Display: Home From Home - Our Migration Stories
May
17
to Dec 20
Collections Display, Community Display

Display: Home From Home - Our Migration Stories

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The display brings together personal objects and stories from 12 local contributors who have direct or family experience of migration. Together, they have selected around 50 objects that reflect journeys from 11 different countries: India, Italy, Jamaica, Latvia, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, Syria, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine.

From a Windrush-era sea voyage to Polish and Italian settlement after the Second World War, the display explores what belonging means to people who have made Stroud district their home.

Objects range from precious keepsakes carried across continents to everyday items that reflect the reality of building a new life.

Featuring artworks by Dareth Guthrie, Alina Hamal, Sam Mukumba and Yasemin Wigglesworth, together with photographs of the Italian community by Fulvio Naselli.

These contemporary stories are set alongside historic objects from the museum’s collection, revealing how migration has shaped the district for thousands of years. Stories stretch from the pre-historic Beaker people to 16th century Huguenot refugees, placing today’s experiences in a much wider local context.

This long-term display has been made possible through the generous funding of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Cowle Trust.

Image caption: Carmela Guerrini from Italy, photographed at home in Stroud by Fulvio Naselli.

First Floor (At Home gallery, room 11)

 Admission free, donations welcome

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Display: Budding's Lawnmower Model
Aug
18
to Nov 1
Collections Display

Display: Budding's Lawnmower Model

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Edwin Beard Budding invented the mechanical lawnmower in Stroud in 1830. This scale model of his original design probably dates from the 1830s and was made to exhibit at trade shows. It may be older than any surviving Budding lawnmower.

The model’s existence has only recently come to light and is on public display for the first time.

Foyer

Free, donations welcome

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Early Morning Yoga: Vinyasa Flow with Emma Tilley
Sep
8
to Dec 15

Early Morning Yoga: Vinyasa Flow with Emma Tilley

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Join Emma Tilley for an early morning yoga class in the light and airy Pavilion overlooking the beautiful Walled Garden. Get your body moving; get stronger, find balance, find strength and ease. Each 60-minute session includes a blissful relaxation to leave you feeling ready for the rest of your day. All abilities welcome; though be mindful that this is an energetic class which can be physically demanding.

Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. If you don’t have a mat or you have any questions, please email Emma.

Click here for further details, dates and bookings.

Times: 9.15am - 10.15am

No classes during half term & school holidays.

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FULLY BOOKED Seasons of Life: Tuesday Morning Singing Series
Sep
8
to Oct 20

FULLY BOOKED Seasons of Life: Tuesday Morning Singing Series

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Lift your spirits and enjoy singing seasonal folk songs in this new friendly, informal group run by Eleanor Holliday. For all ages, this intergenerational group is for anyone who loves the feel-good energy of singing with others or wishes to try singing for the first time. No pressure, no performance … just come and have a go!

All you need is a willingness to commit to the series and fairly good eyesight (song words are written on a flipchart).

This group is for everyone and aims to bring different generations together – come on your own, or come with your baby, toddler or grand-child. After the session you can buy hot or cold drinks, cakes and snacks in the museum’s foyer café or enjoy time exploring the museum and walled garden.

Please note: this is a pre-booked series, so drop-ins are not possible.

Dates: September 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20 (7 sessions) 
Times: 10.15am - 11.15am 
Venue: Meeting Room, Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud GL5 4AF
What to bring: bring your water bottle (ask at reception if you need a re-fill)
Max. number of places:
Cost: £35 (accompanying children free)
Advance booking required – book online here or call 01453 763394

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UNmaking - An Exhibition by The Textile Study Group
Sep
12
to Nov 8

UNmaking - An Exhibition by The Textile Study Group

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We build our skills through experience, and as a result, our material knowledge and understanding become embodied in the work itself. There is a deep connection here, where materiality explored over time through repetitive action builds tacit knowledge, an embodied understanding that textile artists can often take for granted.

UNmaking challenges this. It’s not simply about taking something apart; it’s a deliberate act of deconstruction that can be a powerful journey of discovery. It asks us to question our assumptions and to explore new directions by embracing the process of unravelling, cutting, and unpicking. UNmaking invites us to consider if a work, poised on the verge of disintegration or collapse, can be acceptable as complete, and what it means to an audience if we present a piece that is somewhere between made and unmade.

UNmaking is a thinking process. It’s an act of revealing and understanding. By exploring the concept of unmaking, we can learn when something is truly finished and how to push our creative boundaries. As a community of curious, inquisitive makers, we believe in sharing ideas about process with intention. UNmaking is an opportunity to review, reflect, and refine our work, allowing us to take a moment to interrogate why we create.

The work in this exhibition will deliberately evolve over time and across venues. The concept of unmaking intends to show work at different stages of the making/unmaking journey and the artists will continue to develop the work as their practice shifts and process is explored further. This is expands the opportunities of a touring show.

Accompanied by a drop-in family workshop on the opening weekend, informal Meet the Maker sessions, and a series of special pre-booked workshops with acclaimed textile tutors. Further details here.

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Display: 25 Years of Museum in the Park
Sep
30
to Dec 20
Collections Display, Community Display

Display: 25 Years of Museum in the Park

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Museum in the Park first threw open its doors to visitors in January 2001. Twenty five years on, we look back at the Stratford Park Mansion House before and after its transformation into a museum.

Over the years the Mansion has provided a home for wealthy clothiers, brewers, monks, orphaned children and ordinary working people. Discover this history and find out more about the project to save the house and garden from ruin.

Come and see historic depictions of the Mansion, long-lost objects found during the renovations, and visitors’ photos and recollections of the Museum over the past 25 years.

The Space, First Floor

Free - donations welcome

Photo © Barry Watchorn

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Indie Press Network Poetry Salon
Oct
1
7:00 PM19:00

Indie Press Network Poetry Salon

Hosted by Dialect, the Indie Press Network Poetry Salon returns to Museum in the Park on 1st October for an evening of readings, conversation and independent publishing for National Poetry Day.

The evening brings together writers, editors and readers who value the imagination and experimentation that small presses make possible. Expect lively discussion, new work and a welcoming space to meet others shaping today’s poetry landscape. An ideal way to step into the spirit of the national celebration.

