Summer holiday activities in Herefordshire
If you’re looking for ideas to help you and your family stay active and entertained during the summer holidays, there's lots of different activities and events taking place across Herefordshire.
Don't forget to also check our what's on calendar for even more ideas and inspiration, especially for adults!
- Activities (indoor and outdoors)
- Arts and crafts
- Creative learning
- Festivals, fun days and carnivals
- Sport, exercise and dance
Activities (indoor and outdoor)
Bears, beasts and tales at Queenswood
Wednesday 2 August, 10am to 4pm
Summer of Play - everyday throughout the Summer holidays (26 July - 3 September) Challenge the family to the different games and activities throughout the gardens, have a go at building a den within the parkland, burn off steam in the natural play area. Included in admission cost
Storytelling at Berrington Hall - the trail will be running every day of the summer holidays (26 July to 3 September).
Join us at Berrington this summer for our Georgian storytelling trail, using your trail pack to find the different storybook scenes and create a fairy tale of your own!
Trail packs cost £3 and include a colouring sheet, coloured pencils and a prize
Pond dipping at Berrington Hall - Wednesday 9th August 11am-3pm & Wednesday 30th August 11am -3pm
From 11am to 3pm, you can join the ranger team at Berrington's lake and discover the array of wildlife that lives beneath its surface.
Make your own nature diary - Friday 1st September 11am - 3pm
Join us in the walled garden where you can make your very own nature diary to take with you on your adventures. Whether you use words, pictures, or photos, a nature diary is a great way to keep track of all your wild adventures, helping you learn more about the world around you and just how complex it can be.
Included in admission cost (but donations welcome)
Broomy Hill Railway
Sunday 30 July, Sundays 13 and 27 August, Monday 28 August
Enjoy a family afternoon out riding on Hereford’s little railway, which is open on selected dates throughout July and August.
Summer of Play - until 3 September
Create your own adventure in the natural play area, get active with a whole host of garden games, and become king or queen of the mini castle play area.
Included in admission price
Snakes and Apples Trail at Croft Castle
Wednesday 26 July to Sunday 3 September
Join the quest to find the mysterious golden apple hidden somewhere in the grounds at Croft Castle. Grab your trail pack and head into the gardens, finding the ladders and apples along the way that might give you some clues - beware the snakes slithering near the paths! Pick up your trail sheet from the Visitor Reception for £3, from 9am to 5pm, every day throughout the summer. Admission cost applies, booking is not needed.
Dirty Feet Parkour and Summer School
24, 25 and 31 July; 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 August
An experience not to be missed, with summer parkour, breakdance and tricking, all at The Core in Hereford. In addition, the summer school runs from Monday 21 to Friday 25 August (10am to 3pm each day), £15 per day. Spaces are limited and on a first come first served basis, so book up quick. Book via the Dirty Feet Facebook page.
Eastnor Castle summer holiday activities
There’s a fantastic range of activities taking place throughout the summer holidays, all of which are included in your entrance ticket price. Don’t forget, there’s also the Knight’s Maze, Junior Obstacle Course, Adventure Playground, Rope Swings, and much more for the whole family to enjoy.
Sunday 23 July: “Bad Dad” by David Walliams, outdoor theatre
Sunday 23 to Thursday 27 July: Dinosaur Show, with roaming T-Rex shows
Sunday 30 July to Thursday 3 August: Circus Skills: Clown around with interactive fun
Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 August: Dance Workshops to get children moving
Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 August: Animal Encounters, see and learn about exotic animals
Sunday 20 to Thursday 24 August: Wildplay, with mud kitchen, bug hunting and rope trail
Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 August: Malverns Classic family friendly festival celebrating mountain biking
Sunday 27 to Thursday 31 August: Knight and Princess school, medieval mayhem for children
Sunday 3 September: Family fun day, with garden games and zip-wire on the valley lawn
Family fun week in Ross-on-Wye - FULLY BOOKED
Monday 24 to Friday 28 July, 10am to 12pm
Flip Out Hereford
Enjoy some inflatable fun at Hereford’s indoor inflatable and adventure arena. There’s a range of fantastic different activities and experiences to try, including sessions for those with disabilities or additional needs.
