Outdoor Activities
There is so much to do in the Stroud District! The very fact that it combines the lofty heights of the South Cotswolds with the undulating lowland area of the Severn Vale means that there is a great contrast in land-heights.
The Cotswolds countryside to the east offers high ground, with steep hillsides and stunning views - ideal for walking, fairly strenuous cycling, kite-flying, gliding, golfing, horse-riding or simply gazing at the stunning views.
But many prefer the lower, flatter countryside of the Severnside villages - where walking and cycling are much easier, and often more suited to family groups, and the sudden sight of the River Severn or the Gloucester / Sharpness Canal can catch you unaware.
Whatever your fitness level - your individual tastes - or your budget, there will be something to suit you in the Stroud District. We hope that the following information will provide you with all the contacts you need to make your visit really worthwhile!
Activity Contact Details
BALLOONING
| Ballooning in the Cotswolds Our Balloon Flights from Stroud provide spectacular views over the River Severn and on clear days Bristol, The Welsh Mountains, Forest of Dean and Malvern Hills are clearly visible. To the north the spire of Gloucester Cathedral and Regency Cheltenham nestle in the Seven Vale. On a northwesterly breeze your Balloon Ride may take you out over Minchinhampton Common towards Tetbury. Closer to Stroud we see the pretty villages of Painswick, Bisley, Nailsworth and Slad. Tel. 01453 753221 http://www.ballooninginthecotswolds.co.uk |
| Virgin Balloon Flights The UKs biggest hot air balloon operator. 100 sites UK wide. All year, weather permitting. Vouchers available. Bookings taken via website. Tel: 0870 4442768 sales@virginballoonflights.co.uk http://www.virginballoonflights.co.uk |
BOAT TRIPS
| Cotswold Canals Trust Operate boat trips aboard "Perseverence" on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Saul Junction Heritage Centre. Operating from Easter to September. Various routes and fares. Also skippered charter boat trips by arrangement throughout the year (subject to availability). 07929 980670 http://www.cotswoldcanals.com |
| English Holiday Cruises Relaxing River Cruise holidays through the Cotswolds Severn Vale on a Four Star Hotel Boat. 01452 410411 http://www.new.englishholidaycruises.co.uk |
| Glevum Boat Hire At Slimbridge Boat Station. Self Hire on Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Phone to book. 01453 899190 |
| Gloucester Leisure Cruises (part of National Waterways Museum) run a number of boat trips from Gloucester docks. "Queen Boadicea II", a former Dunkirk "little ship" provides visitors with a 45-minute trip along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Longer trips are available aboard the cruiser "King Arthur". Tel: 01452 318200 |
CLASSIC CAR HIRE
| Classic Motoring Self-drive hire of classic Jaguar E-Type convertibles. Explore the Cotswolds in a classic open-top car. Gift vouchers available. Tel: 01452 864050 info@classicmotoring.co.uk http://www.classicmotoring.co.uk |
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
| Stroud & District Clay Shooting Club, Bisley A small and friendly club that has been shooting on the same site on the edge of the Cotswolds for the past 30 years. The area is not only very pretty but provides one of the best backgrounds for clay pigeon shooting, allowing the club to provide excellent targets. Open Wednesday evenings 4.30 - 8.30pm between April and October, and on Sundays 9.00 - 1pm throughout the year. Vistor rates are £7.50 for 25 targets (Skeet, DTL or compact Sporting) Annual membership available. 01453 731389 07900 317163 tim@tctshootingservices.co.uk http://www.stroudclayshootingclub.co.uk |
CYCLE AND WALKING HOLIDAYS
| Compass Holidays (based in Cheltenham). Cycling & walking holidays & short breaks in the Cotswolds. Cycle hire. Open all year. Tel: 01242 250642 http://www.compass-holidays.com |
