Hey,

So my eldest didn’t go to bed till 9 pm last night (maybe it was all those sweets I used to bribe him out of the playground…) so this email is a bit later than planned. But hey, it’s out right!

So the summer holidays have officially begun... as a toddler mum to two wild boys, I have to admit I get very stressed knowing that all my favourite places are about to get a lot busier...

I can only imagine how much more challenging it is with older children. Keeping them entertained for six weeks can quickly become expensive, and after a while, another trip to the park just doesn’t cut it. Even a “let’s go and find a worm” adventure starts to lose its appeal after the tenth time!

Gloucestershire is packed with amazing FREE and budget-friendly things to do. But honestly, even I’ve started to feel overwhelmed by just how much is going on. It’s probably why this email has taken me so long to send! So instead of trying to include everything, I’ve kept it simple and picked out a handful of events and activities that I genuinely think are worth checking out.

Oh... and I’ve also snuck in a few cheeky discounts for you too!

One last thing... don’t forget to look after you this summer too. Most of my outings will be a food shop, a walk around the block, or just staying at home with the boys. My account and newslettter is here for inspiration when you need it, not pressure to be out doing something every day.

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If you find this newsletter useful, please feel free to share it with friends and family. It really helps me grow this community.

FREE and Budget-Friendly Summer Holiday Events

Please check with the organiser before you go, as event details can sometimes change.

🤎 Sat 25th: Gloucester GeekOut, King’s Square, King’s Walk and Eastgate Shopping Centre
GeekOut Gloucester is taking over Gloucester city centre. Expect retro gaming, dinosaurs, walkaround characters, cosplay, face painting, family activities and more, spread across King’s Square, King’s Walk and Eastgate Shopping Centre. | 11 am - 4 pm | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Fri 24th - Sun 26th July: Tewkesbury Live FREE music festival, Tewkesbury Town
The programme is packed with music to suit every taste – Rock, Pop, Folk, Blues, Punk and more! There are also FREE activities for families, including crafts, music workshops, and shows for younger children. | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Sun 26th July: Family Fun Day, Uni of Glos, Pittville Campus Cheltenham
Everyone is welcome to attend a special University of Gloucestershire Family Fun Day on Sunday 26 July. A free community event, including garden games, activities for all ages, performances, food and more. | 10 am - 3 pm | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 29th July: Fairytime and Under the Sea Storytime, Aspire Foundation & Oscars Reading Corner, Tewkesbury & Cheltenham
There will be a story, followed by themed crafts for your little one to enjoy! These sessions will provide fun and educational ways to get your children involved with books and reading. | £1 | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Wed 29th July, Flutter by, Little Butterfly Nature Tots, GlosWildlife Trust, Robinswood Hill
This month, the Nature Tots will be learning all about butterflies. Great event helping kids enjoy wildlife and nature-themed activities | 10 am - 11:30 am | £5 | Age: recommended for preschoolers, but under-2s are welcome! | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 July & August: Stay and Play, Aspire Foundation, Oakwood Children’s and Family Centre, Cheltenham
YESSS a stay and play still open - they usually have a baby sensory room, soft play and themed tuff trays set up, alongside lots of toys and activities. Designed just for children aged 0–5 years. Just a note: I haven’t checked what they have out over the summer holidays, so keep an open mind as the activities may be different!
| 1:30pm - 3pm | FREE | Age: 0-5 years | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 Wed 5th August: Nature Fun Day - Glos Wildlife Trust, Crickley Hill
This event is being run as a relaxed drop-in session so families can come and go at their own pace. There will be various crafts, nature walks and mindfulness activities for the whole family to take part in. | Age: All | Pay-what-you-can event (At least £1 per child attending) | 10 am - 2 pm | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 Wed 5th August: Stroud Community Fire Station Open Day, Paganhill Lane, Stroud
The event will feature live demonstrations, family activities, have-a-go sessions, and refreshments at the station | 11 am - 3pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Wed 5th August: NCLB Cheltenham Party in the Park Event, Pitville Park Cheltenham
A Quiet Hour will take place from 10–11 am, offering a calmer environment with suitable activities. The main event runs 11 am–4 pm with free activities and entertainment, while live music, dance and theatre performances continue until 5 pm | FREE | Age: All | 10 am- 5 pm | Event Link

🤎 Wed 19th August: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Cotswold Designer Outlet
Limited information at the moment on this one, but looks to be a fun FREE day at the Outlet | FREE | Age: All | 10 am-3 pm | Event Link

🤎 Tues 11th August: Messy Play (under 10s), St Catharines Gloucester
Messy Stay and Play: It’s gonna be messy, with FREE squash for children. Book via email at stcatharinesunder5sbookings@gmail.com | 🎫 | 10 am - 12 pm £5 | Age: under 10 years | Event Link

🤎 Tues 11th August: Welly Walk, YMCA, Cheltenham
Make a splash and raise some cash for YMCA Cheltenham. This event is perfect for children aged 2 years and up, but remember to bring their wellies to fully enjoy the experience. Just £5 per child, which includes a drink, snack, and a prize! | 🎫 | 10 am - 12 pm | £5 | Age: 2+| Event Link

🤎 Thurs 13th August: Pia’s Pet Club (books and animals), Books for Bugs, Forest of Dean
Come and meet the author of this fab series, and meet some animals from her books, including a dog, guinea pig and a real reptile | 2 pm - 4 pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Tues 18th August: Gardeners Family Day, Apsire Foundation - Gardners Lane Family and Children’s Centre, Cheltenham
A Family Fun Day packed with activities, entertainment and support for the whole family | 12 pm - 3 pm | FREE | Age: All | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 14th - 16th August: Up the Hills, Strike A Light, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester
Join Strike A Light and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for a free weekend of outdoor art, performances and nature-inspired fun for all ages. Expect bug-inspired dance, wildflower shows, environmental films, art installations, walks, and more. | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 July & August: Tunes and Tales - Gloucestershire Libraries, Hesters Way, Cheltenham
Gloucestershire Libraries have partnered with Boogie Beat Cheltenham to deliver a FREE Saturday singing club | Every Saturday | FREE | 10 -11 am | Age: Aimed at early years | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 July & August: Summer Holidays events at Brimscombe Mill (and KidsStuff), Brimscombe Mill Stroud
Brimscombe Mill is ONE of the best places I’ve visited. Located in Stroud, it’s a true community hub, and YOU need to go... OK! They have a range of summer holiday events on. There’s also pay-what-you-can food, second-hand shops, coffee, browsing, a climbing wall- the perfect place! | Pay-what-you-can | Age:Check events | Summer Holiday Events

🤎 Tues 11th & Mon 24th August: Artingaround - creative art class, Reddings Community Centre, Cheltenham
Joyful, messy, and sensory-rich art class designed especially for our little artists! This season, children will explore lots of crafts and creative play! I took my baby and toddler to this and had a great time (it’s in a hall with locked doors!) | Various dates and times | £12 | Age: 1-5 | Event Link

🤎 August dates: Baby and Toddler Summer Rave, Hive Sensory, Gloucester
45 minutes of non-stop raving fun! From party dances to nursery rhyme props, parachute and more. Feel free to bring a picnic and a blanket to stay and enjoy your lunch outside after the rave! | Various dates | £5.50 (same price for twins!), and only £2.50 for siblings (siblings under 1 FREE!) | Age: 0 - 5 | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 July & August dates: Silent Disco, Kings Square, Gloucester
Six free Silent Disco afternoons, inviting everyone to dance, laugh and connect. With state-of-the-art LED headphones, you control your musical journey. Perfect pre-bed activity….maybe | Various dates | 5pm -7pm | FREE | Age: all (probs best for older kids) | Event Link

🤎 Wednesdays in Summer Holidays: Pirate Wednesdays, Dean Heritage Centre, Forest of Dean
Get your pirate hats ready for a swashbuckling day of free family fun! No booking is needed. Turn up and enjoy making your own model pirate ship, testing it on the mill pond with the pirate crew, following a treasure hunt trail around the site, and even trying pirate biscuit making | 11 am - 2:30 pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 July & August: Pop-up Activity Days, The Venture Community Hub, different locations
Lots of FREE pop-ups! Just turn up and enjoy a range of activities, crafts, play, and fun happening across different locations. Everyone welcome.

🤎 August dates: Not So Secret Book Club, Read With Me, Robinswood Hill & Synwell Playing Field
The Not So Secret Book Club is suitable for everyone, from tinies to teens. Every session includes Storytime, Fun crafts, and a special themed treasure hunt. AND Plenty of free books for children to take home and enjoy | Age: All | FREE | Tues 25 August, 11 am-1 pm, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester, GL4 6SX, Fri 28 August, 10 am-12 pm | Synwell Playing Field, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7HW | Event Link

🤎 August dates: Big Summer Picnics, Stratford Park, Stroud
Each event will offer a diverse mix of opportunities, including multi-sports, tennis, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, bubble football, mini golf, and more! So bring a picnic, enjoy the park, and explore the leisure centre and museum, both of which will have FREE activities. | 10 am - 4 pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Play Gloucestershire’s Play Rangers Events, various locations
The sessions are held in parks and are open for anyone to turn up and enjoy. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. While the activities are mainly aimed at older children, everyone is welcome to join in. Please check before going, as they can change locations and time. | Event Organiser

📚 The Library Challenge is now live!

I checked out The Library Challenge this week - a FREE challenge available with a free library membership.

Each library has a theme, helping children explore stories from the past, present and future. Kids get a booklet and map, complete fun summer activities, record their adventures, and collect medals along the way (ages 3+).

Here are some events happening that are linked to the challenge (I have picked ones that seem to have tickets left!). Booking required.

• Tues 28th | The Time Travelling Granny: Oh No! Dodo | Tetbury Lib | £3 | Link

• Wed 29th July | History Makers: Unicorn weaving and ribbon wands craft workshop | Winchcombe Lib | £3 | Link

• Thurs 30th July | History Makers: Knight helmets and maiden veils craft workshop | Cinderford Lib | £3 | Link

• Every Sat morning: Tunes and Tales Family Singing Club | Hesters Way Lib | Link

  Top tip: The ticket price is just a guide - the library offers a ‘pay whatever feels right for you’ option. Every contribution, big or small, helps them create more events like this and keep them accessible for everyone.

Library Summer Holiday Events

Just a heads up: The Challenge is only for children aged 3+ (they won’t be able to give you the booklet). However, if you have younger children, they can still visit and enjoy some free activities and classes.

I’ve also found a PDF of the booklet and map, so you can print them at home and help younger children feel part of the adventure too!

