Gloucester - things to see nearby

[Startrooper]

We will have 2 nights on the outskirts of Gloucester just before Christmas and wonder if anyone can recommend anything in particular to do? There will be DH, DS(6) and I.

Happy to travel throughout the Cotswolds or other areas nearby. We have National Trust and English Heritage memberships too.

[SummerSazz]

I second the spectacle of lights at sudeley castle if you can get tickets https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/spectacle-of-light

There is a dry ski slope in glos and they have tubing which is fun, especially for a 6 yo https://www.gloucesterski.com

I really like chedworth Roman Villa - understated but amazing and NT https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa

There is a crocodile zoo which is fun but a little distance here: crocs

Ice skating and shopping at Glos quays

Climbing at the Warehouse in Glos https://www.the-warehouse.co.uk

Lots to do in the Forest of Dean

[Underthestairsbears]

Again in The Forest of Dean is Perrygrove railway which is really fab.

[Underthestairsbears]

In Gloucester there's Gloucester Quays, quite pretty and a few nice outlet shops. Close to the Quays is a really good indoor climbing centre which my kids love.
There are so many places to visit locally, are you likely to go towards the Forest of Dean? If so there's Clearwell caves, Puzzlewood, Beechenhurst... all can be googled and all great.

Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe has a beautiful lights thing on in the evening. Really quite special and cheaper than some of the others around.

If I think of more I'll let you know!

[Theworldisquiethere]

There’s usually lovely Christmassy stuff (market, ice skating rink) going on at Gloucester quays

If your 6yo likes Beatrix Potter there’s a shop/mini museum near the cathedral in Gloucester and the cathedral itself is lovely if you like that kind of thing too