Green Spider Climbing
Enjoy amazing indoor climbing in Hereford’s climbing and bouldering centre. There’s 1,500m2 of climbing to enjoy, with over 200 roped routes and over 60 boulder problems to accomplish, all with a great atmosphere, amazing music and friendly, knowledgeable staff. There’s the Big Summer Boulder comp, with prizes (send in as many boulder routes as you can); holiday day camps, family taster sessions and sessions for your little ones.
Hereford Cathedral
There's a fantastic summer of family fun planned at Hereford Cathedral. How about the Escape Room on 26 July, 24 and 25 August? Messy church goes outside on 21 August, and there’s tricks and laughs with Steve Legg in the marquee on 20 August.
Wednesday 26 July to Thursday 3 August
Hereford Dino Activity Days
Saturdays 19 and 26 August
FREE activities at two special activity days, including workshops, dinosaur stage performances and live music. Complete with roaming dinosaurs and a prehistoric mural workshop! Parents are invited to bring their budding palaeontologists to discover walkabout raptors, fossil hunting and children’s workshops - all for free.
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Adventure Club
Go wild this summer with adventures in the woods! Children can join the adventure and build a den, learn woodcraft skills, search for bugs and beasties, cook a snack on the camp fire and have fun playing games. At Queenswood Country Park. Aimed at children aged 8 to 12 years; the cost is £25 per child. You must book in advance.
Heritage heroes - The Familiar Treasures project, Kingsland
Kingsland Summer Holiday Club
Monday 24 to 26 July; and Monday 31 July to Wednesday 2 August, from 9am to 4pm
With varied activities each day, surrounded by beautiful outdoor space, the Kingsland Pre-School Summer Holiday Club is open to all children aged 2 to 11. Based at the Coronation Hall in Kingsland. It costs £30 each day (£25 for siblings). E-mail enquiries@kingslandpreschool.org.uk to request a booking form.
Madley Environmental Study Centre summer fun
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 August to 31 August
From minibeast safari and watery wonders, to campfire cooking and magic in the woods. There's a different activity each half day (morning session from 10am – 12noon and afternoon session from 1pm – 3pm). Picnics before or after the activities are welcome between 12noon – 1pm. All activities are £9 per child for a half-day session and £17 for the full day. Accompanying adults are free of charge. To book a space, email contact@mesc.org.uk or call 01981 251616. Visit the website to find out more about each activity session.
MFA Bowl Hereford
Take advantage of a range of summer offers and get bowling with family and friends.
Newbridge Farm Park
Open from Monday 17 July to Saturday 2 September (not open on Sundays).
Enjoy a fantastic range of events for children and families, throughout the summer, at Newbridge Farm Park near Ledbury. There’s tractor rides, go karts, a zipwire, soft play barn and treasure hunt. There’s also Pony ride days, on selected days in August - book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Oaker Wood Summer Holiday Club
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from Wednesday 2 August to Thursday 31 August
Each day is different at the Holiday club. From the high ropes challenges such as the zip wire and gladiator climbing challenge to the low ropes assault course, outdoor pizza making and target shooting. The club for 7 to 11 year olds, runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer holidays. The days start at 9am, ending at 3pm, costing £32.50 for the day. Booking can be made now through the website.
Oaker Wood Teen Adventure Days
Fridays 4 and 18 August, 9.30am to 3.30pm
High ropes and paintball offer an adrenaline filled day for 11 to 16 year olds. Bookings can be made through the website, for half or full day activities; £20 for half day and £40 for full day.
Queenswood Country Park and Arbortum
Get outdoors this summer with a visit to Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, with its extensive and exciting trails and attractions, suitable for all the family. Don’t forget to stop off at Bodenham Lake too, it’s only two miles away and features two easy access paths around part of the lake.
