Around Amberley
Amberley is just 3 miles from Stroud which is surrounded by attractive Cotswold villages.
Minchinhampton, reached by a short drive or a bracing walk across the Common, is a particular example and it also boasts three 18 hole golf courses. One of these is on the common itself and almost adjoins Amberley Inn. The Princess Royal’s Gatcombe House, known for its annual horse trials, is on the edge of the common.
Across the common and down the “Nailsworth W” with its hairpin bends, you will come to the pleasant small town of Nailsworth with a good range of shops, eating places and bars.
For a day out
Opening times are as a guide only. Please check by phone or on the website before you plan your visit.
Bath 27 miles (43 km)
The Roman Baths 01225 477785 romanbaths.co.uk
This is probably the best preserved piece of Roman Britain and is deservedly among the nation’s top tourist attractions. Open all year. The City of Bath is well worth a visit in its own right for its magnificent Regency architecture and many other museums.
Berkeley 16 miles (25 km)
Berkeley Castle 01453 810332 berkeley-castle.com
A real medieval castle with a rich history and complete with dungeons. Excellent guides make it entertaining visit for all. Closed November to March.
Cattle Country at Berkeley 01453 810510 cattlecountry.co.uk
Adventure and fun for the children. Open all week in summer; weekends only in winter.
Jenner Museum, Berkeley 01453 810631 jennermuseum.com
Berkeley-born Dr Jenner developed the vaccine for smallpox in 1796. Closed October to March
Bourton on the Water 28 miles (45 km)
The Village 01451 820211 bourtoninfo.com
One of the showpiece villages of the Cotswolds featuring The Model Village, a miniature version of the village in real stone created three quarters of a century ago. Open all year.
The World of Mechanical Music 01451 860181 mechanicalmusic.co.uk
At Northleach (9 miles – 6 km this side of Bourton) is this small, highly entertaining museum. Demonstrations from music boxes to phonographs make a journey through the history of musical machines. Open all year.
Book online
Cirencester 13 miles (21 km)
Corinium Museum 01285 655611 cotswold.gov.uk
Cirencester, then known as Corinium, was the second largest city in Britain during Roman times. The museum celebrates the town’s past in an interesting and informative way. Open all year.
Cotswold Water Park 01285 861459 waterpark.org
4 miles (7 km) from Cirencester, Britain's largest water park caters for all outdoor needs with nature reserves, summer bathing, water sports, fishing, cycling (bikes for hire) and riding. Many activities open all year.
Newent 32 miles (51 km)
International Centre for Birds of Prey 01531 820286 icbp.org
An amazing collection of birds with a friendly and informative owner and staff. The flying demonstrations are both highly interesting and great fun for both adults and children. Well worth the journey. Closed December and January.
Slimbridge 11 miles (18 km)
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust 01453 891900 wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge
Founded by the late naturalist Sir Peter Scott, here you'll find the world's largest collection of exotic wildfowl, interactive exhibits, and holiday activities. Open all year.
Westonbirt 11 miles (17 km)
The National Arboretum 01666 880220 forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Six hundred stunning acres featuring one of Europe’s finest collections of trees and shrubs – 18,000 in all. Renowned for its magnificent autumn colours. Many special events. Open all year.
Highgrove House Gardens 01666 503203 highgrovegardens.com
2 miles (3 km) from Westonbirt is the Prince of Wales’s country home with its beautiful gardens. It is possible to book a place on a garden tour but this must be done many months in advance.