The Library Challenge Map

The Library Challenge Digital

This post is public, so feel free to share these events with a friend.

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Bounce and Rhyme is still on 🎫

Did you know some libraries still run their Baby Bounce & Rhyme sessions over the summer holidays? If you haven’t been before, it’s basically the go-to FREE class when you’re on maternity leave. Book a free ticket, head to your local library, sit in a circle with other parents, carers and their babies, and enjoy

Find out more

Exclusive GlosBudgetMum Discounts and Offers

Free 3 fitness classes from Firefly!

Sophie from Firefly is giving us newsletter subscribers 3 classes for FREE, worth £24! That’s three free lessons for new customers this summer (you can still use the code if you have been in a previous maternity). Firefly is fitness classes where you can bring your kids along!

Just use the code Glosbudgetmumfree at checkout. T&Cs apply

Book your 3 FREE Classes

10% off RobotReg classes and 50% off siblings

Phonics with Robot Reg Classes provide fun, high-energy classes which open a world of Literacy to children and teach early phonics skills. Classes are available for children aged 3 months - 4 years. So perfect for summer holidays!

Just use the code GLOSBUDGETMUMS at checkout. T&Cs apply

Book your class

Discounts and Offers I have found

Cineworld - £2 tickets are still on!!

Cineworld is still running ‘Movies for Juniors‘ screenings for £2 (usually £3.99) for kids (aged 14 and under) and accompanying adults on weekends and school holidays. The price includes a £1 booking fee per ticket.

See films

Kids for a quid at GWSR trains

From 18 July to 31 August, children aged 5–15 can travel for just £1 on the railway! (Under 5s already travel free.) The offer excludes 24–26 July. I know it’s not the cheapest day out - adult tickets are around £26. BUT if you’ve got a train-mad child or a few children of different ages, this could make for a really special day out. 🎟️ Also, your ticket includes entry to the events taking place on the day of your visit:

🚂 Trainmaster Kids’ Playtime (27 July - 9 August)
Hands-on railway fun with train sets, tracks and interactive activities.

🧸 Teddy Bear Picnic Trains (6, 13 & 20 August)
Bring your favourite teddy for a magical steam train journey, plus crafts and picnic fun.

🎨 Summer Holiday Crafts (1 - 23 August)
Get creative with model-making and railway-themed craft activities.

Book tickets

Kids on the Bus for FREE this August? 👀🚌 - MAYBE NOT CONFIRMED YET.

I was hoping to share that kids would be able to travel on buses for free throughout August... but I’ve just checked the Gloucestershire County Council website, and there’s no update. It could still be happening, but Gloucestershire says it’s waiting for more details from the Government before confirming anything. I will share on socials if this does get confirmed!

Page with updates

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Thanks for signing up. Please see below for your exclusive voucher, in case you missed it. Only to be used once (pretty please!).

Valid weekdays ONLY 9:30-14:00, 29th June – 17th July

The voucher is for Brewed by Amber in Cheltenham. If you haven’t been before, it is one of the cutest cafés around, complete with a lovely toddler play area. My son actually says it’s one of his fave places… and calls it “the cat cafe”.

Please see below for your exclusive coffee and cake voucher - a reward for being part of the GlosBudgetMum newsletter crew.

My July newsletter will be dropping soon, with lots of FREE summer holiday events I’ve found… keep a lookout for that too!

Get Directions

Your Exclusive GlosBudgetMum Voucher

Deal Terms & Conditions

• £4 Coffee & cake Deal: includes one ‘cake of the day’ and any reg hot drink

• £1 extra for a brownie.

• Excludes iced drinks, syrups, and add-on

• Iced coffee, chai, and hot chocolate require £1 supplement

• Drink only option: small or reg hot drink for £2.50 (same exclusions/supplements apply)

• Valid weekdays ONLY 9:30-14:00, 29th June – 17th July

• Voucher (barcode) must be shown before purchase

• One voucher per person

• No cash alternative

• Available at Brewed by Amber

• Brewed by Amber may amend or withdraw the offer at any time (If they run out of cake of the day, only a hot drink will be available)

I am pleased to share our next Coffee & Cake deal with you!

This time we’re heading to Brewed by Amber in Cheltenham. If you haven’t been before, it is one of the cutest cafés around, complete with a lovely toddler play area. My son actually says it’s one of his fave places… and calls it “the cat cafe”.

Please see below for your exclusive coffee and cake voucher - a reward for being part of the GlosBudgetMum newsletter crew.

Get Directions

Your Exclusive GlosBudgetMum Voucher

Each month, I work with an independent café to offer parents and carers an exclusive deal. There’s no charge to them; the idea is simply that they offer something good, and I share it with you. You support them, and everyone wins.

Show this voucher at the till before you order. One per person, please.

Note: if you can, please do share photos of you enjoying the offer and tagging me - it really helps me and ‘US’. The more engagement and followers we get, the more leverage I have to convince other cafés to offer deals like this

Deal Terms & Conditions

• £4 Coffee & cake Deal: includes one ‘cake of the day’ and any reg hot drink

• £1 extra for a brownie.

• Excludes iced drinks, syrups, and add-on

• Iced coffee, chai, and hot chocolate require £1 supplement

• Drink only option: small or reg hot drink for £2.50 (same exclusions/supplements apply)

• Valid weekdays ONLY 9:30-14:00, 29th June – 17th July

• Voucher (barcode) must be shown before purchase

• One voucher per person

• No cash alternative

• Available at Brewed by Amber

• Brewed by Amber may amend or withdraw the offer at any time (If they run out of cake of the day, only a hot drink will be available)

The After-Hours Café Meet up

Speaking to Amber, the owner, we have an idea! ☕🍰

This month, I would love to organise something a bit different. We were thinking of an evening coffee and cake get-together, where Amber would open the café exclusively for our group so we can relax, chat, connect, and enjoy some cake (with decaf coffee if you fancy!).

Before we organise anything, I wanted to see who would be interested. It would simply be the price of a coffee and a cake to make it worthwhile for Amber to open the café, especially for us.

I appreciate we all have children, and getting out in the evening isn’t always easy. However, the idea is to encourage us all to have a little night off. Sometimes we all need a chance to recharge, have a proper chat, and enjoy some time for ourselves.

I wanted to offer it to you lovely lot first before arranging anything. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy let me know 😊💕

Thanks all,

Hi guys,

I did say sunny weather makes parenting easier… I forgot to add: not when it’s 31 degrees! Hope everyone was okay in the heat last week 🥵.

Anyway, welcome to the June newsletter, and hello to our new subscribers!

This is a space where I save you from spending your evenings scrolling through countless Facebook groups wondering, “What shall we do this week on a £2 budget?” Trust me, I get it. So instead, I’ve done the digging for you and pulled together some of the best budget-friendly baby and toddler activities across Gloucestershire this month.

Whether you’re after new baby classes, a new café, or a free family day out, June has a lot to offer. Hope you enjoy it.

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If you find this newsletter useful, please feel free to share it with friends and family.

Exclusive coffee offer coming soon👀

Our June offer is just being finalised. So I will send a separate email with the voucher when the T&Cs are ready.. there may be a clue in the graphic above.

June Events 📅

🤎 Tunes and Tales - Gloucestershire Libraries, Hesters Way Cheltenham
Gloucestershire Libraries have partnered with Boogie Beat Cheltenham to deliver this new event - a family-friendly singing club | Sat 27th June | FREE | 10 -11 am | Age: all | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 Science Festival Free Zone - Cheltenham Festivals, Cheltenham
The Festival programme extends beyond its ticketed events to include three free Interactive Zones. From the creative experiences of MakerShack, to the playful hands-on science of the Discover Zone, and the cyber challenges of The Arcade | | FREE | Friday 5th – 7 June 2026 | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Dino-ROAR - GloucesterBid, Kings Square Gloucester
Gloucester is set to host the exciting Dino-ROAR Weekend in Kings Square, promising two days of dinosaur-sized fun for the whole family. | Sat 6 - Sun 7th June | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 The Wind and The Willows Trail - National Trust, Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park, Stroud
Pick up a free trail map and see if you can spot all of the beautifully designed sculptures. They also have a cafe, and you can bring your own picnic to the gardens | On until 28th June | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Open Farm Sunday - Sustain Farm Shop, Wooten Bassett
An event to inspire the next generation of farmers! Enjoy tractor rides, meet the animals, and take part in a range of family-friendly activities. | Sun 7th June | 12pm - 4pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Summer Garden Party - Common Ground Community Centre, Gloucester
A free family-friendly event with the chance to explore the gardens, enjoy free family activities, such as making wildflower seed bombs, and children’s craft activities. | Friday 26th June | 2 pm -5:30 pm | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Busy as a Bee - Nature Tots, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester
This month the Nature Tots will be learning all about bees. Great event helping kids enjoy wildlife and nature-themed activities | Wed 24th June | 10 am - 11:30 am | £5 | Age: recommended for preschoolers, but under-2s are welcome! | 🎫 | Event Link

🤎 Messy Play - Kids Stuff Stroud, Stroud
Held in Sanctuary every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month! They have recently updated their play area in the cafe, so worth a visit! | 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Pay-what-you-can | Tues 16th June | Event Link

🤎 Movie Magic Workshop, School House Cafe, Cheltenham
Head to School House Cafe to discover the science behind movie special effects, as part of the Cheltenham Science Festival | Saturday 6th June | 11 am- 3 pm | FREE | Perfect for age 4+ | Event Link

🤎 Off Beat, Off beat Collective, Dursley Town
A creative takeover of Dursley town centre celebrating community and creativity. Wander between guided walks, storytelling, workshops, live music, circus, making, community creativity and a Fish Disco finale in Market Square…wow! | Sat 6th June | 11am -3 pm | Event Link

Programme below:

Discounts and Offers - I have found

St Augustine’s Farm 50% off - 50% off the first 50 pre-booked children’s EVERYDAY in June!

Pre-book tickets

Cotswold Farm Park - Dad’s Go FREE - On Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June, treat your dad!

Pre-book tickets

Cineworld - £2 to £4 child and adult tickets. Cineworld is currently offering 'Movies for Juniors' screenings for £2 (usually £3.99) for kids (aged 14 and under) and accompanying adults on weekends and school holidays. The price includes a £1 booking fee per ticket.

See films

Latest Local News for Parents - useful things to know (I think)

I’ve noticed, after two maternity leaves in Gloucestershire, just how quickly things change in the baby and toddler world - new classes pop up, others disappear, and it can be hard to keep track of what’s on… let alone look after the kids and myself.

