The Cotswolds is one of the most sought-after spots for those visiting the UK or looking for a whimsical weekend away on their doorstep, and yet there are many spots with all the same charm but that go unnoticed. For those looking for the quieter side of Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire, the small town of Nailsworth may just be the picture-perfect place, minus the hustle and bustle.

The town acts as the little sister to Stroud, a much more popular destination that sees plenty of visitors, and it’s currently undergoing a bit of a renaissance. The creative world has seeped its way into the area as well, and it has become a complete haven for foodies with independent shops filling the town. Steeped in history, the town has a number of notable mediaeval buildings for history buffs visiting the area; they can cast their eyes on Beverston Castle and Owlpen Manor in all of their glory. Although as time went on Nailsworth gained fame for being a mill town and later a centre for brewing beer, which it serves in a number of its local pubs. 

Creativity

Nailsworth has a reputation for being a creative place thanks to its strong sense of community amongst artists who have created a vibrant scene. It is home to a number of galleries and studios, which sits nicely alongside its industrial heritage when it comes to its historic mills.

The town has a strong past in the world of textiles, which lives on to this day through its many independent shops selling handmade clothing and other fabricated items. Both The Nailsworth Stream, which provided the power for Nailsworth’s mills for clothiers in the 1600s, and the renowned Dunkirk Mills and Holcombe Mill are key buildings that are a part of its local heritage and culture. 

Food

The town boasts a varying range of establishments all in one concentrated area, from fine dining to ethnic cuisines and traditional bakeries and pubs, offering that countryside feel. Alongside this, Nailsworth is now home to the exceptional William’s Food Hall, which draws in plenty of locals and visitors through its doors to get a taste of the fresh and local produce, including tasty seafood.

On the fourth Saturday of every month the town comes alive with Nailsworth’s Farmers’ Market, offering even more local cuisine as the area continues to celebrate its native produce. For those wanting a taste of something special, top-rated restaurants in the area, according to TripAdvisor, include Giuseppe’s Restaurant, Amalfi, The Olive Tree, Williams and The Britannia.

What often draws people to the area are its fantastic trails from the town or nearby in Woodchester Park for a scenery of the woodlands and the lakes. It’s also within close proximity to famed natural spots such as the breathtaking Westonbirt Arboretum for a day of exploring and the historic Painswick Rococo Garden.

For those wanting to discover a slightly more upmarket side to a weekend getaway, the area’s independent boutiques make for a lovely spot of shopping. There’s a wide range of family-run businesses offering clothing, gifts, arts and crafts and so much more to get your hands on as you wind through their quiet roads.