Not-So-Busy Family Days Out Near Gloucestershire This Easter

Easter is one of the loveliest times of year. The days are longer, spring is in full bloom, and there is time to get out and about as a family. But with the school holidays come the crowds, and for many children that can be too much.

If your child is autistic, has sensory needs, or simply prefers calmer surroundings, busy attractions can quickly become overwhelming. I have been to all of the places below with my own son, and even during the Easter break, they still feel spacious, relaxed, and welcoming.

These are some of my favourite spots in and around Gloucestershire that offer a gentler pace, even when they are popular…

Perrygrove Railway, Forest of Dean

This is such a lovely, peaceful place. Even when there are lots of visitors, it never feels crowded. The miniature steam train travels through the woods with two stops you can get off at, both with play areas to explore. You can spend some time in the play areas, go for a little walk through the woods or just sit at one of the many picnic tables and watch for the train going past. This time of year there are also some beautiful blossom trees near the main station and sometimes you can spot the lambs while riding the train. It is not too big, but as there are all these little areas, there is enough space for everyone and if one area is too busy, you can just move to the next. Or if the train is too full, all stops are a short walk away so you can catch it at a different point. The staff are always friendly and go out of their way to make each child’s day.

Eating at Perrygrove

Perrygrove has a sweet little café next to the train station, perfect for grabbing a coffee or a simple lunch. If your child only likes certain foods, I would advise bringing along a picnic as you never know what will be available at the cafe as it can differ each time. But there’s also plenty of outdoor seating and open grassy spaces where you can enjoy a picnic.

The Valley, Evesham

The Valley is technically a shopping village, but it has lots of other great things there, especially for kids. There is a miniature train (run by Perrygrove) that takes you for a little journey past the orchard, large open field with a play area for younger children and even has a little tunnel you go through. It stops off by the play area where you can get off and enjoy for a little bit before heading back. There are also little walks you can do and the train is also dog friendly so it’s a perfect, fun experience for your fur babies too! It’s also home to Evesham’s Fundamental Movement Academy which has a soft play, trampolining, gymnastics, martial arts and a sensory room. You can have a go at the high ropes or crazy golf there too. They will get a bit more busy during the holidays, but you could visit those last when they get a bit quieter in the day. They have also just opened a splash pad which is a fantastic edition, especially when the weather gets warmer. Make sure to bring your kids swimwear or a change of clothes though as the fountains suddenly shoot out water and can catch you out quite easily!

Eating at The Valley

There is lots of choice of places to eat here, from KFC, to little cafés and coffee shops, even some food vans dotted about. We love grabbing lunch at the garden centre café. It has plenty of seating and very family-friendly. They were so helpful when I visited with just my son, helping us keep our table by giving me a reserved sign to place down while we went up to get our food and grabbing things we needed while eating. If you prefer to bring your own picnic, the lawned area and benches near the miniature railway and play park is perfect. There are even some picnic benches right along the train track, so if your child loves trains they can enjoy their lunch while watching the train pass them by.

Hollywood Bowl, Cheltenham

This one might surprise you. A bowling alley is not always the first thing that comes to mind when looking for a quiet day out. But if you go at the right time, it can work really well. If you visit early in the morning during the holidays, it tend to be much calmer. But even while busy, I find this space isn’t as loud and overstimulating as most bowling alleys. The staff have always been really lovely and helpful when I visit with my son and help cater to his additional needs best they can. The lanes are spaced out and the atmosphere can be quite relaxed when it is quieter. It is a good indoor option for those bad weather days that usually love to make an appearance around Easter.

Eating at Hollywood Bowl

The food is what you’d expect from a bowling alley - burgers, chips, pizza, and fizzy drinks. If your child prefers familiar food or you want to keep it simple, it can work well. They also let you order from the lanes which I find super handy when I’m taking my son out on my own. If you don’t fancy eating at Hollywood Bowl, it’s situated in Cheltenham Brewery so you are close by to lots of food places. Our favourite spots to eat at are Smokey Joes, Hub Box and Meet at the Greeks at No.3.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

Even on a busy day, this park never feels overwhelming as it’s so spacious! There is so much space between areas that it naturally encourages a slower pace and not much crowd build up anywhere. It is one of the most peaceful wildlife parks we have visited. There are animals of course (with big, open enclousures), but also lots of green space and shady spots you can chill out in. There is also a fantastic park area, which can be busy at peak time, but there is still plenty of space to play. You can also journey around the park on their minature train.

