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Gloucester Rocks

What's On in Gloucester - Summer Holidays 2026

Looking for things to do with the kids this summer in Gloucestershire? You’re in the right place. The summer holidays are one of the best times of year to explore everything the county has to offer, with festivals, outdoor adventures, family events and plenty of free days out.

Looking for an activity camp? Click to view our Holiday Clubs in Gloucester guide.

Things to do in Gloucestershire this summer

Whether you’re based in Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean or Stroud, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids entertained.

🌳 Outdoor days out
Country parks, woodland walks and riverside trails
Playgrounds, splash parks and open spaces
Picnics in places like Robinswood Hill

🎪 Events and festivals
Summer fairs, food festivals and family-friendly events
Outdoor theatre, pop-up experiences and trails
Local shows and community celebrations

🏛️ Indoor and rainy day ideas
Museums and heritage attractions
Soft play centres and indoor activities
Cinemas, libraries and creative workshops

🎨 Holiday clubs and activities
Sports camps, forest school sessions and dance classes
Art, drama and STEM workshops
Great options for childcare or trying something new

Free and low-cost summer activities
Summer doesn’t have to be expensive. Across Gloucestershire you’ll find:
Free events and trails
Library activities and reading challenges
Nature-based activities and self-led adventures

Perfect for filling those long summer days without breaking the budget.

When are the summer holidays in Gloucestershire?

In Gloucestershire, most schools break up for summer around Tuesday 21 July 2026, with the holidays running through to early September.
This gives families around six weeks to enjoy days out, try new activities and make the most of the long summer days.


Where to find what’s on in Gloucestershire this summer

If you want to quickly find the best events, activities and ideas near you, start from our home page here on Gloucester Rocks.

It’s your go-to local guide for:

Daily “what’s on” listings across Gloucestershire

Summer holiday clubs and camps

Free and budget-friendly activities

Family events, festivals and days out

Handy roundups like “best things to do this summer”

Instead of searching around, everything is all together in one place, making it easy to plan your days.

Make the most of summer in Gloucestershire

From countryside adventures to family festivals and simple park days, Gloucestershire is packed with opportunities to make the summer holidays memorable.

And when you need inspiration (or just something easy for tomorrow), Gloucester Rocks has everything you need to keep the kids happy all summer long.