Our readers for October are Milena Williamson, Cheryl Moskowitz, Erin Robinsong, Emma Clowsley, plus Zo Copeland, Allyson Hallet, Teddy Mills and Cherry Potts reading as a quartet!

6pm - 8pm in the Walled Garden Pavilion

This event is free and books will be for sale

Please book via Dialect to help us keep track of numbers.

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Meet the Maker: Siân Martin
Oct
3
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Siân Martin

Come and meet acclaimed textile artist Siân Martin, one of the Textile Study Group makers whose work is included in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition. Siân will be in residence in the Art Gallery and you are welcome to ask questions and share ideas.

Siân’s work explores ways to convey movement and layering, joining multiple shapes to create illusions of motion. Using cloth, paper, natural materials, and threads, she is inspired by the landscapes of her home in Somerset, particularly the wetlands. Her pieces connect the natural beauty of the area with themes of conservation.

FREE entry, an informal drop-in Gallery event, all welcome.

For further information about the Maker click here

For further information about the UNmaking exhibition click here

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Poetry Evening
Oct
7
8:00 PM20:00

Poetry Evening

Yew Tree Press present an evening of poetry readings in the Walled Garden Pavilion. All welcome, doors open at 7.30pm and readings start at 8pm, no need to book just come along for 8pm.

Matthew Barton's 'new and selected' book, Singing Lessons,  testifies to a lifetime's work in poetry, both as writer and as teacher of the craft in schools, prison and universities. Twice winner of the BBC Wildlife Poet of the Year, Matthew Barton addresses our relationships with nature and with each other.

The poet Philip Gross praises his "an extraordinary quality of attention to creatures, things and people".

Pip Heywood, known to many of us as a film maker and as 'Poet Laureate' of Nailsworth, has a new pamphlet of poems which talk frankly and kindly about growing old and which celebrate community and a sense of place. Pip Heywood stitches
an "embroidery of dialogue and recollection".

Lania Knight, whose new pamphlet, 'Some of Us', is her second with Yew Tree Press of Stroud writes about home and family and in perfectly fashioned elegies about the death of her father. Though these are far from cheerless poems. “When Thor stands at your cradle," she tells us,  "everyone takes notice. They pass with their clip charts, eyes forward, trying not to miss a step."

JLM Morton is a director of Dialect which promotes local and regional writers and provides platforms in which they can write, collaborate and share good practice. Her new book, 'Borrowed Ground', is out from Broken Sleep Books. Its poems offer a reckoning with land, climate grief, and the entanglement of human and more-than-human life. They are "rooted in the woodland and river country of the west of England".

7.30 for 8pm
Free entry and everyone welcome
Refreshments and books for sale

If you need directions or accessible parking, please call the Museum Team on 01453 763394. Bring a torch to light your walk across the park or from and to the car park.

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Meet the Maker: Polly Pollock
Oct
9
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Polly Pollock

Come and meet acclaimed textile artist and basket maker Polly Pollock, one of the Textile Study Group makers whose work is included in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition. Polly will be in residence in the Art Gallery and you are welcome to ask questions and share ideas.

Polly’s work combines basketry and stitched textile techniques which explores themes of homemaking and nurture, damage, protection and repair. She works mostly with paper yarns which she dyes using gentle eco-dyes, often produced from vegetable peelings, tea leaves and so on, to give soft and gentle colour palettes. Polly tries to ensure that her work, albeit in small ways, avoids contributing to the mounting levels of waste in the world today.

FREE entry, an informal drop-in Gallery event, all welcome.

For further information about the Maker click here

For further information about the UNmaking exhibition click here

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Small Looped Baskets: Textile Workshop with Polly Pollock    
Oct
11
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

Small Looped Baskets: Textile Workshop with Polly Pollock    

Treat yourself to a creative and calming day out with this special day workshop with ‘UNmaking’ textile artist Polly Pollock. Come and learn how to make a small looped pouch from paper yarns.  This will include making a simple mould to work around, learning how to get started, then working the main body of your small looped basket/pouch, how to join materials, and how to finish off.  

All materials provided, please bring a packed lunch.

Tickets £80 full price, £76 Museum/TSG Members & Concs, or attend with a friend for £140.

Advance booking required: book online here or call 01453 763394

Part of the Textile Study Group's UNmaking exhibition programme at The Museum in the Park

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Museum Tour for Dobunni Poetry Festival
Oct
16
9:30 AM09:30

Museum Tour for Dobunni Poetry Festival

Join Museum Curator and Collections Officer Zoe Wilcox for an early morning tour of the Museum. Fossils and fans, lawnmowers and lace, paintings and pots … this local history museum is full of fascinating objects full of memory and meaning. It offers endless sources of inspiration for creative writing.

Tickets £3, booking essential as only 10 places. Please book via the Dobunni Poetry Festival website.

Meet outside the Museum at 9.20am. Museum opens to the public at 10am.

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No Ideas But In Things - Dobunni Poetry Festival Writing Workshop
Oct
16
10:00 AM10:00
Workshop

No Ideas But In Things - Dobunni Poetry Festival Writing Workshop

No ideas but in things is a hands‑on poetry workshop with Emily Wills that invites you to explore the stories held in objects, places and the textures of everyday life. Working with artefacts, fragments, and details from our local landscape, we’ll use the museum’s collections and our own personal histories as starting points for our writing.

Together, we’ll look closely at the things we carry, the things we inherit, and the things that anchor us to Stroud and its surrounding valleys. Through guided exercises, gentle prompts and shared discussion, you’ll learn how to transform these materials into poems that are intimate and expansive.

This workshop welcomes everyone: whether you’re completely new to writing or already developing your poetic practice. All you need is curiosity, a willingness to look closely, and an openness to what the things around you might be trying to say.

Emily Wills is an experienced poetry tutor and facilitator, having run workshops at The Arvon Foundation and at various health and community venues. She was poet in residence at Gloucester crematorium as part of a collaborative project, Written in Stone. Her latest collection, The Overview Effect, was published this year by Pindrop Press, and she has two collections and a pamphlet published by Rialto. Following a career as a local GP, she now works as a facilitator in Restorative Justice.

Tickets cost 15, advance booking essential. Please book via the Poetry Festival website.

