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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
With breathtaking views of the Severn Vale, Coaley Peak, between Stroud and Uley, is a picture-perfect spot, whether you want to fly a kite or pitch up on one of the picnic tables. It’s on the Cotswold Way too. There is good parking on site and often an ice cream van on a summers weekend.
Walk to the Trig Point, a special spot, and the Nympsfield Long Barrow stands at the other. Constructed in the Neolithic period, it has long been the subject of local legends. It forms part of a chain of 3 sites on this stretch of the Edge, the others make a relatively easy walk, but allow at least 2 hours or so. Head south to Hetty Peler's Tump and Uley Long Barrow. Both also listed here.....
Nympsfield, Stroud, GL11 5AU
An independent book store in Wotton Under Edge, taking orders on line, in store and delivering free to the local area too. Bought and reinvigorated in 2020, the shop has been a fixture on the high street for many years. A passion for books and reading shines through! The "Books we are Loving" list is well worth a look.
26 Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7BT
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.
Established for 20 years ago providing healthcare and well-being services including physiotherapy, chiropratic and neurotherapy as well as complementary treatments like as acupuncture and hypnotherapy. You’ll also find Tai Chi and Pilates classes.
Courtyard Clinic The Old Post Office Parsonage Street Dursley, GL11 4DR
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
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.
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
Explore the life of Georgian scientist Edward Jenner, the country doctor who changed the world, at his former home in the historic market town of Berkeley.
In 1798 he published the results of his investigations into the use of a mild disease, cowpox, to protect against the feared virus smallpox. Jenner devoted the rest of his life to helping others to carry out the practice that he called ‘vaccination’. This couldn't be more relevant today.
Discover the beautiful garden and Temple of Vaccinia, where you can reflect on the achievements of this remarkable man.
Church Ln, Berkeley, GL13 9BN
This is the country's sole surviving complete rococo garden. Designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett and his guests, this hidden valley offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and intriguing garden buildings. Snowdrops and bluebells, lots of interest all year. A cafe too and just off the Cotswold Way.
Stockley Way, Painswick, GL6 6TH
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
The Abbey's history goes back to 681 in Gloucester, though the land at Prinknash was granted to the monks in 1096. After dissolution in 1539 it was a long wait until 1928 before the Benedictine Monks returned. Search for beautiful “chanting” on their web site, visit the cafe, buy their incense. Discover.
Painswick Road, Cranham, GL4 8EX
Also known as the Ship Graveyard. Ships, barges and other craft were sunk on the river bank between the Severn and the Ship canal between 1909 and 1965 to protect the shipping route to Gloucester. Now an important historical site and an easy flat walk, though beware going in poor weather and the trail can get muddy.
Please don't try to park over the bridge, there isn't room and it's not fair on those who live here. Please use the Purton Car Park (the postcode will take you to it) and then walk over the bridge and turn left to the Hulks.
It can be a there and back walk or perhaps a loop too. Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL14
Purton, BERKELEY, GL13 9HS
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.
If Carlsberg made locations to watch the sunset over the River Severn then this would be the best.....probably. It's easy to park and walk (beware peak times can be busy so walking up is an option). The Cotswold Way passes along the edge for stunning views of the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains. The Sugar Loaf near Abergaveny is easy to pick out on a clear day.
It's an internationally significant grassland home to a breathtaking array of wildflowers, birds and invertebrates and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It also features a Bronze Age burial mound, 'the Toots'.
Bike, cycle, parascending, dog walk, mtb or just look. Great in the snow too :)
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.
High on the valley side it’s in a semi derelict state. It includes fascinating memorials and a Victorian Chapel (shuttered). A nature reserve with pathways to explore. A leaflet detailing the history and wildlife is available on its web site, it’s worth a read.
Bisley Rd, Stroud, GL5 1HJ
"My vision was to create a beautiful space where all yoga teachers with their different yoga styles could come together under one roof. After all, 'Yoga' means 'Union'. Providing this facility makes it easy for people to find a teacher and a class suited to their needs."
Two beautiful studios to hire, both have room for 12-15 people ( half capacity during covid-19 ) The studios have bamboo floors with underfloor heating, plenty of light and a spacious calm atmosphere.
26, Nelson Street, Stroud, GL5 2HH
Also known as Hetty Pegler's Tump, one of our favourite local names, is a burial mound, or long barrow, built around 3,800 BC, towards the end of the Stone Age. There are 5 chambers and you can crawl inside to take a look (go carefully).
It's just off the Cotswold Way, between Coaley Peak and Uley Bury, and forms part of an ancient and fascinating landscape.
Driving through Uley towards Stroud, the road rises onto the escarpment (past the postcode / sat nav spot so ignore it from now). You'll pass the parking area for Uley Bury. Keep going and after the road levels out there is a big field on your left. You can see the mound in the far left corner. There is an unmarked entrance on the left off the road and space for a car or two.
Crawley Hill, Uley, GL11 5BH
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
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
It is an unfinished masterpiece. Building started about 1857, but stopped in the mid-1860s so all the secrets of the construction of the Mansion are visible. Designed by Benjamin Bucknall as a unique Gothic Revival house.
Well known for it's ghosts and breeding colonies of Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats, so book a tour, it's special.
Allow enough time to explore the valley and lakes too!
Nympsfield, Nailsworth, GL10 3TS
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
The Park is owned by National Trust. It's a secluded valley and home to the remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscaped park, a Victorian mansion, a chain of five lakes fringed by woodland and pasture, and an abundance of wildlife. It's a place to revel in "getting lost".
There are 3 way marked walks: Boathouse, Explorers and Landscapes Walks and the house too (though check opening times and booking. See the separate entry on hotcotswolds.uk for a link.
Nympsfield, Nailsworth, GL10 3TS
Wotton's collection of archives, records, photographs and genealogical research material housed in a converted fire station. Exhibitions throughout the year and display items of interest of local and national history, well worth a visit. A quick note: 1086, in the Doomsday Book there were already 10 mills in Wotton, many more would follow.
The Chipping, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7AD
This 100 acre farm on Crickley Hill on the Cotswold edge is the biggest privately owned mountain bike facility in England offering a variety of riding disciplines within one cycling venue. Pump tracks, to dirt jumping, blue, red and black trails too, a kids club and a coaching programme. Right below the Air Balloon Pub at Birdlip on the A417!!!
Crickley Hill Farm, Witcombe,, GL3 4SS