Ralph Court Gardens
Journey around the world and through the seasons at the family friendly Ralph Court Gardens near Bromyard, with 12 unique gardens to explore from Italy to Africa and beyond into a mythical-fantasy world. There’s a surprise around every corner and the gardens are suitable for all ages and are also wheelchair friendly.
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre
The centre is open every day from 10:30am to 5pm with no booking necessary. It costs £11 for adults, £7.50 for children and under two’s go free.
Summer Reading Challenge at Herefordshire Libraries
Ready, Set, Read! You've guessed it, the Summer Reading Challenge theme this year is sports and games! Children aged 4 to 11 can take part at local libraries over the summer. Sign up at your library and collect your free challenge bag. It contains all the things you need to complete the challenge and some terrific rewards! Or take part online.
The Cart Shed Escape to the Woods
5-8 year olds – Monday 31 July, Friday 4 August and Monday 14 August
8-12 year olds – Monday 7 August, Friday 11 August and Friday 18 August
Fun-packed summer holiday clubs for children, designed to encourage children to learn and play outdoors. A chance to build dens, create shelters, try your hand at bush crafts and green woodworking skills, and some outdoor cooking on an open fire. Costs vary from free to £25 per child per day, and are detailed online. To book, visit The Cart Shed website.
The Cracked Slipper - Summer Fit and Fed
Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August, 1.15pm to 2pm
Drama sessions for ages 5-16, as part of summer Fit and Fed at Hinton Community Centre,. Each session will be with fully qualified coaches, for 45 minutes, and kids will receive a free lunch at the end. Sessions can be booked through The Cracked Slipper Facebook page.
The Courtyard Inclusive “Be a Star” week
Monday 14 to Friday 18 August
A week full of drama, dance and arts & crafts activities! The inclusive workshops at the Courtyard Theatre are for ages 8-15. It’s £100 for the week, or £50 for half days (10.30am-1pm). To book a place, contact Rebecca Cook on rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk
The Porridge Trail, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Saturday 8 July to Sunday 23 July, 10am to 4pm
If you go “Down to the woods” today – you’ll be sure of a fun day out at Queenswood. Follow the trail and help the bears to find the ingredient to make their morning porridge. £3 per trail.
Viking Family Fun Open Days at Hereford Museum Learning and Resource Centre
A chance to see the hoard and take part in activities
10am - 3pm on Monday 14th August
No need to book, just turn up!
WildPlay at Ewyas Harold
Thursday 31 August from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Arts and crafts
Children's art sessions with Olivia Mabey
Sunday 6 August, 10.30am to 2.30pm
Eastnor Pottery’s Clay Modelling Family Fun
Tuesdays 1, 15 and 29 August
Ooh aahhh and a splash of the tail – it’s Pirates and Mermaids clay modelling family fun sessions this summer. It costs £25 per person and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a fee paying adult.
Glazydayz
Tuesday 15, Thursday 17, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 30 August and Friday 1 September
Creative learning
Hereford College of Arts Creative Summer Days
Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 August
There’s a creative outlet for secondary school students who love the arts during the summer. Whether it’s art and design, media, music or performing arts, there’s something for everyone. The summer creative days are £20 each and are designed for those in year 6 to 9. You must book in advance online.
Festivals, Fun Days and Carnivals
Hereford River Carnival
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August
The ever popular free community event, with loads of fun and entertainment. They'll be Magical performances and live music on Friday evening, with Carnival day and activities on the Saturday. Join in the celebrations with your creations! Something for everyone.
Hereford River Carnival- Play in the Park
Between Monday 7 August and Friday 18 August
There are going to be four free, family friendly activity days in green public spaces across Hereford city, including Hunderton, St Martins, Tupsley and Whitecross. With the theme, "Earth", they'll be creative activities during each session, from creating amazing carnival structures, banners and flags to making clay creatures and mole masks. Drop in for as long or as little as you like. Why not bring a picnic! Watch this space for confirmation of times, dates and venues.
