When you are on holiday, taking a weekend break or even just a night away, the chances are you might want to do something while you're there or explore what's on in the area.  It could be booking a river trip, a visit to a museum or wildlife park, or it could be something a little more wild like white water rafting, axe throwing or a high wires course.  Whatever you fancy, jazz up your trip with something a bit different and have a look a the wide variety of experiences available near the accommodation.

Experiences

Spend the day creating your very own handcrafted pot, vase, or bowl. Or if you have less time on your hands why not try painting a premade version?  A relaxing, indoor family activity. Perfect for creatives and on a rainy day visit one of the many ceramic cafes for coffee, tea, cakes, and of course, crafting!   

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

The UK has a huge array of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. From the big hitters in London, such as the Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery, to exciting living museums where your family can step back in time (such as the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands or the Highland Folk Museum in the Cairngorms). These Museums let your kids get hands-on with history, attending School and learning about farming, crafts, and much more. Art Galleries are not just for the grown ups! They now have workshops and child-friendly trails to inspire even the youngest artists to start drawing.  So why not try out one of our Museums or Art Galleries on your next holiday?   

Museums and Art Galleries

Learn to paint or refine your skills... Painting is a completely inclusive activity for the whole family!  Head to a pottery painting class with your friends and take away a keepsake from your holiday! Or let the kids express their creative side with some hand painting!  Maybe you're already proficient and want to polish your brush technique. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Painting workshops

Pottery is an ancient craft and great fun! Sometimes a little messy, anyone can have a go at either hand building a pot, or getting to grips with a throwing wheel. You can create something beautiful and uniquely yours in no time at all. Families can enjoy together and kids as young as 2 can play with clay, or have a go at painting a pre-made pot. It’s the perfect wet weather or winter activity.

Pottery

The UK is the home of the amazing steam train! This integral part of our lives and history means we are lucky to still have many running steam railways and transport museums and attractions.  Why not experience the romance of a steam train ride in the Welsh mountains or across Bodmin and try out a railway or transport attraction on your next holiday.  

Railway and Transport 

See in 360 degrees for miles on end...  As the landscape shrinks into miniature, a model world appears below and familiar landmarks take on new perspectives. Whether you are close to the ground viewing the fascinating wildlife, up amongst the clouds marvelling at their powdery appearance, or peering down at dramatic cliffs, rolling hills and toy box towns, you will be intrigued by this aerial mystery tour. A hot air balloon flight is a wonderful experience for absolutely everyone. 

Hot Air Ballooning

Trying to find shelter on a rainy day or enjoy a fun evening filled with laughter and popcorn? Visit one of the 775 cinemas in the UK to catch up on the latest blockbuster film releases!  Or fancy watching some live theatre, a music concert, a ballet, or comedy act? Then head to one of the UK's 1300 theatres!  Whether the West End, London is where you want to enjoy some of the UK's finest productions on offer, or Shakespeare's Globe where you can experience incredible performances and actors. Maybe you want to head to the  Festival Theatre in Edinburgh which stages some of the finest operas and ballets. There is something for everyone and definitely not to be missed!    

Cinemas and theatres

Whatever your child's age there is always something to enjoy. Get cracking in  a multi-level play area where kids can climb, clamber and slide over all sorts of adventurous obstacles. What’s next? What about a ball pond where your children can dip and dive in a pool full of colourful balls? All of the above would make for serious family fun. Of course parents are not forgotten either as a cafe is never far away. You can relax with a tasty coffee and a slice of cake. What more could you want?

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

Weather is too nice to stay indoors? Want to stretch your legs? Children need to run wild?  Then head to one of the UK's fantastic parks and playgrounds on offer and breath in that fresh air!