So I thought I’d create a section to share regular early years updates for parents across Gloucestershire.

The best local knowledge really comes from parents on the ground - so if you know of anything happening in your area, please do share it. It helps me keep this updated, and it helps other parents find things to do!

Bump to Baby Hub Cheltenham – Now Closed

Bump to Baby Hub has now closed its doors. It was a hub run by a local midwife, Beth, and was home to a range of popular classes and groups for local families, including Baby Sensory, Mummy Pilates, and other classes.

It’s always so sad to lose this kind of space, especially one that brought together so many parents and young children. I have been to many classes here! If you attended classes, it may be worth checking with the providers to see where they are now running sessions.

Cinebabies is back - for only £5

CiniMinis came back in April (you may have seen my embarrassing video…). It’s a cinema experience designed for parents and carers with babies up to 18 months. It takes place on the first Wednesday of every month.

I still love the Everyman Baby screenings in Cheltenham, which are around £17 per ticket (including coffee and cake), but it’s not something we can all justify doing regularly. That’s why I was really pleased to see CiniMinis is back.

Find out more

A Place To Visit: Charlie’s Cafe

We had a really good visit here, and there is free parking available and a toddler area. Definitely one for the list!!

In short, Charlie’s Café is a community-style café in Barnwood, Gloucester, linked to a charity supporting people affected by cancer. There is a toddler area with lots of toys; both my 1-year-old and my 2-year-old enjoyed it. Plus a pool table for older children.

They serve good value food, including breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, cakes, and hot drinks. During school holidays, they also run kids’ events. The staff were also so so lovely.

Picture of the toddler area below:

Mum’s Clothes Swap - Thank you

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, came along, and shared the event. It was such a lovely day, and I’m really proud that everyone got to take something home for FREE.

A massive thank you to Weird Fish, Liz Gaffer (the stylist), Common Ground, the volunteers, and all of you who supported it.

Thanks all,

Hi guys,

Spring is finally here, and didn’t that bit of sunshine make parenting feel so much easier? I definitely find it easier to spend less when you can just head to the park (and, of course, treat yourself to a coffee ☕).

We’ve also had a few new subscribers recently, so a big welcome if you’re new 👋

This space is a little break from Instagram. Here, I round up free and budget-friendly things and events to do with kids, and I try to convince independent cafés to offer us a good deal.

This month’s newsletter is all about the clothes swap on Sunday, plus some great events I found happening in May, including half-term, and a coffee and cake deal!

If you find this newsletter useful, feel free to share it with friends.

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Our Offer: £4 Coffee & Pastry/Cake

In case you missed your voucher this week, I’ve teamed up with Kingshot Coffee at The Dug Out Café in The Burrows, Cheltenham, to offer you an exclusive coffee and cake deal for May! ☕🍰

The café is run by local dad Chris, who has recently welcomed his second baby, so let’s show our support. They also do the BEST coffee!

Your Voucher

T&Cs apply, please see your voucher

Some good budget-friendly events I have found for May so far!

May Events 📅

🤎 Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue: Open day, Brockworth, Gloucester
Open day, with stalls, and you get to meet real hedgehogs! | Sun 10th May | 11am - 5pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Kam Performing Arts: Fairytellers, Imaginative Play, Leckhampton Hall, Cheltenham
FREE trial of a brand new creative play class | Tues 12th May | 9:45am - 10:30am | Age: 1-4 | Leckhampton Village Hall | 🎟️ FREE | Event Link

🤎 GlosBudgetMum & HoldingMumma: Park, Play, and Coffee, The Burrows Leckhampton, Cheltenham
A free meet-up in the park to end the week together. A chance to go for a walk, play, and enjoy some time outdoors | Fri 15th May | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | FREE | 🎟️ | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Tewkesbury Big Weekend, Town Centre and Riverside area, Tewkesbury
A free weekend event, with music, food, parades, and family activities - all across Tewkesbury | Fri 15th May - Sun 17th May | Various times | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Dragon Boat Festival, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester
Bring your family to cheer on the boats at Gloucester Docks | Sun 17th May | 10 am - 5 pm | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Serens Wish Charity Hub: The 3 C’s Baby club, Serens Wish Charity Hub, Cheltenham
The 3 C's would like to welcome you and your under-2s to their brand new group. Inspired by their own children and need for a space to socialise | Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10 am - 12 pm | FREE | 🎟️ | Age: 0-2 | Event Link

🤎 Serens Wish Charity Hub: Sock Puppet Show, Serens Wish Charity Hub, Cheltenham
Session will bring imagination to life as your child creates their very own sock puppets before they feature in their very own stories! | Tue 26th May | 11:00am - 12pm | £3 | 🎟️ | Age: 5 and over | Event Link

🤎 Jet Age Museum: Open day, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham
Another great open day is planned at the museum, where you can see Jet Planes! | Wed 27th May | 10am - 4pm | FREE (donations welcomed) | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 National Trust: The Wind and The Willows Trail, Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park, Stroud
Pick up a free trail map and see if you can spot all of the beautifully designed sculptures. | 22nd May - 28th June | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 South Cerney Street Fair and Duck Race, South Cerney
Stalls, food and drink, free music, a duck race and more! | Mon 25th May | 10am - 5pm | FREE | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Cotswold Outlet: Vale Wildlife Pop-Up, Cotswold Designer Outlet, Tewkesbury
Vale Wildlife Hospital will be joining Cotswold Outlet for one day only during the May half term to teach everyone all about our local wildlife | Wed 27th May | 9:30 - 4:30 pm | FREE (donations welcome) | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 GloucesterBid, Dino-ROAR, Kings Square, Gloucester (JUNE EVENT, BUT ADD YO YOUR DIARY NOW!)
Gloucester is set to host the exciting Dino-ROAR Weekend in Kings Square, promising two days of dinosaur-sized fun for the whole family. | Sat 6 - Sun 7th June | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

Summer Holidays - A question for you?

As we get closer to the summer holidays, things can start to feel overwhelming - classes stop, and suddenly you’re trying to figure out what’s on by scrolling through endless Facebook groups.

I’d really love to dedicate more time to helping, so I’m thinking about creating a small paid option to make that possible.

The aim is to reduce the mental load of constantly searching across multiple groups, pages, and posts, and instead create one space that actually helps.

Ultimately, it’s about saving you time, energy, and money - doing the digging for you, pulling together genuinely useful, budget-friendly ideas, and keeping everything easy to find when you need it.

It will take a bit of time to do it properly, so I just wanted to find out if you guys are interested.

It would include:

• What’s on locally, all in one place

• Budget-friendly ideas, events (who is up for a guide on the best pub with the playgrounds 🍺🍷? )

• Regular updates and a community chat for real-time recommendations

• Occasional discounts and exclusive offers

Mum’s Clothes Swap

Find out more

This Sunday at Common Ground Cheltenham, 10:30 pm - 12:30 pm! I’ve released a few more tickets!

This event is for all mums - whether you’re expecting, have teenagers, or are even a grandparent, you’re welcome.

Thank you to Weird Fish

I’ve spent a lot of time reaching out to brands for the clothes swap, and I’m so pleased to announce that Weird Fish has come back to me and kindly donated new clothes for the event to support us. These were from a model shoot (sizes 10–12), and I couldn’t be more grateful. Hopefully, this is just the start of other brands supporting us!

Thanks for reading, hopefully see some of you on Sunday!

Tips on organising your wardrobe: Liz Gaffer, Personal Stylist

Written by Liz Gaffer - Personal Stylist

Most of us wear less than half of what is in our wardrobes, and when you think that as women we spend on average 17 minutes deciding what to wear every day, having an organised wardrobe that gives you your outfit for the day will save you time and build your confidence.

What you will need – carrier bags, your phone camera, space on the bed or a rail. Some time on your own.

Then:

● Take everything out – dust and clean the wardrobe. This will not only protect your clothes but make you feel proud of the space.

● Go through your items one by one and ask yourself..

• Does it fit you

• Is it ‘you’? If it isn’t you, you don’t wear it but you spent money on it, then take a picture and either consider donating it or selling it online.

• If it holds special memories – take a picture of it – hang it up – neatly, iron if necessary – and then you can see the item and let it go.

• Put all the items that fit you, and are you on a rail or back in the wardrobe if you don’t have a separate rail.

• Put the other items into bags for selling or the charity shops.Move the bags out of the room. Don’t get distracted!

• Look at what you have on the rail and start to think about how they work together (show labels). What theme is emerging. Is there any more refining you can do.Join us at the Mum’s Clothes Swap - Sunday 10th May

To learn more about how to use what you already have to dress in your unique style and build confidence in your wardrobe, come along to the Mum’s Clothes Swap Event. I will be there for you to ask lots of questions and give a talk on confidence after motherhood.

Get my ticket

Liz Gaffer - Personal Stylist

Liz Gaffer is a personal stylist working with women and men across Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, helping you build a wardrobe that feels effortless and unmistakably you.

Liz has worked with many mums and often notices a common pattern: we tend to hold onto clothes, hoping they’ll fit one day again. It’s an understandable instinct, but it often means your wardrobe ends up full of items that don’t serve you right now. The truth is, fit is everything.

If you’d like to find out more about Liz and explore her services, you can visit her website below.

Find out more

Please see your exclusive coffee and pastry/cake voucher at Kingshot Coffee - The Dug Out cafe. £4 for a coffee and a pastry/cake!

A reward for being part of the GlosBudgetMum newsletter crew.

Each month, I work with an independent café to offer parents and carers an exclusive deal. There’s no charge to them; the idea is simply that they offer something good, and I share it with you. You support them, and everyone wins.

May’s newsletter will be landing at the end of this week (hopefully… sleep is questionable at the moment). In the meantime, enjoy your treat!

Show this voucher at the till before you order. Please note they are normally closed on Mondays.

Note: if you can, please do share photos of you enjoying the offer and tagging me - it really helps me and ‘US’. The more engagement and followers we get, the more leverage I have to convince other cafés to offer deals like this!

Deal Terms & Conditions

• £4 Coffee & Pastry / Cake Deal: includes one pastry and any small or reg hot drink

• Excludes iced drinks, syrups, and add-ons

• Iced coffee, chai, and hot chocolate require a £1 supplement

• Drink-only option: small or reg hot drink for £2.50 (same exclusions/supplements apply)

• Valid weekdays only, 10:00–14:30, 5th May – 26th May

• Voucher (barcode) must be shown before purchase

• One voucher per transaction

• No cash alternative

• Available at The Dug Out

• The Dug Out reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time

FREE Walk, Play, Park, Coffee meet up

I’m also running a free coffee meet-up with Holding Mumma on Friday 15th, 1:30–2:30 pm, if anyone would like to join!

