Frocester Beer Festival, 27 - 28 August 2010

The annual Frocester Beer Festival is run in conjunction with Frocester Cricket Club at the cricket club's ground in the hamlet of Frocester near Stonehouse. The Festival is an all-ticket event taking place every August bank holiday weekend and the 2010 Festival will be the 31st. There is parking and a camp-site (with public amenities, but non reservable pitches), a stage with a complete programme of live music throught-out the festival, hot food, and most importantly, over 100 different cask-conditioned real ales from more than 50 breweries around the UK. There is also a large selection of wines along with some cider and perry. Over the years this event has proven to be a highlight in many people's calender, and has been a very successful way for us to raise further money for charity. 


For further details, how to buy tickets, and directions, visit the Dursley Lions Website.


To become a fan of this outstanding event on Facebook, click here.

The Very Best Sweet Shop in The Cotswolds... and maybe in England

Claiming best sweet shop in England is pretty bold, I know... but this place is the real deal.  Traditional old style sweets from the early days of the sweet shop through the favourite sweeties of the '80s, Hamilton's of Broadway is the absolute best.  Top quality, an enormous range, and all freshly made (unlike so many 'old fashioned sweet shops' that really just sell stale rubbish from the local cash 'n' carry).


You can find Hamilton's right in the centre of Broadway at:


Hamiltons of Broadway
11, Cotswold Court 
The Green
Broadway
Worcestershire
WR12 7AA
Tel: +44 (0) 1386 858560


They also have a shop in Burford, which we haven't been to.  I'm betting it is every bit as good as the shop in Broadway.  It's located at:


HamiltonsChristmas Court
94 High Street Burford
OX18 4QJ
Tel : +44 (0) 1993 824344


If you're travelling through The Cotswolds and want some REAL English sweets, there really is none better.  If you know of any sweetie shops of this caliber in the area, please Comment here so we can all have a taste!


P.S.  If you live in the UK or Europe and crave proper old sweeties but can't make it to Hamiltons, try http://www.aquarterof.co.uk/ for home delivery.  They are outstanding and only sell the best.  No idea how or where they are getting their sweets; but, I suspect a time machine is involved.

Golf & Spa Breaks in The Cotswolds

A while ago I worked for a hotel group in the UK, and we did lots of 'golf breaks' and 'spa breaks.'  The difficulty was that we had to partner with golf clubs that would be happy having lots of hotel guests passing through and had enough empty tee-off slots to give us carte blanche to book people in (everything was sold a s a package)... so the courses tended to be a bit crap.

The deal was the same with Spas- mostly only the not so popular ones would work with large tourist hotels.  Of course, there are some hotels that have their own golf course- and some are incredible- but most are fairly low grade. Spa hotels, on the other hand, can be really outstanding, and the Cotswolds plays home to some of the best in the country.

So, if you're looking for a great Golf Break or a great Spa Break- or a perfect combination of the two, here you are.  First up are the best Spa hotels in the area, and then are all of the golf courses in The Cotswolds.  The ultimate countryside weekend pick 'n' mix...

Cotswolds Spa Hotels

COTSWOLDS HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA

Chipping Campden

Tel: +44 (0)1386 840330

Website:  http://www.cotswoldhouse.com/

The exclusive Temple Spa range is a total lifestyle brand that beautifully fuses product, philosophy and spa. Temple Spa's passion is professional-standard skin care and body care, aromatherapy and spa treatments, made from natural products inspired by the Mediterranean, that replenish, revive and renew.

Indulge in a menu of refreshing or rebalancing body treatments from expert therapists and including holistic treatments, massages, facials, pedicures, and aromatherapy. Give yourself a boost, have a dip in the pool and, in the summer months, lie back on a sun lounger in our garden with a cool drink in your hand and the sun on your face.