Parks and Playgrounds

Hurrah, it's Autumn! That stunning time of year when the skies are blue, the air is crisp and the trees are turning that beautiful golden orange before-they all-drop-off colour.  Christmas is coming, Bake Off is on the telly and before we all hunker down for the long nights ahead, we have a month or two of wonderful outdoorsy stuff to get out of our system.  And most importantly, it is Pumpkin Season.  Woo Hoo! Who doesn't love those creepily carved orange globes popping up in every window ledge from now until Halloween. This year though, how about this: instead of grabbing a dodgy looking squash from the local supermarket, why not.....pick your own?!  There are hundreds (literally) of places to pick your own Pumpkins all over the UK and it is great fun.  Head off at half term for a rural outing with the kids; there are farms and nurseries everywhere with rows of delicious pumpkins just waiting to be chosen and taken back to their forever home (hmmm, ok, until they are made into a pie or have a spooky face carved into them). So find a farm near you and book in.   Once you've booked and are revved up to go, I've got some tips on how to select your perfect pumpkin: 1. check your pumpkin has a good strong green stem. 2. while we are on about stems, NEVER carry your pumpkin by the stem.  If you drop it, the whole thing will break and worse still, so might toes. 3. make sure it doesn't have any cuts in it or soft patches. 4. get a really lovely orangey one - all over....any green or brown bits might mean it is over or under ripe #carvingnightmare 5. looks aren't everything.  Yes, make sure it is orange but don't go for a perfect globe.  A slightly misshapen one adds way more character to your masterpiece and it won't taste any different. You now have your Squash Diploma Level 1.  Whether you are using your Pumpkin to make delicious wedges and cakes, or you just want to carve out a grotesque toothy face, picking your own is way more fun than buying one.   Check out the Pumpkin Picking farms near you today!       

Pumpkin Picking

Art and crafting are wonderful pastimes and something the whole family can be involved in, whatever age and whatever skill!   Both children and adults can enjoy the wide range of things this relaxing (mostly!) hobby offers, from finger painting and clay modelling to sewing, woodcarving or basket making. As families are now looking for new things to do on holiday, many places are offering arty activities, or local artists will run day courses with lovely things to make.  And the bonus with this hobby is, there is always something to take home with you at the end!  Have a look at all the different art and craft activities to do in the area you are staying in and unleash your inner Michaelangelo!   

Arts and Crafts

Kayaking and canoeing is a great way to get close to nature and experience lochs, lakes, rivers and canals in the UK. An easy way to start experiencing boat sports and go on an adventure. Kayaking and Canoeing are slightly different! When Kayaking you will be seated with your legs extended and you will use a double ended paddle. When you canoe, you can be seated or kneeling and often use a single paddle.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Feel like royalty and visit one of the UK’s beautiful palaces, castles or stately homes. We are lucky to be surrounded by amazing history and architecture here in the UK, and through several organisations we are able to visit and experience these amazing homes. Learn about the history of the buildings and residents, view the art and walk amongst the gardens. Many of these places also offer plenty of activities and guides for the children too! So why not visit one on your next trip?

Castles and Palaces

Crazy golf is a great way to spend an afternoon with freinds and family. There are loads of different types of courses, from simple to complex with different kinds of features. It's a great way to get started with golfing, and requires no previous experience to get going. 

Crazy Golf Courses

A leisure cycle is a great way to get the whole family out and exercising! It allows you to travel further whilst still getting to experience the local area. Why not take your family along the Camel Trail in Cornwall? Or Maybe go and hunt a Gruffolo in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, the possibilities are endless! Whether you are a family who loves biking together on relaxing forrest paths or a serious Wiggins type who prefers fast road cycling, there is no doubt that camping holidays give you the freedom to take your cycling hobby with you, wherever you decide to go in the UK.  Plenty of great campsites are near cycling paths and some may also offer bicycle hire too, showing you the best routes to take for a great day out cycling.  

Cycling

Ever imagined galloping along a beach?  Maybe you're more of a fantasy fan or just enjoy spending time with animals, either way horse riding might be for you. A great outdoor activity for the whole family with children able to start from as young as 4. It is an amazing way to take in local scenery, connect with nature, have a little adventure or enjoy at a relaxing pace.   

Horse Riding

These days you need to really hunt for a Lido.  They are out there but you need to know where to look.  And when you find one they really are worth it.  From Devon to Aberdeen to Yorkshire you can find magnificent outdoor swimming pools across the UK, and they combine exercise, mental wellbeing and the wonders of fresh air.  Don't believe me?  Give it a try.  The feeling of outdoor swimming really does wonders for the soul.  Plus some of them have really amazing views too. Most lidos are open in the warmer months only (how very, very sensible) but some are open all year round.  Brrr.  So in this instance pack a wetsuit, ice pick and Bear Grylls survival pack for when you drag yourself out.  Yes OK I'm a fair-weather Lido swimmer.  But this is to my detriment I'm sure.  Studies have actually proven that swimming in colder water helps you sleep better, improves circulation and boosts your immune system.  Plus, you feel like a total hero when you come out of the water and everyone is clapping.  Find a Lido near you and give it a go! 

