URBAN ADVENTURES IN THE COTSWOLDS
Most visitors come to the Cotswolds to feast their eyes on picturesque villages, walk and/or cycle through bucolic landscapes, and just generally chill out. While you’re here in our part of the world, though, you may have the urge to experience a more urban adventure to spice up your break.
We’d like to recommend two lively, and distinctly different, Gloucestershire market towns – one right here on our doorstep, so to speak, and the other a pleasant half hour drive away:
5 Things to do in Stroud
Stroud is the closest “big town” to the Edgemoor Inn, sited where the famous five valleys come together, so we know it well, and all that it offers for visitors.
Here’s some suggestions for a day out in Stroud, which you’ll find has a free and easy bohemian character:
- Shambles Market off of the High Street in the oldest part of Stroud is an Aladdin’s cave of delights for shoppers – find everything from organic food to good books, jewellery and crafts. Open 8am to 4pm every Friday and Saturday. Satnav GL5 1AP.
- Stratford Park and Museum has something for everyone – magnificent grounds, a lovely Walled Garden, dinosaur bones on display, artworks, interactive exhibits, a café and so much more, all in and around a 17th century wool merchant’s house. Best of all it’s free! Open every day except Mondays until 4.30pm. Satnav GL5 4AF.
- Stratford Park Leisure Centre is the place to make a splash in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pool. You can also have a game of squash, hone your forehand on the tennis courts, get stuck into some gym, or even have a jump on the trampoline. Satnav GL5 4AF
- Vue Stroud is the local cinema where you can catch up with the latest on the silver screen, after you’ve browsed around the Merrywalks Centre shopping mall. Popcorn anyone? Satnav GL5 1RY.
5 Things to do in Cirencester
Sadly, the town of Cirencester – although dubbed “Capital of the Cotswolds” –is often ignored by visitors, probably because its charms are obscured by all the ring roads running around it. Navigate through, however, and you’ll find a beautiful and bustling town with its roots back in Roman times.
Here’s some ideas for exploring serene Cirencester:
- The Corinium Museum (Corinium being the ancient Roman name for Cirencester) will be a hit whether or not you are interested in history. The bright galleries offer an interactive experience par excellence, and there are thousands of fascinating objects on display. There are always events on the go too, from cinema screenings to talks and lectures. Satnav GL7 2BX.
- The Corn Hall Arcade on the Market Place is great for browsing through a variety of wonderful shops, then on into the historic Corn Hall itself which is the venue for a home, fashion and garden bazaar every day of the week, with antiques and collectibles on a Friday and local crafts on Saturdays. Satnav GL7 2NY.
- Cirencester Park is right in the heart of the town – a massive English Forest Style garden that is eight kilometres long and 4.8 wide, with a lake and woodland walks. It’s a great place to walk dogs, ride a horse or allow the kids to let off steam. The mansion house to which the garden belongs is not open to the public, being the home of the Earl and Countess Bathurst. Satnav GL7 2BU.
- St John Baptist is a Parish Church that feels like a cathedral. Full of history. There are guides available and regular services are held. On special tower opening days you receive a certificate for having climbed to the top. Satnav GL7 2AG.
When you’re planning your itinerary for a visit to the Cotswolds, don’t forget to include a visit to the Edgemoor Inn to enjoy some exceptional food and drink, with a panoramic view across the Painswick Valley.
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