Grittleton is an excellent base for exploration, both in the immediate area and within day trip distance. The following suggestions and links should help. Feel free to use the maps provided in the barn for the duration of your stay.

Day trips

The whole of the Cotswolds is available to you. In addition:

Bath, Bristol, Swindon

The Georgian gem that is Bath and the big City of Bristol need no introduction. Both are about 30 minutes away by car and among other things are good poor weather destinations. In Bath the Roman baths, Holburne museum and abbey are all worth a look, as is the art gallery next to the town hall and the nearby very good little covered market.

Highlights in Bristol include the SS Great Britain, the floating harbour and Clifton with its famous suspension bridge.

Swindon is less of a lure, although the railway museum is worth a visit, which can be combined with lunch at the Weighbridge bar and restaurant, which brews its own excellent beer. Despite the name, it is nothing to do with us.

Berkeley Castle/Slimbridge

Famous for King Richard II coming to a sticky end there, this is a castle with an interesting interior and attractive gardens. See www.berkeley-castle.com. A few miles away Peter Scott’s Slimbridge reserve is a must for anyone interested in birds. See www.slim-bridge.co.uk.

Wells/ Glastonbury/Somerset levels

The cathedral at Wells is stunning and the surrounding precincts well worth a look. A few miles away Glastonbury offers its new ager vibe right through the year. The view from the Tor takes in the Somerset levels. Between November and March these attract spectacular murmurations of starlings, which start around one hour before sunset.

Chepstow Castle/ Tintern Abbey/ Monmouth

Just across the river Severn via the old motorway bridge the pleasant town of Chepstow boasts a large “proper castle” overlooking the river Wye. Following a visit there a few miles along the attractive road next to the river gets you to Tintern with its beautiful ruined abbey. There is a pleasant walk along the former railway line, starting with a bridge over the river. Those with energy can climb paths from there to reach Offa’s dyke at the top and get spectacular views of the abbey and its valley.

From Tintern it is possible to carry on further by the river to reach Monmouth. This attractive town commemorates its famous son Charles Rolls, of motor car and aircraft fame.