Bristol’s not far away, so get down the M5 and head to the aquarium for the Bay of Rays, the Sunken Ship and the shark tank. Stay there for We The Curious, an attractive, interactive science centre and educational charity on Bristol Harbourside, and find out about a billion years of history at Bristol Museum.
Discover finds from Roman times at the Corinium Museum, including prehistoric tools, Roman mosaics, Anglo Saxon grave goods and medieval sculpture. Or come right up to date with a trip to the Vue Cinema in Stroud for the latest blockbuster, or to The Sub Rooms for a spot of contemporary theatre.
Find piglets, calves, chicks, ducklings and kids, an adventure barn and woodland trail at Cotswold Farm Park. Get closer to all kinds of birdlife at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre. Or spot 2,500 different species of tree, brave the treetop walkway and stop by the café for a tasty treat at Westonbirt Arboretum.
Try tubing, skiing, snowboarding and snoXross for adults and juniors at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre. Head to Mr Mulligan’s for 36 holes of truly crazy golf. Take kids karting from as young as four at JDR, then get everyone involved with the darklight lasertag. Or see Gloucester Docks from a stand-up paddleboard.
Try indoor climbing at The Warehouse, an impressive indoor climbing and caving centre with top rope, lead and auto-belay climbing up to 13 metres and with over 150 routes. Or ride the glorious Cotswold countryside from Barton End Equestrian Centre, a friendly riding centre with a wide selection of activities.
Play golf on three immaculate courses at Minchinhampton, two of which currently host the Open Championship qualifying. Spread your wings and take a one-day or five-day lesson at Cotswold Gliding Club. Or enjoy just about anything at the Cotswold Water park, including pedalos, rowing boats, kayaks, mini golf and the aqua park.
Get properly pampered at Painswick Richmond Spa, with its hair salon and nail bar, 16-metre pool, hydrotherapy plunge pool, sauna and steam room, fitness studio and gym with specialist equipment for the over 50s. Or get your boots on and lap up the great views from the top of Selsley Common.
Head back into history at Chedworth Roman Villa, one of Britain’s grandest. See one of the most complete surviving Saxon churches in England, Odda’s Chapel, dating from 1056. Visit lovely castles at Sudeley and Berkeley or stunning cathedrals at Gloucester and Worcester. Or try a tipple on a tasting tour of Woodchester Valley Vineyard.
