Guidebook for Chalford and surrounding area
Eating out
taste the local brews and enjoy a pizza from their wood fired pizza oven whilst soaking up the atmosphere of this unique place. Long tables encourage you to sit and mix with locals and there is often live music on a weekend too. Dogs, children, old and young alike, they will all be there!
64 locals recommend
Stroud Brewery
London Roadtaste the local brews and enjoy a pizza from their wood fired pizza oven whilst soaking up the atmosphere of this unique place. Long tables encourage you to sit and mix with locals and there is often live music on a weekend too. Dogs, children, old and young alike, they will all be there!
A pleasant walk down through Chalford leads you to a firm favourite amongst locals, the Lavender Bakehouse. With locally sourced food, the meals are delicious whether its a hearty breakfast, lunch or indulgent cream tea, you won't be disappointed. visit their upstairs area where gifts and clothes are on sale too.
38 locals recommend
Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop
20 London RdA pleasant walk down through Chalford leads you to a firm favourite amongst locals, the Lavender Bakehouse. With locally sourced food, the meals are delicious whether its a hearty breakfast, lunch or indulgent cream tea, you won't be disappointed. visit their upstairs area where gifts and clothes are on sale too.
Famously having been the local of Laurie Lee, the Woolpack serves wonderful food and is to be found in the Slad valley, 20 minutes drive through some stunning countryside. The pub itself is tiny and very old but full of character. Ideal to visit when exploring the slad valley on a hike
67 locals recommend
The Woolpack Inn
Slad RoadFamously having been the local of Laurie Lee, the Woolpack serves wonderful food and is to be found in the Slad valley, 20 minutes drive through some stunning countryside. The pub itself is tiny and very old but full of character. Ideal to visit when exploring the slad valley on a hike
Tasty choice of flavours made here on Rodborough common. After purchasing, you can sit on the common and enjoy the views down towards Stroud.
33 locals recommend
Winstone's Ice Cream
Tasty choice of flavours made here on Rodborough common. After purchasing, you can sit on the common and enjoy the views down towards Stroud.
Great Little Tea Room with friendly staff, Their afternoon teas a speciality.
14 locals recommend
The Kitchen
7 High StGreat Little Tea Room with friendly staff, Their afternoon teas a speciality.
One of our all time favourites, this quintessential Cotswold pub serves food and promises to have a roaring log fire going in winter. We recommend booking.
32 locals recommend
The Green Dragon Inn Pub & Shop
One of our all time favourites, this quintessential Cotswold pub serves food and promises to have a roaring log fire going in winter. We recommend booking.
Smashing little eatery next to the waters edge and a walk from the hut if you don't mind the steep climb on your return!
14 locals recommend
Felt cafe
Smashing little eatery next to the waters edge and a walk from the hut if you don't mind the steep climb on your return!
Pop into the Canteen whilst browsing in nearby Nailsworth, food is healthy and delicious. Afterwards why not pop into Domestic science next door, a quirky alternative household and arty shop.
15 locals recommend
The Canteen
Old MarketPop into the Canteen whilst browsing in nearby Nailsworth, food is healthy and delicious. Afterwards why not pop into Domestic science next door, a quirky alternative household and arty shop.
This is a quintessential country pub offering beautiful views, good food and roaring log fires in winter. A beautiful 4 mile all round walk from the hut
The Crown Inn
This is a quintessential country pub offering beautiful views, good food and roaring log fires in winter. A beautiful 4 mile all round walk from the hut
A cosy restaurant where food is made from scratch on the premises. Good service, nice ambience and covered seating outside.
21 locals recommend
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Restaurant & Pizzeria
28 George StA cosy restaurant where food is made from scratch on the premises. Good service, nice ambience and covered seating outside.
Great pies, they are DELICIOUS!! Lovely old country pub with great service.
16 locals recommend
The Weighbridge Inn
Great pies, they are DELICIOUS!! Lovely old country pub with great service.
Culture, art
throughout the year there is a plethora of festivals to suit all tastes including jazz or classical music, science, and literature.
58 locals recommend
Cheltenham Festivals
109- 111 Bath Rdthroughout the year there is a plethora of festivals to suit all tastes including jazz or classical music, science, and literature.
We are very proud of our local circus, lovingly created by the late Nell Gifford, the circus is themed each year and a great place to catch it is on Minchinhampton Common in August although the troupe tour around the area. N.B NOT in 2020
39 locals recommend
Giffords Circus
We are very proud of our local circus, lovingly created by the late Nell Gifford, the circus is themed each year and a great place to catch it is on Minchinhampton Common in August although the troupe tour around the area. N.B NOT in 2020
For rainy days, why not take a peek at the birthplace of Gustav Holst in nearby Cheltenham.
