The Old Chapel in Slad, Gloucestershire
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Walks and picnics The Cotswolds is designated as England's largest 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' – as an area it’s 100 miles north to south. Here in the South Cotswolds the area has a slightly wilder nature, especially in the five beautiful valleys around Stroud, of which Slad Valley is considered the most unspoiled. These are the real Cotswold Hills, steep climbs and wonderful views, away from the crowds of tourists you find in north Gloucestershire. There are endless great walks, picnic sites and views. Here are just a few: Snows Farm Nature reserve – Just across the Slad Valley you'll find a mixture of meadow, woodland and utter tranquility. Swift’s Nature Reserve – a steep climb brings you breath-taking views and 13 species of wild orchid, overlooking Slad Valley. Frith Wood Nature Reserve - just behind The Old Chapel, this lovely old wood is brimming with wildlife including deer. Painswick Beacon has the best views in the area, with Wales clearly visible. Across it passes the famous Cotswolds Way, a 100 mile trail of walking paths, and bizarrely, a golf course. The Beacon is a short drive or a proper walk from Slad. Rodborough Common (3 miles) - a favourite picnic site, overlooking the next valley. See pic on right. And a good pub - The Bear. Selsley Common (4 miles) - fantastic hill-top views and wonderful wildlife. Castles and gardens Here are some of the most popular local places to visit: Painswick Rococo Garden (3 miles) – the last remaining Rococo garden, carefully restored using an original painting as a blueprint, and boasting a brand new Anniversary Maze.
Prinknash Abbey, and the adjoining Prinknash Bird Park (4 miles) – the serene promontory setting of a Westonbirt Arboretum (17 miles) – stunning landscaped grounds, which are home to some of the world’s tallest, oldest and rarest trees. Delight the children with a visit to Cattle Country (17 miles) – an outdoor Adventure Playground and indoor chutes, slides, and scramble nets. Ornothologists should visit Slimbridge Wetland Centre (13 miles), the only place in Britain to see all six varieties of flamingo! And there's more…Selsley Herb Nursery at Bisley, the Jenner Museum and, set amidst a splendid tree collection overlooking the lake in Stroud's Stratford Park, Within a short drive you can also discover historic houses, such as Owlpen Manor (10 miles) and Chavenage (13 miles) and the historic Sudeley Castle and gardens (20 miles).
Towns and villages
The official Cotswolds tourist site lists most of the best places. Painswick (left), known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, is less than two miles over the hill behind the Old Chapel, and We also love Bisley, Cirencester and Tetbury, all within a short drive. A little further and you should visit Bibury, Winchcombe and (when it's less crowded, out of season) the incredibly twee Bourton-on-the-Water with its bird park and miniature village.
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Woodchester Mansion 
modern abbey, pottery and tearooms, combined with a perfect venue for children who will enjoy the pygmy goats, baby deer and feeding trout.
is an absolute must. 