We just ask people to register so we can let the café know numbers in advance - this helps them plan (and makes sure there’s enough cake for everyone!).

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FREE and budget-friendly Easter Egg Hunts and Trails in Gloucestershire

Hi guys,

Hope you’re all well and looking forward to busy midweeks…

I’ve put together a bonus Easter post for you all! Here is list of free and budget-friendly Easter Egg Hunts and Trails in Gloucestershire, all under £5pp - hopefully easy to digest and explore. Lots are FREE. Win.

I love an Easter hunt because it means you rarely have to book, and you can spend 5 minutes or the whole day enjoying it. Also, it is a nice thing to do with a baby/pram walk.

Sorry, I can’t make the sun shine! ☀️ If I’ve missed any trails, let me know, and I’ll add them!

Have a great Easter, guys. Treat yourselves, and don’t feel bad if you eat your children’s chocolate eggs…..

Cheltenham

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Cobo Hatherley Park

Every day in Easter, they will be hiding Cobo eggs around Hatherley. If you find one, bring it to the Cobo coffee horsebox for your prize.

Easter Holidays | Coffee hunt opening times | FREE | Age: all

🐣 Easter Egg hunt, Benhall Woods

Join them on Easter Monday for an Easter Hunt in Benhall Woods! Pre-book your time slot to guarantee availability, or turn up on the day and buy any remaining time slot tickets.

Monday 6th April | Pick your selected time | £3 | Event Link

🐣 Whiskers & Little Explorers Pavilion, Park Easter Egg hunt, Prestbury Park

Collect the map at the café, find the hidden letters around the park, then return with the completed word to claim your prize.

23rd March - 20th April | Cafe opening times | £3

🐣 Friends of Hatherley Park Easter Egg Hunt, Hatherley Park

Join us at the park for a true community egg hunt, with hidden eggs waiting to be discovered all around!

Saturday 4th April | 2 pm - 3:45pm | £2 | Event Link

🐣 Acorn Play Hoppy Trails Woodland Adventure, Linewood

Collect your map at Kings Coffee in Charlton Kings, and head to the woods to explore an Easter Trail.

Easter Holidays | Cafe Opening times | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Brewed By Amber Cafe

Pop into the child-friendly cafe and spot the eggs hidden around it. The best tasting coffee and free play area!

March 30th - 3rd April | | 10:30am - 11:30am | FREE (but probs need to buy a coffee) | Event Link

🐣Gruffalo Granny Easter trail, Waterstones

Join us this Easter. Complete our Gruffalo Granny Easter trail, decorate an egg, and listen to some Easter-inspired stories.

Saturday 4th April | 10:30am - 11:30am | Turn up | FREE | | Event Link

🐣Friends of Leckhampton Primary School Easter Trail, Leckhampton

Join our very first FOLPS Easter Egg Trail. Explore Leckhampton as you hunt for colourful Easter eggs hidden in windows, collect the letters, and unscramble them to reveal a secret Easter phrase. Complete the trail and claim your prize!

Go at your own pace, all in one day or spread it over a few days, perfect for busy families. Buy online.

Saturday 28th March - 12th April | Turn up | £4 | | Event Link

🐣 Motherhood Society, Spring Trail, The Dug Out, Leckhampton

Follow the map and find spring creatures in The Burrows field. Go grab a map from The Dug Out Cafe, and you also get a prize on completion.

31st March - April | Cafe opening times | £4 | | Event Link

Gloucester

🐣The Secret Easter Garden Trail, Gloucester Cathedral

Set off on a fun, family-friendly trail through the Cathedral blooms, identifying plants, and creating your own Secret Easter Garden. Pick up a trail map at the desk during opening hours. Donations welcome.

Saturday 14 March - Sunday 12 April | Opening Hours | FREE | Event Link

🐣Gloucester Quays Easter Trail, Gloucester Quays

Pick up a trail booklet, follow the clues, and complete the puzzle to earn a special prize. £1 per booklet, supporting the Pied Piper Appeal.

Saturday 28th March - Sunday 12 April | Opening Hours | Turn up | £1 | Event Link

🐣Easter Goose Trail, Llanthony Secunda Priory

This Easter, set off on a fun-filled adventure around the beautiful grounds of Llanthony Secunda Priory! Nine hidden geese are waiting to be found- can you spot them all?

Wednesday 2nd April | 11:00am - 3pm | £2.50 | Event Link

🐣Gloucester Park Easter Trail, Gloucester Park

Join in the Gloucester Park Easter Trail as we follow maps, find egg clues, unscramble letters, answer quiz questions and most of all, have fun - all for FREE! Easter egg prizes for every child who completes the trail.

Pick up your Easter trail pack from the Bandstand between 10 and 11 am. Return your finished pack to the bandstand 10.30 - 11.30 am to collect your prize!

Friday 3rd Apil | 10:30am -11:30am | FREE | Book a ticket | Event Link

Tewkesbury

🐣Children’s Spring Trail, Cotswold Outlet

A FREE spring-themed trail at Cotswolds Designer Outlet this Easter break. Expect colourful bunny rabbits, oversized eggs and blooming florals dotted around the malls just waiting to be found, and on completion, claim a sweet treat from Guest Services.

March 30th - 12th April | Opening times | FREE | Event Link

Stroud

🐣 National Trust Easter Egg Hunt, Woodchester Park

There are 2 routes to choose from at Tinkley Gate: follow the little boots for a shorter, flat trail, or the big boots for a more adventurous trail that takes a little longer. Please note that parking all day is £3

Saturday 28th March - 12th April | Opening times | £3.50 | Age: all | Event Link

🐣 Signs of Spring Family Explorer, Museum in the Park

The trail provides a fun, seasonal way to look around the Museum in the Park. Look out for the toy rabbits to guide you as you find things in the museum that help us think about how people in the past celebrated Springtime and Easter. Look closely and explore together before collecting your sticker reward from Reception.

28th - 4th April | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🐣 Painswick Playgroup’s Easter Egg Hunt, Painswick Village

Follow the trail around Painswick, discover beautifully decorated eggs, and solve the puzzle along the way. Enjoy their Bake Off, plus stalls at the Memorial Ground, including food, face painting, raffle, tombola, and more. Free parking available.

Saturday 4th April | 12 - 4pm | £5 | | Event Link

🐣 Dursley Easter Egg Hunt, Dursley Town Hall

Collect your maps from Dursley Town Hall, and join the community to hunt for some eggs!

Saturday 4th April | 10am - 12pm | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Stratford Park

Instead of collecting eggs, you’ll be searching for specially named eggs hidden all around the park. Slip on your detective hat, and see if your family can crack the clues to find every single egg!

Saturday 4th April | 10am - 4pm | FREE | Event Link

Cirencester

🐣 The Eleven Bibury Easter Trail, Bibury

This Easter, discover Bibury in a whole new way. Begin your adventure at Eleven Bibury, where you can buy a drink and collect your trail sheet before setting off to solve a series of playful riddles around the village.

3rd - 6th April | 9:30am-3:30pm | Cost of something at the cafe | Event Link

Forest Of Dean

🐣 Mallards Café Easter Trail, Mallards Lake

Hop on down to Mallards Café between Saturday, 28th March – Saturday 4th April, anytime from 10 am–4 pm. They will be open 7 days a week over the Easter holidays, so plenty of time to join the fun. Grab an Easter Trail sheet, head out for a wander to find all the clues, then bring it back to claim your prize…

Saturday 28th March - 4th April | 10am - 4pm | £4.95 | | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt and Hat Parade, Bathurst Park, Lydney

Their annual Easter celebration at Bathurst Park – a lovely family day out, whatever the weather!

Wednesday 1st April | 10:30 am - 11:30 am | FREE (I think it is not super clear..) | Event Link

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Deal Terms & Conditions

• £3.50 Coffee & Cake Deal: Includes one cake and any small or large hot drink.

• Excludes: iced drinks, syrups, and additional add-ons.

• Drink Only Option: Small or large hot drink for £2.50 (same exclusions apply).

• Validity: Weekdays only, 10:00am – 2:00pm, from 11 March – 2 April. Deal is not available on the bank holiday (Good Friday).

• Offer subject to availability.

• Voucher must be presented and scanned (barcode) at purchase.

• One voucher per transaction. No cash alternative.

• Cobo reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, or amend this voucher at any time without prior notice.

• Location: Cobo Coffee, Hatherley Park, Bournside Rd, Cheltenham GL51 3AQ

Hi guys,

How have you all been? February felt soooo rainy. It was my birthday, and I pretended for a weekend that I had some money, so that was fun! The kids were less ill…overall, a good month.

This newsletter is packed. Sorry, there’s lots to read, but hopefully it’s easy to scroll past to the bits you care about.

Have fun reading, guys!

If you find this newsletter useful, feel free to share it with friends.

Share

Exclusive £3.50 Coffee & Cake Offer at Cobo Coffee

Your voucher

T&Cs apply, see your voucher

March Events 📅

🤎 WestCheltenhamArts Common Ground (the cafe on Brooklyn Road)
Saturday 14th March | 10 am - 12:30 pm (set times per age) | FREE | 🎟️ | Age: 5 -18 years | Event Link

🤎 GlosBudgetMum & HoldingMumma: Park, play, and Coffee, Hatherley Park
Friday 13th March & 27th March | 1:30pm to 2:30pm | FREE | 🎟️ | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Where Next Cheltenham Book launch: Story time and colouring - The Wilson
Tuesday 31st March | 10:00am to 1pm | FREE | | Age: 2-8 | Event Link

🤎 The Last Baguette: A Woodland Wonder - Gloucestershire libraries
25th March & 2nd April | Various locations and times | £3 | 🎟️ | Age: 2-6 | Event Link

🤎 Whiskers & Little Explorers Pavilion: Park Easter Egg hunt - Prestbury Park
23rd March - 20th April | Cafe opening times | £3 | Age: all

🤎 National Trust: Birds of Woodchester: Part treasure hunt, part nature walk - Woodchester Park
10th March - 22nd March | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎Museum of Gloucester, The Dragon who sneaked away, family trail - Museum of Gloucester
28th March - 12 th April | 10am - 5pm (opening times) | £2 | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 National Trust: Easter Egg Hunt - Woodchester Park
28th March - 4th April | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🤎 Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs - GL4 Gloucester
26th March | 10:& 11:00am | Pay-What-You-Can | Age: 0-4 | Event Link

FREE Pregnancy & Postnatal Well-being Workshop

Register for FREE

This email contains no ads or affiliate links. I share this stuff because I feel it might be useful.

