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A day out is different for everyone.
For some it's a walk and a pub, for others it's wandering around independent and charity shops.
Perhaps an art class or yoga, learning to ride a horse, there are plenty of learning opportunities.
Open Studios with SIT Festival in May and Site Festival in June (yes a little confusing, but both are great).
Museums, heritage, and discovering history in the landscape, try the ancient monuments road trip taking in Brackenbury Ditches above Wotton, Uley Bury, Hetty Peggler's Tump, Coaley Peak and Painswick Beacon . Now that is a day out.....
We are a friendly riding centre set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. We offer a wide selection of activities to suit all standards, from beginner to advanced and from tiny tots to adult riders. If you are looking for an enjoyable riding experience with qualified Instructors (BHSII, AI or PTT qualified) then we are for you! If you ride and just fancy a hack then we can do that too.
Barton End, Nailsworth, GL6 0QF
Our airfield is situated on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment and overlooks the stunning river Severn valley - an ideal location for a taster flight right through to a weeks gliding holiday. You can learn from the age of 14 and qualify at 16, but just taking a flight is a memory to treasure, particularly above the Cotswold Edge.
Nr Nympsfield, Stroud, GL10 3TX
Stylish rooms, a sublime spa, amazing spaces to eat and meet… and 220 glorious acres.
Bring the family, bring a certain someone and absolutely bring your appetite. For top-notch feasting, re-imagined relaxation and a little outdoor adventure.
Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YJ
Mon 29 May 2023
Not for the faint-hearted, the world-famous Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake has been held for around 200 years every May. Whilst competitors chase an 8lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down the hillside, watching is the safest option. The tumbles and somersaults are spectacular and the first aid team are often rather busy.
Coopers Hill Brockworth, GL3 4SB
Ever fancied getting stuck into clay, it's wonderful stuff. From beginner to the experienced learn to throw a pot and more, the Clay Loft offers a suite of equipment to support most ceramics processes.
It's a welcoming, relaxed and inspiring communal working space with excellent facilities for its members or those just wanting a weekend class.
Inchbrook Mill, Nailsworth, GL55EZ
Providing quality electric bike rental and tours of the Cotswolds. Cycling the lanes and trails (inc 2 Sustrans routes) around the Heart of the Cotswolds is made a whole lot easier with ebike hire and delivery to your accommodation. The best way to explore this beautiful part of the world. Slow enough to take in the sights and sounds yet fast enough to cover some serious ground.
Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester, GL7 5HF
Picturesque golf club on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. Playable all year round, par 71, just over 6,000 yards. Visitors welcome and great value. Call the Golf Shop in advance, no handicap certificate is required, see Dress Code.
Upper Rushmire, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7PT
Sat 1 July 2023
1st - 2nd July 2023
A packed programme of family fun and entertainment including exciting horsemanship, The Dog and Duck Show, sheepdog demonstrations, falconry, displays and loads for kids. Take your dog for free.
And there is the Food Festival too. A cracking day out.
Bathurst Estate, Cirencester Park, Cirencester, GL7 2BU
And now for something completely different..... go trekking with these friendly and fascinating animals in one of the most picturesque spots in the Cotswold hills. Their gorgeous soft and fluffy fleece is incredibly tactile and Alpacas have a kind and curious nature and are deeply intrigued by humans, making them convivial companions for a country walk. Book an hour of fun in the Painswick Valley.
Wick Street, Stroud, GL6 7QN
Mountain biking in the Cotswolds, it's as simple and dramatic as that! Based on the Cotswold Edge, Tim will guide you along some of the best wild trails around without having to go "into the wilds". Build this mtb cycling adventure into your weekend or holiday, you might even rent an e-mountain bike too.
Ham Lane, Coaley, GL115AS
The Cotswolds aonb web site contains lots of interesting information including self -guided walks, information on places to visit and history of the area too.
The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966. Covering 790 sq miles, stretching from Bath in the south to Banbury in the north. AONBs together with the 15 National Parks cover around 25% of our countryside.
