We benefit from many outstanding natural and cultural activities close by within the Cotswolds. We are also thirty minutes from the centre of Bristol and Bath, both with their own distinctive city personalities and a plethora of shopping, entertainment and attractions.
The local market town of Chipping Sodbury, just two miles away, has a wealth of cafes and independent businesses. Yate, just next door, has a few more familiar chains and a cinema.
Countryside and Nature Reserves
The Cotswold Way trail is an iconic 100 mile trip in 6 miles sections. It starts in Chipping Campden and goes to Bath. The path moves through the incredible British countryside along the western edge of the Cotswold Hills and is intersected by the long distance footpath, Monarch’s Way.
The Lower Woods area is a 10 minute walk from Oxwick. It’s a beautiful ancient woodland with bluebells and wild garlic in the spring; orchids, butterflies and birds; and wild orchids and other old meadow species taking over the summer. Birdsong is prevalent and there are a number of butterfly species. It has marked walkways all year round. This wood is the largest Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve at around 700 acres.
Westonbirt National Arboretum is a beautiful, dog-friendly site which includes a treetop walkway, restaurant, toilets, shop and picnic areas. With just a 20 minute drive away this incredible forestry has walking trails throughout with lots of different species of trees and wildlife.
Castles, Wetlands and Equine
Berkeley Castle was built in 1153 and is now one of the most prominent strongholds in the west of england. A 20 minute car ride away the Berkeley Castle experience includes food and drink stalls, stunning gardens and even a butterfly house. For a similar low key experience, we recommend looking at other local stately houses such as Newark Park, Dyrham Park and Woodchester Mansion.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre offers access to a huge range of wildlife. A 30-minute drive for a full day of seeing ducklings, cygnets and goslings amongst other things. On top of viewing areas, Slimbridge offers shops, cafes and food areas to make sure you have the best experience when there.
Local Activity Providers
Cromhall Quarry is a beautiful lake for those that would like to indulge in clear water wild swimming, scuba diving, or paddle boarding. Bear and Wolf come highly recommended for paddle boarding, and even do yoga on a paddle board!
Chipping Sodbury Golf Club a full size 18 hole golf course designed by Fred Hawtree in 1971, now matured into a “superb course which presents a challenge to all levels of golfer”.
Lady’s Wood Shooting School. Less than a mile away is this prestigious shooting school. It offers a wealth of clay shooting facilities with tuition if required, or pay and play for the experienced amongst you.
Bath Paddleboard Centre is for a relaxing, fun day out, with friends and family. This group also hold paddleboarding polo, yoga, racing and more!
Local Food & Drink
Our “local”, the Fox & Maple has just changed it’s name from Buthay Inn and is under new management. Its just a mile away in Wickwar, serves food and drink. There are also a plethora of pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops in Chipping Sodbury. There is even a cocktail bar, Brook’s, which serves light bites and non-alcoholic drinks along with its delicious and stylish cocktails.
Chipping Sodbury is also well-populated with independent butchers, bakers (the reknown Hobbs House Bakery) and greengrocers. There are also supermarkets in Yate, and Waitrose in Chipping Sodbury.