CALCOT MANOR

Near Tetbury

Tel: +44 (0) 1666 890 391 

Website:  http://www.calcotmanor.co.uk/

Calcot Spa is a magnificent private leisure complex, with outstanding facilities for health, beauty, fitness and relaxation. Imaginatively designed around a central courtyard, Calcot Spa blends sympathetically with its Cotswold surroundings and features a 16-metre pool, sauna, steamroom, outdoor spa pool, exercise studio, tennis and no fewer than seven treatment rooms. Use of the Spa is restricted to private members and hotel guests, but we also offer a choice of Day Spas for non-members.

COWLEY MANOR

Cowley

Tel: +44 (0) 1242 870 900 

Website:  http://www.cowleymanor.com/

Cowley Manor is a contemporary-chic country house hotel which sits in the glorious Cotswold countryside surrounded by 55 acres of parkland, woods and meadows. The famous gardens feature several natural springs, a series of lakes and Victorian cascades.  Cowley Manor opened in 2002 and its award-winning design and architecture combined to pioneer a new wave of contemporary country house hotels With emphasis on comfort, service and very few rules, Cowley Manor is the ideal place to relax, unwind and indulge in the heart of the British countryside.

The spa has two stunning pools: a 17m green slate lined indoor pool, heated all year round, and an elegant outdoor pool, also heated all year round. in addition, it has four treatment rooms and a separate manicure and pedicure area, enabling the dedicated therapists to offer a full range of indulging and therapeutic treatments, all using Green Spring products.  C.Side also has a gymnasium (personal training can be arranged at time of booking) and a steam room and sauna.

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Cotswolds Golf Courses

BRAILES GOLF CLUB
Sutton Lane, Lower Brailes, Nr. Banbury OX15 5BB
B4035 between Shipston and Banbury
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1608 685 633
• Website: www.brailesgolfclub.co.uk
18 hole. Visitors welcome at all times. Delightful rural location with Sutton Brook featuring on 5 holes. A relaxed but challenging course with a welcoming clubhouse. Ring for a tee time.
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BRICKHAMPTON COURT GOLF CLUB
Cheltenham Road, Churchdown GL12 9QF
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1452 859 444
• Fax: +44 (0) 1452 859 333
• Website: www.brickhampton.co.uk
‘Spa Course’ 18 hole, par 71 parkland course featuring lakes, streams and white sand bunkers. ‘Glevum Course’ 9 hole par 31 intermediate course. 28 bay floodlit, covered Driving range and Golf School. Professional tuition available. Clubhouse, restaurant and bar. Two golf shops. Flexible conference facility. Visitors and societies welcome – advance booking recommended.

________________________________________
BROADWAY GOLF CLUB
Willersey Hill, Broadway WR12 7LG
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1386 853 683
• Fax: +44 (0) 1386 858 643
• Website: www.broadwaygolfclub.co.uk
• Email: secretary@broadwaygolfclub.co.uk
Uniquely located on a Cotswold escarpment with exceptional views over the Vale of Evesham, this link style golf course provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities. It offers holes that with their natural and artificial hazards require drives that are skilfully placed, approaches carefully judged and the greens expertly read. Visitors are welcome and societies by prior arrangement. The excellent renowned catering and bar facilities will enhance the golfing experience. Buggies, club hire and driving range available.
Handicap requirements: Certificate required.
18 hole Par 72
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BROOME MANOR GOLF COMPLEX
Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1RG
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1793 495 761
• Fax: +44 (0) 1793 433 255
• Website: www.swindon.gov.uk/golf
18 hole parkland course with water hazards. 9 hole course. Floodlit driving range. Bar and restaurant. Tuition available. Visitors welcome at all times.
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BURFORD GOLF CLUB
Burford, OX18 4JG
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1993 822 583
• Tuition: +44 (0) 1993 822 344
• Email: admin@burfordgolfclub.co.uk
• Website: www.burfordgolfclub.co.uk
18 hole flat, parkland course. Bar and Restaurant. Visitors welcome by appointment, please ring for availability. Handicap certificate required. Tuition available.
________________________________________
CHIPPING NORTON GOLF CLUB
Southcombe, Chipping Norton OX7 5QH
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1608 642 383
• Website: www.chippingnortongolfclub.com
18 hole dry downland course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome on weekdays. Tuition available.

