Things To Do In Gloucester With Kids

Alright, imagine you've just moved to Gloucester with your little ones, and you're thinking, "Great, another town with a name that sounds like a character from a Shakespearean tragedy. What am I supposed to do here?" Well, buckle up, because I'm about to blow your mind with some seriously fun stuff you can do in Gloucester with your kids. And no, I'm not talking about a boring history lesson (although, if you're into that, we've got plenty of that too).

First things first: The Outdoor Shindig

Let's start with the big guns. You know what kids love? Climbing and falling into things. And you know what Gloucester has? The Climbing Gallery, where they can do just that, safely! It's like a giant playground for your little monkeys. And the best part? You can watch them from the comfort of the café, sipping on your latte. Win-win!

Now, if your kids are more into the 'let's pretend we're in a real-life adventure' kind of thing, take them to the Forest of Dean. It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. They can go on bike rides, play in the adventure playground, or even try their hand at 'archery'. (I mean, who doesn't want to be Robin Hood for a day?) And if you're feeling brave, you can even take them on the Go Ape high ropes course. (Don't worry, they'll be wearing harnesses. Probably.)

When it Rains, it Pours (Fun, that is)

Let's face it, British weather is about as reliable as a toddler promising to share their toys. So, you're gonna need some indoor fun too. Enter: Gloucester Cathedral. Now, before you roll your eyes and say, "A cathedral? Really?", hear me out. This isn't your average stuffy old church. They've got a climb-up-the-tower experience, where you can see the city from up high. (And no, they won't make you sing 'Jerusalem'.)

And if that's not enough, there's the Gloucester Quays, a shopping center with a twist. It's got a soft play area for the little ones, and a whole host of shops for you to indulge in some retail therapy. (Because let's face it, moms need a break too.)

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gloucester with Kids

Food, Glorious Food

Now, I don't know about you, but my kids could live on pizza alone. So, I was delighted to discover that Gloucester has a whole host of family-friendly eateries. There's the Gulf Hotel, which does a mean kids' menu, and the Garden Restaurant, where you can dine among the plants. (It's like eating in a jungle. Sort of.)

But here's where it gets really exciting. Did you know that Gloucester is the birthplace of the marsh mallow? Yes, you heard it here first. And no, I don't mean the fluffy stuff that comes out of Puss in Boots' hat. I mean the sticky, gooey, delicious treat that we all know and love. So, do your kids a favor and take them to the Marshmallow World to make their own. (And yes, you can have one too. I won't tell.)

The 10 Best Things To Do In Gloucester – NBROL

And Finally, the Surprise You Never Saw Coming

You thought I was done, didn't you? Well, hold onto your hats, because here comes the big finish. Did you know that Gloucester has its very own cheese rolling competition? Yes, you read that right. Every year, on the banks of Cooper's Hill, people (and by 'people', I mean 'crazy people') race down a super-steep hill chasing a wheel of cheese. And the best part? Your kids can join in too! (Just don't blame me if they end up with a few bumps and bruises.)

So there you have it, folks. Gloucester might not be the first place you think of when you're planning a family day out, but with all this (and more) on offer, it should be. Now go forth, have fun, and remember: if you ever find yourself in a situation where you're chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill, you know you're doing it right.