Cotswolds Outdoor Walking, Golf, Horse Riding, Fishing, Tuition other Activities

Arts, Crafts and Outdoor Activities in the Cotswolds including Tuition Courses

The Cotswolds is particularly famous, apart from the wonderful ancient villages, for its outdoor activities including countryside hiking walks and importantly the famous Cotswold Way Walk from Chipping Campden to the City of Bath.

You will also find a multitude of activities to suite all tastes including Golf, Fishing, Horse Riding, Ballooning, Gliding, Motor Sport, Cycling, Pottery Making, Study Breaks. See below for further details.

• See Also - Adventure in the Cotswolds
• See Also - Arts and Crafts Courses and Tuition
• See also - Hen and Stag Activities
• See Also - Calendars of Events taking place throughout the Cotswolds

WALKING AND HIKING

"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus, philosopher

• Also see - Cotswold Walking Tours

The Cotswolds region of outstanding beauty is a paradise of rural tranquility and offers many outdoor activities including walking and hiking, cycling, horse riding, golf, motor sport, gliding, ballooning, fishing, camping, caravanning, or just ambling around and through the many beautiful villages.

The Cotswold Way Walk

The recommended walking stages are as follow:-

1. Chipping Campden to Broadway (6 miles) or to Winchcombe (18 miles).
2. Winchcombe to Dowdswell Reservoir, Cheltenham (12 miles).
3. Cheltenham to Painswick (17 miles).
4. Painswick to Uley (17 miles).
5. Uley to Hawksbury Upton (17 miles).
6. Hawksbury Upton to Cold Aston (16 miles).
7. Cold Ashton to Bath (9miles)

• For detailed information see Cotswolds Way National Trail.

Walking the Gloucestershire Way

Starting at the historic border crossing at Chepstow, the Gloucestershire Way offers a 100 mile walk, mainly on footpaths and bridleways, through this most English of landscapes. Above all, the walker gains a unique perspective on the Cotswolds. Firstly, from the Forrest of Dean, the Cotswolds appear as a distant 'High Blue Hill', next the Way leads through some fine villages, before the descent to the landmark Abbey at Tewkesbury.

Shakespeare's Way Walk

New walk from Stratford-upon-Avon to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Bankside, London.

• For detailed information see Shakespeare's Way Walk .

CYCLING

Cycling is a great way to soak up the true atmosphere of the Cotswolds beautiful countryside and idyllic villages, not to mention the lazy lunches at the wayside inns.

There are a number of cycling centres in the region including Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, and Bath. Further details will be published on this website in the near future.

For cycle hire see - Cycling in the Cotswolds.

HORSE RIDING

• For more information and a complete list of Riding Establishments:
  Cotswolds Riding Schools

CREATIVE WRITING

GOLF COURSES

• Naunton Downs Golf Club
  Beautiful 18 hole course set in the Cotswold Hills between Stow-on-the-Wold and Cheltenham. GL54 3AE. Visitors always welcome. Discounted weekly tickets for Cotswold visitors. Tel: 01451 850092 or visit our Website: www.nauntondowns.co.uk/. E-Mail: info@nauntondowns.co.uk


• Cleeve Hill Golf Club, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Tel 01242 672592. Picturesque and rugged course. Municipal pay-as-you-go. Home ground of many good players, 18 holes - all welcome. www.cleevehillgolfcourse.com
• Cotswolds Hills golf Club, Ullenwood, Leckhampton, Gloucestershire, GL53 9Q. Tel 01242 515264. 18 hole with scenic views. Visitors welcome by appointment. Handicap certificates necessary.
• Lilleybrook Golf Club, Cirencester Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Tel 01242 526785. 18 hole parkland course - visitors welcome weekdays only. Handicap certificates necessary.
• Minchinhampton Golf Club - Old Course, Minchinhampton Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 8BE. Tel 01453 832642. 18 hole course on common land. One of easiest west country courses and played over a variety of humps and hollows. All welcome.
• The Wychwood Golf Club - Lyneham, Near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 6QQ. Tel 01993 831841.
• Harvington Golf Centre
  We now have two separate courses covering an area in excess of 120 acres.
  Anchor Course - Par 72 – approx 5000 yards.
  An 18 hole course with holes ranging from 148 to 510 yards (Par 3s, 4s and 5s).
  Nestling alongside the banks of the Warwickshire Avon, the wildlife and scenery make the course a pleasant amenity.   The course is flat with mature hedgerows and trees.  The design is intended to create a degree of difficulty without becoming too onerous to walk round.  The price for 18 holes if £11.  Buggies can be hired on the Anchor Course for £10 - please ring 07947485621 to book. 
  Mill Course - Par 27 - 1504 yards
  A well established and maintained 9 hole pay and play genuine short course with holes ranging from 145 to 190 yards. The price for 9 holes is £7.00.
  Club and ball hire is available. Golf lessons by arrangement. Ideal for beginners and Pro's wanting a casual round â€“ no membership required.
  See our new website www.harvingtongolfacademy.co.uk for full details.

