❄️ Inclusive activities for winter
π Youβre Welcome Gloucestershire activity finder
Families looking for inclusive activities and places to visit can explore Youβre Welcome Gloucestershire. The free website includes an events calendar where you can search for inclusive clubs, groups, social events and family-friendly places to visit across Gloucestershire. You can filter activities by location, interests and access needs, helping you find opportunities that are right for your child or young person.
Each listing includes information about accessibility, making it easier for families to plan ahead and find activities that meet their needs. The service is free to use and suitable for all ages.
π Festive activities and experiences for SEND families
The festive season can be exciting, but busy attractions and crowded events can make it difficult for some children and young people with additional needs to take part. Many organisations now offer quieter sessions, relaxed experiences and SEND-friendly adjustments so more families can enjoy seasonal activities together.
This winter, families can find a range of accessible opportunities across Gloucestershire, from festive light trails and sensory-friendly Santa experiences to relaxed theatre performances and inclusive community events. Many venues provide advance accessibility information, helping families plan ahead and choose activities that best meet their needs.
π Upcoming winter and festive events
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Selected dates from Friday, 27 November to Thursday, 31 December 2026
This popular festive light trail includes accessible pathways, accessible toilets and a Changing Place facility. Relaxed sessions for adults and young people with additional needs will take place on selected dates, offering lower visitor numbers and a calmer experience:
- Saturday, 28 November 2026
- Friday, 4 December 2026
- Thursday, 10 December 2026
- Wednesday, 16 December 2026
Entry times vary depending on the date, but generally take place every 15 minutes between 4pm to 8pm.
π· Cost: Charges apply for adults and children aged 3 to 16. Children aged two and under and personal assistants go free.
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Friday, 20 November to Wednesday, 30 December 2026
Follow a winter light trail through the castle grounds, with gentle lighting and music. The event is suitable for visitors with reduced mobility and other access needs.
π· Cost: Advance tickets start from Β£14.40 for children and Β£22.50 for adults. Advance tickets offer a 10% saving on standard prices.
Wetland Wonderland at WWT Slimbridge
Saturday, 5 December to Wednesday, 23 December 2026
WWT Slimbridge's festive event offers seasonal activities within the wetland centre's unique outdoor setting, giving families an opportunity to enjoy nature during the winter period.
π· Cost: Admission starts from Β£17.91 per adult and Β£11.84 per child. All Wetland Wonderland activities are included. Children under three and WWT members go free.
Santaβs Quiet Grotto
Available at Dobbies Garden Centre in Cirencester and Tewkesbury on Friday, 4 December and Tuesday, 8 December 2026.
These quieter Santa sessions are designed for children who may prefer a calmer festive experience and reduced sensory input. Advance booking is recommended.
π· Cost: Β£15 per child. You must book in advance. Session numbers are limited to provide a quieter experience, with no queuing on the day.
Families can also enjoy a wide range of free activities at libraries across Gloucestershire β visit the Gloucestershire Libraries events calendar to find out whatβs on near you.
π Relaxed and sensory-friendly performances
Sleeping Beauty at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
A sensory-friendly performance will take place at 11am on Sunday, 6 December 2026. A British Sign Language performance will take place at 2pm on Tuesday, 29 December 2026. These performances include adjustments to support audience members with additional needs.
π· Cost: Tickets cost Β£26.50 for children and Β£28.50 for adults.
The Snow Queen at Chipping Norton Theatre
Relaxed performances will take place at 11am on Friday, 27 November and 4pm on Thursday, 10 December 2026. They will help more children and young people enjoy live theatre in a supportive setting.
The show also offers a captioned performance at 2pm on Saturday, 5 December and an audio-described performance at 2pm on Saturday, 28 November, with a touch tour at 1pm. You can download a visual story from the website to help you prepare for your visit.
π· Cost: Tickets range from Β£18 to Β£46. Concession tickets are available for children and some other groups.