This workshop takes place in the Museum’s Collectors’ Room, one of our display rooms full of fascinating things. No food or drink is allowed here, to help keep our Collections safe. Ticket holders can claim a complimentary tea or coffee, after the workshop, from the Museum’s Mini Foyer Café.

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‘Ridiculous Monstrosities?’ Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis
Oct
16
10:30 AM10:30
Talk

‘Ridiculous Monstrosities?’ Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis

A rather too close a look at the naughtiest and strangest things in Cotswold churches

Why are our medieval churches chock full of naughty, naughty things? Men and women showing off their naughty bits, strange beasts and monsters. What’s going on? Is the world turned upside down? From our very earliest churches, such as Saxon Deerhurst, grotesque creatures have guarded our churches from what lurks without. Kirsty Hartsiotis explores what these entities represent, how they reflect the world views of the people who built the churches and why there are so many, despite the Victorians tidying things up … We’ll explore the best – or worst? – of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds’ most curious church sights in this talk!

Tickets: £7 / £6 conc / £5 Museum in the Park Members (free to join)

Booking required - book online or call the Museum on 01453 763394

Ticket holders can enjoy a half price tea, coffee or hot chocolate before or after the talk - please ask at Reception when you arrive.

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Tone and Line on Bark Cloth: Textile Workshop with Bobby Britnell
Oct
17
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

Tone and Line on Bark Cloth: Textile Workshop with Bobby Britnell

Join acclaimed textile tutor and artist Bobby Britnell for a special day workshop linked to the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition.

On this day course we will investigate tone and line in a number of ways and explore their uses in design for both art and textiles. Preliminary work will be carried out using a variety of tools, media and surfaces and will form the basis for personal interpretations into small cloth and stitch pieces, using bark cloth. As with nearly all of Bobby's courses, artist research will offer further insight into the development of personal ideas around this theme.

As artists we constantly look for new ways of working but also hold on to what we know best. Bark cloth has become an important part of Bobby’s creative practice and here it has been used along with the techniques of printing and stitching, adding and subtracting, as she works intuitively through each piece, allowing the quality of the bark cloth to show through.

Bobby first discovered bark cloth when visiting Kisaabwa in southern Uganda. It is a 100% organic fibre and can be described as an organic 'living' cloth which, in the history of textiles is unquestionably the most ancient cloth and the first non-woven textile. It is thought that bark cloth was first discovered during the reign of Ssekabaka Kimera, who ruled from 1217 to 1247. It requires a master craftsman with knowledge, skill and experience to create the cloth from the inner bark of the Mutuba Tree.

This workshop is for adults, all abilities welcome and materials provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

Tickets: £80 full price, £76 Museum/TSG Members/Concs, or attend with a friend for £140.

Advance booking required: book online here or call 01453 763394

Part of the Textile Study Group's UNmaking exhibition programme at The Museum in the Park.

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Exedra Nursery Pop Up Plant Sale
Oct
17
to Oct 18

Exedra Nursery Pop Up Plant Sale

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As part of our 10 years of the Walled Garden celebrations, we are delighted to welcome back Exedra Nursery with a not-to-be-missed pop up plant sale. If you are inspired by the beautiful borders designed by artist Cleo Mussi, this is your chance to snap up some high quality plants to try in your own garden. Exedra are an independent nursery based at Painswick Rococo Garden where they grow many of their own plants including cottage garden favourites and more unusual varieties.

You can also meet some of our volunteer gardeners and swap notes on the highs and lows of gardening in a changing climate.

Exedra Nursery will be in the Walled Garden selling late-flowering perennials, shrubs and a range of spring flowering bulbs specially selected by their favourite Dutch grower. Look out for a wonderful range of tulips, perfect for planting in November!

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Walled Garden Eco Printing: Workshop with Ruth Illingworth
Oct
17
1:30 PM13:30
Workshop

Walled Garden Eco Printing: Workshop with Ruth Illingworth

Join local artist and Walled Garden volunteer Ruth Illingworth and create an eco print picture on paper.

Ecoprint is the process of using leaves and flowers to produce permanent imprints of the plants themselves using steam as the heat source and tight binding to enable the plants to give their colour and shape to the paper or fabric.

After you have prepared your own image you will be given the opportunity to collaborate with the other participants to produce an ecoprint hanging to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Walled Garden.

Ruth has been creating dyes from Walled Garden plants and flowers and locally foraged material and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and skill. She presents this workshop as part of the Walled Garden 10th Anniversary Celebration programme.

Workshop takes place in the Walled Garden Pavilion, all materials provided. For adults, all abilities welcome.

Tickets £30 (£25 Concs/Museum Members), advance booking essential.

Book online here or call 01453 763394.

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Meet the Makers Mandy Pattullo & Shelley Rhodes
Oct
17
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Makers Mandy Pattullo & Shelley Rhodes

Discover more about the work, themes and techniques in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition and meet two of the makers in this free, informal drop-in Gallery session.

Mandy Pattullo makes textile collages which bring together old and often disintegrating textiles with hand stitched marks. She generates interesting surface textures through unpicking and deconstructing old quilts, garments, ethnic and antique cloth. These are patched together and embellished with stitch.

Through preserving the discarded and overlooked and refashioning these rescued rags into new patchworks she hopes to force the viewer to re-examine fabrics that have become flawed through wear and tear and find in them a new beauty.

Shelley Rhodes observes and responds to small details in the environment and everyday things she encounters.  She is drawn to distressed, worn surfaces, altered over time and will often ‘weather’ work as part of her practice. She re-uses materials: found, salvaged or discarded, including remnants and offcuts, thus embracing the Japanese ethos of Mottainai.

We hope you enjoy meeting these two talented makers and sharing ideas and conversations.

Image: Mandy Pattullo collage

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SOLD OUT Reworked Cloth: Fragment and Repair - Workshop with Shelley Rhodes
Oct
18
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

SOLD OUT Reworked Cloth: Fragment and Repair - Workshop with Shelley Rhodes

Start with a piece of cloth that may be pre-used, weathered and worn, new and pristine or even something that you have previously dyed, printed or stitched. Then alter and rework the cloth by chopping, changing and rearranging.

Materials provided, please bring a packed lunch.

This workshop is SOLD OUT.

