Stroud
Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester Mansion is an architectural masterpiece of the Victorian age abandoned by its builders before it could be completed. It has been virtually untouched by time since the mid-1870s.
The Mansion is hidden in a secluded 400-acre landscape park, sheltering an abundance of wildlife and rare-breed grazing stock. Enchanting woodland walks snake around its five man-made lakes.
The Mansion and its park are reputed to be haunted and regular events are held throughout the year for those who want to hunt the ghosts.
Opening Hours:
1st April-end October: every Sunday and first Saturday of the month.
July and August: every weekend, and Bank Holidays.
www.woodchestermansion.org.uk
01453 861541
Owlpen Manor
Owlpen Manor has long been recognised as one of England's most romantic early manor houses. In 2006, voted one of six finalists in the Country Life magazine award for "England's Favourite Manor House".
The Owlpen estate, steeped in 900 years of history, forms its own remote and picturesque wooded valley under the edge of the Cotswold hills.
The Cyder House is an atmospheric medieval restaurant set at the heart of the hamlet. It serves home-cooked gourmet meals and light lunches in the summer with an emphasis on the fresh produce of the working farm and garden.
Opening Hours:
May-Sept. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 14:00-17:00.
www.owlpen.com
01453 860261
The Museum in the Park
A wonderful Museum set in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park near Stroud. Family friendly displays, hands on activities, quiz trails and exhibitions. A great place for the family to discover Stroud's local history.
Opening times:
Tuesday - Fridays
October to March 10 - 4pm
April to September 10 - 5pm
Weekends, open 11am
www.stroud.gov.uk/museum
01453 763394
Wildfowl & Wetland Centre, Slimbridge
At the award-winning visitor centre overlooking nationally and internationally protected wetlands, you can feed and learn about wetland birds. This world famous site is an important wintering area for migrating waterbirds such as Bewick Swans, and houses the World Wildlife Trust's species conservation programme.
Opening times:
Daily from 09:30 to 17:30 (17:00 winter)
www.wwt.org.uk
01453 891900
Stroud Farmers' Market
Stroud Farmers' Market is the busiest and most popular farmers market in the South West and also winner of the South West Farmers Market of the Year 2007.
Held weekly in and around Cornhill Market Place, from 9am to 2pm, there are over 40 stalls selling local produce.