Gloucestershire's glorious green spaces offer residents and visitors a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature — and the Stroud district in particular has an abundance of these natural beauty spots.
In this hot list, SoGlos handpicks some of our favourite places to forest bathe, soak up some sunshine, watch the clouds go by and take a moment to breathe.
Selsley Common
Selsley Common is home to an array of wildflowers, birds and insects all year round — and it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its Bronze Age burial mound.
What makes Selsley Common most spectacular though, are the views over the River Severn and the Malvern Hills. Eagle-eyed visitors can even see as far as Wales on a clear day.
Stroudwater Canal
With a wildlife corridor promoting biodiversity and plenty of opportunities to get on the water on a narrowboat, canoe or paddleboard, the Stroudwater Navigation Canal provides a fantastic nautical-themed day out.
The Cotswold Canals Connected Project works hard to restore and improve the canal — from upgrading towpaths for pedestrians, buggies, bikes and wheelchairs, to linking the Stroudwater Navigation Canal with the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, allowing boats to sail through Stroud and Stonehouse for the first time in 78 years.
Stratford Park
Stroud’s award-winning Stratford Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists — and for good reason!
With its beautiful lake and mature trees; children’s playground; leisure centre; and Stratford Park Lido, there’s plenty of outdoor activities on offer. Stratford Park is also home to Museum in the Park, with a museum, art gallery and gorgeous walled garden to explore.
Saul Junction Marina
Where the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal meets the Stroudwater Canal, Saul Junction is an idyllic waterside spot.
With the fully restored historic lock and colourful boats in the marina, there’s plenty to see on a canalside stroll. There’s even the occasional chance to spot Tall Ships sailing down the canal from the River Severn up towards Gloucester Docks.
Woodchester Park
Famous for its stunning unfinished mansion that has provided the backdrop for TV shows including the BBC’s BAFTA-winning His Dark Materials and Netflix’s The Crown, Woodchester Park is a place where imaginations can run wild.
As well as uncovering the fascinating history of the mansion itself, which is owned by Stroud District Council and run by Woodchester Mansion Trust, visitors can explore the magical woodlands and enjoy a picnic by the lake in the National Trust-run park. As dusk falls, brave souls can try and spot the resident bats emerging from the mansion’s bell tower!
Cam Long Down
Providing uninterrupted views across the Cotswold countryside and over the Severn Estuary, Cam Long Down near Dursley is a must visit.
Pick up the Cotswold Way for a walk that takes in sheltered woodlands and open hilltops, ideal for soaking in the glorious views. Head there in springtime to see the peak covered in beautiful bluebells, too.
Frith Wood
This woodland is thought to have been planted in the 1800s, with towering beech trees and breathtaking views over the Painswick Valley and Slad Valley.
Another Site of Special Scientific Interest, great spotted woodpeckers and a rare snail called Ena montana call Frith Wood home, as well as a variety of rare plants like white hellborine, yellow bird’s nest and wood barley.
Wotton Hill
Wotton Hill lies on the edge of the Cotswold Hills near Wotton-Under-Edge, known for the group of trees that stand proudly at the top of the hill to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.
With plenty of footpaths to follow and recent improvements to replace the traditional stiles with kissing gates to make routes more accessible, climb the hill from Wotton to take in the views from the top, then head to Westridge Wood to spot wood anemones, primroses, violets and bluebells in bloom.
Heaven's Valley
This 102-acre stretch of land between Bowbridge and Lypiatt is home to beautiful wildflower meadows and waterfalls — and is much-loved by locals.
There's even a community-led mission — For Heavens' Sake — to purchase the land, securing its future for generations to come and protecting it from developers. It's aiming to raise £750,000 in total and is already a third of the way towards its target.