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Meet the Maker: Bobby Britnell
Oct
18
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Bobby Britnell

Discover more about the work, themes and techniques in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition and meet one of the acclaimed makers in this free, informal drop-in Gallery session.

Bobby Britnell has been working with textiles for over 55 years. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in drawing, painting, and the exploration of diverse materials. She has drawn inspiration from the beautiful Shropshire countryside, reflecting its textures and marks in her work. Her process often begins with bold charcoal drawings, which informs subsequent layers of paint, dye and stitch.

A key material in recent and current work is bark cloth from Southern Uganda, valued for its unique raw texture, versatility and its cultural importance. More recently she has combined the bark cloth with other materials providing new explorations into print and surface design.

Bobby has taught across schools, guilds, and community groups, including the BA Stitched Textiles Degree program at the Julia Caprara School. She currently shares her passion for art and textiles through online courses and face-to-face workshops, attracting the best of tutors to teach and students from around the world.

Do come and meet her to find out more.

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The Story of Stroud's Secret Garden: Afternoon Talk & Tea
Oct
18
2:00 PM14:00
Talk

The Story of Stroud's Secret Garden: Afternoon Talk & Tea

This October the Museum’s wonderful Walled Garden celebrates its 10th Anniversary since opening to visitors. Come and help us celebrate by attending this illustrated talk presented by Kevin Ward (Museum Development Manager) and Ann Taylor (Garden Volunteer Coordinator and former Museum in the Park Learning Officer).

We’ll take a look back at how an abandoned wasteland was transformed into a beautiful garden, thanks to the hard work and imagination of many community groups, volunteers and funders.

Tea and cake will be served after the talk which takes place in the Walled Garden Pavilion.

Tickets £7, £6 concs, £5 Museum in the Park Members (free to join).

Advance booking required: book online here or call 01453 763394.

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Celebrating 10 Years of the Walled Garden
Oct
20
to Oct 23

Celebrating 10 Years of the Walled Garden

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This October our wonderful Walled Garden is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Garden Volunteers, this special, beautiful place is loved by the community and visitors from far and wide.

Come and see artwork made Garden volunteers and Buzz Club members, watch a slideshow showing how the garden developed, and enjoy cake and conversation with some of the amazing people who tend this ever-changing space.

Free entry, everyone welcome, drop in between 2pm - 4pm. Hot and cold drinks can be purchased from the Museum’s mini foyer café.

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Save the date! Textile Repair & Upcycling Community Café
Oct
23
10:00 AM10:00

Save the date! Textile Repair & Upcycling Community Café

Please save the date! Come and get practical tips and advice on how to repair your clothes or textiles, and upcycling inspiration to help prevent textiles from going to landfill and help make our community a little more sustainable. Or bring your own sewing or craft project and enjoy meeting people and sharing ideas. With volunteers from Transition Stroud Textiles Group, this special pop up event accompanies the UNmaking exhibition. A free community drop-in event, everyone welcome.

If you have a specific textile or clothing repair you’d like help with, please email Transition Stroud so they can make sure they bring the right tools and materials with them on the day. If you need a zip replacement, please bring the new zip with you. You’ll be encouraged to carry out the repair yourself with expert guidance making this a friendly and useful learning experience.

In the Museum itself you can find wonderful examples of reuse and repair from the past - for example a pair of carefully darned woollen socks in our farming display room.

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Meet the Maker: Dorothy Tucker
Oct
23
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Dorothy Tucker

Drop in and meet acclaimed textile artist Dorothy Tucker, one of the Textile Study Group makers whose work is included in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition. Dorothy will be in residence in the Art Gallery and you are welcome to ask questions and share ideas.

In 2019 Dorothy moved from London to North Norfolk where she continues to be inspired by drawing plants, painting landscape and her extensive research into kantha textiles.

She enjoys mixing colour through pigments and dyes and combining interesting juxtapositions of fabric and thread. Stitching by hand is essential to her working practice.  The way she puts work together in layers or patch and piece cloth and often uses recycled fabrics has evolved into an on-going process in which colour can be added, areas cut away, revisions made and sometimes repairs necessary.

Come and find out more in this free, informal drop in session.

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Into The Blue: Textile Workshop with Dorothy Tucker
Oct
24
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

Into The Blue: Textile Workshop with Dorothy Tucker

Come and enjoy hand stitching freely into cyanotype samples to be provided by Dorothy. As you work interesting lines, textures and patterns into the designs you find on blue cloth, you will begin to create lovely samples of your own to take home. 

All materials provided.

Tickets £80 / £76 Museum & TSG Members, or attend with a friend for £140

Booking required. Book online here or call 01453 763394.

Part of the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition programme organised by the Textile Study Group.

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FREE Family Explorer Trails
Oct
24
to Nov 1
October Half Term

FREE Family Explorer Trails

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Have fun exploring the Museum with our fabulous selection of FREE explorer trails for all ages! Always available at reception, these are a great way for families to enjoy discovering the collections together, and you’ll learn about Stroud District’s fascinating history along the way. From fossils and dinosaur bones to childhood toys of the past, there’s always something curious and intriguing to take a closer look at.

Look out for new trails this half term including a Halloween themed trail and an outdoor Walled Garden trail!

Free, all ages welcome, donations appreciated.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Oct
25
11:30 AM11:30
October Half Term

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Come hear, see and discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden as we look to the season of Autumn. How have the bees, butterflies and other insects been doing?

For adults and for children, free but donations welcome, come for all or part of the time and become a Bee Guardian. Based in the Walled Garden Pavilion. No need to book, just come along.

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Autumn Celebration: Green Halloween with SVP & Friends
Oct
25
2:00 PM14:00
October Half Term

Autumn Celebration: Green Halloween with SVP & Friends

Carve a pumpkin lantern at home, bring it to the Museum and join our annual Autumn celebration, a family friendly Green Halloween event with Stroud Valleys Project.

Drop in between 2pm - 4.30pm to enjoy creative craft activities using natural materials, or our Halloween themed explorer trail.

Don your homemade or pre-loved costume and bring along your carved pumpkin lantern by 4.45pm to be part of the Lantern Trail and for a chance to win a prize. This year our guest judge will be Andy Hussey, local children’s author.

At 4.30pm, Andy will read one of his stories and will be available to sign books.

At 5pm we’ll be screening ‘Room on The Broom’, a short animated film based on the much-loved book.