Beauty and the Beast at The Sub Rooms, Stroud
A relaxed performance will take place at 11am on Monday, 28 December 2026. It is designed for people who benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with autism, sensory or communication needs, or a learning disability.
π· Cost: Tickets cost Β£18 for children and Β£20 for adults.
Cinderella at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Relaxed performances will take place at 10.30am and 4.30pm on Thursday, 7 January 2027.
π· Cost: Visit the Everyman Theatre website for current ticket prices, concessions and booking information.
Peter Pan at Cheltenham Playhouse
Relaxed performances are taking place on the following dates:
- 12 noon on Sunday, 27 December 2026
- 3pm on Friday, 1 January 2027
- 12 noon on Saturday, 2 January 2027
π· Cost: Ticket prices start at Β£15.
Families may also wish to check with local theatres, cinemas and attractions, as many organisations offer additional relaxed, sensory-friendly or accessible performances throughout the festive period.
π€ Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum activities
Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum (GPCF) regularly hosts events and opportunities for parent carers across the county. Alongside family activities, the forum offers peer support sessions, coffee mornings and opportunities to connect with other families who have similar experiences.
π Listen to Me events in November
Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum (GPCF) hosts several βListen to Meβ coffee mornings around the county. These informal drop-in sessions give parent carers the chance to chat over coffee, share their experiences, raise concerns and help shape local services.
See the GPCF Facebook page or website for dates, times and venues.
π€ Other GPCF events in November
π Monday, 2 November 2026
Rainbow Days
Gardners Lane Childrens Centre, Cheltenham, GL51 9JW
π 5pm to 7pm
π Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Understanding and Recognising Behaviour Whispers Training (session 2)
Hilltop Children and Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford, GL14 2QA
π 10.15am to 1.30pm
π Monday, 9 November 2026
Gateway Peer Support Group
River Children and Family Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AU
π Drop-in 1pm to 2.30pm
Understanding and Recognising Behaviour Whispers Training (session 2)
River Children and Family Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AU
π 11am to 2pm
π Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Gateway Peer Support Coffee Morning
The Beacon Children's Centre, Valley Gardens, Gloucester, GL2 2AR
π Drop-in 9.30am to 11am
π Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Form Filling Session
Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre, Kingsholm, GL1 3DN
π 9.30am to 1pm
π Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Gateway Peer Support Coffee Morning
The Lighthouse Children and Family Centre, Linden Road, Gloucester, GL1 5HE
π Drop-in 9.30am to 11am
π Wednesday, 18 November 2026
Gateway Peer Support Coffee Morning
Hilltop Children and Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford, GL14 2QA
π Drop-in 10am to 11.30am
π Friday 27, November 2026
Under 5s stay and play
Aspire Childrenβs Centre β Noahβs Ark, York Road, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, GL20 5HU
π Drop-in 10am to 11.30am
π Ongoing support and activities
Looking for activities beyond the festive season? There are plenty of opportunities available throughout the year.
Nine Is Fine inclusive bowling β Stroud Bowl
A relaxed weekly league welcoming young people and adults with additional needs. Tuesdays, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, from 3 November 2026. Β£10 per person each week includes two games and shoe hire. No experience needed; carers and companions welcome. To register interest, call 01453 762200.
Gloucestershire's Youth Hubs continue to provide SEND-friendly groups, youth clubs and support for young people aged 11 to 25 across the county. Providers work hard to make activities welcoming and accessible, helping young people develop confidence, make friends and learn new skills.
Families can also explore local activities through You're Welcome Gloucestershire, access information and support through Gloucestershire's SEND Local Offer, and find opportunities through Family Hubs and community organisations across the county.
Organisations may add more winter and Christmas activities throughout November and December. Check their websites regularly for the latest opportunities, prices and booking information.
For more information on inclusive things to do, please visit the Things to do pages on Support for Families with SEND - Gloucestershire's Local Offer for Parent Carers.