Home

The Museum in the Park is celebrating a double success after being shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Cotswolds Awards 2026, as the museum marks its 25th anniversary year.

The popular attraction has been nominated for Best Museum in the Cotswolds 2026 and Best Free Attraction in the Cotswolds 2026, recognising its role as one of the district's leading cultural destinations and its commitment to making history, heritage and culture accessible to everyone.

Located in the grounds of Stratford Park, Museum in the Park is managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust. It is home to more than 4,000 objects and artefacts on display, telling the story of the Stroud district and its people through centuries of local history.

Alongside its collections, the museum features an award-winning walled garden, a dedicated contemporary exhibition space, a shop showcasing work by local artists and makers, and a café serving drinks, snacks and ice creams. 

Entry to the museum, gardens and exhibitions is free.

Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said:

"I’m thrilled to see Museum in the Park shortlisted in two Cotswolds Awards categories during its 25th anniversary year. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating our district's rich heritage while providing a welcoming space for residents and visitors of all ages to explore, learn and be inspired.

"This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters who help make the museum such a valued community asset."

The museum is joined by a number of other Stroud district businesses, attractions and organisations shortlisted across this year's awards. Categories include Best Hotel, Ice Cream Shop, Farm Shop, Garden, Green Business, Gift Shop and Shopping Destination, highlighting the breadth of talent, creativity and enterprise within the district.

The awards also recognise local artistic talent. Stroud-based artist Cleo Mussi, who has exhibited at the museum, designed the planting in the Museum in the Park's award-winning walled garden and has generously contributed many of the plants that help make it such a special space, has been nominated for Artist of the Year.

Over the past 25 years, Museum in the Park has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors through its doors, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, events, education activities and community projects alongside its permanent collections.

The Cotswolds Awards celebrate the businesses, attractions and organisations that make the region a special place to live, work and visit. The museum's nominations highlight both the quality of its visitor experience and the importance of maintaining free access to culture and heritage.

Members of the public can vote for the Museum in the Park in both categories by visiting Homepage - The Cotswolds Awards

Voting is now open and closes on 30 November 2026, with winners due to be announced on 1 December 2026.

The museum offers a free membership scheme, providing updates on exhibitions and events, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. 

Find out more at http://www.museuminthepark.org.uk/membership.

“There are exciting plans in place for the historic Old Town Hall in Stroud, which will see the creation of a new Centre for Textile Arts to celebrate the textile heritage of the Stroud valleys. Following a council decision, the Grade II* listed property will be transferred to Stroud Valleys Artspace, to work with the Stroudwater Textiles Trust for development of a new cultural centre in the heart of the town, with creative workspaces for textile artists alongside a permanent home for the collections and activities of the Trust. I’m delighted that this transfer will help to protect the future of such a wonderful heritage asset, provide a new visitor attraction for the town and promote community access to arts and culture. 

For anyone looking for cultural and fun events for the school holidays this week, we’ve produced a huge list of activities which are either free-of-charge or low cost,  also shared via our email newsletter.

Annual fireworks events also start this week with the Rotary Five Valleys Fireworks at Marling School Playing Field in Stroud, which has been running for over 50 years and raises money for local charities.

Congratulations to everyone who ran in the 44th Stroud Half Marathon and 10K on October 25th, including my colleague Cllr Gill Thomas who managed to litter pick along the race, collecting 26 bags of rubbish!  A big thank you to all the volunteer organisers from Stroud and District Athletics Club who make this fixture in the Stroud district calendar such a great event for competitors and spectators.

Finally, if you have any views on the priorities for transport in Gloucestershire, please do take a moment to complete the survey on the draft Local Transport Plan which is open until 15 November.”

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader, Stroud District Council

Looking for ways to keep the children entertained this half term? From spooky trails and Hallowe'en adventures to crafts, wildlife activities and family days out, there's plenty happening across the Stroud district over the school holidays. Many events are free or low cost, making it easy to enjoy a great half term without travelling far.

Families can follow trails, get creative with craft sessions, discover nature, enjoy themed Hallowe'en events and even take a ride on Stratford Park's miniature railway before it closes for the season. Highlights include free activities at Museum in the Park, family trails at Woodchester Park and Newark Park, Hallowe'en fun at Berkeley Castle, and a packed programme of activities at Brimscombe Mill and Active Lifestyles centres.

