Art, Archaeology & Adventures This August
This August the Museum is full of calm creative moments, hands‑on history, Roman adventures and real archaeology unfolding in real time.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Looking for a gentle moment in the middle of summer? Our Community Gallery is the perfect spot to slow down, explore something beautiful, and enjoy a calm pause before diving back into the holiday buzz.
Pictures, Places & Spaces
Opens Sat 8 Aug
Looking for a gentle break from the summer‑holiday buzz - and the heat? Step into our Community Gallery and explore a small exhibition of artworks inspired by Gloucester’s buildings and streetscapes. It’s a calm, thoughtful space to slow down, look closely, and enjoy something beautiful.
Little ones can settle into our pop‑up library, with stories, adventures, and comfy spots to read while you wander. And with the museum staying naturally cool throughout the day, it’s an easy place for families to pause and recharge.
Drop in anytime and make yourself at home.
WHAT’S ON THIS AUGUST
Looking for something fun to dip into this month? From creative workshops to Roman history and hands‑on discoveries, there’s plenty happening across the Museum for all ages and interests. Here’s what’s coming up.
Museum Explorer Trail
On until Sun 6 Sep
Ready to become a Museum Explorer? Pick up your trail sheet and set off on an adventure through thousands of years of Gloucester’s history - spotting clues, cracking puzzles and uncovering stories as you go. From prehistoric creatures and Roman soldiers to Medieval life, nature and archaeology, every gallery has something to find.
It’s a fun, imaginative trail for families and curious visitors aged 3+.
Free to join with a voluntary donation if you’d like to support the Museum.
Civic Trust: Roman Gloucester Walks
Fri 17 Jul, 10:30 - 11:30am
Take a breezy walk through Gloucester’s Roman roots. Starting at the Museum, you’ll visit the Eastgate Chamber, trace the old Roman walls through the city, stop at The Cross, once the centre of Colonia Nerva Glevensis, and pass the site of the forum (with a wave to Emperor Nerva’s statue).
The tour ends back at the Museum with tombstones, jewellery and artefacts from the period. A relaxed, fascinating wander for history fans ages 7+.
Civic Trust Tours: Eastgate Chamber
Fri 14 & 21 Aug, 11am - 12pm
Step underground and explore Gloucester’s history layer by layer. In the Eastgate Chamber you’ll see the remains of the 2nd‑century Roman gate, the 4th‑century walls, and traces of the Norman and medieval city -including the 13th‑century tower and 16th‑century horsepool.
It’s a compact but fascinating space packed with stories, from everyday medieval life to the Siege of Gloucester in 1643. A great little dive into the city’s past for curious visitors ages 7+.
Nature Journal Workshop (U16)
Sat 22 Aug, 2 - 3pm
Join artist Claire Taylor‑Jones for a monthly creative session where young artists build their own Nature Journal across the year. Each workshop has a new theme, inspired by objects from our handling collection - plus a real animal or plant to observe and sketch on the day.
Claire guides children through simple drawing and observation skills, helping them connect with nature in a calm, confidence‑boosting way. Come to one session or collect them all, your journal grows as you do.
Special family deal:
£5 per child, £8 for two, £10 for three!
Nature Journal Workshop (Over 16)
Sat 22 Aug, 3 - 4pm
Build your own Nature Journal across the year with artist Claire Taylor‑Jones in this monthly creative series. Each session focuses on a new theme, inspired by objects from our handling collection - plus a real animal or plant to observe and sketch on the day.
Claire will guide you through simple drawing and observation techniques, with more focus on how journalling can fit into everyday life and support creativity, wellbeing and mindful moments. Come to one workshop or join the whole series, your journal grows with you.
Roman Soldier Tour of the Eastgate Chamber
Sat 29 Aug, 2pm - 3pm
Head underground with auxiliary Roman soldier Lucius for a lively look at Gloucester’s original city walls. He’ll guide you through the Eastgate Chamber, explain how the defences were built, and share what happened to them over the centuries - all with plenty of stories along the way.
A quick, fascinating dive into Roman Gloucester for curious visitors of all ages 5+
Holiday Memories Scrapbook Workshop
Sat 29 Aug, 2pm - 4pm
Create a colourful scrapbook of your summer with artist Claire Taylor‑Jones. We’ll provide templates, pens, pencils and plenty of crafty bits - you just bring your memories and ideas. If you’ve saved any holiday treasures (tickets, stickers, pressed flowers, photos… anything flattish!) feel free to bring them along, but it’s totally optional.
It’s a relaxed, creative session for families with children aged 4+.
Part of the Gloucester Goes Retro celebrations.
DISCOVERIES IN PROGRESS…
The Discovery Centre
Open until Sat 10 Oct
Curious about what’s hiding beneath Gloucester? Over the summer and early autumn, our team, working with Cotswold Archaeology, will be unboxing more of the city’s archaeology right here in the Museum. You can watch archaeologists at work, see new discoveries as they happen, and get stuck into fun, family‑friendly activities.
It’s a rare chance to see real finds being revealed in real time. Come on in and see what turns up next.
Slow Down & Explore With Us
August is full of gentle pauses, creative notebooks, Roman routes and hands‑on discoveries from quiet moments in Pictures, Places & Story Spaces to underground tours, sketchbook workshops and family adventures across the galleries. However you choose to explore, there’s plenty to enjoy all month long.