Things to do around Far Oakridge and Stroud
Trillis Cottage is perfectly positioned for exploring the best of the Cotswolds, from countryside walks to historic attractions and charming market towns.
Cotswold Walks on Your Doorstep
Beautiful countryside walks start right from the cottage door. Little Cotswold Walks booklets are in the cottage for you to take out on walks (one includes walks starting from Trillis Cottage).
The surrounding area offers stunning walking routes through quintessential Cotswold countryside, with rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages to discover.
Trillis Banks Nature Reserve
The cottage backs directly onto Trillis Banks, an 8-hectare hidden grassland valley with sloping banks, meadows and the Holy Brook winding through. Managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the reserve was originally attached to Trillis Cottage, and stepping out the back door puts you straight into this peaceful haven.
The valley is home to hazel dormice, greater butterfly-orchid, southern marsh-orchid, common rock-rose and common milkwort. Ponds and tall-herb fen add to the mosaic of limestone grassland habitats. The reserve links to the canal and three woodlands, two of them ancient (Penny Grove and Barnage Wood, plus Siccaridge Wood), and sits on the Wysis Way near Daneway Banks and Sapperton Valley reserves.
Deer and foxes are regular visitors around the cottage. The reserve is free to explore year-round, though dogs must be kept on leads to protect the wildlife. Paths can be narrow and wet, and grazing animals may be present at times.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Within Walking Distance
- The Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch, about 15–20 min walk (the closest, about a mile; great Sunday roasts)
- The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell, about 20–25 min walk (17th-century cider house; steep hill on the way there, easy walk back, but take a torch in winter)
- The Daneway Inn, about 30 min walk
Around Trillis
Recommended by your hosts, here's our guide to the best places to eat, drink, and explore near Trillis Cottage.
Pubs
The Bell at Sapperton — The hosts' top pick for food and celebrations; about a 12-minute drive. Book ahead. (A roughly 2-hour walking loop takes in The Daneway and The Bell.)
The Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch — 15–20 min walk. The closest, about a mile. Great Sunday roasts.
The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell — 20–25 min walk. A 17th-century cider house; steep hill on the way there, easy walk back, but take a torch in winter.
The Daneway Inn — 30 min walk.
Eat
Amore Mio (Italian, Cirencester), The Olive Tree and Williams (Nailsworth), Juliet (Stroud), Roots and Seeds at Cirencester Park (breakfast), Woodruffs café (Stroud), which has a play area.
Shops
Ollie's Shop & Post Office, Oakridge Lynch (GL6 7NZ): the nearest shop, opposite The Butchers Arms, about 1.5 km on foot. Local produce, bread, essentials and Post Office services.
Londis (Eastcombe Stores & Post Office) and Tesco Express (Chalford) for essentials; Tesco Superstore and Waitrose in Stroud for a bigger shop, all by car.
Days Out
Westonbirt Arboretum (autumn colour; Christmas light trail), Cotswold Wildlife Park, Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Cotswold Farm Park, Jolly Nice Farm Shop, Dean Forest Railway.
Painswick Rococo Garden: seasonal opening days, so check before you go. Well-behaved dogs on short leads welcome.
Chedworth Roman Villa (National Trust): no dogs, except assistance dogs.
Towns: Cirencester (Saturday market), Stroud, Tetbury, Bourton-on-the-Water (about 40 min), Moreton-in-Marsh (about 50 min), Bath, Broadway.
Walks from the Door
Walks from the door aren't signposted, so use the cottage walks booklet (rrgordon.com) or the OS map. Take a torch after dark.