Free things you can do in Gloucester this summer

Gloucester is full of free options to discover history and supported play spaces

The full force of the summer holidays are upon us which means many of you are looking for the best ways to keep the whole family happy.

We all know planning family days out can be a headache especially if you have a tight budget, but no one wants to be stuck in doors and bored all summer.

To ease the stress and put a smile on everyone's faces, here are a few things you can do in Gloucestershire for free.

Baker's beautiful chiming clock

Located on Southgate Street, if you look up in Gloucester you will spot an interesting slice of history.

Above the beautifully preserved Edwardian shop front of Baker’s Jewellers, is a chiming clock built in 1904.

Its bells are struck every quarter of an hour by the figures of Old Father Time, John Bull, representing England and other figures wearing the national dress for Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Marvel at the old merchants' house

The Grade I listed building dates back to 1664

Just a few doors down from the chiming clock is a 17th-Century Jacobean timber-framed merchant's house.

It used to house the mayor of Gloucester and dates back to 1664.

Its exterior is adorned with timber decoration and has been a Grade I listed building since 1952.

The 'not so new' New Inn

It is believed William Shakespeare performed at the New Inn

If you walk across the crossroads near Southgate Street, you will find one of the only intact medieval Inn courtyards in the country.

The New Inn dates back to 1450 and it is believed Shakespeare performed there.

If you walk up to the balcony you can stand in the same place where Lady Jane Grey was declared queen by the Abbot of Gloucester.

Ms Barnes said there is lots to see in the historic city of Gloucester

Professor Janina Ramirez, running this year's Gloucester History Festival.

She said the city is "rich in history".

"Do you want to have fun, you just need to look up," she added.

"There is not another place like Gloucester for looking up.

"Everywhere in this historic city there are things to see."

It's play time!

The Venture in Gloucester, offers free activities and food for visitors

After your historical tour of the city you can drop off your children at The Venture while you put your feet up.

The centre is aimed at five to 16 year olds and provides free, open access, supervised play sessions during all school holidays.

Families are also welcome to join in with the activities which include, bingo, karaoke, and cooking sessions.

There is a tuck shop on site that sells low cost food and drinks and hot drinks for parents/carers and free meals are provided throughout the day.

Ms Barnes said The Venture is a "positive" play space

Chief executive of children's outdoor play centre The Venture, Dawn Barnes, said it's a "great place" to make friends and "spend some positive energy".

"The centre is about creating moments of social interaction to reduce that feeling isolation that some people feel.

"Here we're all about community and bringing people together in a nice friendly space with free activities and food."