The afternoon will end with a chance to view your carved lantern creations lit up outside the museum between 5.30pm - 6pm. Competition winners will be announced at 6pm.

A family friendly event for all ages. Free entry, cakes, snacks and drinks available to buy from the Museum’s mini foyer cafe.

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Film Show: Room on the Broom
Oct
25
5:00 PM17:00
October Half Term

Film Show: Room on the Broom

As part of our Green Halloween event with SVP we’ll once again be showing this much-loved animated film based on the wonderful children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A kind witch invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. The gang ultimately saves the witch from a fearsome dragon, and in gratitude she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone. A magical tale about friendship and family from the producers of the hugely successful The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.

Featuring the voices of Gillian Anderson (Witch), Rob Brydon (Cat), Martin Clunes (Dog), Sally Hawkins (Bird), Simon Pegg (Narrator), Timothy Spall (Dragon) and David Walliams (Frog).

Free entry for all families and individuals who are taking part in the carved Pumpkin Lantern Trail which shows from 5.30pm to 6pm outside the Museum. No need to book, just drop off your carved pumpkin, marrow or turnip by 5pm sharp, then head to the Meeting Room and enjoy the show. All ages welcome.

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'Garden Stories' - Creative drop-in activities celebrating 10 years of the Walled Garden
Oct
27
to Oct 29
October Half Term

'Garden Stories' - Creative drop-in activities celebrating 10 years of the Walled Garden

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For the 10th anniversary of the opening of the walled garden, Periscope invite you to celebrate the garden as it is today, to look back at its history, and to imagine how it could be in the future. Share your garden memories, hopes and what this special place means to you. You can take part by looking, drawing, writing and making, exploring the cycle of the garden - from seed, to growth, to composting for future flourishing - while celebrating all the work done in the garden by both human volunteers and more than human helpers.

Join us to co-create a joyful celebration of the memories embedded in the garden, and the potential that it holds.

Free entry, donations welcome. Come for as long or as short a time as you wish.

Periscope are artist duo Alison Cockcroft and Emily Joy. They were some of the first artists to work in the Walled Garden, when it was still an abandoned wasteland.

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Half Term Woolly Morning with Stroudwater Textile Trust
Oct
29
10:00 AM10:00
October Half Term

Half Term Woolly Morning with Stroudwater Textile Trust

Come and enjoy spinning, weaving and all things woolly with volunteers from Stroudwater Textile Trust (STT). Free creative craft activities for children aged 3–11 and their grown ups. See a spinning wheel in action, have a go at simple weaving and more!

You can also meet local Puppeteer Anthony who will be bringing three incredible handmade puppets called William Sheepspeare , Puck and the Wizard! Look out for pop up puppet shows at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm (no need to book for these).

Book your places for weaving activities at 10am, 11.30am or 1pm via STT’s website.

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Meet the Maker: Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra
Oct
31
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra

Drop in and discover more about the themes, techniques and ideas in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition by meeting one of the acclaimed exhibition artists Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra.

Amarjeet is an artist and educator based in West London, with over 40 years of experience in creating art and 30 years of teaching experience. She was born in East Africa, Tanzania, and moved to England in 1967. Her practice explores the idea that textiles carry our stories, stimulate our memories, and express our beliefs. 

She is particularly interested in examining the hidden meanings behind textiles, looking beyond their purely aesthetic qualities. This exploration has led her to re-examine the colours, patterns, and symbolism associated with traditional Indian textiles. At first glance, the ornamentation can captivate the viewer. While she is fascinated by their decorative qualities, her focus is on how these textiles are used to narrate the stories of their makers, as well as the history and memories they embody.

A free, informal drop in session in the Gallery.

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Print and Repeat: Textile Printing Workshop with Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra
Nov
1
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

Print and Repeat: Textile Printing Workshop with Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra

Tetra Pak printing is a straightforward and versatile introduction to the intaglio printing process. By repurposing recycled food packaging, you can create unique intaglio printing plates with an immediately printable surface, unlike other collagraph materials.

Print on fabric to produce original prints that can be used in textile projects or as standalone pieces. Learn how to engrave your plates by cutting, scoring, and peeling the surface to create striking lines, marks, and tonal areas, resulting in exciting individual prints.  

All materials provided.

Tickets £80 / £76 Museum & TSG Members, or attend with a friend for £140.

Booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394.

Part of the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition programme organised by the Textile Study Group                  

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Save the date! Textile Repair & Upcycling Community Café
Nov
6
10:00 AM10:00

Save the date! Textile Repair & Upcycling Community Café

Please save the date! Come and get practical tips and advice on how to repair your clothes or textiles, and upcycling inspiration to help prevent textiles from going to landfill and help make our community a little more sustainable. Or bring your own sewing or craft project and enjoy meeting people and sharing ideas. With volunteers from Transition Stroud Textiles Group, this special pop up event accompanies the UNmaking exhibition. A free community drop-in event, everyone welcome.

If you have a specific textile or clothing repair you’d like help with, please email Transition Stroud so they can make sure they bring the right tools and materials with them on the day. If you need a zip replacement, please bring the new zip with you. You’ll be encouraged to carry out the repair yourself with expert guidance making this a friendly and useful learning experience.

In the Museum itself you can find wonderful examples of reuse and repair from the past - for example a pair of carefully darned woollen socks in our farming display room.

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SOLD OUT Fabric Faces: Textile Workshop with Vivienne Beaumont
Nov
7
10:30 AM10:30
Workshop

SOLD OUT Fabric Faces: Textile Workshop with Vivienne Beaumont

If drawing faces feels intimidating, this workshop is for you. Together, we’ll explore relaxed, low-pressure drawing methods that focus on the joy of creating rather than ‘getting it right’. We will translate your favourite drawings into beautiful fabric pieces using stencilling, appliqué, and stitch. For adults and for young people aged 14+.

All materials provided, please bring a packed lunch.

Tickets £80 / £76 for Museum & TSG Members, or attend with a friend for £140.

Booking required. Book online here or call 01453 763394.

Part of the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition programme organised by the Textile Study Group.

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Patchwork Stories: Creative Workshop for Children
Nov
7
3:30 PM15:30

Patchwork Stories: Creative Workshop for Children

Every family has a story to tell, pieced together like a patchwork quilt. Each memory a stitch, each hope a thread….