________________________________________
CIRENCESTER GOLF CLUB
Cheltenham Road, Cirencester GL7 7BH
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1285 652 465
• Tuition: +44 (0) 1285 656 124
• Fax: +44 (0) 1285 650 665
• Email: info@cirengolfclub.co.uk
• Website: www.cirencestergolfclub.co.uk
Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cirencester Golf Club offers a traditional, welcoming atmosphere. The historic James Braid course dates from 1910, with undulating terrain offering a picturesque panorama over the surrounding countryside. Built on free-draining limestone, the course remains playable all year round. A six-hole academy course, covered driving range and pro shop complete the golfing facilities, and buggies are available. Bar snacks and excellent home-cooked meals can be enjoyed in the comfortable clubhouse.
Handicap requirements: None; dress code applies.
18 holes Par 70/72
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CLEEVE HILL GOLF CLUB
Nr. Cheltenham GL52 3PW
• Club House: +44 (0) 1242 672 025
• Pro shop/tee times: +44 (0)1242 672 592
• Website: http://www.cleevehillgolfcourse.co.uk
Enjoy the warm friendly atmosphere of our municipal Golf course, bar and restaurant. We offer an 18 hole course with spectacular views, professional golf tuition, golf societies, skittle alley hire and private functions. Please contact for further information.
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COTSWOLD HILLS GOLF CLUB
Ullenwood, Nr. Cheltenham GL53 9QT
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 515 264
• Fax: +44 (0) 1242 515 317
• Email: contact.us@cotswoldhills-golfclub.com
• Website: www.cotswoldhills-golfclub.com
A superb gently undulating Cotswold country course just five minutes from junction 11A of the M5. The course provides a challenge for every level of ability, is maintained to an exceptional standard and the greens are renowned to be among the best in the country. After your game enjoy our excellent bar and restaurant food in our very comfortable clubhouse. Our professional provides excellent tuition and a well stocked shop selling a wide range of equipment. Societies and visitors are welcome.
Handicap requirements: preferred. Usual dress standards apply.
18 Holes Par 72/75

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CRICKLADE HOTEL and COUNTRY CLUB *
Common Hill, Cricklade SN6 6HA
• Telephone: +44 (0)1793 750 751
• Website: www.crickladehotel.co.uk
9 hole parkland course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome on weekdays. Tuition available.
________________________________________
GLOUCESTER GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB*
Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA
• Hotel Telephone: +44 (0)1452 525 653
• Club House: +44 (0)1452 411 331
• Fax: +44 (0)1452 874 809
• Email: gm.gloucester@ramadajarvis.co.uk
• Website: www.gloucestergolf.com
Championship course has been designed to obtain the greatest possible benefit from the natural form of the hillside - the varying undulations as the hill falls from a height of 600ft to 200ft at the base of the course. The resort includes a 9 hole course and a 12 bay floodlit driving range.
Handicap requirements: None - knowledge of etiquette required.
18 holes Par 72
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HIGHWORTH GOLF CENTRE
Swindon Road, Highworth SN6 7SJ
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1793 766 014
• Website: www.swindon.gov.uk/leisuresport/golf/highworthgolf.htm
9 hole undulating course. 9 hole pitch and putt. Vending refreshments. Visitors welcome. Pay and play course.
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LILLEY BROOK GOLF CLUB
Cirencester Road, Cheltenham GL53 8EG
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 526 785
• Fax: +44 (0) 1242 256 880
• Professional: +44 (0) 1242 525 201
• Email: secretary@lilleybrook.co.uk
• Website: www.lilleybrook.co.uk
A rolling parkland course designed by Mackenzie, offering stunning views over the Vale of Cheltenham to the Malverns and the Black Hills. A challenging course with many trees. Facilities include bar, restaurant, professional's shop; trolleys and buggies available.
Handicap requirements: Certificate required.
18 holes Par 69