Rebuilding Confidence After Having a Baby - my chat with Sophie from Firefly.

A month ago, I sat down with Sophie from Firefly, a postnatal exercise expert and recorded my first Spill the Beans!

Now, guys, a warning… the video is very BUDGET 😅. But we had a really good chat about getting back into exercise and rebuilding confidence, so have a listen!

The video ended up being a bit shorter than planned. Cue the school pick-up for Sophie! She had about 10 minutes to jump on her bike and get to the school gates - a glimpse of how the school run can land right in the middle of the day. Anyway, I have all that to look forward to…

Because we had to wrap up quickly, Sophie and I also put together the guide below to talk a bit more about confidence and exercise, as well as some information on diastasis recti.

A bit about Sophie’s story

When Sophie was pregnant, she was keen to exercise, but to do it safely, she had to learn a lot herself. After her first baby was born, she sought guidance, and Buggyfit proved a lifesaver. Joan’s classes gave her day structure, fresh-air workouts boosted her physically and mentally, and her baby loved it too.

Being part of that community inspired Sophie to pursue a career in fitness. While pregnant with her second daughter, she gained her Personal Training qualifications, specialising in pre- and postnatal exercise. Now she runs the successful Firefly, offering 121 support for women no matter what stage they are at.

If you have met Sophie, you know the sense of community she brings. It’s so much more than just a class.

Thank you, Sophie, for taking the time to speak to me (after our many failed attempts), and for providing information for mums returning to exercise.

Sophie’s bits are in italics and the pink sections.

Oh, and Sophie has given us subscribers FREE classes.

Sophie is also giving us newsletter subscribers 3 classes for FREE (whaaaat!) worth £24 - amazing, right? That’s three free lessons for new customers (you can still use the code if you have been to her classes in a previous maternity.)

Just use the code Glosbudgetmumfree at checkout.

BOOK FREE CLASSES

Sophie is also available on WhatsApp if you have any questions. 07816529196

Spill the Beans - a further chat with Sophie

When Should You Get Back to Exercise? What is this 6-Week Rule Anyway?

Sophie:
The “6-week rule” can be really frustrating. It can make it feel like getting back to exercise is a tick-box you suddenly turn on once you’ve had that check with your GP. In reality, recovery after birth isn’t one-size-fits-all, and everyone’s timeline will look a bit different.

You can often start gentle movement as soon as you feel ready after giving birth. By that, I mean things like breathing exercises, walking, and pelvic floor work - which absolutely count as exercise and help your body recover. NHS guidance also suggests that if you had a straightforward birth, you can begin gentle walking, stretches, pelvic floor exercises and gentle core work when you feel comfortable.

Most people are advised to wait until after their 6-week postnatal check before returning to more demanding exercise, particularly higher-impact activity, because your body is still healing and adapting. When you do start building things back up, it’s best done gradually and ideally with guidance from a postnatal exercise specialist or pelvic health physio. But honestly, everyone is different - just like everyone exercised differently before having a baby.

If you’ve had a C-section, the same principles apply. Gentle movement, breathing, and reconnecting with your core and pelvic floor are important, though timelines for higher-impact exercise are usually slightly longer.

That doesn’t mean gentle movement doesn’t count. I would call a walk down the road a win! To start with, let your body guide you and try to take the pressure off the word “returning.”

Ok, so say I feel ready to do some exercise, but I am still in the first 6-8 weeks postpartum. What exercises at home would you advise?

Sophie:
If you feel ready to start moving, it’s really important to go at your own pace. Some people might be ready for that long walk sooner than you - don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Focus on going gently and listening to your body. Exercise at this stage is all about reconnecting with your body and supporting recovery. You’re also looking after your baby , and your littlies need so much from you already.

But if you want to start exercising, here are the top exercises I’d recommend in the early days/weeks:

Breathing & Pelvic Floor: Deep diaphragmatic breathing and gentle pelvic floor lifts can help you reconnect with your core and support your body’s recovery.

Gentle Walking: Gentle walking is often a good place to begin. Start with short walks and gradually build up as you feel ready - even a small walk with the pram or down the road can be a great starting point.

Light Stretching: Gentle stretches for the neck, shoulders, back and hips can help ease some of the tension that often comes with feeding, carrying and holding a baby. Movements like cat - cow can be lovely for gently mobilising the spine.

Gentle Core Work: Early core work is more about reconnecting than strengthening. It’s helpful to link this back to your breathing - using diaphragmatic breaths to gently coordinate your pelvic floor and deep core muscles. Simple movements like pelvic tilts or knee lifts while lying down can help you begin to re-engage these muscles without putting too much strain on your body.

Even after a C-section, these gentle exercises help reconnect your core and support healing safely.

A quick note: there are lots of YouTube clips out there, but it’s worth being cautious - some exercises may not be suitable in the early postpartum period and could do more harm than good This is why supportive postnatal classes can be so helpful. They give new mums a chance to move safely, ask questions, and rebuild confidence in their bodies.

I never really went back to exercise because I felt like I could never get back to my old body.

How would you support someone who has felt like that?

Sophie:
That actually makes a lot of sense. Many people feel hesitant about putting effort into getting stronger when they feel like they’ll never get back to where they used to be. But keeping your body moving and staying active, even in small ways, can really help.

It can start gently, focusing first on reconnecting with your body and gradually building strength, while letting your body lead. I’m not saying it’s easy, because often we struggle more mentally than physically.

One thing I often encourage my clients to do is shift the focus away from “getting back” to where they were before, and instead think about moving forwards from where they are now.

Exercise isn’t about “bouncing back.” As a mum, it’s about learning to grow with your new body. It’s about feeling stronger, more grounded, and more connected to your body as it is now.

It will come, I promise. But it’s okay to take time. We’re all juggling so much, not just kids, but energy, priorities, and everything else that comes with this stage of being a parent.

Starting to move more can create a ripple effect, and you might be surprised how small steps build into something bigger.

Ok, so I have been back to exercise, but I am worried I have that ab gap thing…

What is “Diastasis Recti” and when should you check it?

Sophie:
Diastasis recti is when the two sides of your abdominal muscles move further apart during pregnancy as your belly grows. Most women will have some degree of separation after giving birth, and for many people it gradually improves as the body recovers.

One of the tricky things is that most of us never checked our abdominal muscles before pregnancy, so it can be hard to know what our “normal” was. There are also a lot of myths around the size of the gap. In reality, the strength and function of the deeper core muscles - particularly the transverse abdominis (TVA) - are often more important than the width of the separation itself. For example, I still have a gap, but my deep core muscles are strong and supportive.

In the early weeks after birth it’s very common to feel a gap, and it can sometimes be quite wide at first. For example, a gap of three or even four finger widths a few weeks postpartum can be within the range of normal while your body is still recovering. Over time, you would usually expect the gap to start narrowing and the strength underneath to gradually improve.

Many people assume that having had a C-section means they don’t have a gap or pelvic floor issues, but that’s not the case - it’s still important to build core strength safely.

Sophie made this video to demonstrate how to check. If you’d like to check your abdominal muscles yourself, you can try a gentle self-check:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor

• Take a few slow, deep breaths

• As you breathe out, gently lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor

• Use your fingers to feel along the midline of your tummy, from just below your bra line down to below your belly button

• You may notice a gap, often widest around the belly button

• You can also try to feel how deep the space is beneath your fingers, which can give an idea of how the deeper muscles are supporting the area

If the gap doesn’t seem to be improving over time, feels very deep, or you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to get some support from a pelvic health physiotherapist or a qualified postnatal exercise specialist.

Can I get free Physio on the NHS for this?

Sophie:
In many areas you can access pelvic health physiotherapy through the NHS, although the process can vary depending on local services.

Your GP, midwife or health visitor may be able to refer you, and in some areas you can also self-refer to women’s health or pelvic health physiotherapy services. It’s always worth asking at your postnatal check if you have any concerns about your recovery.

Diastasis recti is also closely connected to how the rest of your core system is functioning, including your pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles. Sometimes symptoms like leaking, heaviness, pain or a feeling of weakness can be linked to this overall system needing support.

These symptoms are quite common after birth, but that doesn’t mean they are something you should just put up with. I’m a big believer that no one should have to suffer in silence after having a baby, and getting the right support can make a huge difference.

Access to NHS services can depend on where you live and waiting lists, so some people choose to see a private pelvic health physiotherapist if they’d like support sooner. That said, I also appreciate that private physiotherapy isn’t financially accessible for everyone, which is why it’s always worth exploring what support may be available through the NHS locally.

Having a professional assessment, whether through the NHS or privately, can really help you understand what’s going on and how to rebuild strength safely.

What exercises can I do to improve my core/diastasis Recti

Sophie:
After having a baby, it’s best to start with gentle, mindful movement for your core and pelvic floor. Early exercises are all about reconnecting and stabilising rather than pushing or straining. Some good starting points include.

• Pelvic floor engagement: Gentle squeezes and lifts to reconnect with these muscles. It’s very common not to feel much at first - building that mind–muscle connection is a key part of recovery. Over time, your ability to feel and control these muscles should improve, as should how long you can maintain a gentle contraction. Remember, the pelvic floor also needs to relax; holding it constantly can actually cause tension, so learning both engagement and relaxation is important.

• Diaphragmatic breathing: This is my number one place to start. Take a deep breath in, filling your diaphragm, and as you exhale, feel your tummy muscles drawing in toward one another and back toward your spine. Exhaling on the hardest part of any exercise is a simple tip that helps engage your core safely.

• Gentle walking with good posture: Even short walks with the pram are valuable and help mobilise your body.

• Pelvic tilts or gentle core activations: Small, controlled movements that help you re-engage your deep abdominal muscles.

• Dead bugs: A great way to challenge your core, but only if it doesn’t cause doming. If it does, start with a modified version: knees bent, toes lightly touching the floor, and focus on connecting your breath with the movement. The key is linking the diaphragmatic breath to each repetition.

The aim is to draw the muscles inward and build stability, particularly in the early weeks. How you progress depends on your own body, so let your movement be guided by comfort and awareness rather than a rigid timeline. In my experience, I would never prescribe traditional sit-ups or crunches, and I’d avoid exercises that put direct pressure on your abdominal wall. For example, a traditional plank on your knees or feet isn’t something I would prescribe on its own. However, learning to engage and feel your core safely is still very valuable. Practicing a plank on your knees. Focusing on keeping the core pulled in and engaged - is a safe way to build endurance, as long as it doesn’t create undue pressure on your abdominal wall. Planking on your feet would generally come later, once you have regained enough core and pelvic floor control.