Blending interactive storytelling, creative writing and art, we are delighted to offer this wonderful workshop from the author and illustrator team behind The Tale That Time Sews, Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray. Inspired by their work at the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, their book is a lyrical, intergenerational story to inspire readers to trace golden threads of family, friendship and love through time.

During the workshop you’ll explore Sita and Jane’s book and then, inspired by your own story, you’ll make a patchwork piece of art or threaded poem to hang on a golden thread.

All materials provided. 30 places only. Accompanying adults do not need to buy a ticket but must remain on the premises for the duration of the workshop if their child is under 14. Part of the 2026 Stroud Book Festival programme.

For children aged 6+ (under 14s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).

Tickets £14. Advance booking required - book online via Sub Rooms Box Office.

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Meet the Maker: Vivienne Beaumont
Nov
8
2:00 PM14:00

Meet the Maker: Vivienne Beaumont

Discover more about the themes, ideas and techniques in the ‘UNmaking’ exhibition with this free, informal drop in session with one of the acclaimed exhibition artists Vivienne Beaumont.

Vivienne’s work uses symbolism, machine embroidery, and printmaking to explore life's ephemeral and cyclical nature while conveying emotions through archetypal imagery that draws on our shared cultural memory.

Drawing and design are central to her practice. She always starts with a drawing, which she often develops using Photoshop. She then transfers the design to fabric with printing methods, embracing the serendipity and creativity that comes from working with the cloth.

Drop in and meet the maker, ask questions, share ideas.

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Create your own Comic! Workshop with Tor Freeman for ages 8-14
Nov
8
3:00 PM15:00

Create your own Comic! Workshop with Tor Freeman for ages 8-14

If you think comic books are the best then you won’t want to miss this amazing comic-making workshop with author illustrator Tor Freeman.

In this hands-on session inspired by her bestselling Boss of the Underworld series, Tor will explain how to create expressive characters, visual jokes and action-packed comic panels, and will then help you create your own short strips.

Expect plenty of drawing, silliness, and step-by-step guidance from Tor, as she shares her years of experience as an award-winning graphic novelist and illustrator.

All materials provided. 30 places only. Accompanying adults do not need to buy a ticket but must remain on the premises for the duration of the workshop if their child is under 14. Part of the 2026 Stroud Book Festival programme.

For children aged 8 to 14 (under 14s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).

Tickets £14. Advance booking required - book online via Sub Rooms Box Office.

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‘The Last Lithuanian’ - Jo Durrant in conversation with local author B.A. Cibulskas
Sep
26
2:00 PM14:00

‘The Last Lithuanian’ - Jo Durrant in conversation with local author B.A. Cibulskas

‘The Last Lithuanian’ tells the story of an orphaned teenager who fled his country in 1944 to escape the clutches of Stalin and deportation to the salt mines of Siberia. This powerful new book by local author B. A. Cibulskas explores the refugee experience, including war, migration, homeland, racism, and belonging. 

Born in England to refugee and economic migrants, B. A. Cibulskas studied at the University of Bristol where she was awarded a doctorate in Narrative and Life Story Research. Her working life is split between writing and as a Clinical Psychotherapist in the mental health sector. She also writes Conspiracy/Mystery fiction under the pseudonym B. B. Balthis, Psychological/Thriller fiction under the pseudonym Jack Duval, and World fiction under her own name, and under the pseudonym A. K. Karla.

Jo Durrant is the award-winning presenter of the independent arts and science podcast ‘Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe’. She’s a highly respected interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. Jo is freelance but for over 20 years was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake. Jo organises and presents 'Our Beautiful Universe' for The Museum in the Park, a series of Spring-Summer In Conversation events with authors and historians

This event takes place in the Museum’s Garden Pavilion, the glass-fronted space at the top of the beautiful ‘Secret Garden’. Books will be for sale and tea and coffee will be available.

Tickets (including refreshments) cost £7.50 standard price, £6 concessions and £5 for Museum in the Park Members - Membership is free to join.

Advance booking recommended. Book online (click here) or call the Museum team on 01453 763394.

You may also be interested in the new ‘Home from Home’ display of objects and stories from 12 local people who have direct or family experience of migration. Find this fascinating display upstairs in the Museum.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Aug
30
11:30 AM11:30
Summer Holiday

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Join as we explore what’s happening in the Walled Garden and our bee hive, and come on a nature observation walk at 12 noon. Back at Buzz Club we’ll record our discoveries in our Year in the Walled Garden diary through drawings, observations and our own nature notes.

All welcome, for children and adults, free entry, donations welcome.

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‘The King’s Mother’: Jo Durrant in conversation with Annie Garthwaite
Aug
29
2:00 PM14:00
Talk

‘The King’s Mother’: Jo Durrant in conversation with Annie Garthwaite

The 15th century Wars of the Roses were among England’s most bitter civil conflicts, which saw the houses of York and Lancaster fight bloodily for the crown. The wars divided both the nation and its most powerful families, setting brother against brother, cousin against cousin.

But who were the women at the heart of the conflict? And what was their role? Greatest among them was Cecily Neville. For the final event in the 2026 Our Beautiful Universe series, Annie joins Jo Durrant to shine a spotlight on an incredible figure – mother, fighter, survivor.

Book online here or call 01453 763394.

Tickets £7.50 / £6 / £5 Museum Members - Membership is free to join

Tea & Coffee included.

Copies of ‘Cecily’ (£10.99) and ‘The King’s Mother’ (£9.99) will be available to buy from Museum Reception and have signed by the author. Or ticket holders can buy two books for £15 (while stocks last!)

This interview-style event is part of Jo Durrant’s ‘Our Beautiful Universe’ Saturday afternoon series in the Museum’s Garden Pavilion. Jo is the award-winning presenter of the independent arts and science podcast ‘Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe’. She’s a highly respected and accomplished interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. Jo is freelance but for over 20 years was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake.

The conversation will be followed by a chance to ask questions and chat over tea and coffee if you wish, or explore the museum and walled garden.

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Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
28
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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Flower Power - Family Drop-in Craft Activity
Aug
27
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Flower Power - Family Drop-in Craft Activity

Be inspired by the Victorians and make a pressed-flower bookmark to take home or give away as a gift. If the weather is sunny, we’ll also try cyanotypes – the magical art of printing with sunlight!

