Location & Local Info

Known as 'Laurie Lee country', the uniquely beautiful Slad Valley has been re-named by locals after the famous British author who made his home here, taking vivid inspiration from the enchanted landscapes for his classic novel 'Cider with Rosie.'

 

Rifleman's House and Cottage is walking distance from the cottage where Lee grew up and lived, as well as specific places described in his book as well as his favorite 'watering hole', the Woolpack Pub, which has remained untouched as a traditional old Inn.

 

Swift Hill Nature Reserve

Rifleman's House and Cottage is positioned with stunning views at the foot of Swift Hill Nature Reserve which has become a conservation site due to being an area of 'outstanding national beauty.' Deer can be seen basking in the sun whilst buzzards and kestrels soar overhead, with occasional glimpses of the infamous black and white striped badgers and orange foxes that make their homes in sets and dens in the hills.

 

Rare wild orchids grow on Swift Hill attracting flower enthusiasts and mushroom pickers delight in the famous array of forest and filed delicacies to be found.

A stream can be heard bubbling peacefully at the bottom of the adjacent field which harmonizes on Summer evenings with the delightful birdsong from the many classic English species such as robin red breasts, owls and cuckoos.

 

Local Walks

Glorious country walks are to be found on foot in all directions from Rifleman's House, and these will be provided on maps in the cottages with additional information on other local stunning walks, to be reached by car.

 

Badger Tour

Every Thursday evening 2 minutes up the lane from Rifleman's House, a talk is given by an animal loving local naturalist, who has befriended the badgers!

 

At dusk, twenty or so of these extraordinary creatures come out of their badger-sets, giving visitors a close hand view of these normally 'wild' animals.

 

Stroud

Stroud's History is tied up with the glorious hills that surround it, used for sheep grazing which providing the wool for trade, upon which it's economy was based.

Stroud cloth was renowned historically and famously used for the robes of Royalty!

 

Art

It is said that 45% of the people recorded on the census of Stroud are artists or musicians and visitors delight in experiencing this uniquely creative atmosphere. Stroud has ‘soul’, and is a mix of old and modern architecture, as it was developed in the 1960's due to the industrial boom.

 

Because of this, Stroud has luckily remained an authentic town with a vibrant artistic mix of class and culture, unlike some Cotswold villages which have unfortunately become a bit 'chocolate boxy' and commercialized in order to attract tourists.

 

It is easy to understand why famous British artists, musicians and authors such as Turner Prize winner Damien Hirst, Mike Oldfield (Tubular Bells) and Laurie Lee (Cider With Rosie) have lived and worked in both the creative and beautiful setting of Stroud.

 

The distinguished and renowned late sculptor Lynn Chadwick developed his work since the 1950's and built the famous Pangolin bronzing factory; his family now the proud owners of a glorious sculpture park set in the beautiful grounds of their historical home at Lypiatt Manor.

 

The Subscription Rooms in the centre of Stroud, is a thriving Arts Centre which plays host to a wide spectrum of events - from exhibitions and live performances to conferences and workshops.

 

Local artists of Stroud also hold an annual 'open studios' day, to display and sell their work.

 

Green

Boasting the first ever organic cafe in Britain, Stroudee's have always been passionate about environmental issues, making this town the first official 'Fair Trade Town', due to its high proportion of ethical shops. Its farmer's market each Saturday is award winning and one of the best in the UK.

 

Check out The Green Shop on the Cheltenham road, I mile north of Bisley (5 mins by car) which doubles as a garage and eco-shop complete with solar paneled electricity. This was the first petrol station to sell bio-diesel in the UK!

 

Local Places to Visit

Stround Farmers Market

Every Saturday one of the best farmer's markets in the country, takes place in Stroud. This is the place to buy all locally produced and seasonal vegetables and fruit, cheeses, wines, olives, meat, fish and plenty more fun bric-a-brac and handicraft stalls to collect souvenirs!

 

On Friday and Saturday is the Shambles market where Stroud becomes a mellow meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The market features a traditional wet fish stall, a cheese stall with over 100 speciality cheeses and a large organic vegetable stall. Also on offer are second hand books, tapes, antiques and the popular mini-Mills café that spills out onto the street.

 

The Green Shop and Garage

Do fill your car up at this unique garage known as The Green Garage!

Owner Roger has made this unique shop that accompanies his petrol station, the biggest distributor of green products in the UK.

You can find all the latest green gadgets, organic paints and locally produced faced creams, making this a must see! (Bio-diesel is available here!)

 

VILLAGES and TOWNS

 

BISLEY (5 Mins by car) is a breathtakingly beautiful medieval stone village

A 'must see’, this village is excellent for just walking around and boasts one of the most authentic medieval pubs in the area, 'The Bear Inn' which was originally a courthouse, and is supposedly haunted! Winter brings a gorgeous open fire behind which is a secret staircase where priests used to hide in the reformation. Fantastic traditional brews make this a top spot for a drink and one of local resident author Jilly Cooper's favourites!

 

PAINSWICK (5 mins by car) is known as the "Queen of the Cotswold’s and is one of the most sought after real estate areas in Britain, due to its magnificent classic stone architecture.

Like a journey back in time, this town could be in a Dickens or Bronte novel. Its famous churchyard has 99 yew trees which form romantic arches, and local myth suggests that the 100th will never grow!

Cute tea rooms and lots of history make this a stunning day out.

 

SHEEPSCOMBE(8 Mins by car)

Sheepscombe is a glorious Cotswold stone village. It's famous cricket pitch high up on a plateau overlooking the countryside, is a feast for the eyes and worth the windy car journey up the dirt track to get there!

Check out the village's homemade website of events.

