Best Days Out For Kids In Cheltenham & Gloucestershire During Hot Weather
Every year we get a random week where the UK suddenly decides to become unbearably hot, and every parent starts searching for somewhere to take the kids that isn’t just sitting in the house melting.
As someone constantly looking for places to go with my own son, I thought I’d share a few of our favourite Gloucestershire spots for hot days. These are the kind of places where you can either cool down properly with air conditioning, find water play, woodland shade, or at least somewhere that feels manageable when the temperatures get ridiculous.
© Kat Purchase Photography
Little Centurions, Cheltenham
Little Centurions Soft Play is honestly one of the best “too hot outside” options locally. The air con makes such a difference, especially for younger children who still need to run around and burn energy.
It also works well because you can easily keep the day simple. Soft play, cold drink, lunch somewhere nearby, home before everyone gets tired and overheated.
Hollywood Bowl & The Brewery Quarter
Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham is another really good backup when the weather gets too much. Bowling always feels like an easy win because it works for different ages and you’re not stuck outside in direct heat all afternoon.
Afterwards we usually head over to The Brewery Quarter for food because there are loads of options depending on how everyone’s coping.
Sometimes we go for somewhere with open doors and outdoor seating if there’s a bit of breeze, other times the air conditioning is definitely needed. Wingstop Cheltenham and McDonald’s Cheltenham Brewery are both easy family options with aircon when you just need somewhere cool to sit for half an hour.
Pittville Park
Pittville Park is always a good free option, especially earlier in the morning or later in the evening once the temperatures calm down slightly.
The park has a small water play area and the other side of the road are lots of lakes and trees that make it feel far nicer than sitting in built-up town areas all day, and sometimes all kids really need is space to run around with a cold drink and a few snacks.
Winchcombe River Spot
Winchcombe is one of those places that feels lovely in summer without needing to spend loads of money. There are many areas of Winchcombe you can access the river to paddle or play in.
Taking the kids down by the river with spare clothes, water shoes and a picnic can easily fill a few hours. It’s calmer than lots of attractions and sometimes those slower paced days end up being the nicest ones.
Afterwards there are plenty of pub stops nearby, either staying in Winchcombe itself or heading up towards Cleeve Hill where it’s usually much breezier and you can enjoy the views.
Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean
Mallards Pike Lake is probably one of my favourite hot weather locations locally. The woodland shade makes a massive difference compared to being stuck somewhere open all day, and there’s enough space for kids to properly explore without feeling too crowded. You’ve got lakeside walks, places to paddle, picnic spots, ice creams and the café there has air conditioning which is very appreciated halfway through the day.
The whole Forest of Dean generally feels cooler during hot weather, so it’s always worth considering if Cheltenham is unbearable.
Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean
Beechenhurst is another really good Forest of Dean option with lots of shaded woodland and play areas tucked through the trees.
It’s ideal if your children prefer exploring naturally rather than structured activities and there’s enough space to spread out instead of everything feeling busy and overwhelming. Theres a good play area there, long and short walks that are partly shaded and lots of picnic spots.
The Valley, Evesham
On the outskirts of Gloucestershire, but a good spot to travel to, The Valley works really well on hot days because there’s a bit of everything there.
The splash pad is obviously the main attraction in summer, but it’s also handy having the indoor shops, cafés and eating places nearby when you need to cool down properly for a while. If it’s not unbearably hot, the Evesham Vale Light Railway is also lovely with the open train carriages and stops off at the little play area on the hill.
Hi, I’m Kat
As a local photographer and mum, I’m constantly searching for new places to explore with my son, especially during school holidays when everyone suddenly needs ideas at once. I know how difficult it can be trying to find days out that are genuinely enjoyable in real life, not just places that look good in photos online.
I’ll be sharing more Gloucestershire day out ideas, seasonal spots, hidden gems and family-friendly recommendations across my blog throughout the year, alongside my child photography work here in the Cotswolds.
And with all this gorgeous summer weather finally arriving, my lavender mini sessions are now open for booking, my most relaxed outdoor portrait sessions perfect for summer.