| Cotswold Walking Holidays (based in Cheltenham). Company offering walking holidays & specialising in the Cotswolds. Self-guided routes + Cotswold Way. Private groups a speciality. Guides available. Tel: 01242 254353 http://www.cotswoldwalks.com |
| The Albion Service Up Hatherley, Cheltenham.GL51 3TW Tel: 01242 254771 |
CYCLE HIRE
| Mos Bike Shed Situated on the stunning Cotswold Canal. Mos Bike Shed, The Gatehouse, Bonds Mill, Stonehouse, GL10 3RG http://www.mosbikeshed.co.uk |
| Painswick Pedals If you are looking for a way to explore the Cotswolds for a couple of hours or a full day then why not hire an electric assist bike from Painswick Rococo Garden. 01452 813204 http://www.painswickpedals.co.uk |
| Slimbridge Boat Station Slimbridge. Mountain bikes, trailer bikes, baby & children seats. Full day £14, half day £10, up to 2 hours £5. (Group discounts). Hot & cold refreshments available. 01453 899190 |
| Stonehouse Accessories Ltd 18 High Street, Stonehouse. Tel: 01453 822881 |
CYCLE REPAIRS
| Cycle Clinic Nailsworth (Bath Road). Contact: Jeff and Gill Ward Tel: 01453 835200 |
| Cytek Westward Road, Stroud - Bike Parts and Repairs Contact: 01453 753330 |
| Noahs Ark, Chalford Tel: 01453 884738 |
CYCLING
| Stonehouse Wheelers A friendly cycling club which cycles on Sunday afternoons - in quiet country lanes for approx 20-40 miles - stopping at pre-arranged venes for tea & cakes. 01453 763902 http://www.stonehousewheelers.org.uk |
DIVING
| Dursley Sub Aqua Club A small friendly branch of the BSAC with approximately 30 members, catering for all divers from complete beginners to the fully qualified, mainly from Dursley, Stroud and surrounding areas in South Gloucestershire. We are a diverse group of men and women with ages ranging from teenagers to grandparents. All are welcome. Dave Jenkins on 01452 537369. http://www.dursleysubaqua.com |
| Stroud Valley Sub-Aqua Club Scuba Diving and Snorkeling with a friendly and very successful club. Learning with committed instructors and fellow members in a safe and relaxed environment. Socializing with friends and sharing a common interest. Young and old (8 to 80+) can join. For general enquiries email Dave King at diving.officer@stroudbsac.org. http://www.stroudbsac.org |
GAME FISHING
| Lechlade & Bushyleaze Trout Fisheries Open for Day Ticket fly fishing. Day tickets from £25-£47.50. Fly fishing tuition. Boat hire. Facilities for the disabled. Open all year. Tel: 01367 253266 tim@timtrout.co.uk http://www.lechladetrout.co.uk |
GLIDING CLUBS
| Bristol and Glos, Gliding Club Nympsfield, Glos. Learn to fly on this ridge site overlooking the beautiful Severn Vale and Welsh hills. Trial lesson. Gift vouchers available. Flying seven days a week (weather permitting). Tel: 01453 860342 office@bggc.co.uk http://www.bggc.co.uk |
| Cotswold Gliding Club Aston Down Airfield, Chalford, Stroud, Glos (Satnav postcode GL6 8HQ). Trial lessons from £35, 1-day courses £165, Holiday courses from £360. October to Easter opening: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Easter to September opening: 7 days a week weather permitting. Tel. 01285 760415 office@cotswoldgliding.co.uk http://www.cotswoldgliding.co.uk |
GOLF
| Cotswold Edge Golf Club Wotton Under Edge. 18 hole parkland course - beautiful views. No handicap certificate required. Tel: 01453 844167 cotswoldedge@freenetname.co.uk http://www.cotswoldedgegolfclub.org.uk |
| Cotswold Golf Breaks Cotswold Golf breaks offer a number of packages and will arrange your accommodation and make your golf reservations. Tel: 01934 515507 http://www.cotswoldgolfbreaks.com |
| Minchinhampton New Course Minchinhampton. Visitors welcome. Book by phone. 2 Championship Golf Courses & associated amenities. Green fee: £40 Tel: 01453 833866 alan@mgcnew.co.uk http://www.mgcnew.co.uk |
| Minchinhampton Old Course Minchinhampton Common. Adults £19 weekdays, £22 weekends, reductions with members. Tel: 01453 832642 http://www.mgcold.co.uk |
