The summer holidays are in full swing, so if the kids are climbing the walls, head down to Gloucester Quays for a fun family day out, with loads going on throughout the school holidays.
Gloucester Family Beach at Gloucester Quays
Gloucester Quays has its very own urban beach to visit this summer, transporting visitors from the city centre to the seaside with real sand, fairground rides and themed food and drink stalls.
Ride the ferris wheel, build sandcastles, grab a drink from the tiki bar, soak up the sun in a deckchair, tuck into some beach hut barbecue, and finish it all off with some freshly fried doughnuts and an ice cream or two. With Gloucester Quays' waterside location, you might just believe you're beside the sea!
The beach at Gloucester Quays is located on Orchard Square and is open daily from 10am to 6pm until Monday 31 August 2026. It is free to visit, but there are charges for the fairground rides and Ferris wheel.
Ride tokens cost £1 each and rides cost from three tokens per person.
For more details, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk/event/gloucester-family-beach-fest.
Sounds on the Square at Gloucester Quays
Sounds on the Square brings festival vibes to Pillar and Lucy Square this summer, with DJs spinning tunes from 4pm to 9pm every second Saturday at Gloucester Quays.
Perfect for a sundowner by the waterside with a few friends, grab a drink from one of the surrounding bars and kick back with some blissed out tunes – with the next event taking place on Saturday 12 September 2026.
To see the lineup, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk/event/sounds-on-the-square.
Floral phone box at Gloucester Quays
Gloucester Quays' iconic phone box is bursting with summer blooms, giving shoppers a fantastic photo opportunity, as well as the chance to win prizes.
Snap a selfie at the floral phone box inside the centre, share on your socials and tag in Gloucester Quays for a chance to win a £100 gift card, to spend on everything from summer fashion to tasty food and drink.
See the competition terms and conditions at gloucesterquays.co.uk/event/summer-at-gloucester-quays.
Alfresco dining at Gloucester Quays
Gloucester Quays' enviable waterside location is ideal for sunny lunches and balmy evenings, with a diverse mix of cuisines to enjoy from Mediterranean to Japanese.
Restaurants with outdoor seating include Brewhouse & Kitchen, Coal Kitchen, Portivo Lounge, Wagamama, Zizzi – plus Gloucester Quays' newest dining destinations, Banchina Italian and Muse.
To see the full list of restaurants at Gloucester Quays, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk/food-drink.
Summer shopping at Gloucester Quays
With 50 big-name brands offering up to 70 per cent off retail prices at Gloucester Quays, shoppers can pick up everything from fashion to homeware for less.
Whether you're looking for current season fashion picks for a last-minute summer holiday, sports, camping and outdoor gear for your latest adventures, or back-to-school bargains like school uniforms, stationary and PE kits for the littlest members of the family, Gloucester Quays has you covered.
Top brands include Adidas, AllSaints, Ben Sherman, Berghaus, Jack Wills, Joules, Levi's, M&S Outlet, Mountain Warehouse, Next Outlet, Osprey, PUMA, Skechers, The North Face, Trespass and Weirdfish.
For the full list of stores, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk/stores.
Indoor activities at Gloucester Quays
When the Great British summer weather isn't playing ball, Gloucester Quays has some great indoor options to keep families entertained.
Clip 'n Climb offers active little ones the opportunity to burn off some steam with a host of colourful climbing challenges and a giant soft play frame. Open seven days a week during the school holidays, standard sessions are suitable for children aged four and up, but there are also dedicated sessions for two to four-year-olds and SEND sessions, too.
While at Cineworld, families can kick back and enjoy a movie for less thanks to the Great British Summer Savings Scheme. From new releases like Toy Story 5 and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, to great value family classics including Harry Potter and Shaun the Sheep, there's loads to choose from!
And for active visitors, The Padel Club offers nine indoor courts where anyone from beginners to enthusiasts can enjoy a round of the UK's fastest-growing sport; while The Gym offers 24-hour training.
For more information about leisure activities at Gloucester Quays, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk/leisure.
