Six weeks of unforgettable summer fun found in Tewkesbury Borough

Families looking to keep children entertained over the summer holidays will be delighted to see the packed programme of events taking place across Tewkesbury Borough. Here is a lineup of family-friendly events in July and August, featuring everything from outdoor theatre and wildlife safaris to historical re-enactments and steam-train adventures.

With school out for summer, local parks, attractions, heritage sites, and community venues across the borough are joining forces to host a diverse range of affordable and engaging activities. Designed to get children outdoors, exploring nature, and discovering local history, the program ensures there is something to suit all ages – from toddlers to teenagers.

Outdoor theatre
The Roses Theatre Garden Festival – 30 July to 2 August
Taking over Victoria Gardens, this festival brings culture into the sunshine. Dedicated children’s activity slots are scheduled for Thursday afternoons at 3pm and Friday mornings at 10am, perfectly paired with family-friendly outdoor performances like The Pickwick Papers and Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose. Ideal for the drama lover in your family.

The Tewkesbury Abbey Rose Garden Double-Bill – 31 July – 4.30pm and 7pm
The beautiful lawns of Tewkesbury Abbey will transform into an open-air stage for two magnificent children’s classics: the heartwarming Kaspar: Prince of Cats at 4.30pm, followed by the well-loved adventures of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout who will be taking audiences Around the World in 80 Days at 7pm.

Shakespeare at the Castle  – 1 and 2 August
Head to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, where The Duke’s Theatre Company will present a magical, fast-paced evening production of Romeo and Juliet. Blending dynamic staging, evocative sound and the enduring power of Shakespeare’s verse, this retelling illuminates the passion, peril, and youthful intensity at the play’s core, inviting audiences to rediscover the world’s most famous star-crossed lovers. Suitable for ages 7+.

Nature and outdoor adventures

Nature Guardian bug hunt at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve – 21 July – 3pm to 4.30pm
Get involved with nature and explore the fascinating world of bugs! Meet the team at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park and be led on a journey through the reserve, where you’ll learn all about the fascinating creatures that live in this important habitat.

Bishops Cleeve Skate Jam – 29 July – 12pm to 4pm
Skaters and scooters can head down to the skate park for a high-energy afternoon featuring music, skate challenges, and community fun.

Nature explorers bird and bug hunt with the John Moore Museum at Tewkesbury Abbey -  5 August – 10am to 11.30am
A brilliant, hands-on morning tracking local wildlife on the Abbey Lawns with the John Moore Museum team.

Family Fun Friday at Cleeve Common – 7 August – 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Don your wellies for an outdoor splash session featuring stream dipping and mini raft racing ideal way for kids to cool off whilst learning about local ecology and how they can help protect their local waterways.

Wildlife Walk at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve – 11 August – 10.30am
Meeting at the Compassion Café, this guided educational stroll gives families a closer look at the special wetland habitats the nature reserve supports and the animals living right on their doorstep.

Birds of Prey day – 22 August – 10am, 11.30am, and 2.30pm
Get up close and personal with majestic owls, hawks, and falcons at the Old Baptist Chapel, offering three interactive educational sessions throughout the day.

Creative crafts

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Craft Sessions
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is pairing its iconic heritage train rides with children’s craft sessions, making it a stellar full-day itinerary for young locomotive fans.

Teddy bear’s picnic and silhouette art at Tewkesbury Abbey – 12 August, 11.30am to 1pm
Bring your favourite soft toy to the Abbey Lawn for a lunchtime of enchanting storytelling and textile arts and crafts.

Holiday history

Horrible Histories style learning – 8 August
For kids who love the yucky side of the past, the John Moore Museum is hosting Boil a Mouse in Urine – a hilarious, slightly stomach-turning look at childcare and bizarre medical practices from Tudor and Stuart times.

Civil War Weekend at Sudeley Castle – 15 to 16 August
History comes alive with dramatic live battles, living-history encampments, and interactive weapons demonstrations that will captivate older children and history buffs alike.

Treasure hunt on the Abbey Lawn – 26 August – 10am to 11.30am
Round out the summer holidays with a classic morning mystery trail and hidden-object hunt around the lawns of the Abbey.

Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “We are absolutely delighted to showcase such a vibrant mix of events across Tewkesbury Borough this summer. From the stunning grounds of Sudeley Castle and Tewkesbury Abbey to our beautiful nature reserves and hills, there is an incredible variety of activities to keep children engaged and active. We know how important it is for families to have access to high-quality, local entertainment over the holidays, and this lineup delivers exactly that while supporting our fantastic local venues and heritage sites.”

For more information on specific pricing, booking requirements, and a full directory of all community listings, please visit the respective venue websites. The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is also open and this provides support to children from low-income families during school holiday periods, events and activities are available to book through the Gloucestershire County Council website familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk