Nestled on the side of a hill and the edge of Minchinhampton Common, Amberley has spectacular views across the Nailsworth and Woodchester valleys.

Cotswold stone cottages, some dating back to the Middle Ages, are dotted around the village, which lies 2 miles south of Stroud and just over 2 miles from Nailsworth, and there’s an abundance of walks through some breathtaking countryside right on the doorstep – perfect for dog walkers and their four-legged friends.

Amberley Parochial School, which currently has around 100 pupils, was found to be a ‘good’ school with ‘outstanding behaviour’ by OFSTED inspectors in 2017. Every year the school organises the Amberley Cow Hunt when over 30 wooden cows are hidden around the village and on the common for families to find. The popular event is held over a weekend and refreshments are provided in a purpose-built tea tent – during one Cow Hunt more than 3,000 portions of homemade cake were sold! Funds raised are donated to the school and a chosen charity.

Amberley Playgroup holds weekly term-time sessions and a Toddler Tuesday with lots of fun activities for little ones including music, story time and outdoor play.

Plans are currently underway for a new community hub including a shop, café and posting service to be located in the village church. Amberley Shop on the Common will be a Community Benefit Society, meaning it will be owned and supported by the local community. Supporters are holding fundraising events to bring the project into a reality.

Holy Trinity Church, which dates back to the 1830s, stands in the heart of the village and holds regular services. The writer P.C. Wren, author of Beau Geste, and Sir Fabian Ware, founder of the Imperial War Graves Commission, are buried in the churchyard.

There’s a variety of clubs for all ages in Amberley including a gardening club, walking group, community choir, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts.

Amberley is well-served for food and drink with two traditional country pubs in the village. The Amberley Inn serves delicious fresh food using ingredients from local suppliers (and welcomes dogs) and the Black Horse has a changing menu along with excellent ales and a growing collection of ciders. Both pubs are great places to enjoy a meal or drink with friends – think rustic charm with roaring fires in winter or a summer tipple watching the sun set across the valley.

The Old Lodge is an easy walk away and serves locally sourced food and drink. Situated on Minchinhampton Common, it is popular with walkers and golfers who are playing a round or two on Minchinhampton Golf Course.

There are many wonderful walks in and around Amberley through the wooded valleys or across Minchinhampton Common, which is owned and managed by the National Trust and lies within the Cotswolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Head over to Winstones parlour on Rodborough Common for an artisan ice cream and take in the stunning countryside and views.

For more information about Amberley, have a look at the village website –https://www.amberley.org.uk/