MOTORING AND MOTOR SPORT

• Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Cheltenham, Glos. GL52 9RD. Tel 01242 673136. www.bugatti.co.uk.
  The Bugatti Owners’ Club was founded in December 1929 for enthusiasts of the Bugatti car.
  Prescott Hill Climb, near Cheltenham, is the club’s home and provides members and spectators with motor sport at its very best.
  For events throughout the year see Cotswold Calendar.



• Castle Combe Motor Racing Circuit, CASTLE COMBE,
  CHIPPENHAM, WILTSHIRE, SN14 7EY. The circuit boasts modern facilities for competitors and spectators, and the resurfaced and now reshaped circuit providing what is generally recognised as providing the closest circuit racing in British motorsport.
  W: www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk



• Silverstone Motor Racing, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN. For more than 60 years Silverstone has carved its mark as one of the leading motorsport venues, creating a powerful heritage around the world. Internationally renowned as the host of world class events, Silverstone is also famed for its exhilarating driving experiences, sumptuous corporate entertainment and prestigious conference facilities. W: www.silverstone.co.uk.
  Silverstone is outside the Cotswolds on the eastern edge and approx. 30 minutes travel away from Banbury by car.



• Whitecliff Off Road Driving Centre, Whitecliff Quarry Coleford, Glos GL16 8NB. Tel 01594 834666.

CLASSIC CAR HIRE

Self Drive Classic Car Hire

Experience the thrill of motoring in a real ‘drivers’ car. Relax into the leather seats, admire the nostalgic interior, feel the handling through the steering wheel and listen to the music made by these beautifully crafted engines. Turn heads as you glide by, this is what classic motoring is all about.

For more information - www.vintage-classics.co.uk

• Phone: 01225 703377
• E-mail: info@vintage-classics.co.uk

GLIDING

• Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club, Nympsfield, Stroud, Glos GL10 3TX. Flying available all year round.
• Cotswold Gliding Club, Aston Down Airfield, Nr. Stroud, Glos. Tel 01285 760415.Trial lessons and holiday courses.

FISHING

Lemington Lakes

Lemington Lakes is owned and operated by husband and wife team Andy and Debbie Machin who ran Suffolk's Foxearth Fishery for nine years and turned it from an uninspiring venue into a thriving and popular fishery.

Lemington Lakes, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire Tel: 01608 650872 - Website: Lemington Lakes

• Chad Lakes Fishery, Bledington, Nr Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6XL Tel 01451 831470. Course fishing set in the heart of the Cotswold countryside.
• Lemington Lakes, Todenham Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos GL56 9NP Tel 01608 651872. Set in 75 acres, course fishing and big carp.
• The Willows Isis Lakes, South Cerney, Glos GL7 5TL Tel 01285 862898. Wood lodges, 18 hole golf course, course and trout fishing.
• The Lenches Lakes, Hill Barn Orchard, Evesham Road, Church Lench, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4UB Tel 01386 871035. Two lakes offering 7 acres of water. Trout Fly fishing.
• Lechlade and Bushyleaze Trout Fishery, Lechlade, Glos GL7 3QQ Tel 01367 253266. 9 acre lake and 250 yards of wild brown trout fishing on the river Leach. Bushleaze, at 22 acres, has a minimum stock size of 2.5 lbs. Both waters ideal for corporate events.
• Manor Farm Leisure Coarse Fishery
  Whether you’re a specialist after barbel (to 15lbs 8oz) or chub (to 6lbs 1oz), a matchman or just a pleasure angler Manor Farm near Evesham has exactly what you’re after. We have 100 pegs on a prime stretch of the Warwickshire Avon plus seven well stocked still waters.

FURNITURE RESTORATION

BALLOONING

• Cheltenham Balloon Flights, Yew Tree Farm, Woodmancote, Cheltenham, Glos Tel 01242 675003. Hot air balloon flights everyday.

POTTERY

The Guildhouse at Stanton Village near Broadway
Weekly Pottery lessons - see details.

Honeybourne Pottery

Honeybourne Pottery is run by Paul and Kath Sillence. A spectacular range of ceramics are available for sale, from attractive wall hangings to unusual plates and bowls.

On Holiday?
Staying with Grandparents?
Having friends to stay?
Need something to do when the sun doesn't shine?
Come and have fun throwing a pot on the potter's wheel, or paint an item from our ready-to-paint range
Your pots and painted items may be taken home on the day.
Birthday parties,hen parties and other groups welcome please telephone or email to book a session.

T: 01386 832855   E: honeybournepots@tiscali.co.uk
W: www.honeybournepots.co.uk

THEATRE

Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Stratford-upon-Avon

Swan Theatre - Stratford-upon-Avon

www.rsc.org.uk for information on current programme.

For information about Stratford upon Avon theatres.

STAINED & KILN FIRED GLASS

SPECIAL INTEREST BREAKS

STUDY BREAK WEEKENDS

Wake up to stunning scenery with the day ahead full of interest and inspiration!

Take a weekend Study Break in the peace and comfort of a 300 acre Cotswold Estate spectacularly overlooking the Vale of Evesham and close to the village of Broadway known as 'The Jewel of the Cotswolds'.

