What’s on in Stroud this week: 17 – 23 February
It’s half term, and up and down the Five Valleys plenty of activities are popping up for all the family to enjoy. From farm animals and superheroes at Brimscombe Mill, to landscape creation at the museum, roller skating at Stratford Park and mudslinging at Slimbridge.
However, adults are still well catered for by Stroud’s busy band of event organisers, with an Ale Amble organised by Longfield Hospice, Stroud Valleys Project’s seed swap and a celebration of the history of Uplands.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion in 2025, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Meet the animals at Brimscombe Mill – Tue 18 Feb, 10am
Chloe’s Mobile Farm arrives at Brimscombe Mill for one day only, offering the chance to meet goats, sheep, ducks and chickens in the Sanctuary, and pet or feed them. The usual food, drink and play will be available within the mill itself, and Sayeed the tailor will be on hand to fix or adjust any clothes which need attention for a very reasonable fee. Plus on Wed 19 Feb enjoy a superhero themed adventure teams party.
- Love landscapes at the Museum in the Park – Tue 18 Feb, 11am – 1pm
This special drop in half term activity for young people invites participants to try various activities including painting with brushes made from foraged natural materials and using scrap paper to create a landscape. Visitors are also invited to tell the team which is their favourite wild animal by adding it to the voting wall, and explore the museum via a landscape themed trail.
- Go family roller skating at Stratford Park – Wed 19 Feb, 1.30pm and 3pm
A full programme of special half term activities at Stratford Park Leisure Centre this week includes family roller skating sessions at 1.30pm and 3pm on Wed, with skates available to hire for those who don’t have their own. Also available are wicked dance workshops on Thu 20 Feb and a bouncy castle and soft play on Mon 17 Feb. Booking is recommended for all sessions.
- Take the Longfield Ale Amble – Sat 22 Feb, 11am – 4pm
Longfield Community Hospice’s Ale Amble returns for 2025, inviting strollers to take a four-mile circular walk from Stroud Brewery via the Bowbridge Arms, the Crown & Sceptre and the Heavens, eventually arriving back at Stroud Brewery. The entry fee includes a pint and a t-shirt.
- Swap seeds at Stroud Valleys Project – Sat 22 Feb, 10am – 12:30pm
Spring is almost upon us, and to help us prepare our gardens Stroud Valleys Project are inviting us to bring spare or unwanted seeds to a special stall outside their Threadneedle Street eco shop during the Farmers’ Market, and exchange them with others we might need. The event is part of the Garden Guardians project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Share the history of Uplands – Sun 23 Feb, 2 – 4pm
Uplands Community Hub invites local residents to a special open afternoon, with crafts and kids activities, and drinks and snacks available on a pay as you feel basis. The special theme of this event is discovering the history of Uplands, and attendees are invited to share stories, bring pictures and connect with neighbours and the wider community.
Beginning this week
- Embrace mud at WWT Slimbridge – Until Sun 23 Feb, 9:30am – 5pm
The team at Slimbridge Wetland Centre lay on some special low key mud themed activities for half term including a mud kitchen, a mud slinging contest, mud nest building and muddy puddle splashing. Bring wellies and waterproofs, even if the sun is out.
Further afield
- Make carnival masks and May Day crowns in Gloucester – Wed 19 Feb, 10am & 2pm
Spring feelings abound at this special family workshop at the Museum of Gloucester, where participants are invited to craft their own carnival-inspired mask or create a special May Day crown. A range of materials will be available including tissue flowers, feathers, and other colourful materials.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
