Hidden Histories & hands on fun this September
September is shaping up to be a brilliant month, with Heritage Open Days: Brick Builders Club taking the spotlight as our free headline events. Alongside them, the month is packed with hands‑on history and creative sessions- from Eastgate Chamber Tours and Roman Gloucester Walks to both Nature Journal Workshop (U16) and Nature Journal Workshop (Over 16s).
Plus, there’s just over a month left to enjoy two brilliant drop‑in spaces before they close: the Discovery Centre and Pictures, Places & Spaces. It’s the perfect time to explore, make, discover and soak up the last of the summer before autumn settles in.
Highlight of the month:
Brick Builders Club is joining this year’s Heritage Open Days with a free, hands‑on creative session for all ages. Build Gloucester‑themed LEGO and DUPLO creations, spark big imaginations, and head off for an explore around the museum to uncover stories, objects and hidden corners from the city’s past. It’s relaxed, playful Heritage Open Days fun, perfect for families who love to make, discover and roam.
Heritage Open Days: Brick Builders Club
Sat 12 Sep
Drop in for a relaxed, creative building session using LEGO and DUPLO, with playful prompts inspired by Gloucester. Kids can build, explore and let their imaginations run wild in this special Heritage Open Days edition. Suitable for ages 4+.
What’s On This September:
September is packed with ways to explore, make and discover. From underground history and Roman adventures to creative nature journaling for all ages, there’s plenty to dive into, whether you’re visiting with family or looking for something just for you.
Civic Trust: Eastgate Chamber Tours
Fri 4 & 25 Sep, 11am - 12pm
Head underground for a whistle‑stop adventure through Gloucester’s past. See Roman gates, medieval towers and Tudor remains, and hear the dramatic story of the 1643 Siege right where it happened. A brilliant, hands‑on peek into the city’s hidden history. Suitable for ages 7+.
Civic Trust: Roman Gloucester Walks
Fri 18 Sep, 10:30 - 11:30am
Join a guided wander through Roman Gloucester, starting at the Museum and dipping into the Eastgate Chamber to see the original Roman gate and 4th‑century wall. Trace the old city walls, stop at The Cross, once the centre of Colonia Nerva Glevensis, and meet Emperor Nerva in Southgate. Finish back at the Museum with Roman tombstones, jewellery and artefacts. Suitable for ages 7+.
Nature Journal Workshop (U16)
Sat 26 Sep, 2 - 3pm
Get creative with artist Claire Taylor‑Jones in this hands‑on nature journaling session for young makers. Using objects from the handling collection, children will sketch, explore and build simple drawing skills while learning how to spot details in nature. A relaxed, imaginative workshop designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Suitable for ages 5 -16.
Nature Journal Workshop (Over 16s)
Sat 26 Sep, 3 - 4pm
Join artist Claire Taylor‑Jones for a reflective, nature‑focused drawing session centred on the fox. Sketch, and explore how journaling can become part of everyday life, supporting creativity, calm and deeper connection with the natural world. A thoughtful workshop for anyone looking to develop their practice and build a meaningful nature journal. Suitable for ages 16+.
EXPLORE & UNWIND THIS EARLY AUTUMN
As we head into September, two brilliant spaces in the Museum are entering their final stretch, giving you just over a month left to drop in, explore, and enjoy them before they close.
The Discovery Centre
Open until Sat 10 Oct
There’s just over a month left to explore the Discovery Centre before it closes. We’re continuing our big unboxing project with Cotswold Archaeology - opening boxes, revealing finds, and sharing the amazing stories buried beneath Gloucester’s streets. Watch archaeologists at work, see new discoveries as they happen, and dive into fun, family‑friendly activities throughout early autumn. Come and explore before it’s gone.
Pictures, Places and Spaces
Open until Sun 11 Oct
Settle into a calm corner of the Museum this early autumn and enjoy a curated mix of artworks inspired by Gloucester’s streets and buildings. Little ones can dive into our cosy pop‑up library, packed with stories and comfy spots to read and relax. With just over a month left to visit, it’s the perfect place to unwind together before the exhibition closes.
Looking Ahead
With free Heritage Open Days fun, underground adventures, creative sessions and two brilliant spaces in their final stretch, September brings the whole season full circle. A month built for exploring, making and soaking up the last of the sunshine.