Knighton Show and Carnival
Saturday 26 August
Exciting main ring acts, music acts and stalls attending. Check out the Facebook page for details.
LakeFest
Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 August
Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Deer Park at Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury. If you’re ready for a natural paradise, rocked with music, powered by love, then book your tickets today at www.lakefest.co.uk.
Summer Family Rave at The Courtyard
Saturday 29 July
Full of bubbles, balloons and favourite summery tunes. Take your crew and dance your way into a summer of fun. Dressing up is encouraged from everyone! Suitable for all ages (ear defenders for tiny people are recommended). Tickets are £6, includes a free pre-activity of face painting and glitter paint crafts. Last few tickets remaining!
Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August
The Ross Regatta brings boat crews and spectators from all over the country. It’s held over the August bank holiday weekend.
The Waterworks Museum Hereford
The Waterworks Museum is holding two Steam Days in the Summer holidays. Steam Days are when the steam engines are in operation.
Sunday 13th August 11am – 4pm
Sunday 27th August 11am – 4pm
It is also open every Tuesday throughout the year 11-4
- Enjoy the Water Park where children can learn about water, operate pumps, lift water from a well, push pumps and learn about water filtration
- Follow the Freddie the Frog Trail and complete the Firefighting and Story of Water quizzes
- Learn how the Waterworks helped to deliver clean drinking water, improving the health of Herefordians
- Discover what life was like in Hereford during World War Two
- Relax in our cafe and enjoy the short walk down to the River Wye
It’s free entry for children and there’s no need to book. Parking is also free!
Sport, exercise and dance
3Degreez Allstarz Summer Holiday Cheerleading Camp
Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July; Tuesday 1 and Friday 4 August, 9.15am to 3.45pm
Tumbles, stunting, dance and jumps. The Cheerleading camp at Hinton Community Centre is full of fun, games and skill building. It’s £25 per day, and you can add on the breakfast club and after camp chill-out for a little extra. Full details and how to book are on the website. If you're new to 3Degreez Allstarz, and would like to book a place, email hereford3degreez@hotmail.com
BetterHealth Shake Ups
Get the kids moving and having fun this summer, with fantastic new Shake Up games and activities from BetterHealth, featuring your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters!
Gorsley Goffs Holiday Club
Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July and Monday 14 to Friday 18 August
The Prostars Holiday Club provides all children aged 5-12 with the opportunity to take part in a range of sports, games, arts and craft activities in a fun, safe and social environment at Gorsley Goffs Primary School. The club runs from Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July and Monday 14 to Friday 18 August from 9am to 3pm (£20 a day or £82 a week).
Halo Gymnastics Summer Camp
A camp that is packed with exciting activities, including Gymnastics sessions, Racket sports, Trampolining and Crafts. It costs £25 per day and is aimed at aged 4 and over.
Halo Leisure’s Summer Holiday swimming
Halo Teen Fit Hit Summer pass
Monday 24 July to Sunday 3 September
Have fun whilst keeping active. For 12-17-year-olds to have unlimited access to Halo's leisure facilities during the summer holidays for a one-off payment of £30. Includes the gym, golf and swimming through to group exercise classes, athletics track, and spa/sauna and steam room (latter for ages 16 and above). This offer is available to all teenagers in Herefordshire. The pass can be purchased now, and activation will begin on 24th July onwards. The price is fixed at £30, regardless of when people sign up.
Melody Dance Company Summer Camp
Monday 31 July and Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 August
React’s Trampolining Summer Club
Various dates
Join React Club's fantastic summer trampolining programme, on various dates between 25 July and 18 August, for £25 per day. You must book in advance.
Please note: This list has been compiled for information only and should not be taken as an endorsement of any of the activities listed.
This page was last updated on 11 August 2023