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MINCHINHAMPTON GOLF CLUB - NEW COURSE **
Minchinhampton, Stroud GL6 9BE
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1453 833 866
• Fax: +44 (0) 1453 837 360
• Email: secretary@mgcnew.co.uk
• Website: www.mgcnew.co.uk
Set high on the Cotswolds both Cherington and Avening courses offer scenic countryside and outstanding tests of golf. The Cherington is a testing inland links course and an Open Championship Regional Qualifying venue from 2002 to 2007. In 2006 it hosted the South West Championship and the ELGA 'Brenda King' Foursomes. The Avening Course is a parkland course offering a different but no less challenging experience. The superbly appointed Cotswold stone Clubhouse offers comfort and good food. Visiting golfers welcome and groups by arrangement.
Handicap requirements: Certificate required.
Avening 18 holes Par 70 Cherington 18 holes Par 71
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MINCHINHAMPTON GOLF CLUB - OLD COURSE **
Minchinhampton Common, Stroud GL6 9AQ
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1453 832 642
• Fax: +44 (0) 1453 832 642
• Email: alan@mgcold.co.uk
• Website: www.mgcold.co.uk
Situated in the delightful Cotswolds on Minchinhampton Common, an unspoiled Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. One of the earliest clubs to be formed in the West of England. It is an open grassland inland links course. The initial impression is that the course is 'wide open' but after a few holes it is evident that the 'St Andrews' factor applies and that positional play is important. A warm welcome awaits you at this friendly old club.
Handicap requirements: None
18 holes Par 71
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NAUNTON DOWNS GOLF CLUB **
Nr. Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 3AE
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1451 850 090
• Shop: +44 (0) 1451 850 092
• Fax: +44 (0) 1451 850 091
• Website: www.nauntondowns.co.uk
18 hole picturesque course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome at all times. Booking essential. Pro shop, tuition available, equipment hire. Tennis course available.

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OAKSEY PARK GOLF and LEISURE *
Oaksey, Nr. Malmesbury SN16 9SB
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1666 577 995
• Website: www.oakseypark.co.uk
9 hole parkland course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome at all times. Tuition available. Function room.
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PAINSWICK GOLF CLUB
Painswick GL6 6TC
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1452 812 180
• Website: www.painswickgolf.com
18 hole course on Painswick Beacon. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome except Sundays.
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SHIPTON GOLF COURSE
Nr. Frogmill Hotel, Andoversford, Glos
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 890 237
• Website: www.shiptongolf.co.uk
9 hole pay and play course. Refreshments. Tuition available. Club/trolley hire. Families welcome.
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SHRIVENHAM PARK GOLF CLUB
Pennyhooks Lane, Nr. Swindon SN6 8EX
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1793 783 853
• Website: www.shrivenhampark.com
18 hole meadowland course with stream. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome at all times. Tuition available. 10 holes also available. Dress code.

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SOUTH CERNEY GOLF COURSE
Northmoor Lane, South Cerney, Near Cirencester GL7 5QD
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1285 861 001
• Website: www.southcerneygolfcourse.co.uk
18 hole pay and play golf course and driving range. Visitors welcome. Tuition available.
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STINCHCOMBE HILL GOLF CLUB
Dursley GL11 6AQ
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1453 542 015
• Fax: +44 (0) 1453 549 545
• Website: www.stinchcombehillgolfclub.com
• Email: secretary@stinchcombehill.plus.com
18 hole flat, hill-top course with splendid views. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome weekdays and weekends. Booking necessary. Tuition available.
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TEWKESBURY PARK HOTEL, GOLF and COUNTRY CLUB *
Tewkesbury GL20 7DN
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1684 295 405
• Fax: +44 (0) 1684 292 386
An attractive 18 hole par 73 parkland course with sweeping views of the Malvern Hills and Gloucestershire countryside. Equipment hire, driving range, putting green, 6 hole par 3 course. The hotel features around an 18th century manor house with 80 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, complemented by full use of all leisure facilities. Beautician and sunbeds – fee payable.
________________________________________
WESTONBIRT GOLF COURSE
Westonbirt School, Tetbury GL8 8QG
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1666 880 242
9 hole parkland course. Visitors welcome at all times.
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THE WYCHWOOD GOLF CLUB
Lyneham, Chipping Norton OX7 6QQ
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1993 831 841
• Fax: +44 (0) 1993 831 775
• Email: info@thewychwood.com
• Website: www.thewychwood.com
18 hole course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome. Tuition available. Equipment hire. Driving range.