It’s also important to remember that your core works in connection with the rest of your body. Glutes, hips, and even your upper back all play a role — they can get tight or switch off from carrying and feeding your baby. Gentle resistance band exercises, stretches, and functional movements can help support the whole system.

Thankfully, there are a few local classes and postnatal exercise options that give mums a chance to move safely and rebuild strength with guidance, if that’s something you want to explore.

In the early stages, it’s normal if your muscles feel weak or your gap feels wide, the focus is on gradual reconnection. As your strength improves, you can slowly add more challenging core exercises, always maintaining control and support from your deep muscles.

Some “Spill the Beans” questions from our followers!

Q: Please could you share exercises to support your pelvic floor that aren’t just squeezes?

A: Absolutely! While squeezes are a great starting point, there are lots of other ways to reconnect with your pelvic floor:

• Diaphragmatic breathing: This is my number one place to start. As you inhale, let your diaphragm fill and your belly rise, and as you exhale, feel your pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles drawing in and back toward your spine. Exhaling on the hardest part of any exercise helps engage your core safely.

• Bridging: Lying on your back with knees bent, lift your hips while lightly engaging your core and pelvic floor.

• Bird-dog or gentle kneeling lifts: Keep your core and pelvic floor stable as you extend arms and legs slowly.

• Functional movements: Squats, reaching, or lifting while maintaining breath and core engagement can train your pelvic floor in everyday movement.

The key is awareness and control, rather than intensity. You may not feel much at first, that’s completely normal. Over time, your ability to engage and hold should improve. And just as important as engaging is relaxing the pelvic floor; constant tension can be counterproductive.

Q: Are there breastfeeding-friendly sports bras?

Yes! There’s now a really good range available. Some of my favourites include M&S, Natal Active, Latched, and Sweaty Betty.

You can also find bras with zips down the front, which work really well for breastfeeding. These are often stocked in the post-surgery or mastectomy section - they’re designed for easy access, good support, and comfort.

When choosing a bra, look for:

• Soft, stretchable fabric that doesn’t dig in

• Good support without underwires

• Adjustable straps for changing breast sizes
  

  Everyone’s shape and needs are different, so it’s worth trying a few styles to see what works best for you.

Q: Do you ever really feel “back to yourself,” or is it more of becoming someone new? I’m struggling with my identity after having my daughter. Not quite sure who I am anymore.

A: I completely understand this - I struggled with it myself after my children. The first time around especially, I was really keen to try and find that version of me from before. In hindsight, I’m not sure I ever did. It was really after the birth of my second daughter that I began to accept that I had become a very different version of myself.

A lot of things can impact how much you feel like yourself. I couldn’t exercise the way I used to, couldn’t get to the gym, and couldn’t take my baby along. Trying to exercise at home often didn’t work either, because time is constantly interrupted, and your plans rarely go smoothly. Babies have a completely different idea of how their day will go, and yours will likely be upended as a result. Learning to be flexible. And to let go of trying to control everything - is one of the biggest requirements of being a parent.

Different stages of having a child bring new challenges. You might feel like you’ve “nailed it,” and then something changes, and you have to level up again - whether it’s getting them to sleep, managing your energy, or juggling everything else in your life. Remember, you’re often functioning with very little sleep, and it’s very unlikely you’ve been in a situation like this before. And your body has changed physically, hormonally, and neurologically. Full stop. Don’t underestimate that.

One resource I found really helpful is the book Matrescence. It made me realise just how much literally everything in your brain and body changes when you become a mum, and how rarely this is discussed.

The key takeaway? You are a new version of yourself now. Learning to lean forward rather than backwards, focusing on moving with your new life rather than trying to go back to your old life, is crucial. It’s a journey, and that version of you is just as valid and wonderful as the one you had before.

Q: I saw your diastasis recti post and found it super helpful. Could you advise on the best exercises to close the gap? How long does it take (if at all)?

A:Thanks. I’m glad it was useful! First, it’s important to know that the goal isn’t necessarily “closing the gap” completely, but rather rebuilding the strength and function of your deep core and pelvic floor. A gap can remain, but with good control and support, it doesn’t have to limit what you can do.

Some exercises that help safely rebuild your core include:

• Pelvic floor engagement combined with diaphragmatic breathing

• Gentle core activations like pelvic tilts, knee lifts, or bird-dogs

• Bridging and functional movements that coordinate the core, glutes, and hips

• Dead bugs great for core control, but only if they don’t cause doming. If doming occurs, start with a modified version: knees bent, toes lightly touching the floor, linking breath to movement. Exhale on the hardest part to engage the core safely.

• Progressive stability work like kneeling planks, focusing on engagement without creating pressure on the abdominal wall. Planking on your feet should only come once core and pelvic floor strength are sufficient.

Timing is very individual. In the first few weeks, a gap is normal. Gradual improvement usually occurs over weeks to months, but some women may always have a small gap. What matters most is how strong and coordinated your muscles are, not the exact width.

If you have concerns, a pelvic health physiotherapist or postnatal exercise specialist can give personalised guidance and ensure your exercises are safe and effective.

About Firefly Fit Cheltenham

About Firefly Fit Cheltenham

Firefly Fit offers fitness classes in Cheltenham, designed for mums and women at any stage. Classes are adaptable to your fitness, strength, and children’s needs, helping you move, regain strength, and enjoy time outdoors. Exercising outside has huge benefits for both mums and children - fresh air, vitamin D, improved mood, and a change of scenery make workouts feel easier and more enjoyable.

What Sophie Offers:

• Fit and Strong Mama - For postnatal mums (with prams or slings), focused on restoring core and pelvic strength while building cardio fitness. Held outdoors at Pittville Park and Burrows Field, these sessions also support mental well-being through connection with nature and other mums. Morning sessions are available to fit around your little one’s routine. There are no expectations for your children, they can cry, be fed, be changed, or even be held by me while you exercise.

• Fit & Strong - For women, with or without kids, building physical and mental strength through fun, challenging exercises. Outdoor sessions on Wednesdays focus on weights and strength training, helping you feel stronger in both body and mind.

• Fit & Strong Evening - Evening outdoor classes for women, perfect for reclaiming some time for yourself. Focused on strength, cardio, and weights, these sessions are a great way to finish the day feeling energised and accomplished.

• Workout & Play - An indoor session where you focus on your fitness while your little one enjoys active play nearby. Children can join you as needed or explore independently, giving them a safe and stimulating environment while you exercise. Again, there’s no pressure on the kids - you can feed, change, or hold them as needed.

If you’re unsure which class is right for you, Sophie can guide you based on where you are in your postpartum or fitness journey.

Hatherley Park Cheltenham

Hatherley Park is one of my faves! Lovely park in Cheltenham, that is pram-friendly, with a playground and a coffee place.

Location: Hatherley Park, Bournside Rd, Cheltenham GL51 3AL

Directions

Facilities:

• Playground

• Older playground

• Basket ball

• Ducks (ducklings in spring)

• Lake (But far enough from the play park)

• A coffee hut, serving coffee, cake, snacks and drinks

• No loos / changing - only downfall….(nature wee anyone?)

• Free parking on roads

• Green space

• Lots of trees - so shaded picnics for summer

It’s actually one of Cheltenham’s Green Flag Award parks, recognising it as a high-quality, well-managed and welcoming community space. Cool right!

The park is also supported by the volunteer Friends of Hatherley Park group, who help care for the gardens and organise local events like Easter egg hunts and seasonal walks. A real community feel this park!

Getting there and parking

There are two main entrances, from Hatherley Court Road (north) and Bournside Road (south), both with pram-friendly pathways. There is no car park as such, but lots of street parking is available along those roads. All free.

Lakes and Ducks

It has a beautiful lake in the middle of the park, which is always full of ducks. In spring, you can even see the ducklings. What’s really fun is that you can buy duck food from Cobo Coffee for a small donation and feed the ducks. Kids love that.

Playground

There is a smaller playground with a train, swings, and a slide. There is also an older playground and a basketball area. I couldn’t take a picture of the other playground as there were kids there…maybe I’ll have to go super early one day.

Cobo’s Coffee

There is the lovely Cobo Coffee, pitched daily at Hatherley Park. It’s a coffee horseshoe box that is there every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with outdoor seating.

Outdoor seating

Cobo Coffee’s Story

When Cheryl, owner of Cobo Coffee, had her baby, she would walk around Hatherley Park pushing her pram, often thinking, " This place is missing a coffee hut”. She dreamed that she could be the one to bring it there. When her baby was just 4 months old, she applied for the pitch… and she got it!

Instead of building her business purely around events, Cheryl wanted to bring something to the community and create a business that was flexible so she could still be present at home with her family. I think so many of us can relate to that.

She officially launched when her baby was only 7 months old, juggling paperwork, organisation, and all the behind-the-scenes work that comes with the set-up. Honestly… she is my idol!

I’ve visited Cobo countless times with my toddler and baby, and every time the coffee is amazing, and the staff are so lovely and welcoming.

And now Cheryl is due to have her second child any day - let’s show her some love and support ❤️, and help towards her maternity pay..

Follow Cobo Coffee on Insta

Don’t forget to tag Cobo Coffee on socials - it really helps support them!

Don’t let the clock change steal your sleep: A survival guide

Written by Emily, from The Little Sleep Circle

It is a feeling us parents know all too well: you have finally found a bit of a rhythm, navigated the latest sleep regression, and then, bam, the clocks change. While “Springing Forward” can be a welcome relief for those struggling with early 5 AM wake-ups, it can introduce a significant biological challenge: the bedtime battle. It can be tricky to convince our babies and toddlers that it is nighttime when their circadian rhythm, thanks to the light outside their window, insists it is still time to play.

In my experience working with families to reclaim their sleep, I find that thinking ahead to these changes and preempting the challenges is the key to a seamless transition. By having a little plan in place before the clocks move, you can significantly ease that sense of dread and replace it with a clear, manageable plan. Let me give you my method for navigating the change:

The Slow Change

• Starting the Wednesday before the clocks change, move all naps, mealtimes, and the bedtime routine to 15 minutes earlier each day.

For example, if your little one is having 1 nap and it’s normally at 1 pm, start bringing it forward to 12.45 and then bedtime from 7 pm to 6.45 pm.