Lidos

Want to enjoy a leisurely swim or a splash with the family? You can find an array of incredibly fun activities for all the family at a Leisure Centre including tennis, badminton, roller skating, aerobics, gym, dance classes and many more! Whatever takes your fancy, they have it! 

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

Take you family and friends bowling for an afternoon or evening! Whatever your level or age, ten pin bowling is for the whole family and is the perfect location on a rainy day! The objective is to knock down all ten pins on the first roll of the ball (a strike), or failing that, on the second roll (a spare)... but let's not get bogged down with the rules.  Younger children can join in too, thanks to lighter and smaller bowling balls, bowling ramps and alley railings. Book your spot today so you don't miss out!

Ten Pin Bowling Alleys

Get jumping at one of these trampoline parks! Great exercise, great fun, and a great indoor activity for those rainy days! Burn some energy by leaping and bouncing about these parks, learning new tricks, and having a fun-filled day! Lots of the trampoline parks also have soft-play, or specific areas for smaller guests, which means everyone can get involved!  Why not give trampolining a go! 

Trampoline Parks

There are a huge number of zoos, wildlife and safari parks all over the UK and most are well worth a visit and provide a really exciting and unique day out.  The broad difference between them is that Zoos tend to keep animals with their own species in smaller enclosures for a real up-close encounter, whereas a visit to a Safari Park usually involves driving around much larger enclosures to see groups of animals - maybe rhino, giraffe and gazelle all in one setting.  Some are self-drive (for a monkey snapping off your wing mirror type affair) or in others you are guided round in a truck, spotting lions and elephants from afar - similar to an African safari, just without the plus-size sunset, hot weather and flamboyant tribespeople (although lets not get too picky about this; most UK safari parks are just a couple of hours from home and do not involve remortgaging the house to go). Many zoos and parks now are great conservation pioneers and animal rescue centres, so by visiting, you are often contributing to real global issues, supporting endangered species or deforestation or other genuine threats to wildlife.  The parks usually have lots of information about these causes and it can be a great way to get the kids to learn about the world we live in, the animals from different continents and the dangers they face.

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks

Cheltenham, located next to the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire is a beautiful English market town; a town that combines the traditional and the new.  It is considered the most "complete" Regency town in the UK with its striking tall townhouses and wrought-iron verandas; visit Royal Crescent which has some of the earliest regency buildings in the town.  Cheltenham was voted the Best Place to Live in the South West in 2020 by the Sunday Times, which commented that it is a "family friendly spa town that puts the gloss into Gloucestershire"!  It is not hard to see why; Cheltenham is a buzzing place that has a great variety of shops, resturants and cultural outlets.  It also hosts many festivals during the year which draw visitors from all over the world.  There is the Cheltenham Literary Festival, the Music Festival, International Film Festival, Balloon Fiesta and the Cheltenham Festival -  the legendary horse racing event of the year.  These are just a few of the many! A great place to visit and spend a few days.

Cheltenham, South West England, UK

Gloucestershire is home to the Costwolds and the Forest of Dean. An outstandingly beautiful county, Gloucestershire has long been a holiday destination. Visit one of the famous Costwolds villages, such as Bourton-on-the-water or the Slaughters, for classic pubs, cafes, and wonderful scenery. Or take in some of the countries grandest places and stately homes. The Forest of Dean is great for camping, walking and cycling. Experience this ancient woodland with your family.  So why not visit Gloucestershire for your next holiday?  

Gloucestershire, South West England, UK

Bristol, South West England, UK

City of Bath, South West England, UK

Cornwall, South West England, UK

Devon, South West England, UK

Dorset, South West England, UK

Isles of Scilly, South West England, UK

Somerset, South West England, UK

Wiltshire, South West England, UK

South West England consists of 7 counties, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire as well as the Isles of Scilly. 
It is one of the nine regions of England with a total population of just over 5.28 million.

South West England, UK

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

North East England

North West England

South East England, UK

West Midlands, UK

Yorkshire and the Humber, UK

England is a totally unique travel destination, well known for its history, natural beauty, vast range of attractions and beautiful countryside landscapes and coastlines. 

England, UK

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

Things to do in cheltenham