The Top Cotswolds Hotels?

Last week I asked our Facebook fans what they each thought was the best place to stay in the Cotswolds.  Eleven people responded (one chap listed three, so we have thirteen), and the hotels they cited, along with their quotes, were listed here.  Since then, people have continued to recommend great places to stay, so I'm just adding them on to the list as ideas come in.

Of course, there are plenty of great hotel review sites; but, I’d be inclined to listen to people who are really interested in the area and are proper Cotswolds fans rather than people who may have just have passed through and didn’t find the area to their liking.  Without further ado, the Cotswolds Top Recommended by our fans are:

Hotel:  The Olive Branch in Broadway
Website:  http://www.theolivebranch-broadway.com/
Fan Quote:  The Olive Branch B&B in Broadway. My two-night stay there is one of the most beautiful memories of my whole life, years later!

Hotel:  Gambles Farm in Woodmancote
Website:  http://www.gamblesfarm.co.uk/
Fan Quote:  gambles farm in woodmancote / bottom of cleeves hill fantastic always go back again and again

Hotel:  Bruern Cottages in Burford
Website:  http://www.bruern-holiday-cottages.co.uk/
Fan Quote: Bruern Cottages in Burford

Hotel: Fairview Farmhouse near Stow-On-The-Wold
Website: Not Available.  
Contact details are:
Fairview Farm
Icomb
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL54 1JH
Telephone: 01451 830279
Fan Quote:  Fairview Farmhouse near Stow. Loved it!

Hotel:  Cotland House in Burford
Website:  http://www.cotlandhouse.com/
Fan Quote:  Cotland House, Burford - utterly lovely.

Hotel:  The Swan in Bibury
Website:  http://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/property/the_swan_hotel
Fan Quote:  we so enjoyed our stay at The Swan Hotel in Bibury

Hotel: The Ebrington Arms near Chipping Campden
Website:  www.theebringtonarms.co.uk
Fan Quote:  The Ebrington Arms www.theebringtonarms.co.uk

Hotel:  Westward at Sudeley Lodge in Winchcombe
Website:  http://www.westward-sudeley.co.uk/
Fan Quote:  Westward at Sudeley Lodge in Winchcombe. Absolutely fantastic

Hotel:  Hare and Hounds Inn in Fosse Cross
Website:  http://www.hareandhoundsinn.com/
Fan Quote:  I've been at the Hare and Hounds Inn at Fosse Cross and loved it!

Hotel:  Barnsley House near Cirencester
Website:  http://www.barnsleyhouse.com/
Fan Quote:  A three way tie between Barnsley House, The Painswick Hotel and Cardynham House...

Hotel:  The Painswick Hotel (now known as Cotswolds 88) in… erm... Painswick
Website:  http://www.cotswolds88hotel.com/index.shtml

Hotel:  Cardynham House in Painswick
Website:  http://www.cardynham.co.uk/

Hotel:  South Hill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
Website:  http://www.southhill.co.uk/index.php
Fan Quote:  South Hill Farmhouse in Stow on the Wold. Lovely place, excellent service. I recommend it 100%! :) Cheers from Argentina.

Hotel:  Lords of the Manor at Upper Slaughter
Website:  http://www.lordsofthemanor.com/
Fan Quote:  Lord of the Manor was an awesome place to stay!

Hotel:  Box Cottage in Broadway
Website:  http://www.bookcottages.com/cottages/100-NU3-box-cottage.htmFan Quote:  We were delighted by Box Cottage in Broadway. Not a hotel, but a wonderful place to stay--and in an absolutely wonderful village.