Part of The Centre for Science and Art Craft, we are a focus for craft practitioners and teachers. We offer weekly pottery classes to all levels and weekend workshops in our well equipped pottery. If you are looking to learn a craft, develop your skills further or just fancy treating yourself to some stress busting creativity, why not see what we have on offer?
13 Lansdown Road, Stroud, GL51BB
Working together with over 20 local Crafters of beautiful handmade products, this ‘shared shop’ sells a wide range from silver & gold jewellery, ceramics, mosaics, woodturning, knitwear, blacksmithing, stonework, to textiles, leatherwork and glassware.
3 High Street, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7DE
1000 years of history in one small town.
A flourishing Market Town from the middle ages, the centre of agriculture for the Severn Vale and a producer of woollen cloth. Following the decline of wool was the rise of engineering. R.A. Lister became famous for agricultural machinery and engines and Mawdsley’s was well known for its electrical machinery.
At the end of the 19th Century Mikael Pedersen came to work for Lister’s and invented his distinctive bicycle, still admired to this day. A restored early example now holds pride of place in the Heritage Centre.
We have displays of machinery and small objects of interest, all made in Dursley, or with very close connections with the town, as well as books to browse and a large video screen showing local scenes and films.
Castle Street, Dursley, GL11 4BS
On the Cotswold Way Ozleworth's beautiful church near to Newark Park stands in a circular churchyard, suggesting perhaps a pre-Christian site. The irregular hexagonal tower rising almost from the centre of the building.It is Norman, and a little gem.
Ozleworth, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 7QA
Steve is a certified guide who can tailor a tour for you. Check out his web site for some ideas....
"I love telling visitors about the hidden gems:
Ghandi bought his glasses in Gloucester. The Golden Valley is the home to Damien Hurst's foundry. Walk in the footsteps of poet and author Laurie Lee. Poldark and Harry Potter filmed in the area. Stroud is home of the inventor of the lawn mower.
The last Private battle in England took place at Nibley Green. The last fatal pistol duel in England and so much more", Steve Roth.
Sun 10 September 2023
Held in 30 acres of beautiful parkland of Frampton Court Estate, this is one of the last truly traditional country fairs. Join us in celebrating all that is great about the countryside and the people who work and live in it.
With over 400 trade stands, three display rings and a traditional fun-fair there is so much to see and do.
Manor Farm, Frampton on Severn, GL2 7EP
10 miles south of Gloucester, near the River Severn, is the charming Frampton on Severn.
Home to a large village green, 22 acres in size and reputedly the longest in England, it was known as Rosamund's Green by the mid 17th century, apparently from the village's association with Fair Rosamund. The green has three ponds, two pubs and there is a sailing club tucked away at the far end.
The Domesday Book mentioned the manor of Frampton in 1089. The parish church of St Mary the Virgin was consecrated in 1315, but partly dates from the 12th century, while the congregational church was built in 1769. The designated Conservation Area around the green, includes Tudor and Georgian houses and the village also has a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Much of the village forms part of the Frampton Court Estate, owned by the Clifford family.
The Frampton Country fair is held here each year in September and draws large crowds from all over the UK. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal runs to the west side of the village and Saul Junction is close by.
The Green, Frampton on Severn, GL2 7EP
Discover! Tucked away behind the Pangolin Editions Foundry is a gallery specialising in sculpture and related drawings and prints by modern and contemporary artists. Check out the rolling programme of exhibitions. Bronze, ceramics, paintings.
9 Chalford Industrial Estate, Chalford, GL6 8NT
Providing courses in the arts, music, wellbeing, and sustainability..... how to write that novel you always wanted to write, poetry and the environment.
Also hosting events, talks, debates and films addressing the pressing issues of our time to inspire people to make a difference, as well as providing a venue for exciting and forward-thinking organisations.
Go to their web site and find a course or event that will inspire you, it is an inspiring place.