Courses cover five topics: Music, Music Appreciation and Singing; History and Culture; Art History and Appreciation; Healthy Living; Literature and Writing.

For more information contact Farncombe Estate Adult Learning Centre.
Tel 0845 230 8590
Email Enquiries@FarncombeEstate.co.uk
www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk

DRY STONE WALLING

Take part in this very popular pastime of learning to Dry Stone Wall using ancient skills under the guideance of Cotswold Craftsmen. You can either volunteer, pay for a course that suites your needs or take a working holiday..

Further information on training courses, working holidays and volunteering opportunities available from:-

Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE. Wesite - www.hartpury.ac.uk.
Tel - +44 (0) 1452 702132.

Royal Agricultural College, Stroud Road, Cirencester GL7 6JS. Website - www.royagcol.ac.uk. E- mail - rsc@rac.ac.uk. Tel - +44 (0) 01285 889873

Stroud College, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH. Website - www.stroud.ac.uk. Tel - 01453 761155.

BritishTrust for Conservation Volunteers, BTCV Gloucestershire, Tithe Barn Centre, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4QU. Website - www.btcv.org.
E-mail - glos@btcv.org.uk. Tel - 01452 864805.

Gloucester Vale Conservation Volunteers. Website - www.gvcv.org.uk. E-mail - info@gvcv.org.uk.
Tel - 01242-227336.

For detailed information on Cotswold Dry Stone Walls.

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PAINTING

The Guildhouse at Stanton Village near Broadway
Weekly Watercolour lessons - see details.

GARDENS

SAILING

Croft Farm has become well known as a windsurfing and sailing centre with a RYA recognized school and modern hire fleet. Kayaking and canoeing take place on the lake and nearby River Avon. The lake is open all year for people with their own equipment on a day or season basis.

Croft Farm Waterpark at Bredon's Hardwick near Tewkesbury
www.croftfarmleisure.co.uk/Docs/n_watersports.htm

Sailing and Boating Packages - Order FREE Travel Brochure!

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WATERSPORTS

Kayacking and Canoeing - Evesham PaddleSport
Evesham's Kayak and Canoe Club, our aim is to have fun and promote the sport of kayaking and canoeing in a friendly and at the same time safe environment. We are a new organisation; having only been set-up late last year, but already having many members of varying levels. www.eveshampaddlesport.co.uk

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Whitewater Rafting -
Order FREE Travel Brochure!

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MOSAICS

WOOD CARVING

WOOD TURNING

HORSE RACING

Bath Racecourse

Ideally situated on Lansdown Hill overlooking the picturesque Roman City of Bath, Bath Racecourse is the highest racecourse in Britain and is known for being intimate, relaxed and friendly.

For more information on: Bath Racecourse including events.

Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham horse racing is a great day out for all. There are three enclosures to choose from and from wherever you are guaranteed stunning views of all the racing.

For more information on: Cheltenham Racecourse including events.

Salisbury Racecourse

Set in the middle of picturesque Wiltshire countryside, within view of stunning Salisbury Cathedral, the Racecourse hosts 16 thoroughbred flat race meetings in 2008, plus a raceday for Arabian horses.

For more information on: Salisbury Racecourse including events.

Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse

Stratford Racecourse is a popular small National Hunt course, attracting large crowds, quality trainers and jockeys and competitive racing

For more information on: Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse including events.

Warwick Racecourse

Lying just a few hundred yards from Warwick Castle, Warwick Racecourse retains its historic charm and character.  The racecourse is one of the oldest in the country, with racing having taken place here since the 1740's, this is a course rich in tradition and heritage.

For more information on: Warwick Racecourse including events.

Worcester Racecourse

Worcester Racecourse is situated by the side of the River Severn, just five minutes walk from the City Centre, within easy reach of local rail links.

For more information on: Worcester Racecourse including events.

SUMMER SCHOOLS / WORKSHOPS

STANTON GUILDHOUSE

The Stanton Guildhouse is a charitable trust, created in the 1960s by the entrepreneurial vision of Mary Osborn, who dedicated her life to the promotion of learning, creativity and personal development. The house was built in the Arts and Crafts tradition and in the design of a country manor, from reclaimed Cotswold stone, former flagstones from the streets of London and beams from oaks on the Blenheim Palace Estate. The interior of the house features many examples of fine craftsmanship.

The house is associated with many illustrious supporters including Mahatma Gandhi, John Betjeman, Flora Robson, J. B. Priestley and Enid Blyton. The Guildhouse has been a place of inspiration for these people and for the many others who have visited and stayed in the house. It is still inspiring new visitors and guests from all walks of life today.

Lord Mawson, founder and president of Bromley-by-Bow Centre and current Director of Andrew Mawson Partnerships, took responsibility for the future development of the Stanton Guildhouse in 1996.

The Guildhouse at Stanton Village near Broadway - see details of courses..

Contact info@stantonguildhouse.org.uk
www.stantonguildhouse.org.uk

COTSWOLD LANGUAGE HOLIDAYS

No current details