Eating at Cotswold Wildlife Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park is brilliant for picnics. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park and huge grassy areas where families sit and relax. The café has a decent selection, but we usually bring our own and find a quiet spot under a tree as the cafe can get really busy. It’s an ideal place for a full day out with a packed lunch, and you’re never short of peaceful places to sit down and take a break. And if you want to grab something extra, there are a couplre of little booths about serving food and drink.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Blenheim is perfect to visit on a busy day as it just has so much space to explore! The car park can end up getting very busy, but you can choose to drive down to the kids play area entrance instead and you can catch the little train up to the main entrance. We often skip the palace itself and head straight for the lakeside walks, the playground (with a quick visit to the butterfly house) or explore the formal gardens. It is the kind of place where you can take your time, find your own path and enjoy the beauty of it without needing to follow a strict plan.

Eating at Blenheim Palace

The cafés here are really lovely and they have some little food shacks offering drinks and snacks - the one in the walled garden is my favourite as you can sit looking out at the water fountain and views. There’s also a pizza café and ice cream stops dotted around. But Blenheim is also great for a picnic, with endless green space and plenty of quieter corners.

I also recommend checking out Woodstock village for places to eat too. My favourite place to have some lunch is the Woodstock Arms.

Over Farm’s Countryside Adventure, Gloucester

This is one of our favourites at Easter. It can get busy during the event days, but if you go around where the animals are or on their Easter trail, it’s always quieter and there are some slides and themed corn firing canons you can have a go at (be aware the cannons are loud if your child struggles with loud noises). There are animals to meet, tractor rides, crazy golf, duck racing shows and craft activities and more. Everything is pretty spaced out and you can dip in and out of activities at your own pace. The staff have always been brilliant and understanding with my son’s needs and make it a lovely relaxed day out for us both.

Eating at Over Farm

Over Farm has a little café in the shop and food vans inside Countryside Aventure. It’s worth checking ahead to see what is on offer on the day. There is also plenty of space to sit and enjoy your own food.

Other Places I Recommend Visiting

These places are free to visit, easy to get to, and perfect for a slow-paced adventure…

Wenchford Picnic Site, Forest of Dean

Tucked away in the trees, Wenchford is one of our favourite peaceful spots. There’s a shallow stream running through the picnic area, perfect for paddling in wellies or bare foot - if it’s warm enough! Bring a blanket, a picnic and a change of clothes and you’ve got a full day sorted. It’s easy, peaceful and fun. Parking is available and there are toilets on site, which makes it manageable even with little ones.

Upper and Lower Slaughter, The Cotswolds

Across the road from the busy Bourton on the Water, these much quieter two villages are as pretty as a postcard. But what we love most is the space to walk and play while enjoying the countryside views and the beautiful stone cottages. The river running through the villages is shallow and gentle, perfect for dipping feet or just watching the water flow. There are walking paths between Upper and Lower Slaughter that are flat and easy and you’ll often find a quiet spot to sit with a snack. It’s a lovely option for a peaceful wander without too much planning needed. There is also a pub in Lower Slaughter right by the stream if you’d prefer a cooked meal and your drink of choice.

Or for a different type of day out…how about a calm, child-led photo session?

If you’d love some relaxed photos of your child this Easter, I offer gentle outdoor sessions across the Cotswolds. They’re completely child-led and sensory-friendly, designed with families like mine in mind. If that sounds like something you would like to know more about, pop me a message using the form below or check out more info about the photo sessions I offer HERE.

Wherever you go this Easter, I hope you enjoy a wonderful, relaxed day out in Gloucestershire.