Hotel:  Lygon Arms in Chipping Campden

Website:  http://www.lygonarms.co.uk/
Fan Quote:  Lygon arms in broadway is wonderful- beautiful old rooms, good service, and walking distance to a few great pubs. See you this summer!

Hotel:  Rose and Crown House in Chipping Campden
Website:  http://www.campdencottages.co.uk/properties/rose_crown.htm
Fan Quote:  We enjoyed our week at the Rose and Crown House in Chipping Campden. Lovely!

Hotel:  Cranbourne House in Bourton-on-the-Water
Website:  http://www.cranbournehousebandb.co.uk/Fan Quote:  Last week, we stayed at Cranbourne House in Bourton on the Water. Absolutely fabulous!! Lin and Sue are wonderful hosts!

Would you like to have your say?  I would love to hear from you, especially about great places you have stayed at in The Cotswolds.

There are so many hotels and B & Bs that are offering outstanding experiences and just don't have the budget to market themselves to the world, so they rely on word-of-mouth advertising from people who have stayed at their establishment and enjoyed their time so much they are compelled to tell others.  If you have been to one of these places, let us know and we'll do our best to spread the word!

Either comment here on this blog or become a 'fan' of our Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/cotswolds/) and join the conversation.

Frolic Amongst the Follies at A Georgian Garden Party

Ridiculous title for a posting, I know, but how else could one describe it?  This year, the Rococo Gardens in Painswick (The Queen of The Cotswolds) will play host to a very extravagant and exclusive garden party.  The gardens are full of Georgian follies and include a hedge maze to rival Hampton Court’s.

20th, 21st & 22nd August
Rococo Garden Party

Frolic as if it were the 18th Century as the garden celebrates local produce, crafts, and as part of the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity, our woodlands.

BBC Radio's Johnnie Amos will be chairing a special Gardeners Question Time and celebrity chef Felice Tocchini will be cooking up a feast in the Orangery.

Treat yourself yourself to the ultimate in garden luxury with Champagne & Cupcakes in the newly restored Red House, which will become an exclusive pre-booked VIP Area during the party.

Garden Party Opening times:  11.ooam - 6.30p.m

Prices:

Adult: £6.00

Adults over 60: £5.00

Children (5 to 16) :£3.00

Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children):£16.00

Pre - booked Groups: (min. 20) will be entitled to a 20% reduction.

Visitors arriving in Georgian costume will gain free entry into the garden.

Programme of events and more information available on the Rococo Garden Party website, please click here.

About the Gardens

Situated outside the beautiful Cotswold town of Painswick, and famous for its snowdrop display, the Rococo Garden is a fascinating step back to a flamboyant and sensual period of English Garden Design. This gem of a garden, which was originally laid out in the early 18th century, is set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.


A magazine article of 1753, describing this style of garden, finished with the line:


“.......You are taken to a pompous and gilded building, consecrated to Venus for no other purpose that the squire riots here in vulgar love with a couple of orange wenches from the local play-house.”


Enough said!

A 3-Bed Dwelling in a Jacobean Manor in the heart of the Cotswolds for £217,000?!

In some of the most beautiful Cotswold countryside, just outside Winchcombe and very near the bustling town of Cheltenham, is Postlip Hall.  The Postlip Estate is at the end of a three-quarter-mile drive in a valley off B4632, the road between Cheltenham & Winchcombe.  There's been a house here since before the Norman Conquest. The Chapel, built about 1145, is the oldest of the present buildings. The Tithe Barn's origins are a bit of a mystery, as no documents have survived- it may be as old as the 12th century Chapel, or could have been built at any point between 1140 and about 1400.

And for £217,000, you could live there.  I am not wrong. But it's not so straightforward as all that.  Postlip Hall is something of a commune, with eight families cohabiting the building and forming a co-housing group, where the community owns the property.  The Hall is divided into eight separate ‘living units’, each with its own front door (and usually a back door) so everybody has a private ‘house’ that’s part of a much bigger cooperative framework.   People can thus move fairly freely between private life and group life.  They share some communal rooms and they also share the fifteen-acre grounds, pond, stream and kitchen garden.  They don’t cook communally, but eat informally together every now & then, especially in the summer.

