Step Into History This Summer: Family Days Out at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Are you looking for exciting, educational and affordable things to do with the kids this summer in Gloucestershire? Whether you’re local or visiting the Cotswolds and the South West, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum offers a memorable day out for the whole family during the 2025 summer holidays. Located in the historic Gloucester Docks, our museum brings history to life with hands-on exhibits, engaging stories, and a fun-filled programme of summer activities for children of all ages.
From solving trails and puzzles to dressing up as soldiers, making crafts, and exploring real military equipment, your family can enjoy a rich blend of fun and learning in a safe, welcoming environment. Read on to discover what’s in store at one of the best family attractions in Gloucestershire this summer.
Why Visit the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum This Summer?
The summer holidays can be a challenge for parents: how do you keep the kids entertained, away from screens, and still learning in a way they’ll actually enjoy? That’s where we come in.
At the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, we combine local history, hands-on interaction and family-friendly storytelling to create an experience that sparks curiosity and keeps children engaged. As you explore the museum’s galleries, you’ll follow the journeys of the men and women who served in the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, encountering stories of courage, adventure, and resilience from across the globe.
What makes the museum a stand-out choice for families?
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🧠 Interactive learning – Not just glass cases! Children can touch, try on, and explore.
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🎨 Summer crafts and activities – Special events to get kids creative.
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🕵️ Family trails and puzzles – Solve clues as you move through the exhibits.
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🪖 Dress-up stations – Kids can wear replica uniforms and role-play.
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💬 Accessible storytelling – History brought to life for younger audiences.
What’s On During the Summer Holidays 2025
We’ll be running a series of family-friendly activities and events throughout the summer break, aimed at school-aged children but suitable for younger siblings too. These activities are free with paid museum entry and require no booking—just turn up and join the fun.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Daily: Family Discovery Trail
Running every day during the summer, our interactive family trail encourages children to hunt for clues, match objects to their stories, and solve mini challenges as they explore the museum. It’s a great way to keep younger visitors engaged while introducing them to the lives of Gloucestershire’s soldiers.
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Weekly Craft Activities
On selected dates throughout the school holidays, our education team will lead creative workshops inspired by the museum’s collections. From designing medals to creating postcards from the trenches, these hands-on sessions help children explore history through craft and play.
Check our website calendar and social media for full details and dates.
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Soldier Dress-Up and Role Play
Children love trying on military uniforms and helmets—and our dress-up area gives them the perfect chance to do just that. Step into the boots of a First World War soldier or don the desert camouflage of modern-day service personnel. Perfect for photos!
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Hands-On Exhibits
Many of our displays are designed with interactivity in mind. Kids can try Morse code, explore a real field tent, and get up close to original objects from centuries of military history. It’s an immersive experience that encourages discovery and discussion.
Perfect for a Family Day Out in Gloucester
One of the best things about visiting the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is our prime location in Gloucester Docks—a lively, scenic area full of attractions, shops and eateries. You can easily make a whole day of your visit:
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🍦 Grab an ice cream by the water’s edge
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🛍️ Shop at Gloucester Quays Outlet Village
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🦖 Explore the National Waterways Museum or take a canal boat trip
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🍽️ Enjoy a family lunch at one of the many dockside cafés or pubs
The museum is also fully accessible, with baby changing facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a Gloucestershire resident planning summer staycations or a visitor exploring the Cotswolds, it’s a fantastic addition to your itinerary.
Educational Value That Goes Beyond the Classroom
We know how important it is for parents and carers to find activities that are not only enjoyable, but also enriching. The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum offers real educational benefits in an informal setting, helping children:
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Understand local and world history
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Develop critical thinking and empathy
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Improve reading comprehension through trails and exhibits
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Explore themes like teamwork, resilience, and bravery
And because we cover both past and present conflicts, from the Napoleonic Wars to Afghanistan, the museum also supports curriculum topics in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.
Accessibility and Admission
🕰️ Opening Hours:
Open daily during the school holidays, 10:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:00pm)
📍 Location: Gloucester Docks, easily accessible by car, train, or foot
🎟️ Admission:
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Under 5s: Free
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Children: £4.25
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Adults: £7.50
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Family Tickets: £18.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
💳 Tickets can be bought on the door or online via our ticketing page
Note: All summer activities are free with your general admission ticket. No additional booking is needed for crafts or trails.
Don’t Miss Our Outdoor Veterans Garden
Summer is also the perfect time to explore our new Veterans Garden, a peaceful green space where families can take a break, enjoy a picnic, or take part in outdoor craft sessions on selected days. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after exploring the galleries—and younger children love it.
What Visitors Are Saying
Here’s what other families have said about their visit:
“An absolute gem for children—lots of hands-on things and great stories told simply.”
“My 8-year-old loved the uniform dressing up. We stayed longer than expected!”
“Brilliant value and a great way to spend a rainy summer day.”
With over 1,000 positive reviews and a 4.5+ star rating on TripAdvisor and Google, we’re proud to be one of the top family attractions in Gloucester.
Make the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum Part of Your Summer Adventure
From creative crafts to interactive trails and unforgettable stories of courage and service, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is ready to welcome you and your family this summer. Whether you’re escaping the heat, dodging the rain, or just looking for a brilliant family day out in Gloucestershire, you’ll find something for everyone behind our doors.
