If you’re stuck working out what’s on this half term to do with the kids in Gloucestershire, here’s my rundown of some of the best things Gloucestershire and Cheltenham has on offer.
Pumpkin Picking in Gloucestershire
Whether you’re in love with pinning Fall decor on Pinterest or you’re looking for some spooky pumpkin accessories for your Halloween parties, there are plenty of places to pick your own pumpkins in and around Cheltenham this half term. In fact, I could probably write a whole post just on where to get your pumpkin fix in Gloucestershire this half term!
We’ll be heading to Over Farm this year to try out their Spookyard but have also booked to pick our own pumpkins too. Primrose Vale will see the return of their always favourite Halloween trail on top of their PYO pumpkin tickets. Cotswold Farm Park have their usual brilliant offering of the farm park itself, plus an autumnal trail, spooky face paints and pumpkin picking. Cattle Country will also be offering face painting and marshmallow toasting, as well as pumpkin picking, carving and decorating. Most venues will be ticketed events only so be sure to check our their websites before you head out.
Catch up with Tweedy this Half Term
Tweedy has become a firm favourite in our house ever since seeing him in The Everyman‘s panto, Cinderella in 2019. During the first lockdown, you may have seen that Tweedy, who also performs with Gifford’s Circus, launched his own Youtube show, Lost and Found with The Barn Theatre, Cirencester. Well, the good news for Tweedy fans around the world is that he now has his own “Lost Property” show at The Everyman this half term. We can’t wait to see what antics Tweedy gets up to, and we’re hoping to see a cameo from Keith the Iron too!
Get Painting
My kids always look forward to the school holidays as a chance to get really crafty. Whilst I’m a huge lover of arts and craft, I do struggle with glitter and paint in my house! That’s why this half-term, I decided to book us a table at Paint-It-Yourself-Pottery in Cheltenham. It is one of my favourite activities to do with the girls, but we haven’t done it outside of the house since they were tiny! Whether you want to create something seasonal, plan ahead for Christmas, or just decorate yourself a new favourite cup or plate, there are options to keep everyone busy. The staff are super helpful and always very understanding if you go in with younger ones! And given its town centre location, it can easily be paired with a shopping trip or lunch out in Cheltenham. If you’re still not quite ready to head back to the shop itself, they are also offering a “Paint At Home” option too.
Head Outside this Half Term
Not everything has to be pricey this half term in Gloucestershire. In fact, some of our best days will be spent just heading to the park or out on our bikes if the weather plays ball! Our favourite parks include Pittville Park, Sanford Park, and Hatherley Park as we can explore outside as well as just having fun in the playgrounds. If you’re looking to go further afield and enjoy a day outside, the Forest of Dean (specifically Beechenhurst and Mallard’s Pike) and Westonbirt both have some brilliant autumnal trails suitable for adults and children.
Rainy Day Activities in Gloucestershire
If the weather does decide to be typically British and wet, then there is still plenty to do this half term in Gloucestershire. The Brewery in Cheltenham is a great place to land for the whole day as it has plenty of choice, from watching a film at Cineworld to playing a round of mini golf at Mr Mulligans. You could also have a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl or head to the Play Farm is soft-play is more your kids’ idea of fun! Lots of the venues will be hosting Halloween events and after you’ve had your fun at any of them, why not try one of the many food and drink offerings in the Brewery to recharge?
Stay at Home
Failing all of these ideas, I always love using half-term as a chance to stay at home and hang out with the kids. With them both in full-time now, we don’t actually spend that much time together in the week! I’ve already headed to Hobbycraft to pick up some of their craft kits and I intend to decorate the house for Halloween with the girls! I’m sure we’ll have our own makeshift cinema day one afternoon and perhaps do some baking too!
Whatever you get up to, I hope you have a fab half term! If you’re off on a road trip, be sure to check out my top tips here. It’ll be November and Fireworks’ Night before we know it, and then onto Christmas!
