TBC Summer Fun

Tewkesbury Borough is set up for family fun this summer, with a huge array of activities designed to captivate and entertain children of all ages.

From outdoor pursuits and creative workshops to historical experiences, the borough offers endless opportunities for memorable family days out during the school holidays. To help parents and carers with the endless need to entertain the children over the mammoth six-weeks summer holidays Tewkesbury Borough Council have put together a list of inspiring activities for families and kids to take part in.

The list features something for different interests and budgets. Families can step back in time to train as knights, search for dinosaurs in a medieval abbey, get creative with pottery and crafts, or enjoy a wide range of free outdoor play sessions and town trails.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “We know that the summer holidays can be daunting with such an expanse to fill for families. We are pleased that our incredible attractions and sites have risen to the occasion and have been able to offer such a rich and diverse line-up of summer holiday activities. It’s a testament to the creativity and passion of our local attractions, organisations, and businesses. Providing residents with fantastic local options and welcoming visitors to experience everything the borough has to offer is a key priority.

“With all that is on offer families can create lasting memories together, whether they are seeking adventure, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying our beautiful parks and historic towns.”

For active adventurers

• Scale the walls at 270 Climbing which offers colourful, themed ‘fun walls’ suitable for children (ages 7-13), challenging bouldering, and high ropes for a true aerial adventure.

• Grab your bikes and head to Flyup 417 Bike Park. With a range of trails for all abilities, it’s the perfect place for young riders to gain confidence, and kids’ coaching sessions are available.

• Make a splash at Croft Farm Waterpark in Bredon’s Hardwick, where you can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing in a safe and scenic environment.

• Sherdons Golf and Adventure Golf at Tredington is running daily summer holiday Golf Camps (10am-3pm) for aspiring young golfers. The whole family can also enjoy a competitive round on their fun-filled adventure golf course.

• Cool off at a Family Fun swimming session at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre, or let the kids burn off energy with their skateboards, BMXs, and scooters at the free public skateparks in Northway, Bishop’s Cleeve, and Winchcombe.

For Creative minds and nature lovers

• Get hands-on at The Spotty Dog Place in Tewkesbury with paint-your-own-pottery sessions or a children’s glass fusing workshop.

• The Roses Theatre hosts The Art Bunch every Tuesday for ages 5-11,

• John Moore Museum holds crafting days on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Join Tewkesbury Nature Reserve for nature-inspired summer craft activities,

• Head to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) where children can Go Wild at Winchcombe with craft activities at the station.

  Explore top attractions and historic sites

• Lets get Jurassic with Tewkesbury Abbey a special Dinosaur themed family trail inside the stunning, historic Abbey.

• Young squires can learn the basics of sword fighting at Knight School, held at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, every Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesdays and Fridays, be amazed by spectacular Falconry at the Castle displays in the grounds.

• At Snowshill Manor, the National Trust property invites families to its summer of play. Experience ‘Costume Chaos’ by dressing up in replica 18th-century outfits, play vintage lawn games, and follow the Garden Explorers trail.

• Aviation fans should not miss the Jet Age Museum – now opening on additional Wednesdays (30 July and 27 August) for more opportunities to see its incredible collection.

• All aboard for Teddy Bear Thursdays at the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway on the 31 July and 14 August, where children who bring their favourite teddy travel for just £1. Bear and kids can enjoy a big Teddy Bears’ Day Out on 24 August.

  Free family fun

• Pick up a free Heraldic Banner trail from the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre and explore the town’s history on this fun and educational treasure hunt.

• Gloucestershire Play Rangers offer free, supervised outdoor play sessions offer a range of fun activities and equipment. Sessions will run at The Vineyards in Tewkesbury (28 July, 22, 28 Aug), various locations in Bishop’s Cleeve (1, 4, 20, 21, 28 Aug), and in Northway (24 July, 26 Aug).

  A summer of showtime

• Tewkesbury Live is a vibrant music and arts festival (25-27 July) featuring a packed family programme, including craft activities, a Learn to Sing workshop, interactive music shows, and family entertainers.

• Enjoy classic tales in beautiful settings with the Roses Outdoor Theatre. This summer the company presents The Wind in the Willows at Victoria Gardens on 7 August.

• Chapterhouse Theatre Company are performing the swashbuckling Treasure Island in the grounds of Tewkesbury Abbey on 22 August.

For full information about what’s on across the borough, including dates, times, and booking information, please visit the Visit Tewkesbury website visittewkesbury.info.