approx 45 mins walk / 15 mins drive
Get deep into nature at one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west. Adventure through 700 acres of beautiful nature reserve that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Journey through 23 woodlands and spot butterflies, birds and carpets of wildflowers, including bluebells and purple orchids.
View full map of Lower Woods Nature Reserve.
approx 35 mins walk / 11 mins cycle / 5 mins drive
Take part in this community project, based in South Gloucestershire, which improves lives by reconnecting people with nature, through conservation, wellbeing programmes, outdoor events, visitor days, courses and volunteering opportunities.
approx 1.5 hrs walk / 30 mins cycle / 10 mins drive
Explore this beautiful woodland that rises 220m above the breath-taking Severn Vale. Popular with walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and horse riders, experience spectacular views across the river and across to Wales. Continue to the most westerly point and discover the Tyndale Monument – a hilltop tower that commemorates local hero William Tyndall, the martyred 16th century Bible translator. Walkers should allow themselves 2 hours to climb to the top.
approx 35 mins walk / 10 mins cycle / 3 mins drive
Get your skates on and head to this 38 acre site featuring two all-weather sports pitches, a running trail, skate park, orchard and more. The Parc has been developed by Wotton Community Sports Foundation (WCSF) to provide sports and leisure facilities to Wotton and surrounding villages. You can also pick up a bargain at the regular car boot sales here here.
approx 1 hours walk / 20 mins cycle / 7 mins drive
Take a stroll through Wotton’s bustling town centre and browse a diverse range of independent shops and art galleries. You can find everything from antiques and books to toys and clothes. Don’t miss the Museum & Heritage centre and the Under the Edge Arts Centre.
Take in a movie at the cinema, a dip in the open air swimming pool or get active at the community sports centre (based at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School). There’s fantastic food and drink too – whether you’re shopping for a special dinner party of just your weekly groceries. With the Cotswold Way running right through the centre of the town, the area is a magnet for walkers throughout the year.
This community green space also offers a playground and mixed use games area (basketball and football) and tennis courts. Charfield Memorial Hall overlooks the playing field and hosts plenty of activities and clubs every week.
Approx 15 mins walk north of Charfield, escape to this secluded wildlife haven and discover lush meadows, rich with flowering plants. Throughout spring and summer, walk through spectacular daubs of colour and spot the many butterflies who congregate there.
A serene getaway for fishing fans, relax and cast-off at this idyllic spot. You could even land a whopper – a record-breaking 8.5lb eel was caught here in 1922 and held the national record for half a century! Alternatively, spend a day picnicking and relaxing beside this beautiful lake or nearby in Newmans Field.
Looking for an adventure off the beaten track? Lace up your walking boots and head to Huckford Quarry on the Frome Valley Walkway. Once mined to build the stunning Huckford viaduct that soars overhead, this area is now a vital natural habitat.
Deep, damp and dark throughout much of the year, the reserve is a haven for ferns and lichens that cling to old quarry boulders. Look up at the quarry face and spot plant fossils and ancient natural markings left in the layers of rock. Explore the peaceful woodland area along the River Frome and discover native woodland flowers, herbs and wild strawberries.
Head under the viaduct and see how many flowering plants you can spot in One Acre field. Keep dogs on a lead by the river and watch out for ledges and drops around the quarry.
Delve deeper into the area’s coal mining past as you follow The Dramway Path to the evocative Ram Hill Colliery. The Colliery dates from the early 1800’s and was the northern terminus of the Dramway. Discover where the line once split into two, each with a loading bay. Perfect for history fans and families.
A happy place for little adventurers! Blow off some steam on the turnstile carousel, a springy elephant, and seat swings. Take the weight of your feet while admiring the stunning wooden bench, carved by Andy O’Neill celebrating the local author, Dick King-Smith. He’s known for writing much loved children’s books, such as the Fox Busters and The Sheep Pig (Babe).
Let young imaginations run wild in the beautiful wooded play area, with natural equipment that blends into it’s surroundings. Or get active on the playing field with a kick-about.
This tranquil stretch of the Frome Valley Walkway provides a peaceful route through glorious countryside. The path, ideal for walkers and cyclists, is surrounded by rolling farmland and runs alongside the beautiful River Frome. Pass through parkland, Rockwell Wood, and beneath the imposing Huckford viaduct via Huckford Quarry Nature Reserve.
Grab a ball and head to the park for a quick game of tennis, rugby, cricket, football or basketball. Let your little ones loose in the well-equipped children’s play area, while older ones can enjoy the skateboard ramp.
Pack a picnic and explore this tranquil, leafy spot. Purchased in 1994 to mark 100 years of Frampton Cotterell Parish, the Centenary Field is a beautiful haven for the community. Discover the community orchard, take a wander to the red wheel sculpture which celebrates the area’s industrial past, or visit the village beacon.
Explore natural play zones nestled amongst the trees – a great space for imaginative play and engaging with nature. Hop along the tree trunk ‘stepping stones’ and find your own secret den. Don’t miss the summertime Frampton Festival which has been delighting locals since 2012.