Slad

The settlement is most famous as the backdrop to Laurie Lee's 1959 memoir Cider with Rosie, which documented village life during the 1920s with such clarity that it continues to resonate with readers today. The valley has altered little since Lee's childhood there, so you can actually walk the locations he described in his writing and get a genuine sense of that earlier era.

The countryside around Slad is characterful without being dramatic—rolling hills dotted with fields and woodland that really capture the quieter side of the Cotswolds. Walking dominates the activities here. The Five Valleys Walk, a 21-mile circular route run annually as a charity event, passes through the area and links Slad to neighbouring valleys and villages. If you want something more strenuous, the Five Valleys Circuit offers a tougher challenge.

Practically speaking, Slad is about fifteen minutes from Stroud, which has the shops, cafes, and services you might need. The village itself is quite minimal in terms of facilities, so this is really a place to come for peaceful walks and a literary connection rather than expecting amenities on your doorstep.