The former mill town of Nailsworth lies in the beautiful wooded Stroud Valley with events and festivals announced by the local Town Crier. It offers numerous high quality shops, a delicatessen, two butchers, an award-winning organic cafe, restaurants, art and antique galleries and a farmers’ market. Close by are Badminton and Gatcombe Park, famous for their horse trials, the historic wool village of Painswick and High Grove in royal Tetbury. The area offers many lovely walks including the 105 mile Cotswold Way with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and the many walks around Westonbirt Arboretum which also hosts many concerts, festivals and plays. The Gothic Woodchester Manor is well worth a visit as is the ancient market town of Minchinhampton with its weekly market held in the 17th century Market House, numerous individual shops, antique shops, traditional pubs and cafes. Nearby, Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Selsley Commons, managed by the National Trust, cover over 500 acres and offer far-reaching 360 degree views, ideal for walkers and cyclists. They are also home to three 18 hole golf courses and the historic Winstones Ice Cream Factory. The waterfront city of Gloucester, with its Victorian Docklands, is just a short drive away, whilst the town of Cirencester, known as ‘The Gateway to the Cotswolds’ offers many ancient buildings and museums, and the spa town of Cheltenham boasts Georgian architecture and the Gold Cup horse race. A perfect base for enjoying this unspoilt part of England.
