Gloucestershire Travel Forum

I'm considering a commitment that would mean living for at least 2 years in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, U.K. My involvement will include organic horticulture, nature, animals and wildlife, arts and crafts, all which I love. What else is going on in the region that would round out life for a woman that doesn't drink, loves life, learning, and communicating with interesting, progressive and creative people?

I can only speak generally, as I don't know Nailsworth or even Gloucestershire particularly well. There are beautiful areas of countryside to explore, plenty of historical and archaelogical sites, Wales and the West Country (Somerset/ Devon/ Dorset/ Cornwall) are easily accessible. Local towns will have evening classes on offer for adult learning, there will be sports (and other interest) clubs to join to meet people, larger towns have theatres and cinemas and arts events. You could try googling for ideas (use the UK pages on www.google.co.uk)searching for a town + events, perhaps. Lots of people don't drink, btw, but that shouldn't stop you going to pubs! One more thing.......you might like to consider what transport you will have as public transport is not particularly good in the UK, especially in more rural areas. Maybe you'll need a bike/ car? Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks for the word about the need for transportation. I will definately have a bike, as I love cycling on a road bike. I've always wanted one of those little Italian scooters for longer distances. Maybe something like that would also work. I also have found a lot of websites that have allowed me to narrow in on the area better. Not knowing Englands' geography made it difficult to understand where the closest big cities were. Now I understand that Nailsworth is closer to Stroud than Gloucestershire, and I also understand what is considered to be the Cotswold region. I even found a site with a webcam in Nailsworth, and have communicated with the site's operator. You see, like you, I'm a great 'digger' for information also. I love that about myself, that I'm a great researcher, and very resourceful. It gives me a sense of great confidence, and lets me know that I can go anywhere in the world, and find what I need. This works to feed my love of exploring and seeking out new experiences, people and cultures. Enough about me....I hope we meet oneday.

Well it looks to me like you’ve found a place that will really suit you! I grew up in Gloucestershire and one of my friends lived, at that time, in Avening, a very short distance from Nailsworth, so I used to stay there for the weekend fairly regularly. I am quite sure you will love the countryside in the surrounding area and find lots of things to do, which are related to your interests.

The same friend’s mother then worked for one of the local libraries and I think this would be the best place for you to find out about specific local events, societies etc. in the surrounding area. The library at the Gloucestershire village I lived in, for example, has a local history society, various sports and singing groups, a weekly art group, a monthly quilting group, an allotment scheme and a reading group advertised on their notice board, amongst many others (I know some of these cover activities you’ve already mentioned; I just want to give an idea of the variety) not to mention all the adult education classes held in the afternoons and evenings at a local school and voluntary organisations too. I suppose you have already found Gloucestershire county council’s website; you can find the Nailsworth librarian’s email address there, plus details of events connected with the library.

If you do choose to spend a couple of years in the area, I wish you a very enjoyable time there and do contact me, if you want help with any information.

N.B. last time I wrote an answer here, all my apostrophes turned into question marks. If this happens again, I hope you can still make out what I’ve written!

I've only just discovered the VT site and have read this post from a while ago. I wonder if you are thinkng of coming to my place of work?!! The advice I would give is to 'get on that plane'. Life in Nailsworth is wonderful and you sound the sort of person to fit right in.

There is a lot to do in Gloucestershire and most visitors soon make their way to Bath to visit the Roman Baths and sights there. Cheltenham, Oxford and Bristol are all within easy travelling distance and the cycle path feeds into Nailworth itself making it ideal for cyclists.

Happy to help if you have specific queries.