24 locals recommend
Holst Birthplace Museum
4 Clarence RdFor rainy days, why not take a peek at the birthplace of Gustav Holst in nearby Cheltenham.
This stunning 12th Century castle is remarkably preserved. Well worth a trip and not too far to visit by car.
97 locals recommend
Berkeley Castle
This stunning 12th Century castle is remarkably preserved. Well worth a trip and not too far to visit by car.
Park in the nearby allocated National Trust Car Park and enjoy the beautiful walk down to this unusual and unfinished Gothic revival house. You can be forgiven for thinking it is much older than its date suggests, but non the less, intriguing. The house is surrounded by beautiful walks which take you down to a boat house and lake. Ideal for picnics in the Summer or refreshments can be purchased on site.
35 locals recommend
Woodchester Mansion
Park in the nearby allocated National Trust Car Park and enjoy the beautiful walk down to this unusual and unfinished Gothic revival house. You can be forgiven for thinking it is much older than its date suggests, but non the less, intriguing. The house is surrounded by beautiful walks which take you down to a boat house and lake. Ideal for picnics in the Summer or refreshments can be purchased on site.
Great hidden National Trust gem nestled on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with views over the Mendips. This country house which dates back to medieval time is set within 200 acres of land with gardens, tearoom and woodland walks.
41 locals recommend
National Trust - Newark Park
Great hidden National Trust gem nestled on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with views over the Mendips. This country house which dates back to medieval time is set within 200 acres of land with gardens, tearoom and woodland walks.
National Trust Snowshill Manor and Garden
Well worth a visit. Up cycled, recycled, inventive and inspiring creations to see coupled with a tea room for that all important cake!!
18 locals recommend
Cotswold Sculpture Park
Summerford KeymsWell worth a visit. Up cycled, recycled, inventive and inspiring creations to see coupled with a tea room for that all important cake!!
In the heart of Cirencester a gallery holding a range of ceramics, art and textiles of the highest calibre.
Brewery Arts
In the heart of Cirencester a gallery holding a range of ceramics, art and textiles of the highest calibre.
Garden
This is a wonderful RHS garden to visit located just outside Painswick, the Queen of the Cotswolds. The village itself is well worth a visit.
107 locals recommend
Painswick Rococo Garden
Gloucester RoadThis is a wonderful RHS garden to visit located just outside Painswick, the Queen of the Cotswolds. The village itself is well worth a visit.
A magnificent arboretum especially in October when the trees are a kaleidoscope of Autumn shades. Food is also served here too.
340 locals recommend
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
A magnificent arboretum especially in October when the trees are a kaleidoscope of Autumn shades. Food is also served here too.
Sightseeing
Stroud farmers market on a Saturday morning will stimulate your senses with its array of stalls and tantilising smells of freshly cooked healthy street food. Get there early mind as it gets very busy!
35 locals recommend
Farmers Market
Stroud farmers market on a Saturday morning will stimulate your senses with its array of stalls and tantilising smells of freshly cooked healthy street food. Get there early mind as it gets very busy!
A steep walk behind the church leads you to some amazing views over the Severn estuary. Uley itself is a pretty village with its own great eateries, art space and unique history involving a gorilla, well worth a visit!
Uley Bury
A steep walk behind the church leads you to some amazing views over the Severn estuary. Uley itself is a pretty village with its own great eateries, art space and unique history involving a gorilla, well worth a visit!
The Historic town of Cirencester is less than half an hours drive away, with its quaint streets, historic Church, Corinium Museum, artspace and shops, its a must visit.
373 locals recommend
Cirencester
The Historic town of Cirencester is less than half an hours drive away, with its quaint streets, historic Church, Corinium Museum, artspace and shops, its a must visit.
You can book a tour of Strouds very own vineyard set on the side of our neighbouring valley. Generous with the tasting, you will be given a guided tour of the vineyard and given an informative talk on the background of the vineyard.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard Cellar Door Shop
You can book a tour of Strouds very own vineyard set on the side of our neighbouring valley. Generous with the tasting, you will be given a guided tour of the vineyard and given an informative talk on the background of the vineyard.
walks
We are handy for walking parts of the Cotswold way which captures some of the prettiest and unspoilt parts of this iconic trail.
70 locals recommend
Cotswold Way
B4070We are handy for walking parts of the Cotswold way which captures some of the prettiest and unspoilt parts of this iconic trail.
