

Find hidden treasure

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses a free app on your smartphone to help you find a hidden box of treasure.

For more information on these activities visit - tinyurl.com/4trh39mx