Painswick Old Rd, Stroud GL6 7QW, GL6 7QW
This iconic group of trees, planted in 1888 overlooks Wotton-under-Edge and is on the Cotswold Way. There are far-reaching views across the Severn Bridges and Wales, and even the distant Brecon Beacons on a clear day.
Leave the car in Wotton and follow the Cotswold Way signs for a rewarding walk up the edge (or drive up Old London Road and park at the top (where the road widens) then it's an almost flat walk. Take the flat path into the woods, turn left either just inside the field (it's very easy to spot), or go a little further and go left along the woodland path. They both meet a kissing gate. Pass through and drink in the view.....
Click on the QR code for more Wotton Walks....
Extend the walk to Brackenbury Ditches and all the way to Tyndale Monument on Nibley Knoll. It's 126 steps up the tower for a rare 360 degrees bird's eye view.
See the Video on youtube for a" reverse" of this route with music by the Hypthetics, a local band. It's the intro to their first single, "What do you see?".
Old London Road, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7PS
Starting as a series of makers' markets in 1991, we evolved into Stroud's famous Farmers' Market launched in 1999 by Isabella Blow and Jasper Conran, then The Made in Stroud Shop in 2000. Buy the exquisite work of our wonderful local makers and we hope you love it as much as we do.
16 Kendrick St, Stroud, GL5 1AA
The Commons are full of wildlife. They're designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A mixed herd of around 600 Cattle (and 5 horses and a donkey) roam from late spring to well into the autumn acting as natural lawn mowers for the birds and butterflies, flowers and insects that live here.
So take a stroll and drift through Minchinhampton for a cuppa at the Kitchen, a pint at the Crown or wander around Amberley, drop into the Black Horse (possibly the best view of the sunset from a beer garden in the area), The Bear or The Old Lodge. Grab an ice cream from Winstones, Fly a kite, play some golf or just enjoy the sense of space that no field boundaries gives and drink in the views.
Cirencester Road, Minchinhampton, GL6 9AQ
Two Championship Courses, The Avening Course and The Cherington Course. Situated near the village of Avening. Par Cherrington 71, Avening 70 | Cherrington 6433, Avening 6311 yards. Clubhouse offering a warm welcome and excellent catering. Driving range, short game area, practice putting green and state of the art teaching and performance centres. No handicap certificate is required, see Dress Code.
New Courses, Minchinhampton, GL6 9BE
The golf course on Minchinhampton Common, a National Trust area of outstanding natural beauty, is about 3 miles from Stroud and is close to the picturesque village of Amberley and the delightful town of Minchinhampton.
It's a "common land" course and cattle roam freely across it in the summer months, all part of the fun. Check out Dan Hendrickson's Golf Course VLOG, a huge thumbs up from the guys for this natural course.
Par 71 (6088 yard). Clubhouse offering a warm welcome and excellent catering. No handicap certificate is required, see Dress Code.
Minchinhampton Common, Minchinhampton, GL6 9AQ
Course atop Painswick Beacon. Outstanding backdrop to the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Cotswold Slad Valley. 5,000 yards with a par of 67. 5 holes through an ancient Iron Age hilltop fort. In UK's top 100 golf courses as rated by Golf Monthly magazine. No handicap certificate is required, see Dress Code.
Golf Course Rd, Painswick, GL6 6TL
A family friendly Arts Centre in Uley, promoting performance, live music and art exhibitions as well as accessible workshops, classes and creative experiences for kids and adults.
Workshops from making your own natural skincare products to life drawing and a mini spring retreat. There is the Vestry Cafe too, relaxed atmosphere and yummy food with lots of vegetarian options.
South Street, Uley, GL11 5SS
A Cultural Hub In The Heart Of Stroud. John St: 26 artists, a gallery, project space, cafe/bar and a year round artistic and educational programme. The Goods Shed: performances, exhibitions and film screenings. Keep an eye out for the annual Ppen Studio Festival or just take a look at the street facing gallery on John Street.