• Repeat the 15-minute adjustment on both Thursday and Friday before the clocks go, so that by Friday night, your little one’s nap and bedtimes are 45 minutes earlier than normal and 60 minutes by Saturday.

• If your little one wakes a little earlier in the mornings, although not ideal for a few days, it’s actually what you will want from the changes. (Remember 6 am will become 7 am on Sunday)

• Remember, you may have to cap their last nap’s length to help accommodate the earlier bedtime.

• By slowly adjusting their schedule, you are gently resetting their internal clock. By Saturday night, a 7 PM bedtime will feel like 6 PM on the old clock, meaning that when Sunday arrives, your child’s rhythm will already be synchronised with the new time.

Optimise Their Environment

Our internal clocks are highly regulated by light, which signals the brain to either suppress or release melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.

• Create a “Dusk” Hour: It is helpful for a little one to spend extra time in a darker, dimly lit environment before bed to help their body recognise that nighttime is coming. Providing this extra time in a darker environment helps their body prepare more effectively for the onset of sleep, especially on lighter evenings.

• Mastering the Blackout: Embrace the blackout blind. At this developmental stage, even a sliver of evening sun can be enough to stimulate the brain and halt sleepy hormones. A blackout blind or similar can be a huge help to ease the transition to lighter mornings and evenings.

The Little Sleep Circle

Emily is a Certified Infant Sleep Consultant from Gloucestershire and the founder of The Little Sleep Circle, providing heart-led, expert support for families navigating the fog of sleep deprivation. She specialises in helping parents move out of survival mode and find their way back to a predictable rhythm.

We chat loads on Instagram, and not even about sleep! She is so approachable and genuinely lovely.

GlosBudgetMum Note

I’m a firm believer that how you handle sleep with your child is completely up to you. With my first, I cared a lot about what other people were doing and often felt a little lost with my own sleep challenges. But with my second, I am more confident in my decisions.

If you are looking for some more support with your nights, rather than endlessly searching on Google, go to a trusted local mum. Emily, from The Sleep Circle.

Emily has created The Little Book of Sleep, a free mini-guide packed with quick tips to tackle early wakes and settle the “sunset scaries.”

FREE GUIDE

Inside the guide, you’ll also find a £50 discount code for her “Full Circle” 1:1 support package.

GlosBudgetMum: FREE & Budget-Friendly Events in Easter Holidays in Gloucestershire

So keep checking back, everyone. I’ll do my best to keep it up to date for you.

If you’re hosting a budget-friendly event, please email me at Glosbudgetmum@gmail.com, with all the details and images, and I’ll add it if it feels right for my subscribers.

And readers, if you spot anything, drop me a DM on Instagram! Let’s help each other out… and maybe stop me working late nights 😅.

Cheltenham

🤎 Easter Crafting for Families, The Wilson
Tuesday 31st March | | 11:00 am - 3:15 pm | ticketed | £5 | | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Cobo Hatherley Park

Every day in Easter, they will be hiding Cobo eggs around Hatherley. If you find one, bring it to the Cobo coffee horsebox for your prize.

Easter Holidays | Coffee hunt opening times | FREE | Age: all

🐣 Easter Egg hunt, Benhall Woods

Join them on Easter Monday for an Easter Hunt in Benhall Woods! Pre-book your time slot to guarantee availability, or turn up on the day and buy any remaining time slot tickets.

Monday 6th April | Pick your selected time | £3 | Event Link

🐣 Whiskers & Little Explorers Pavilion, Park Easter Egg hunt, Prestbury Park

Collect the map at the café, find the hidden letters around the park, then return with the completed word to claim your prize.

23rd March - 20th April | Cafe opening times | £3

🐣 Friends of Hatherley Park Easter Egg Hunt, Hatherley Park

Join us at the park for a true community egg hunt, with hidden eggs waiting to be discovered all around!

Saturday 4th April | 2 pm - 3:45pm | £2 | Event Link

🐣 Acorn Play Hoppy Trails Woodland Adventure, Linewood

Collect your map at Kings Coffee in Charlton Kings, and head to the woods to explore an Easter Trail.

Easter Holidays | Cafe Opening Times | £4 | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Brewed By Amber Cafe

Pop into the child-friendly cafe and spot the eggs hidden around it. The best tasting coffee and free play area!

March 30th - 3rd April | | 10:30am - 11:30am | FREE (but probs need to buy a coffee) | Event Link

🐣Gruffalo Granny Easter trail, Waterstones

Join us this Easter. Complete our Gruffalo Granny Easter trail, decorate an egg, and listen to some Easter-inspired stories.

Saturday 4th April | 10:30am - 11:30am | Turn up | FREE | | Event Link

🐣Friends of Leckhampton Primary School Easter Trail, Leckhampton

Join our very first FOLPS Easter Egg Trail. Explore Leckhampton as you hunt for colourful Easter eggs hidden in windows, collect the letters, and unscramble them to reveal a secret Easter phrase. Complete the trail and claim your prize!

Go at your own pace, all in one day or spread it over a few days, perfect for busy families. Buy online.

Saturday 28th March - 12th April | Turn up | £4 | | Event Link

🐣 Motherhood Society, Spring Trail, The Dug Out, Leckhampton

Follow the map and find spring creatures in The Burrows field. Go grab a map from The Dug Out Cafe, and you also get a prize on completion.

31st March - April | Cafe opening times | £4 | | Event Link

🤎 Easter Crafternoon and Egg Hunt, St Mary’s Church, Charlton Kings
Monday 6th April | 1 pm - 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | 🎟️ | £2.50 per child | Event Link

🤎 Cleeve Common Spring Trail, Cleeve Hill
Fri 3rd April | 12:30pm - 3pm | £3.96 | 🎟️ | Age: All | Event Link

Head to Cleeve Common and earn a treat on our Easter Trail! Drop in during your allocated hour to start a family-friendly, Follow clues on an approx. 1-mile circular walk, answer the questions, and return to collect your prize.

Adults free; £3 per child (plus booking fee). Each trail purchased includes one edible prize.

🤎 Sunshine Well-being, Easter Boogie
Saturday 28th & Tuesday 31st of March | various times | £5-£8.50 | 🎟️ | Age: 2-6 (siblings welcome) Event Link

🤎 Kings Shot Coffee and Motherhood Society Easter fun, The Burrows
More info coming soon

Tewkesbury

🐣Peter Rabbit™ Meet and Greet

Cotswold Outlet welcomes Peter Rabbit™ for fun photo opportunities throughout the afternoon—perfect for little ones and big kids alike! Set time slots! This is a free, first-come, first-served event.They will do their best to accommodate everyone, but queues may close early if time slots fill up.

Wednesday 1st April | Opening Hours | FREE | Event Link

Gloucester

🐣The Secret Easter Garden Trail, Gloucester Cathedral

Set off on a fun, family-friendly trail through the Cathedral blooms, identifying plants, and creating your own Secret Easter Garden. Pick up a trail map at the desk during opening hours. Donations welcome.

Saturday 14 March - Sunday 12 April | Opening Hours | FREE | Event Link

🐣Gloucester Quays Easter Trail, Gloucester Quays

Pick up a trail booklet, follow the clues, and complete the puzzle to earn a special prize. £1 per booklet, supporting the Pied Piper Appeal.

Saturday 28th March - Sunday 12 April | Opening Hours | Turn up | £1 | Event Link

🐣Easter Goose Trail, Llanthony Secunda Priory

This Easter, set off on a fun-filled adventure around the beautiful grounds of Llanthony Secunda Priory! Nine hidden geese are waiting to be found- can you spot them all?

Wednesday 2nd April | 11:00am - 3pm | £2.50 | Event Link

🐣Gloucester Park Easter Trail, Gloucester Park

Join in the Gloucester Park Easter Trail as we follow maps, find egg clues, unscramble letters, answer quiz questions and most of all, have fun - all for FREE! Easter egg prizes for every child who completes the trail.

Pick up your Easter trail pack from the Bandstand between 10 and 11 am. Return your finished pack to the bandstand 10.30 - 11.30 am to collect your prize!

Friday 3rd Apil | 10:30am -11:30am | FREE | Book a ticket | Event Link

🐣 The Dragon who sneaked away, family trail - Museum of Gloucester

28th March - 12 th April | 10am - 5pm (opening times) | £2 | Age: all | Event Link

Stroud

🐣 National Trust Easter Egg Hunt, Woodchester Park

There are 2 routes to choose from at Tinkley Gate: follow the little boots for a shorter, flat trail, or the big boots for a more adventurous trail that takes a little longer. Please note that parking all day is £3

Saturday 28th March - 12th April | Opening times | £3.50 | Age: all | Event Link

🐣 Signs of Spring Family Explorer, Museum in the Park

The trail provides a fun, seasonal way to look around the Museum in the Park. Look out for the toy rabbits to guide you as you find things in the museum that help us think about how people in the past celebrated Springtime and Easter. Look closely and explore together before collecting your sticker reward from Reception.

28th - 4th April | Park opening times | FREE | Age: all | Event Link

🐣 Painswick Playgroup’s Easter Egg Hunt, Painswick Village

Follow the trail around Painswick, discover beautifully decorated eggs, and solve the puzzle along the way. Enjoy their Bake Off, plus stalls at the Memorial Ground, including food, face painting, raffle, tombola, and more. Free parking available.

Saturday 4th April | 12 - 4pm | £5 | | Event Link

🐣 Dursley Easter Egg Hunt, Dursley Town Hall

Collect your maps from Dursley Town Hall, and join the community to hunt for some eggs!

Saturday 4th April | 10am - 12pm | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt, Stratford Park

Instead of collecting eggs, you’ll be searching for specially named eggs hidden all around the park. Slip on your detective hat, and see if your family can crack the clues to find every single egg!

Saturday 4th April | 10am - 4pm | FREE | Event Link

Forest Of Dean

🐣 Mallards Café Easter Trail, Mallards Lake

Hop on down to Mallards Café between Saturday, 28th March – Saturday 4th April, anytime from 10 am–4 pm. They will be open 7 days a week over the Easter holidays, so plenty of time to join the fun. Grab an Easter Trail sheet, head out for a wander to find all the clues, then bring it back to claim your prize…

Saturday 28th March - 4th April | 10am - 4pm | £4.95 | | Event Link

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt and Hat Parade, Bathurst Park, Lydney

Their annual Easter celebration at Bathurst Park – a lovely family day out, whatever the weather!

