What’s on in Stroud this Easter week: 30 Mar – 5 Apr
The Easter holidays are upon us, and there is plenty to see and do in Stroud, especially over the coming bank holiday weekend.
Highlights include an open day at Ringfield Farm near Nailsworth, Easter celebrations in the Heavens, an egg hunt in Painswick and the opening of the Gifford’s Circus season at Fennells Farm.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Observe the Churches Together Walk of Witness – Fri 3 April, 11am
There is perhaps nothing more Stroud than a procession, and the town’s various Christian Communities are no different to the rest of us. Each Good Friday, Stroud congregations come together to carry a large wooden cross through the streets in an event that usually includes hymns, readings, hot cross buns and a nice cup of tea.
- Visit Ringfield Farm – Fri 3 April, 12 noon – 4pm
Ringfield Farm near Nailsworth throws open the gates for a special Good Friday open day, and a chance to meet, greet and feed the animals looked after by Ringfield Farm Alpaca and Animal Rescue. Refreshments will be available, along with complimentary eggs and free kids drinks.
- Celebrate Easter in the Heavens – Sat 4 Apr, 12 noon
The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society invites all comers to celebrate the season with a special Easter Saturday afternoon event. Activities will include an Easter token hunt, a community picnic and craft activities.
- Hunt eggs in Painswick – Sat 4 Apr, 12 noon – 4pm
Painswick Playgroup’s celebrated Easter Egg Hunt returns for Easter Saturday, with a trail of decorative eggs around town created by parents, children and local businesses. The trail centres around Painswick Memorial Ground where maps will be available along with food stalls and a bar, and probably a raffle and tombola.
- Take a cruise on the canal – Every Sat beginning Sat 4 Apr
Departing regularly from close to the Cotswold Canals Trust’s Wallbridge Lock visitor centre, the crew of the Perseverance start their season of pleasant cruises along the scenic Thames and Severn Canal this weekend. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your place on these popular trips.
- Watch Gifford’s at Fennells Farm – Sat 4 – Mon 20 Apr, daily
The Gifford’s Circus team kick off their 2026 season with two weeks of home shows at Fennells Farm in Lypiatt. This year’s show, Waterfield, is inspired by the English countryside and the animals that inhabit it, and is billed as Gifford’s ‘most ambitious show yet’.
Continuing this week
- Enjoy Easter activities at the Museum in the Park – Daily during the Easter holidays (closed Mondays except bank holidays)
The Museum in the Park is the place to be for family activities during the Easter holidays, with a Signs of Spring Family Explorer trail, Easter cards and crafts workshops, zine making and more. Plus, the Print in The Park exhibition continues until the end of the month and there’s loads to see in the fascinating museum galleries.
Further afield
- Ride the Cheltenham Observation Wheel – Until Sun 12 Apr
Styling itself as a sort-of temporary low-key Gloucestershire London Eye, the Cheltenham Observation Wheel is in place in Imperial Gardens until the end of next week. The 36-metre wheel will boast views across the town, and Gloucestershire countryside to the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills.
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.