Fabulous views over Cheltenham, Gloucester and as far as Malvern on a clear day.
27 locals recommend
Painswick Beacon
Fabulous views over Cheltenham, Gloucester and as far as Malvern on a clear day.
Stunning views over the estuary, down to Bristol and as far as the Black Mountains in Wales, you can make your walk as long or short as you wish.
15 locals recommend
Haresfield Beacon
Cotswold WayStunning views over the estuary, down to Bristol and as far as the Black Mountains in Wales, you can make your walk as long or short as you wish.
Watch the hand gliders take off against a backdrop of the Severn Estuary, with breathtaking views this is a super spot to walk and take a picnic
25 locals recommend
Selsley Common
Watch the hand gliders take off against a backdrop of the Severn Estuary, with breathtaking views this is a super spot to walk and take a picnic
Set in a beautiful valley, you could be forgiven for thinking this house is much older than it actually is. Open on certain days through the season, it is well worth a visit just to walk around if nothing else.
52 locals recommend
Woodchester Mansion Trust
B4066Set in a beautiful valley, you could be forgiven for thinking this house is much older than it actually is. Open on certain days through the season, it is well worth a visit just to walk around if nothing else.
Just a short 15 minute drive from here will take you to a number of walks in and around Cranham and Sheepscombe where the Butchers Arms at Sheepscombe is a welcoming halfway stop to have lunch.
Cranham Wood
Just a short 15 minute drive from here will take you to a number of walks in and around Cranham and Sheepscombe where the Butchers Arms at Sheepscombe is a welcoming halfway stop to have lunch.
A truly picturesque village which also has the benefit of a lovely walk through the woods. It has the benefit of a hidden nursery which sells less common species of plants. The nursery also has a quaint tea room with cakes to die for!
22 locals recommend
Miserden Estate
A truly picturesque village which also has the benefit of a lovely walk through the woods. It has the benefit of a hidden nursery which sells less common species of plants. The nursery also has a quaint tea room with cakes to die for!
walks are plentiful from the hut so you don't need to use your car if you don't wish to. Depending on how far you want to walk or what terrain, (most walks around here require a hill climb or two mind).... the choice is yours. I have added a link to some of the best walks we've found in the area, clearly written and with a love of the area, Rod Gordon makes the Cotswolds accessible for those in search of getting off the beaten track and finding hidden gems. His 'Little Cotswold Walks' series can be downloaded from www.rrgordon.com. A copy of his walks, 1-5 are kept in the hut.
Chalford Hill
walks are plentiful from the hut so you don't need to use your car if you don't wish to. Depending on how far you want to walk or what terrain, (most walks around here require a hill climb or two mind).... the choice is yours. I have added a link to some of the best walks we've found in the area, clearly written and with a love of the area, Rod Gordon makes the Cotswolds accessible for those in search of getting off the beaten track and finding hidden gems. His 'Little Cotswold Walks' series can be downloaded from www.rrgordon.com. A copy of his walks, 1-5 are kept in the hut.
We are lucky to not be near to parts of the famous Cotswold Way. Check out our books and guides in the hut when you arrive.
70 locals recommend
Cotswold Way
B4070We are lucky to not be near to parts of the famous Cotswold Way. Check out our books and guides in the hut when you arrive.
Cotswold Water Park
Rigsby's LaneCity/town information
The nearby home of King Charles at Highgrove Is open to visitors certain days of the year. and this is the nearest town where the famous Highgrove shop is situated. If you enjoy browsing around antiques then this is a great little town to visit.
204 locals recommend
Tetbury
The nearby home of King Charles at Highgrove Is open to visitors certain days of the year. and this is the nearest town where the famous Highgrove shop is situated. If you enjoy browsing around antiques then this is a great little town to visit.
Just 12 miles from here is Cheltenham Spa, famous for its Regency architecture. We suggest using the park and ride for a hassle free visit. Cheltenham hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including: Jazz, Classical, Science and Literature. For an evening out, check out what's on at the Everyman Theatre or the Town Hall, both venues hosting live shows throughout the year. There are a plethora of very good restaurants to choose from too.
384 locals recommend
Cheltenham
Just 12 miles from here is Cheltenham Spa, famous for its Regency architecture. We suggest using the park and ride for a hassle free visit. Cheltenham hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including: Jazz, Classical, Science and Literature. For an evening out, check out what's on at the Everyman Theatre or the Town Hall, both venues hosting live shows throughout the year. There are a plethora of very good restaurants to choose from too.