So, not the traditional housing set up, and certainly not for those who like to keep to themselves, nor for those looking for a holiday home.  But there are some real benefits here for those looking for a very peaceful, simple and natural life in a true community.  And, in an area where country houses are notoriously expensive, this is an opportunity, for the right family, not to be missed.

Of course, there are plenty of things to be considered here, so please read the details of the property and their website thoroughly.  But there is one small event that happens here that could set the stage, and could provide a good opportunity to experience Postlip Hall before thinking about living here (but be warned, an opening in this place is VERY RARE and only comes along every few years at best, and this one may be gone before you can say "stone mullioned windows")- The Cotswold Beer Festival.  This is CAMRA's (the Campaign For Real Ale) official festival for locally brewed, proper English Ale, and it's a very cool event.

Here is a snippet of what the folks at Postlip have to say about the dwelling on offer, along with a link for those of you who think you might just be the next family of the Hall:

Would you like to...

... own part of a Jacobean manor?  ... bring up your children in fifteen acres of freedom and opportunity?   ... eat home-grown organic vegetables and fresh eggs?  ... be entertained by musical & dramatic events in the Great Hall & Tithe Barn?  ... join with us to get great pleasure from an amazing and beautiful place?

And would you enjoy...

... gardening organically in a walled garden?  ... caring for chickens, sheep and Gloucester Old Spot pigs?  ... maintaining and preserving a Grade 1 listed historic building?  ... rebuilding drystone walls, mowing lawns and weeding flower borders?  ... running the Cotswold Beer Festival and other public events? ... taking your share of community activities and meetings?

Postlip now has a three-bedroom unit for sale at £217,000 because one of our families is moving on after nineteen years.      

For full details and to make an inquiry, CLICK HERE.


You have to admit, that's a pretty good sales pitch.  And if you're not ready to start interviewing for your seat in the Manor, at least mark your calendar for the 2010 Cotswolds Beer Festival, Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th of July!

May Hill

I thought I'd write a little about May Hill, seeing as May Day is fast approaching...


May Hill is a hill between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye, whose summit is on the western edge of Gloucestershire, though its northern slopes are in Herefordshire.  May Hill is the most familiar landmark for many miles around, with its near circular mound and the crowning clump of trees, and at 296 metres (971 feet) it is the highest point around. On a clear day you can see up to 12 other counties. May Hill has a circular trench, 100 metres in diameter, and is said to be an old earthwork from the Iron Age. Within this area is a mound that is said to be a round barrow.


It forms part of a low range of hills separating the River Severn from the River Wye. The Hill used to be known as Yartleton Hill, but may have been renamed because of the May Day activities there (see below). The top of the hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Much of the hill is owned by the National Trust, though the very top is vested with the Longhope Parish Council (though with no fences). It was recently included among 'the seven wonders of the West Country.'


Each May Day (the first of May), Morris Dancers dance in the new dawn on the top of May Hill and hundreds of observers join in the celebration. A ceremony on May Day morning has been carried out for several centuries, originally it included a mock battle between youths.


The summit is reached by three public footpaths, two of them forming the Gloucestershire Way and Wysis Way.


Here is a great video of the May Day celebrations last year atop the hill:

Contact details for May Hill/National Trust Ebworth Estate The Camp Stroud Gloucestershire GL6 7ES 01452 814213 (General enquiries) 01452 810054 (Warden) Email: mayhill@nationaltrust.org.uk May Day 2010 This year the Lassington Oak Morris Men will be dancing in the Spring at 5:15am (sunrise) at the top of the hill.  Hope you can make it! More info & some great photos There's loads of detail about May Hill, as well as some stunning photographs by Alan Wood, on the Ross-on-Wye visitors website, so please have a look!