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, organised in collaboration with Stroud Valleys Project. Space for around 10 children at a time, so if its busy when you arrive do enjoy a Museum Explorer trail while you wait.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Stratford Park Sketchbook Day
Aug
26
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Stratford Park Sketchbook Day

Come and collect your free mini sketchbook from the Museum, then enjoy drawing, sketching or doodling in the wonderful grounds of Stratford Park. Be inspired by the Park Life art exhibition, or simply draw your favourite feature in the beautiful park grounds - perhaps a towering tree, or a tiny leaf, mini beast or flower.

Bring your own outdoor art kit, or borrow pencils and crayons from the Museum.

FREE, all ages welcome, huge thanks to Bookbinder Ursula Jeakins for making and donating sketchbooks using offcuts from her work.

If it’s raining, why not draw your favourite museum objects inside instead? Pick up your mini sketchbook from the Museum' meeting room and borrow a pencil, and then explore the displays.

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Things That Move - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
25
11:30 AM11:30
Summer Holiday

Things That Move - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Think about how things move and work!

Explore things that twist, roll and spin, and create some wheel prints using some toy vehicles. Explore old fashioned toys and games that slide and push and create a pull-a-long toy. Experiment to find out which objects float and sink and play with gears that turn. Push the trains around our toy trainset. Make a dancing toy or a climbing toy to defy gravity.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Things that move - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
25
10:00 AM10:00
Summer Holiday

Things that move - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Explore things that twist, roll and spin, and create some wheel prints using some toy vehicles. Explore old fashioned toys and games that slide and push and create a pull-a-long toy. Experiment to find out which objects float and sink and play with gears that turn. Push the trains around our toy trainset. Make a dancing toy or a climbing toy to defy gravity.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Museum in the Park’s Meeting Room.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

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Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
21
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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So Many Leaves - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop
Aug
20
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

So Many Leaves - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop

Create colourful patterns and designs with rubbings and stencils using the many and varied shapes of leaves from the incredible variety of trees in Stratford Park.

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, led by amazing community artist Alison Cockcroft.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Fairy Folk Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
19
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Fairy Folk Day at The Museum in the Park

Listen to traditional songs and stories, learn about fairy folklore, or try your hand at Peter Pan Sword School! You can also make a magic wand to take home. For families with children aged 5+, come dressed as a fairytale character if you so wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from fairy lands, listen to stories and songs FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Peter Pan Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Garden Pavilion at the top of the Walled Garden (entry/exit via Museum Reception). Sword School on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer but grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

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Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
18
11:30 AM11:30
Summer Holiday

Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Travel through time and learn about Roman life in the Stroud Valleys!

Turn yourself into a Roman by trying on a tunic and belt as you dress up like a Roman and give yourself a Roman name. Find out about Roman coins as you design your own and challenge yourself to learn some Roman numerals. Think about life in a Roman villa by making a paper mosaic inspired Roman mosaic floor patterns and think about Roman religion and belief as you make a Roman-style votive offering to take away with you. Then find out what it feels like to be an archaeologist by digging up some Roman objects in our mini archaeological dig and excavating some Roman ‘poo’ to find out what food Roman people ate.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
18
10:00 AM10:00
Summer Holiday

Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Turn yourself into a Roman by trying on a tunic and belt as you dress up like a Roman and give yourself a Roman name. Find out about Roman coins as you design your own and challenge yourself to learn some Roman numerals. Think about life in a Roman villa by making a paper mosaic inspired Roman mosaic floor patterns and think about Roman religion and belief as you make a Roman-style votive offering to take away with you. Then find out what it feels like to be an archaeologist by digging up some Roman objects in our mini archaeological dig and excavating some Roman ‘poo’ to find out what food Roman people ate.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional, and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. How do I book?:

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
14
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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Secret Nature - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop
Aug
13
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Secret Nature - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop

Do you ever think about the earth beneath your feet? The soil is teeming with millions of diverse and wonderful tiny animals that we don't usually see! Come and have fun drawing with colourful inks and crayons to create amazing creatures inspired by the microscopic life-forms that keep the soil healthy.

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, led by amazing community artist Alison Cockcroft.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Medieval Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
12
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Medieval Day at The Museum in the Park

Meet characters from medieval Britain, design your own family coat of arms or pennant flag, or learn how to fight like a knight! For families with children aged 5+, come dressed up as a knight, prince, princess or other medieval character if you wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from Medieval Britain: FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Garden Pavilion at the top of the Walled Garden (entry/exit via Museum Reception). Sword School outside on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer bur grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

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Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
11
11:30 AM11:30
Summer Holiday

Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Travel through time and learn about life in Stroud in Victorian times!

Try out some of the washday and cleaning tasks people did in Victorian times - wash some laundry, and hang the clothes out to dry, clean some carpets and try rag rugging. Think about what going to school was like in Victorian times by writing on a slate and try some handwriting practice with a dip pen. Play with some Victorian toys and games and make an optical illusion toy and a peg doll to take home.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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SOLD OUT Botanical Art Workshop with Karen Green
Aug
11
10:30 AM10:30

SOLD OUT Botanical Art Workshop with Karen Green

Be inspired by the array of wonderful Summer flowers in the Museum's Walled Garden and create a small botanical painting using pen and watercolour. Enjoy a peaceful morning, led by Botanical artist Karen Green, where you will be guided in observational drawing, pen work using the traditional stippling technique and how to build up layers of watercolour and create accurate colour mixes. Take home a beautiful botanical painting and lots of new skills in watercolour.

All materials provided, all abilities welcome. For adults.

Cost: £25 / £22 concs. Booking required, book online here or call 01453 763394.

Part of the 'Park Life' exhibition programme organised by Stroud Artists Cooperative. 
 

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Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
11
10:00 AM10:00
Summer Holiday

Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Try out some of the washday and cleaning tasks people did in Victorian times - wash some laundry, and hang the clothes out to dry, clean some carpets and try rag rugging. Think about what going to school was like in Victorian times by writing on a slate and try some handwriting practice with a dip pen. Play with some Victorian toys and games and make an optical illusion toy and a peg doll to take home.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the downstairs Meeting Room at Museum in the Park.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions
Aug
8
4:00 PM16:00
Theatre, Summer Holiday

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions

Following its sell-out success, IKP’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz returns for another “bonkers” theatre adventure in Summer 2026, in a family comedy adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic book.

