Local Information

Neighbouring towns and villages

The Cottages are 9 miles from Cirencester; 15 miles from Cheltenham; 25 miles from Oxford; 30 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Many famous Cotswold villages are within twenty minutes by car such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters, The Swells, Great and Little Barrington, Moreton-in-Marsh etc.

Public transport is very limited. We can arrange local car hire or bike hire should you require it.

Northleach

Northleach is a typical small Cotswold town containing a small grocery store, bakers, an award winning butchers W.J.Castle, chemist, Post Office and newsagent, and fine wine bar and shop Ox House Wines.

The famous ‘wool’ Church of St Peter’s with its renowned brasses is worth a visit.

A variety of pubs offer a diverse choice of food and drink; including the award winning Wheatsheaf Inn and Hotel and four miles south the Hare and Hounds at Fosse Cross.

Visit www.northleach.gov.uk for further local information.

Bibury

Bibury is a village with few services on offer but it does boast two wonderful hotels, The Swan Hotel and The Bibury Court. The latter is a former Jacobean Manor House set in stunning grounds on the banks of the River Coln, a tributary of the Thames. A perfect setting for morning coffee, a light lunch or just a drink on the terrace or in the panelled drawing room with huge open fireplace. From here you can walk through the grounds and through a small gate into the churchyard of the lovely Saxon and Norman Church of St Mary’s.

The Trout Farm is a good place to visit, and as you walk round the village note Arlington Row, the oldest row of almshouses in the country.

In the pretty neighbouring village of Barnsley you will find the prestigious Barnsley House Hotel with its stunning famous gardens and the popular Village Pub.

Visit www.bibury.com for further local information.

Cirencester

Cirencester is the nearest large town where you will find garages, supermarkets, banks, chain stores WHSmith, Rackhams, Boots, Whittards, Waitrose etc. as well as many interesting independent shops and a Farmers’ Market every fortnight.

The town boasts a variety of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. If you like Japanese food the excellent restaurant Soushi is worth visiting. There is a Museum in the town centre where you can discover the importance of Cirencester, or Corinium as it was, in Roman times. Other interesting local Roman remains may be seen close by at Chedworth Roman Villa, and Bath is about an hour’s drive South.

Visit www.cirencester.co.uk for further local information.

Gardens

The famous gardens of Kiftsgate and Hidcote are about forty minutes away, not far from the delightful town of Chipping Campden. Westonbirt Arboretum is forty minutes to the South and Batsford Arboretum about twenty minutes North. Many interesting local gardens are open through the season.

Racecourse

We are within easy reach of the Cheltenham Racecourse at Prestbury Park and a private taxi service is available. The Literature, Music, Jazz, Science and Cricket Festivals in Cheltenham are a half hour’s drive away. The Barn makes a perfect retreat for week-ends out from The Ladies’ College and Cheltenham College.

Private Grass Airstrip

Within half a mile of the barn we have a small private grass airstrip. Should you require co-ordinates please contact us. The International Air Tattoo at Fairford is within an easy half an hour.