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The Ancient Ram Inn is an 800 year old Grade II* Listed former Inn. Sitting in a dip below the main street in Wotton, it claims to be England's most haunted building. The Deeds to The Ram Inn, are mostly in Norman French and are held at Gloucester Records Office. They read, The Ancient Ram Inn dates to Time Immemorial, so it could be much older than 800 years.
The Ancient Ram Inn is unique. It was home to John Humphries and a Guest House, which evolved into a Paranormal Location because it has a life of its own few can ignore. A COVID safe Tourist Attraction primarily operating a Paranormal Event Location. Often on TV too.
8 Potters Pond, Wotton under Edge, GL12 7HF
Thu 4 May 2023
A 5 day event, one of only six annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star ***** events as classified by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) in the world. It takes place in April or May each year in the park of Badminton House, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in South Gloucestershire. The Cross Country day can attract up to 250,000 visitors. Pre-purchased admission tickets only.
Badminton House, Badminton GL9 1DF, GL9 1DF
Norman Keep, Medieval castle and assaulted during the Civil War, it's rich in history. Extensive gardens Beautiful walled garden and cafe. Family activities and special events throughout the year. (including jousting).
Edward II was imprisoned and then executed here and buried in Gloucester Cathedral. Why not make a day of it and go and see both.
Tours of the Castle with Charles Berkeley. Also a popular Wedding venue. Open Sunday to Wednesday each week until 31 October (2021) and closed over the winter.
Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Staying at 5VA and want to hire a bike to explore the Five Valleys or just to find a route to ride? Very good idea!! Give us a ring or you can hire an ebike at @fivevalleycycles in Nailsworth. His details are also on here.
Sustrans trail 45 runs right through Nailsworth and on and up to Minchinhampton. I'd suggest you turn left and explore the Common, all the way to Rodborough, it's flat across the top, or try the quiet lane that goes round the hill. A copy of the map is on this listing, but I can email it to you too, or ask Rob.
You can find lots of cafes, pubs and Winstones ice-cream of course before dropping down onto the canal towpath for a pint @stroudbrewery at its canal side tap bar.
Head to the centre of Stroud west along the canal and then rejoin the 45 for the very pleasant return to Nailsworth. Perhaps finish The anteen in Nailsworth though the choices are many.
Result: fresh air, exercise, exploration, fab Cotswold Villages and views = smiles and memories. AND come and stay @5vastroud of course! Almost forgot. What's not to love.
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.
Fri 4 August 2023
It is an amazing event in the equestrian calendar, a genuine showcase of one of the most challenging and competitive sports – Eventing. The best of the best competes at The Festival. Gatcombe Park is transformed into the perfect destination for a great day out.
An action-packed entertainment programme to satisfying the shopaholic and foodie with a Shopping & Food Village.
Aston Farm, Cherington, Tetbury, GL8 8SW
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
An antiques collection curated to exhilarate and inspire. With a Tetbury Showroom and two Antiques Hangars, YES HANGERS, to explore.
Be careful as there are so many pieces to fall in love with, BUT your home will thank you for making a visit to this hidden gem.
The Tetbury Showroom is in the centre of town, and the address for Babdown Airfield is shown here.... Just off the A46, near Calcot Manor and Spa (so that's lunch and an afternoon of shopping sorted).
Babdown Airfield, Tetbury, GL8 8YL
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
Fri 30 June 2023
Nibley is the friendly festival in a stunning Cotswold location. The best music, free entertainment for the kids, stalls, local beer, food from around the world – it’s the recipe for a perfect weekend. A rare festival gem.
30th June - 2nd July 2023
Nibley House Farm, The Street, North Nibley, GL11 6DL
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
Discover a safe haven of wide open spaces bursting with wetland nature. Fill your lungs with fresh air, stretch your legs and get ready to explore this extraordinary wetland paradise, whatever the weather! From birdwatchers to families enjoy amazing wildlife up-close. Paddle a canoe around the lakes and waterways, feed birds from your hand or watch the flamingos, it's an award-winning day out.
Newgrounds Lane, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT
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.
On the top of Five Valleys Shopping Centre is the ever popular Stroud Bowl. Great for kids and beginners, and renowned amongst those in the sport as one of the best with knowledgeable staff and a warm welcome. Often hosting groups and tours do book in advance.
Five Valleys Shopping Centre, Stroud, GL5 1QA
Fri 19 May 2023
A new food festival is coming to Stroud in May 2023, with a fantastic line-up of some of the most respected names in the business, showcasing the awesome food and drink venues based in and around The Five Valleys.
Talks, masterclasses and Stroud’s finest home-grown food producers, chefs and restaurant owners will also be serving up tastings and workshops.
Cornhill will host its own Oktoberfest while The Long Table will take over St Lawrence’s Church Hall to hold a charity banquet. Family entertainment and culinary games, live music brunches, breakfast yoga and street markets.
Many of the events will be FREE with Stroud buzzing with food trucks and bars offering everything from international cuisine and local artisan produce, to vegan street food.
In all three days of this fantastic food fun.
High Street, Stroud, GL5 1AP
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
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
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 century old Electric Picture House is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. Successfully refurbished in 2002-2005 it shows lots of blockbusters, some arthouse and National Theatre Live too. Kids films and thrillers. Fleabag to Shakespeare.
18A Market Street, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 7AE
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.