Going out with the family for a day out needn’t always be so expensive.  A family day out with an entry  cost for the four of us, along with lunch and treats, can easily rack up to £100 or more; as much as it’s great fun and OK to splurge every once in a while, we can’t do this too regularly as it’s simply not affordable.  Luckily there are several places local to us in Gloucestershire where we can enjoy a free day out and keep the kids entertained.

Here are nine of my favourite places to take the kids out for free in Gloucestershire:

Fun ideas for free family days out in Gloucestershire

1. Gloucester Docks – Have a walk along the canal and around the historic and beautiful Gloucester Docks.  There are often large pirate type ships being repaired in the dry docks which are magical for children to see.
2. Sculpture Trail, Forest of Dean – I’ve been doing this trail since I was a child and though some of it has worn and even been taken away as it’s aged, there’s still plenty to see and it makes a walk more interesting for children as they try to be the first to find the sculptures.
3. Roman Ruins, Witcombe – This is a two minute drive from our home and the children love to play in their ‘castle’.  It’s a perfect picnic spot on a sunny day with scenic rolling hills right in front of you and you can even walk up the hills to the top of the cheese rolling hill along the paths.
4. Over Farm – Located in Over just on the edge of Gloucester is Over farm where you are allowed to walk around and see the animals.  We usually see horses, sheep, pigs, piglets and ostriches.  There are benches you can eat a picnic on and if you have some pocket money do pop into the farm shop where you’ll find lots of yummy treats.
5. Pitville Park, Cheltenham – A firm favourite in our household and one I’ve been going to since a baby!  It had a huge facelift last year and the large park was completely redesigned.  It’s pretty amazing for the children!  There are also animals to see, a huge lake with ducks to feed, a fun forest assault course, rowing boats to hire and plenty of outdoor space for picnics or to take a ball.
6. Robin’s Wood Hill, Gloucester – The kids love to see the carved wooden sculptures at the foot of the hill and play on the slide.  If I can manage to drag them away there are woods to explore near the base of the hill and if you walk to the top you can see views 360 degrees around.
7. Severn Ham, Tewkesbury – A beautiful meadow which is a site of special scientific interest in Tewkesbury next to the River Severn and Mill Avon River.  There are often animals roaming the meadow.  You can walk along the path to the weir or cross over the meadow to see the river on the other side.  We’ve enjoyed a couple of picnics in this meadow on a sunny day.
8. Midsummer Fiesta, Cheltenham – A free yearly family event in the beautiful Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham.  Entry is free and there are market stalls, a music stage, fairground rides and free entertainment throughout the day.  No need to spend a penny if you take your own food and drink and enjoy a picnic in front of the main stage.
9. Stratford Park, Stroud – I have lots of memories going here as a child and playing Pooh Sticks on a small wooden bridge that crosses the brook.  There’s a lovely winding path to walk through the many acres of land and beautiful trees around the lake and brooks.  Feed the ducks in the river before walking up to the huge playpark.