| Painswick Golf Club The Jewel of the Cotswolds. Founded in 1891 this unique ridge top course poses a unique challenge for all levels of golfers. With tight lies and interesting terrain this short course requires thought and a wide variety of shots. No bunkers but some grass filled quarries and wonderful views make this course a treat not to be missed. Tel: 01452 812180 Email: admin@painswickgolf.com http://www.painswickgolf.com |
| Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club Dursley. Visitors by arrangement. Tel: 01453 543878 |
LEISURE AND SPORTS CENTRES
| * Please use 01453 754333 - the Leisure Helpline - for information etc, when these centres are closed during the day. |
| Dursley Pool Dursley Pool is a three lane 25 metre pool with a shallow "D" areas suitable for non-swimmers. Tel: 01453 546441 http://community.stroud.gov.ukgeneral.asp?pid=31&pgid=2416 |
| Dursley Sports Centre Dursley Sports Centre is the ideal venue for a wide range of indoor and outdoor sporting activities. 01453 546441 http://community.stroud.gov.ukgeneral.asp?pid=31&pgid=2639 |
| Forest of Green Rovers Football Club Five Valleys Conference and Leisure incorporating Forest Green Rovers FC Nympsfield Rd Nailsworth GL6 OET Natalie Ward t: 01453 834 860 |
| Hamfields Leisure Facilities for outdoor and indoor sporting activities. 01453 810413 contact@hamfieldsleisure.net http://www.hamfieldsleisure.net |
| Maidenhill Sports and Dance Centre (Monday-Friday 18:00-20:15 Sunday 10:00-14:15) Tel: 01453 824366 During normal working hours contact SDCs Leisure Service Team 01453 754333 |
| Nailsworth Recreation Centre Nailsworths only purpose-built public recreation facility is now available for clubs, businesses and organisations to provide a wide range of sport, leisure and dance activities and events. Individuals can benefit through attending classes, being a member of the club or organisation, or through attending an event. The Booking Agent for Nailsworth Recreation Centre is Ian Crawley. Tel. 01453 834822 nailsworthrecreationcentre@gmail.com http://www.nailsworthrecreationcentre.co.uk |
| Stratford Park Leisure Centre Large wet & dry leisure centre set in 56 acre Stratford Park. Swimming, badminton, tennis, squash, fitness gym, aerobic sessions. Sunshowers, sauna, steam room + adult and childrens courses. 01453 766771 stratfordparkinfo@everyoneactive.com http://www.everyoneactive.comtabid1693default.aspx |
| Thomas Keble Leisure Centre (Monday-Friday 18:00-22.30) Sunday 10:00-14:00 01452 770617 During normal working hours contact SDCs Facilities team: 01453 754333 |
| Wotton Sports Centre Tel: 01453 842626 During normal working hours contact SDCs Facilities team: 01453 754333 |
| Wotton Swimming Pool Outdoor swimming pool open during the summer months. The pool is 18m long, by 6m wide and the depths go from 1m to just over 2m. The water is heated to 28-30C. It has separate Male and Female (open plan) changing rooms, toilets and hot showers. There is a retractable enclosure which is closed in colder weather, and drawn back for open air swimming when the weather is fine. There is a bit of parking in the street outside and there is a municipal car park within 100 m. Tel: 01453 842086 during opening hours. http://www.wottonpool.co.uk |
MICROLIGHTING
| Kemble Flying ClubPegasus Flight Training (Cotswolds), Kemble Airfield near Cirencester. Microlight Specialists. Booking advisable.. Tel: 01285 770077 davidflyme@aol.com http://www.kembleflyingclub.com |
PARA GLIDING AND HANG GLIDING
| Cloudbase Paragliding tuition, equipment sales, overseas trips.. For more information or to book a place, please telephone Lee on 07795 632710 or email sales@cloudbaseparagliding.co.uk http://www.cloudbaseparagliding.com |
RIDING
| Barton End Stables Nailsworth. Lessons & hacking for all ages & abilities. Tuesday - Sunday 8am-8pm. 01453 834915 bartonendstables@tiscali.co.uk http://www.bartonendstables.co.uk |