 

TETBURY(20 mins by car) is a thriving town and one of the most beautiful in the Cotswolds , famous for its endless streets of fabulous antique shops and elegant buildings built around a restored 17th century Market Hall. The owner of Rifelmans which has been featured in many magazines, also owns 'Sharland and Lewis' decorative furniture shop in Tetbury which is definitely worth a visit.

Please visit.

 

CHELTENHAM (25 mins by car)

This is England's most complete regency town, with most of the centre lying within a conservation area of 'outstanding national importance'. Plenty of wonderful restaurants, bars and shops are to be found here and Cheltenham racecourse is an excellent day out for gamblers and horse lovers alike!

 

BRISTOL (30 mins by car)

Famous for music, producing bands such as Massive Attack, this city has great nightlife for adults as all live concerts play Bristol. There are many great attractions for kids too including a Museum on a Ship, known as Brunel's SS Great Britain, which was winner of Museum of the Year 2006.

 

BATH- (45 mins by car)

This world heritage City is famous for it's Roman Baths, Cathedral, and extraordinary stone architecture, being a must see for any visitor to England! Classical music concerts and theatre productions are on a par with London's finest.

 

OXFORD - (45 mins by car)

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years. Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town.

 

Film and DVD Hire

 

Stroud's Cinema:

 

The Apollo

Merrywalks Shopping Centre, Stroud.

Tel: 0871 220 6000

 

Dvd's: Blockbuster Video, 1 George St, Stroud.

 

Wild Life and Horticulture

 

HIGHGROVE HOUSE (20 mins)

Home to Prince Charles and Princess Diana shortly after they were married, Highgrove House is near Tetbury. Today, after much dedication by The Prince, the gardens at Highgrove and the Duchy Home Farm are flagship examples of the organic movement, both in terms of their environmental sustainability and their natural beauty. Visiting is occasionally permitted.

 

SLIMBRIDGE (20mins by car)

With an astounding array of wildlife from Water Voles to seals, hares to dragonflies, Slimbridge is home to the world's largest collection of swans, geese, and ducks. It is also the only place in the world where you can see all six species of Flamingo. The vision of Sir Peter Scott, Slimbridge holds international significance as the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and it is here that the world renowned experts of WWT Consulting and Species Conservation are based.

 

PRINKNASH (10 mins by car)

Prinknash bird and deer park is set in a wooded valley at the centre of a monastic estate once the hunting lodge of The Abbots of Gloucester and King Henry V111. Great day out for kids!

 

ROCOCCO GDS -Painswick(5 mins by car)

The famous Painswick garden is a fascinating step back to the flamboyant English Rococo period. This gem of a garden, which was originally laid out in the 18th century, is set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Snowdrops fill the lawns in spring and are the talk of the town!

 

Castles

 

Berkeley Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the most outstanding example of medieval domestic architecture in the country. Where other Castles were romanticized or "modernized" by the Georgians or the Victorians, Berkeley quietly survived as what it is: a Norman fortress with an enclosing curtain wall, built and enlarged through the mediaeval period and beyond into a secure, comfortable, substantial home.

 

Sudeley Castle

You will find this a magical and magnetic day out. Children will be captivated, especially by the Jousting and themed week-ends!

 

NATIONAL TRUST:

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world with an historical collection of over 3500 different tree and shrub species, many of which are rare or endangered in their native lands. Covering 600 acres the arboretum is an inspiring place to relax, get back to nature and indulge your senses.

 

FOREST OF DEAN WALES (1 hour 30 mins)

A day trip away, lies one of England's few remaining ancient forests, covering over 110 square kilometers of woodland. The Forest of Dean lies between the rivers Wye and Severn, in the western part of Gloucestershire, and on the borders of Wales and Herefordshire. The Forest is one of the most distinctive areas of Britain having a seductive charm and character that is uniquely its own. The stunning landscapes and spectacular scenery have inspired artists, craftspeople, inventors, poets and playwrights, as well as the many visitors who return year after year.

 

Pubs

Woolpack Pub, Slad-

steak or cheeses traditional sandwiches and salads.

 

Bear Inn, George st, Bisley- 01452 770265

Classic English pub food.

 

Butchers Arm's , Sheepscombe-

Tel: (+44) 01452 812113

 

Dining

Painswick Hotel, Painswick-

 

THE BELL, Sapperton- 0871 426 4664

Delicious gourmet food!

 

MILLS CAFE, Stroud.

Great coffee and cakes!

 

Organic Cafe or Mother Earth

Good Vegetarian.

 

Spas and Treatments:

 

Calcott Manor (20 mins away)

 

 

Home Thai and Shiatsu massage available:

Contact Jessica on 07764188855

 

Shopping

Food shopping to stock up Rifleman's Cottages can be done in our favorite supermarket Waitrose, which is 5 mins into town at the bottom of the Bisley road. Award winning supermarket for its ethical credentials Waitrose has a large organic and locally produced selection of goods, and has become almost a social event for locals! Unlike many commercial supermarket experiences, Stroud's Waitrose is relaxed with a superb selection of goods and friendly staff.

 

24 hour TESCO, Stroud.

 

COOP mini supermarket is the closest by, situated on the Slad road into town. Open till 10pm.

 

 

Tourist Information

 

Stroud Tourist Information Centre,
Stroud Subscription Rooms,
George Street,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire,
GL5 1AE.

Phone: 01453 760960
E-mail: Stroud TIC
Opening times: 10am-5pm, Mon-Sat.

 

Transport

The Rifleman's Cottages are 5 minutes from Stroud Railway Station by car.

Trains run regularly to Paddington, London (1-hr 30 mins)

TAXI: 5 star 01453 755511

Nearest Airport: Bristol

Nearest Train Station: Stroud (1 mile)

Nearest Town: Stroud (1 mile)