Throughout half term

The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill free I Spy Trail, Museum in the Park (Tuesday – Sunday)
A Spooky Search: free family explorer trail, Museum in the Park (Tuesday – Sunday)
Daily drop-in activities at Brimscombe Mill including crafts, scavenger hunts, games, food and play area (Monday – Saturday)
Kings Stanley Playgroup Hallowe'en Adventure Trail
Become an Apprentice Dragon Keeper free family trail, Dursley Library
Brilliant Bats trail, Woodchester Park

Spooky Cellars, Woodchester Mansion
Children's craft activities and dressing-up opportunities at Brimscombe Mill
Family trails at Newark Park
Big Bat Trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
Let’s Play Fun Days, Active Lifestyles Stroud (Monday-Friday)
Private swimming tuition, Active Lifestyles Stroud (Monday-Friday)
Junior Gym Sessions, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en at Berkeley Castle
SUPER Natural October Half Term, WWT Slimbridge
Cattle Country Pumpkin Patch
The Ghosts of Button House (PG), Wotton Cinema
Various films at Stroud Vue 

Daily activities:
25 October
Stratford Park Miniature Railway (last session of the year)
Green Hallowe'en: Pumpkins in the Park, Museum in the Park with Stroud Valleys Project
Film show: Room on the Broom, Museum in the Park
Stratford Park Miniature Railway's final running day of the year
Buzz Club in the Walled Garden, Museum in the Park

26 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Synwell Playing Fields, Wotton-under-Edge
Bouncy Castle & Soft Play, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Outdoor Cookery Workshop for 11-18 year olds, Common Soil Community Farm
Rotary Five Valleys Fireworks (Ebley Fireworks)

27 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Kingswood Playing Field
Multi activities and food by World Jungle, 10am – 12 noon Woodfields Play Area, Cam and 2 – 4pm Stratford Park, Stroud
Games and activities by Sportily, Minchinhampton Primary School
Storytelling and colouring for ages 2-5 years, Amberley Shop & Café
K-Pop Demon Hunters dance workshop, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Activity Day, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Kids Kitchen at the Long Table, Brimscombe Mill

28 October
Hallowe'en Family Roller Skating, Active Lifestyles Stroud
K-Pop Demon Hunters dance workshop, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hands on Reptile Experience, Brimscombe Mill (advance booking required)
Bat Box Making, Woodchester Park
Clay Sculpture Animals, Newark Park
Garden Stories free creative drop-in activities, Museum in the Park

29 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Victory Park, Cainscross
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Highfields Play Area, Dursley
Half Term Woolly Morning with Stroudwater Textile Trust, Museum in the Park
Crafternoon: Learn to Crochet, Brimscombe Mill (booking required)
Fancy Dress Family Disco, Brimscombe Mill
Kids Kitchen at the Long Table, Brimscombe Mill
Garden Stories free creative drop-in activities, Museum in the Park

Something Wicked This Way Comes!, Woodchester Mansion
Family group sessions with crafts and games at Longfield
Activity Day, Active Lifestyles Dursley

30 October
Crafty Creatures family drop-in workshop, Museum in the Park
Silly Science Workshop, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Scare Fair with crafts, games, face painting and bouncy castle, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Hallowe'en Craft Session, APT Stonehouse
Hallowe'en Pumpkin Painting, Stroud Brewery
Swim Clinic, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Owl Pellet Exploration, Woodchester Park
Let's Create drop-in session, The Sanctuary, Brimscombe Mill
Children's Hallowe'en Disco, Chalford Sports & Social Club
CCT Hallowe’en Cruise from the Bowbridge Arms
Cotswold Canals Trust Hallowe'en boat trips

31 October
Spooky Songs & Folk Magic with Carnival of Cryptids, Museum in the Park
Spooky Stroll around Stratford Park, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en Hunt, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en Pool Party, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Let's Create drop-in crafts, Stroud Brewery
Hallowe'en Party, The Village Inn, Kings Stanley
Cotswold Canals Trust Hallowe'en boat trips
Dr Jenner’s House Hallowe’en Spooktacular
Frampton Fright Night and Fireworks

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Wotton Cinema

1 November
Hallowe'en Pool Party, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Wotton Cinema
King’s Stanley Playgroup Hallowe’en Funday

For a full list of half term activities and event details, see VisitStroud.uk

Please visit organisers' websites before travelling, as arrangements may change.

Sign up for Stroud District Council email updates at https://stroud.gov.uk/emailalerts to receive future events and news direct to your inbox.