Wednesday 1st April | 10:30 am - 11:30 am | FREE (I think it is not super clear..) | Event Link

Cirencester

🤎 Cerney Gardens, Visit & Easter trail, Cirencester
Monday 28th - 11th April | Opening times | £7 adults, £1 kids | Age: all

🤎 Kids Stuff, Hopping Bunnies Easter Holiday Crafts, Kids Stuff Cirencester
Have a go at creating some hopping bunnies or any other animal which takes your imagination, for all ages and abilities. No need to book, just drop in and join in the craft being offered that day! A member of the team will be hosting 10.30-12.30pm.

Monday 30th March | 10:30am - 12:00 pm | Pay-what-you-can | Age: all | Event Link

Welcome to the first-ever Early Years Monthly Newsletter

Hi Guys,

I’ve wanted to launch this for a while. Instagram can feel a bit noisy at times, everyone jumping on trends etc. I want to create a space to support parents in the early years. A place to build a real community (hopefully..)..

I’ve waiting for the “right” time. Then one morning I was sitting on the sofa feeding my baby, while my toddler launched Batman across the room (apparently we’re already in the Spider-Man/Batman era), and then I thought - when are we ever really ready for anything?

Are we ever ready to have a baby, go from one to two kids, or even just leave the house on time? NO we are not. But somehow, we all figure it out and do it anyway, every god dam day. So I just did it, posted about launching a monthly newsletter before I’d even figured it out.

Anyway. I promised you no noise and no fluff, and here I am talking about my life. You’re really here for the FREE stuff, so let’s get to it. I’ve split everything into sections to make it easy.

Right. Let’s do this. Thanks for your support as always.

Feb Events 📅

🤎 Snowdrops Trail, NT Newark Park
12th Feb - March | During opening times | Charges apply, free with your pass | just turn up | Age: any years | Event Link

🤎 Free Animal Trail and Softplay, Costwold Outlet
14th Feb - 22nd Feb | During opening times | FREE | just turn up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Art Explorers: Arts & Crafts Trail, Gloucester Museum
14th - 22nd Feb | During opening times | £2 per trail | Just turn up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Free Farm Half-term day, St James City Farm
Mon 16th Feb | 11am-2pm | FREE | Just turn up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Storytelling for Under 5s, NT Woodchester Park
Mon 16th Feb | 10:30am to 11am | FREE (parking charges) | Just turn up | Age: 0 - 5 years Event Link

🤎 Jungle Theme Drama Tots, Kids Stuff Cirencester
Tue 17th Feb | 2pm - 3pm | Pay-what-you-can | Just turn up | Age: 18 months to 5 years Event Link

🤎 Yoga and Pancake Day Art, Nature In Art Gloucester
Tues 17th Feb | 10am -11.30 & 1pm - 2:30pm | £8 | Ticketed | Event Link

🤎 Pancake Day Race, Cotswold Outlet
Tues 17th Feb | During opening times | FREE | just turn up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 The not so secret book club, by Read with me, Robinswood Hill Gloucester
Tues 17th Feb | 11am - 1pm | FREE | Just turn-up | Age: All (including teens) | Event Link

🤎 Pick up a World Book Day costume and borrow a book, Gloucestershire Libs
16th - 5th March | During opening times | FREE | Just turn up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Planes! Open Day, Jet Age Museum
Wed 18th Feb | 10am - 4pm | FREE (donations welcome) | Just turn-up | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Woodland Snowdrop Treasure Hunt, Cerny Gardens
14 - 28th Feb | During opening times | Adults £7 per person, Children £1 | Just turn up | Age: any years | Event Link

🤎 Story time, Brewed by Amber
Fri 20th Feb | 10:30am | FREE, & FREE kids drink with a hot drink purchase | Just turn-up | Age: 2-6 years | Cafe’s Insta

🤎 Dad Matters Stay and Play, Brockworth Children’s Centre
Sun 22nd Feb | 10:30am - 12pm | FREE | Ticketed | Event Link

🤎 Play time - The Enchanted Forest | Gl4 Community Centre
Tues 24th Feb | 10:30am & 1.30pm | Pay-what-you-can | Ticketed | Age: 2-6 years | Event Link

🤎 Nana’s Nest Softplay, Churchdown Community Centre
Frid 27th Feb | 10am - 1pm | FREE | Just turn-up | Age: 0-5 years | Event Link

Some March and April Events:

These might sell out by the time I put together the March newsletter. So thought I would share now!

🤎 Family Creative Walk in Nature, Beechenhurst Forest of Dean
Sun 7 March | 10.30am | Ticketed | FREE | Age: any years | Event Link

🤎 Cleeve Common Spring Trail, Cleeve Hill
Fri 3rd April | 12:30pm to 3pm | £3.96 | Ticketed | Age: All | Event Link

🤎 Flower Power Baby Rave, Hive Sensory
Wed 11th March | 1.30pm - 2.30pm | £5.50 | Ticketed | Suitable for pre walkers only | Event Link

Each month, I will find or get us an exclusive offer. Our first exclusive coffee deal is launching in March. And you are going to love it!

I know some of you signed up specifically for the coffee deal, so while you wait here are some free coffees in the apps.

If you’re a local café and would like to get involved, please message me. Let’s team up to support parents and carers, and give your café some free promotion at the same time!

I do have a confession..

The kids, including me, were really ill during the week I’d planned to edit and work on this. Instead of stressing myself out, I’ve decided to launch this section in March. I hope you all understand.

FREE CLASSES THANKS TO SOPHIE

In the meantime, Sophie from Firefly is giving us newsletter subscribers 3 classes for FREE (whaaaat!) worth £24 - amazing, right? That’s three free lessons for new customers (you can still use the code if you have been in a previous maternity.)

Just use the code Glosbudgetmumfree at checkout.

Book your 3 FREE Classes

Find Out More

Quick useful links/offers

• 🔗 FREE Baby hubs in Gloucestershire

• 🔗 Claim Child Benefit
  Don’t forget to claim online when you have a new baby; claims can only be backdated up to 3 months. So don’t leave it too long..

• 🔗 Asda’s £12 Valentine’s Meal Deal

  This is an incredible deal. Check it out.

  This email contains no ads or affiliate links. I share this stuff because I feel it might be useful . And I enjoy creating it. 😍

Forestry England has launched a new Room on the Broom trail, based on the story by Julia Donaldson. One of my toddlers’ favourites. The trail is located at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean, basically the same place where they previously had the Stick Man trail!

1.6km trail | Suitable for carriers and all-terrain prams | £4 per map

Read more

Getting outside with your baby can feel stressful, especially in colder weather, and often the hardest bit is just getting out of the house. We all know and feel this!

Blaze Trails group walks help parents get outside with their babies and toddlers, whatever the weather. Here are some of their top winter tips for getting out with babies, written by Jodie from Blaze Trails Cotswolds.

🧥 Tip 1 - The right kind of Layers

Whether it’s a pram or carrier walk, it’s all about the layers, for you and your baby. If you are baby carrying, remember that you and the carrier count as an extra layer. Your baby only needs thin layers, especially if they are going to be tucked inside your coat or fleece cover.

Layers that are easy to add and remove really do help. Especially as the weather can change quickly.

🧤Tip 2 - Accessories are key for both of you

Hats, gloves, extra socks, baby booties. My fleece neck warmer goes walking everywhere with me, and fleece leg warmers are amazing for older babies and toddlers - put them on over regular leggings and easily take them off when inside (or covered in mud).

🍼Tip 3 - Feed your child and change their nappy before

Where possible, feed your child and change their nappy to a fresh one, right before you start. If you need to stop, though, on a walk, then do so. Better to take slightly longer but with a happier baby! Also, don’t be disheartened if things don’t quite go to plan; it’s happened to all of us at some point, and there’s always another time.

☕️Tip 4 - Invest in a good flask

Invest in a good flask so you can take a hot drink with you, as well as hot chocolate or warm milk for your toddler. And all the snacks you can carry!

(or pick a walk with a cafe)

🥰 Tip 5 - Walk with a friend who gets it

Walk with a friend who will understand if you are running late because a nappy change was needed just as you were about to head out! You are more likely to go out if you commit to a time and place. It doesn’t have to be anywhere adventurous; some of our best parent chats have taken place on a walk around the local park.

Blaze Trails

If you want to get outside and walk with other like-minded parents, have a look at joining us on a Blaze Trails walk. We organise a mixture of baby carrying, pram-friendly and toddler walks. Our walks are free to join, with an optional community contribution, and there is a free access plan for anyone who needs it, no questions asked.

Find out more

FREE COFFEE ANYONE?

I literally have no spare cash, in the last month of maternity, so you better believe I will download any app to get a free coffee.

So here’s how I got FREE coffee and cake for a whole week. and how you can too!) 👇. I did have a Waitrose coffee twice in one week…

*This was correct when I posted on 11th Feb. Please note that some cafes can change their app deals, and T&Cs apply!

🍰FREE cake or coffee at Huffkins - new customers

FREE cake or coffee with your first purchase, including Huffkins in John Lewis Cheltenham. They also do other deals in the app, definitely worth a download.

Download app

🍰Tuesday: M&S Parenthood Club - members

FREE cake when you buy a coffee on Tuesdays. You need to make sure you are signed up the parent club (free), then when paying, scan your Sparks card/app to redeem the free cake offer.

Download app

☕FREE Greggs coffee - new customers

One FREE coffee when you download the app for the first time.

Download app

☕FREE Waitrose takeaway coffee - members

One FREE takeaway coffee a day with the MyWaitrose app. You use get it from the machine (not the cafe), and you need to bring your own takeaway cup.

Download app

Please comment any more I have missed, and I will add it to the list! Or if any has now changed.

Leave a comment

I’m Tzara, mum to two boys and currently on maternity leave. I’m really passionate about sharing affordable, family friendly things to do in Gloucestershire, especially for families with children in the early years.

I know from experience how overwhelming this stage of life can feel. There’s so much information out there, and trying to find what’s actually useful and affordable can be exhausting. I wanted to create a space where everything is in one place, tailored specifically for families like ours.

Here, I’ll be sharing affordable and free things to do in Gloucestershire, baby and toddler classes with the real details you actually need, family friendly days out, and practical information like free parking, facilities, costs, and what it’s really like when you go.

No fluff. No endless scrolling. Just honest, helpful recommendations.

I’m also a massive coffee lover. Coffee has been more than just a treat for me. It’s often been my reason to get out of the house with two little ones.

I’m planning an exclusive membership newsletter for those who want a bit more. This will include curated local recommendations, exclusive content, and a special coffee or local deal each month.

My aim is to build a small, supportive community. A place that feels like a friendly local guide for families navigating the early years on a budget.

I hope you find this space useful. Thank you so much for being here.