Stroud

Stroud is situated in the Cotswolds and is set on a steep hillside at the point where five valleys meet. The town is best known for its cloth manufacture and though the industry has declined significantly there are still some working mills and evidence of the town’s industrial heritage is everywhere.

Eight miles southwest of Stroud is the Slimbridge Wildlife & Wetlands Centre, which is Britain’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Founded in 1946 it plays an important role in breeding and conservation programmes and you can explore the 880-acre site and spot a variety of wildlife from the viewing hides.

Lying to the south is Minchinhampton, which has a fantastic common, much of it owned by the National Trust, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the valleys below. It is also a well-known spot for kite flying.