4 John Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HA
Sat 14 May 2022
January 2022 update: the trail is here again in 2022. Click through to the web site for for lots of information. 14th / 15th and 21st / 22nd May and 18th / 26th June 2022.
Select Arts is a Gloucestershire based arts organisation. They support local and national artists in curated and artist-led exhibitions, events, talks, and educational opportunities. They work to raise the artist’s profiles and support their creative journey. with a successful annual Select Trail Open Studios and Select Festival annually.
Here is a great link to some self guided walks from our friends at Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Click on the web site link and zoom in on the map. There are pdf guides for storing on your phone or printing to bring with you. It's a good place to start your journey of discovery in the hotcotswolds.
Perched on the southern edge of the Cotswold escarpment, above the Severn Valley. Par 68 (5910 yard). An excellent test for both low and high handicap golfers. Regardless of how well you play, you will enjoy the views. No handicap certificate is required, see Dress Code.
Stinchcombe Hill, Dursley, GL11 6AQ
Wed 4 November 2020
Stroud Book Festival, which celebrates its 5th birthday this year, is delighted to announce that the 2020 Festival will take place from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th November at venues across Stroud.
The full Stroud Book Festival line-up will be revealed this summer.
Sun 16 July 2023
Steeped in local tradition a country show celebrating the best of local produce, skills and talents, and offering entertainment for people of all ages. Music, dog show, food and drink, horticulture, art and craft, and lots of stalls of local enterprises. A great family day out.
Stratford Park, 31 Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AJ, GL5 4AJ
Walking from the village: To get to the top of this ancient fort from the village, walk from beside the pub on the main road through Uley. Cross the road and take the narrow footpath to the right of the church. Fork right before the first house and follow the path up towards the kissing gate. Enter the field and head for the edge of the woods to pick up the path towards the gate at the top. Enter the woods and continue straight uphill along the higher path to emerge at the foot of Uley Bury.
By car: drive north out of uley and as the road climbs it passes through woodland. When it opens out again there is parking on the left and an easy pedestrian entrance onto Uley Bury.
Uley Bury is the long and impressive flat-topped Iron Age hill fort dating from around 300 B.C. It commands spectacular views from the Cotswold escarpment over the Severn Vale.
The fort’s double line of ramparts are more than a mile in length overall. Aerial photography has revealed extensive crop marks suggesting that there were once numerous dwellings in the interior of the hill fort. The walk around its ramparts is flat, through woodland rich in Ash, Beech and Oak, carpeted with calcareous grasses and wild flowers.
It was locally once known as the "maiden" hill, since it was said never to have been captured and indeed so steep is the hill it is hard to imagine it being taken unless by surprise at the narrow neck that unites it with high land to the east. Another interpretation is that the name 'maiden' comes from Celtic words for 'great hill'. Occupation seems to have ceased from 100 AD, by which time the Romans had conquered all of England.
Uley, GL11 5TL
in 2002 as a group of local people with an interest in the arts and a desire to provide a space for creative arts in Wotton-under-Edge. Working as a group of volunteers, a programme of activities and events was brought to life in the Chipping Hall (the old Blue Coat school hall).
The Chipping Hall is a Grade II listed former school hall dating back to 1837
We run classes, events, performances and workshops in a wide range of activities, including visual arts, crafts, literature and performing arts.
The Chipping, Wotton under Edge, GL12 7AD
The arboretum is home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections. Discover the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure! Take a journey up into the canopy on the STIHL Tree Top Walkway, go on a guided walk around the arboretum and stop by the café for a tasty treat.
Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS
Rising above the Severn Vale to about 220m, Westridge has become popular with walkers, trail runners, mountain bike riders and horse riders, and is crossed by the Cotswold Way.
Timing: walking from Wotton to Tyndale Monument and back, allow 2hrs. It's quite a stiff climb to the top and then basically flat from there. You can park up on Old London Road too and miss out the climb!!