Join Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they encounter munchkins, witches, winged monkeys, enchanted slippers and a Wonderful Wizard! Expect the unexpected in this comedy for all the family, featuring physical humour, fast-paced multi-roling and plenty of laughs for all ages.

Outdoor theatre show - bring rugs or camping chairs to sit on and clothing to suit all weathers!

Tickets £12 adult, £10 child/conc, £40 family ticket (admits 4)

Early Bird ticket £9! Book online here

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions
Aug
8
12:00 PM12:00
Theatre, Summer Holiday

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions

Following its sell-out success, IKP’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz returns for another “bonkers” theatre adventure in Summer 2026, in a family comedy adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic book.

Join Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they encounter munchkins, witches, winged monkeys, enchanted slippers and a Wonderful Wizard! Expect the unexpected in this comedy for all the family, featuring physical humour, fast-paced multi-roling and plenty of laughs for all ages.

Outdoor theatre show - bring rugs or camping chairs to sit on and clothing to suit all weathers!

Tickets £12 adult, £10 child/conc, £40 family ticket (admits 4)

Early Bird ticket £9! Book online here

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Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
7
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

Part of the Big Summer Picnics and Play in the Park programme - loads on offer for all ages at Active Lifestyles and Stratford Park! Further details here.

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Brian's Bequest - The Singing of George Ridler's Oven
Aug
6
11:00 AM11:00
Event

Brian's Bequest - The Singing of George Ridler's Oven

Join us in the Courtyard for the singing of George Ridler’s Oven, an ancient Gloucestershire folk song once suspected of being the secret coded message of Royalists at the end of the English Civil War.

Richard Chidlaw and friends will lead a rendition of George Ridler’s Oven to mark his gift to the museum of a cider jar by Peter Currell Brown. Song sheets provided, just bring your voices.

The George Ridler’s Oven cider jar was commissioned as a leaving gift for Brian Hayward, English teacher at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s Grammar School and an expert on mummers and wassailing. On his death he bequeathed the jar to Richard Chidlaw, who now passes it to the Museum in the Park to join its notable collection of Peter Currell Brown pottery.

Join us for a first glimpse of this new acquisition as we sing George Ridler’s Oven in memory of Brian Hayward.

Courtyard

Free

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Collaged Creatures - Family Drop-in Craft Activity
Aug
6
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Collaged Creatures - Family Drop-in Craft Activity

Be inspired by the creatures who live in Stratford Park and its Secret Garden and make a colourful collage. What creature will you choose – perhaps a humble hedgehog, feisty fox or magical moth?

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Saxon Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
5
10:30 AM10:30
Summer Holiday

Saxon Day at The Museum in the Park

Travel back in time and meet two Saxon characters, chat to them and hear their stories. Learn about life in the Saxon period, try out Saxon fighting styles, or make a decorated brooch to wear or take home - be inspired by the amazing Saxon saucer brooch on display in the Archaeology gallery. For families with children aged 5+, come dressed up as a Saxon if you wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from Saxon Britain: FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Saxon Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Meeting Room (up the ramp from reception, next door to the Art Gallery). Sword School outside on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer but grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

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Amazing Artists - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
4
11:30 AM11:30
Summer Holiday

Amazing Artists - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Be inspired by artworks of the past and try making art in lots of different ways!

Try mark making and sketching with charcoal and chalk. Create a self-portrait sculpture to take home and use scrap paper to create a landscape collage. Try printing some cool patterns inspired by the museum and design a paper plate inspired by traditional willow patterns from long ago.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Amazing Artists - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
4
10:00 AM10:00
Summer Holiday

Amazing Artists - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Try mark making and sketching with charcoal and chalk. Create a self-portrait sculpture to take home and use scrap paper to create a landscape collage. Try printing some cool patterns inspired by the museum and design a paper plate inspired by traditional willow patterns from long ago.

 This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

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‘Harvington Hall: The House of Secrets’ Jo Durrant in conversation with Phil Downing
Aug
1
2:00 PM14:00
Talk

‘Harvington Hall: The House of Secrets’ Jo Durrant in conversation with Phil Downing

Can you imagine having to hide in a tiny space, cleverly concealed in the fabric of a building, and not knowing when you’d get to escape? That’s what a number of Catholic priests in Elizabethan England did, as it was illegal for them to set foot in the country from 1585. The consequences of being found by a priest hunter were often harrowing.

Harvington Hall in Kidderminster has the UK’s finest collection of priest hides, including under the stairs and above a bread oven. Manager Phil Downing has spent years researching these hiding places, and has also spent time locked inside them! He joins Jo Durrant to reveal some surprising stories from the building known as the house of secrets.

Book online here or call 01453 763394.

Tickets £7.50 / £6 / £5 Museum Members - Membership is free to join

Tea & Coffee included

This interview-style event is part of Jo Durrant’s ‘Our Beautiful Universe’ Saturday afternoon series in the Museum’s Garden Pavilion. Jo is the award-winning presenter of the independent arts and science podcast ‘Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe’. She’s a highly respected and accomplished interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. Jo is freelance but for over 20 years was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake.

The conversation will be followed by a chance to ask questions and chat over tea and coffee if you wish, or explore the museum and walled garden.

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Park Life - An Exhibition by Stroud Artists' Cooperative
Aug
1
to Aug 31
Exhibition

Park Life - An Exhibition by Stroud Artists' Cooperative

  • The Museum in the Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Stroud Artists Cooperative was set up in 2021 and its first event was the outdoor Stroud Art Fair with over 40 artists participating. Its aim is to provide an inclusive forum for local artists to support each other, learn from each other, provide opportunities and generally work collaboratively with members and other local bodies to promote art and artists in Stroud.

The Cooperative is run on a volunteer basis and now has 180 members. ‘Park Life’ will be the culmination of a year long project looking at and capturing aspects of life and activities in our local parks, including the much-loved grounds of Stratford Park. The exhibition will be accompanied by workshops, demos and meet the artist sessions.

Admission free, donations welcome, works for sale.

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