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You are here: Plan > Towns & Villages > Minchinhampton
About
The delightful, small market town of Minchinhampton sits on the edge of Minchinhampton Common, near the towns of Stroud and Nailsworth in the south Cotswolds. The town itself is made up of pretty stone cottages, many dating back to the 17th century and medieval wool trade.
There is a weekly country market and a good choice of cafes, while a lovely farm shop can be found nearby at Tobacconist Farm. Minchinhampton was chosen as a scenic location for the recent BBC TV adaptation of J K Rowling’s Casual Vacancy.
There are breathtaking panoramic views of the Stroud Valleys from Minchinhampton Common, which sits on the Cotswold escarpment. It is an important archaeological landscape and managed by the National Trust.
Rare orchids and butterflies can be spotted along with freely roaming horses and cattle. Please drive carefully over the common and keep an eye out for cows.
One of the most famous residents is the Princess Royal who lives at Gatcombe Park on the edge of town. The annual British Festival of Eventing draws visitors, as well as stars of the horse-riding world, from all corners of the globe. It takes place at Gatcombe Park every August.
Things to do in Minchinhampton include walking, horse-riding, golf, gliding and paragliding on the common. The Cotswolds & Severn Vale 7-day cycle tour routes through the town.
Every year, the famously quirky Giffords Circus takes up residence in Minchinhampton as part of its annual summer tour of the Cotswolds.
Accommodation in Minchinhampton includes bed & breakfasts and self-catering cottages. There are also some lovely hotels and pubs nearby. The Ragged Cot dates back to the 17th century and has some intriguing tales to tell.