With the Tyndale Monument at the most westerly point and the Jubilee Clump above Wotton at the other, it's a great place to explore. But be a little careful as it's also fairly easy to get lost, so follow the signs and way markers.
The Cotswold Way passes Brackenbury Ditches, an Iron Age fort over 2,000 yrs old and perched on the Cotswold Edge. Take a walk round it's ramparts. (what three words: designs.sunflower.squabbles)
From the meadow by the monument it's easy to see the futuristic Swinhay House, home of Renishaw plc founder Sir David McMurtry, designed by eco-architect David Austin. In 2014 it featured in the final episode of the third series of BBC One's Sherlock. It is opened to the public on occasions too.
Check out Wotton Trails on this site too....
Old London Road, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7PS
Weven is devoted to the handmade with 16 collaborators creating an open and accessible hub where makers, individuals and families could come together to learn and create intricate and eclectic traditional country and folk crafts. Including naturally hand dyed materials and textiles, jewellery and weaving. Look out for workshop dates on their web site.
16 George Street, Stroud, GL5 3AG
Looking for a foodie adventure or a treat, and why not? Perhaps head out into the Severn Vale and discover Italian-style ice cream - THE Wholly Gelato. Made from the herd of many colours and the milk can be purchased through a vending machine too (so take a container).
Followed by a walk along the River Severn footpath or pop in to Gloucester Quays Outlet Centre and a look at the Gloucester Waterways Museum. A cracking day out!
Barhouse Farm, Elmore, GL2 3NT
Started as a hobby on 2002 and with the first wines in 2006 this small family run vineyard tucked under the Cotswold Edge near Wotton is a little food and drink discovery. Contact Deane for a wine tasting, but allow enough time to take a stroll in the valleys and on the hills whilst your there.
Alderley, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7QT
Est 1925. Still at the same site on Rodborough Common and the same Victorian recipe as the very first day. Producing ice cream in small batches to ensure it’s tasty. Lactose free, celiac and vegan options. Walk, cycle or drive to the parlour, just don’t miss out!
Greenacres, Bowham, Stroud, GL5 5BX
A friendly customer service providing local and national coverage for individuals, schools, parties and businesses transport at a reasonable cost. 4, 6 & 8 seat vehicles including the option of more space for luggage if required.
Local & long distance - All airports & seaports with 24hour availability.
Family owned vineyard in the Cotswolds creating award winning English wines. A selection of grape varieties, spread across three vineyards. Situated under a hollowed out stone quarry at the top of Doverow Hill, on the edge of the Cotswold Escarpment. Take a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, or join for a tasting, check out the diary on line!!
Convent Lane, Woodchester, GL5 5HR
Going to an auction is a great day out, even if you don't buy anything.
WAR specialise in the sale at auction of ceramics, glassware, jewellery, clocks & watches, collectables, textiles and rugs, silver, metal ware, paintings & fine art, furniture and outside effects.
A number of the chairs at 5VA were bought here!
Tabernacle Rd, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7EB
Fri 15 September 2023
Annual Wotton Blues Festival Various venues, with live bands, buskers and workshops. A free event, Wotton Blues Festival brings you the best of blues music in a beautiful Cotswold town. Free parking.
The seventh annual Wotton Blues Festival will be held in the town on 15, 16, and 17 September 2023
The Wotton-Under-Edge Historical Society and Heritage Centre is housed in a converted fire station and located in The Chipping. There is always a display to enjoy (and tourist info available) and the centre contains a sizeable collection of archives, records, photographs and genealogical research material.
The Chipping, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 7AD
Stroud and the Five Valleys monthly guide to the multitude of festivals, exhibitions, literature events, theatre productions, comedy shows and artists it harbours. It's Stroud's ‘Time Out’ bringing everything into one place.
Running since February 2015 informing the community and involving local venues, artists and writers in its content. Good On Paper is a free independent magazine published monthly and we love it!!!
The video is a collaboration with Sound Records, Stroud, 22 11 2020 live stream.