| Brown Hill Livery Yard, Woodchester, Stroud. Full, part and DIY Livery, competitive rates, indoor and outdoor school. Cross country course, off road hacking. Tel: 01453 872144 |
| Burnt Ash Farm Riding Stables Minchinhampton Stroud Glos GL6 8PD t: 01453 882266 e: info@burntashfarm.co.uk http://www.burntashfarm.co.uk |
| Camp Riding Centre The Camp, Nr Stroud. Riding over the Cotswold Hills. Horses & ponies to suit all abilities. Group & private lessons for adults & children. All abilities catered for. Open all year. Tel: 01285 821219 chris.barron@dsl.pipex.com http://www.campridingcentre.co.uk |
| Cotswold Trail Riding Brookthorpe. Horseriding for everyone. Rides out & lessons - children & adults. Pub rides & childrens birthday parties. Beautiful countryside. Open 7 days - all year. Tel: 01452 813 344 http://www.cotswoldtrailriding.co.uk |
| Hyde Riding Centre Chalford, Stroud. Hacking available. (With indoor facilities). Contact: Miss Julie Crew Tel: 01453 882413 |
| Summer House Education and Equitation Centre Hardwicke, Riding school & training centre. NVQ, PC & RDA Centre. All ages welcome.. Tel: 01452 720288 admin@summerhouseec.co.uk http://www.summerhouseec.co.uk |
| Talland School of Equitation Tuitition only. All ages and abilities. Beginners to advance. Flexible courses including residential. Large indoor and outdoor schools. Dressage, show-jumping, cross-country, side-saddle. Horses broken in and schooled. Livery available. Riding for disabled. Dairy Farm Ampney Knowle Nr Cirencester Glos t: 01285 740 155 e: secretary@talland.net http://www.talland.net |
SAILING
| Cotswold Sailing Club Spinnaker Lake 9, Cotswold Water Park, Ashton Keynes Section. Day membership available on Sunday. No day boards. Tel: 01793 751551 (Clubhouse) or 01453 545208 http://www.cotswoldsc.com |
| Whitefriars Sailing Club Whitefriars is a friendly and family-oriented club combining a full racing programme with leisure sailing, training and social events. Please note that as a private club we do not hire out dinghies for day use. Lake 26, Cotswold Water Park, Ashton Keynes, SN6 6QR. Tel: 01285 861670 Email: enquiry@wfsc.co.uk http://www.wfsc.co.uk |
TOUR OPERATORS
| Andalucian Adventures Andalucian Adventures is a specialist tour operator with 10 years experience of running painting, photography and walking holidays in the UK, Europe and North Africa. John Brough t: 01453 834 137 f: 01453 832 583 e:info@andalucian-adventures.co.uk 15 Merretts Mill Woodchester Gloucestershire GL5 5EU http://www.andalucian-adventures.co.uk |
WATER SPORTS CENTRES
| Cotswold Water Park The Cotswold Water Park is an area of 140 lakes, set in 40 square miles of countryside. From country parks, angling lakes, sailing clubs, picturesque villages to campsites, hotels, country inns and much more there is plenty for everyone to explore! Water based activities on offer include canoeing, kayaking, diving, sailing, snorkelling, swimming, waterskiing and windsurfing. For further details about the full range of activities, please refer to website. For general enquiries about the Cotswold Water Park, where to go and what to do, call 01793 752413 or email info@waterpark.org http://www.waterpark.org |
| South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre nr. Cirencester. Outdoor Education Centre for the young people of Gloucestershire. Courses in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, dragon boating, team building & instructor training. Also courses for adults. Open all year. Tel: 01285 860388 http://www.southcerneyoutdoor.co.uk |
WATERSKIING
| Cirencester Waterski Club Lake 37, Spine Road West, Cotswold Water Park, Ashton Keynes Section. Temporary day membership. Short course for beginners and small groups available Mon - Fri, Apr - Oct. All equipment provided. Qualified BWSF instructor. No facilities for boat owners. Tel: 01285 861776 http://www.cirencesterwaterskiclub.com |
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