Boat trips start on Saturday and there’s lots of activities to enjoy in Stroud over Easter
Published: Thursday, 4 April, 2019
The Easter holiday is almost here, so we’d drawn up a list of great activities for all ages and to suit all budgets – from egg hunts and walks, to canal cruises and water sports.
Take a trip on a canal boat
Enjoy a tranquil 25 minute long canal trip on a Cotswold Canals Trust narrow boat. There’s a choice of two, each cruising along a different canal:
Perseverance starts at Ebley Mill, and cruises along the Stroudwater Canal either to Ryford double lock, or Dudbridge Wharf every Saturday from 6 April, also on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday. Free parking in SDC’s visitor’s car park.
Endeavour starts at Saul Junction, and takes one of three routes along the Gloucester Sharpness Canal every Sunday from 7 April, also on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. £2 pay and display parking charge.
Both boat trips run from 12 noon until 4pm. Cost £5 for adults; £3 for children under 16, and free for under 5’s. Advance bookings aren’t taken – just turn up and wait for the boat.
For more details visit the Cotswold Canals Trust website www.cotswoldcanals.com
Visit an unfinished Victorian Gothic masterpiece
Woodchester Mansion is a unique Grade I listed building, famous for being unfinished and exposing the secrets of its construction. See spectacular stone carvings, the newly restored Chapel east window, and watch the resident bat colony on CCTV.
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 April, as well as on Easter Monday from 11am – 5pm. Guided tours start at 11.45am or 2.30pm. £8.50 for adults; children under 14 go free.
For more information see the Woodchester Manson website www.woodchestermansion.org.uk
The surrounding Woodchester Park has acres of dog-friendly woodland to explore including five lakes, and a woodland play trail with wobble beams, rope swings and climbing frames. £3 to park. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woodchester-park
Hunt for Easter bunnies at the Museum in the Park
Easter activities at Stroud’s museum include:
Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 April swim 11am – 4pm £2
Family Drop in Workshop: Spring Nests
Be inspired by the story of ‘The Dudbridge Blackbird’ and make a nest and then some eggs to go inside. Take a look at our Spring Nature Table too – perhaps you’d like to add something you’ve found? For families with children aged 5+.
Wednesday 10 April 2pm – 4pm Free
‘Small Wonders’ Family Drop in Workshop with Rachel McDonnell
Take inspiration from the amazing things to be found around Stratford Park, which we often pass without looking, to make your own artwork. For families with children aged 5+.
A Confluence exhibition linked event
Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 April 11am – 4pm £1 per item
Family Drop in Workshop: Spring Chicks & Easter Hares
Make a little hare or chick to take home, and, if you have time, an Easter basket too. For families with children aged 5+, younger siblings welcome too.
Friday 19 – Sunday 28 April
Museum Easter Bunny Hunt - Children’s ‘I Spy’ trail
Hunt for all the Easter bunnies hiding inside the Museum! A fun way for families with younger children to enjoy the Museum, come rain or shine.
Friday 19 – Sunday 28 April
Secret Garden Easter Egg Hunt – Children’s ‘I Spy’ trail
Can you spot all the Easter eggs hidden outside in the Museum’s ‘Secret Garden’? A fun way for families with younger children to enjoy exploring the grounds and look for signs of spring along the way.
See the Museum in the Park’s website for more information www.museuminthepark.org.uk
Get Wet & Wacky at The Pulse, Dursley
There’s lots to do at Dursley’s leisure centre including the brand new Wacky Wellness Day on Wednesday 17 April where children aged 7-12 can learn water lifesaving, first aid and CPR techniques.
Fun and Games, Tuesday 9 April (ages 5- 11)
Alternative Sports, Wednesday 10 April (ages 5-11)
Gymnastics, Thursday 11 April (ages 5-11)
Retro Sports Day, Tuesday 16 April (ages 5-11)
Wacky Wellness Day, Wednesday 17 April (ages 7-12)
Pulse Wipeout, Thursday 18 April (ages 5-11)
For more information see the website www.pulsedursley.co.uk or call 01453 546441.
Fly a kite on Selsley Common
Enjoy spectacular views over the River Severn and as far as Wales from the elevated Selsley Common. There are miles of footpaths, including a signed five mile Cotswold Way circular walk, with plenty of room on the 97 acre site for kite flying, ball games and dog walks. Watch out for the resident cows and please pick up after your dog. Free parking.