Diocese of Gloucester

05/09/2026

Looking for another free, family-friendly adventure this summer? Step inside St Barnabas, Tuffley and discover an incredible and rather unique building, colour, space to play and a warm welcome for all ages. Along with community groups, food serving area and quiet spaces, the church even had a ballon-filled Viking longboat [aka cardboard boxes] in the middle of the Nave when we visited 😍🚣‍♂️

02/09/2026

St Andrew's Church in Churchdown is opening its doors to children and families throughout the summer holidays. From Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm, visitors can drop in and enjoy a friendly space to relax and recharge.

In the welcoming foyer, there are books to browse and read, along with tables and chairs where visitors can sit and spend some time.

Children can enjoy their own play section, with toys, stationery, and books to keep little ones entertained.

For those looking for a quieter moment, the church itself offers a calm and peaceful space to sit, reflect and simply take a breath.

30/08/2026

Looking for a cool space this summer? St John's Church in Churchdown is opening its doors to welcome children and families throughout the summer holidays.

Families can enjoy the children’s play corner, while the open space with chairs provides somewhere to sit, relax and escape the summer heat.

So, whether families are looking for somewhere to pause while out and about, a place for children to play, or simply a quiet moment of peace, St Andrew’s Church is ready to welcome them.

27/08/2026

Are you looking for a free, family-friendly adventure this summer? Check out the Rivervale group of churches and discover activity groups, wildlife, space to play and a warm welcome for all ages. Here are just some of the events going on regularly in the Rivervale churches:

Little Blessings: a monthly children’s worship gathering designed especially for young families. Songs, dance, puppets, Bible stories, crafts and prayer.

Weekly toddler groups: providing a warm and welcoming space for babies, toddlers and their carers to connect. With playtime, crafts, songs, refreshments and friendship, these groups offer support, community and a gentle introduction to church life for young families. We have three groups run weekly across three villages.

Garden Church: Whether planting seeds, growing vegetables, exploring wildlife or caring for the environment, children learn about nature while enjoying time outdoors and developing practical skills.

Family-friendly service in Meon Vale: welcomes children of all ages. With activities, crafts, music, puppet show and opportunities to explore faith together, it creates a relaxed environment where families can belong and grow together.

Welford Light Show: Each October, St Peter’s Church is transformed into a spectacular light show with music, dancing, interactive displays and a family disco. It offers children an exciting opportunity to experience church in a completely different way, showing that church can be joyful, creative and full of life.

You can connect via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalechurches/

26/08/2026

Dig deeper, look closer, think bigger! 🎨✍️
Calling all young creators across Gloucestershire!

Celebrate Black History Month 2026 by sharing your art, poetry, or creative writing inspired by the achievements and stories of black and brown people.

Prizes to be won:
Ages 7–11: Think deeper about a black or brown individual in your community and write a poem or create a piece of art about their experience. (Top prize: £20 voucher).

Ages 12–15: Look closer at the history of a black or brown individual or group of people and write a poem or create a piece of art about their experience. (Top prize: £30 voucher).

Ages 16–18: What does it mean for our community to "Dig deeper, look closer, think bigger" (Top prize: £40 voucher).

⏳ Deadline: Midnight, 23 October 2026.

🔗 Enter online here: gloucester.anglican.org/2026/big-ideas-bold-stories-brilliant-prizes

25/08/2026

In a culture that can feel quick to blame and slow to forgive, how do we create space for both accountability and compassion?

Bishop Rachel reflects on the tragic death of Jason Arday and encourages us to have the courage to confront racial injustice and our own blind spots, rather than leaving others to carry that responsibility alone.

Read the article here 👉

We are the Church of England community in and around Gloucestershire, committed to sharing the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that people may know life in all its fullness

24/08/2026

Looking for another free, family-friendly adventure this summer? All Saints’ Bisley is situated in a spot where it is believed there has been a place of worship since Saxon times and that most likely it would have been an Anglo-Saxon minister church. Bisley was a place of most importance and of significant size, incorporating the local area including Stroud; All Saints’ was the mother church.

The church is open every day for visitors and every second Tuesday there is a free community coffee morning. During the holidays there is parking in the school yard next door, as well as plenty of street parking nearby. There is an accessible toilet inside and most of the building is on one level. We have a children’s area, and the building remains nice and cool during the hot weather. We welcome dogs, cyclists and anyone who should like to visit us!

21/08/2026

Looking for another free, family-friendly adventure this summer? Step into St Mary’s, Lydney and discover a place of welcome, local history, community, and plenty to keep children entertained along the way.

Nestled beside Bathurst Park, St Mary’s has been part of the life of Lydney for centuries and continues to be a place where people of all ages can explore, pause and feel at home. Families are welcome to drop in throughout the day to enjoy colouring activities, add a thought or prayer to the prayer tree, and make use of the facilities. If you need a bit of extra support with food, you can use the Lydney Larder at any time when the church is open (9am to 5pm daily). The churchyard also offers an excellent view of the nearby Dean Forest Railway, where heritage steam trains regularly pass by. The neighbouring park has the Four Seasons Café, the famous ‘big slide’ a sensory garden, a huge playing field, pond and lots of play equipment.

Throughout the summer holidays there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. With community brunches taking place from 10.30am to 12 noon; the next one is on 27 August, with crafts, activities, conversation, tea and coffee, second-hand school uniforms, and toast with a choice of toppings. Everyone is welcome.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to cool down, a family activity, or simply somewhere to stop and explore, we look forward to welcoming you this summer.

18/08/2026

Come along to St Mary’s Church in Fairford to discover the only church in the country that has a complete set of medieval stained glass. Friday 21st August: Fairford Community Centre, Free Family Breakfast and play morning. 9-11am. Free to attend.

St Mary's tells us, "In the church we have a children’s area that is always well stocked with activities and toys and there is a chance to complete the church quiz as you gaze around and discover the wonderful things in the church. St Mary’s also is famous for Tibbles the cat- who you have to try and spot in the churchyard. The last Sunday of the month is our all age service, 10am. (Over the Summer this will be the 26th July & 30th August)"

15/08/2026

Looking for another free, family-friendly adventure this summer? Step into St Stephen’s, Cinderford, where children and families will find a friendly welcome, space to play and plenty to enjoy together.

During the summer holidays, Community Breakfast Club meets on Tuesdays from 9am to 10.30am, with free breakfast, lunch packs for family groups and activities led by local community groups.

Sportily Holiday Clubs run after Breakfast Club (18 August) for primary school-aged children. Booking is through HAF or directly through Sportily.

Families are welcome during services too, with a creche area, Junior Church at 11am, and sensory packs and ear defenders available to borrow.