Arrival

What are the check in arrangements?

We are always here to meet and greet you. Entrance is through an electric wooden gate with a grey lever button on the inside.

How can I get to you?

The Hide is well connected, with a range of straightforward options for reaching us from across the UK or internationally. When traveling to us from the airport, get the train from London Paddington into Stroud Station. For an easy journey, we would then reccomend booking a taxi or choosing our 'Pick up & Drop off service' as an extra when you book. Door to Door taxi service is also available locally.

If you are driving, clear driving directions are provided ahead of your stay.

Can you recommend a taxi service?

Yes. there are several local taxi services eg;

Stroud Taxis →
AAA Taxis Stroud →

We strongly recommend you order in advance of your stay. In some situations, we can offer a pick-up service for a small fee.

Is there somewhere I can park nearby?

Yes, guest parking is in a safe spot right on our verge. Parking on the drive can be arranged in some exceptions.

What is public transport like around The Hide?

There are limited buses from Stroud to Nailsworth, followed by a steep but short walk on a footpath up through woods to The Hide.

For journeys further afield, our nearest train station is Stroud, Gloucestershire, only a 10 minute drive and from here, you are well connected to larger towns and cities.

Art

How do I apply for a residency?

Please check out our residency page. You will find a form to fill there.

Do you supply any art equipment or materials?

Yes, at The Hide we have some basic equipment and materials available on request. We also have a good selection of reference books. NB Please bring all materials specific to your art practice.

Can you recommend local venues to engage with the arts?

Stroud Valley Arts →
Studio 18 →
Three Storeys→
Gallery Pangolin →
Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative →
New Brewery Arts →
Spike Island→
Bricks Bristol →
Arnolfini Gallery →

Remote Working

Is there WIFI at The Hide?

Yes, we have strong WIFI at The Hide.

Are there suitable quiet areas to work in and to make and receive calls?

Yes, we have dedicated areas for artistic practice and lap-top remote working.

Pets

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, one small/medium well-behaved dog is permitted in our Hut accommodation for a small additional charge.

Do I need to bring a dog bed?

Yes please, dogs are not permitted on the bed.

Which of your local pubs is dog friendly?

Our nearest pubs The Black Horse and The Old lodge are very dog friendly;

Black Horse Amberley →
The Old Lodge →

You can walk to them in under 10 minutes from The Hide across Minchinhampton Common.

Food

Is there a pub within walking distance?

Yes, we have two local pubs, The Old Lodge and The Black Horse you can walk to from The Hide across Minchinhampton Common;

Black Horse Amberley →
The Old Lodge →

Both pubs do good pub food and have stunning west facing Cotswold views.

Can you recommend where is good to eat locally?

Yes, we recommend:

Williams Foodhall, Nailsworth →
Stroud Brewery, Stroud →
The Woolpack, Slad →
The Canteen, Nailsworth →
Birch Restaurant, Stroud →
Farmers Market, Stroud →

Does anywhere local deliver food to The Hide?

Delivery: Fat Toni Pizza, Stroud →

Takeaway from Nailsworth: The Balti, Nailsworth →
Amalfi Italian, Nailsworth →
Walkers, Nasilworth →

Is there a local shop nearby?

Yes. A community shop is within walking distance, Morrison's supermarket is also available a short drive away, around a 15-minute woodland walk, or via local delivery services. There is also an exceptional Deli at Williams Food Hall in Nailsworth.

Your handbook, recieved upon application, includes a list of recommended local shops covering a range of everyday needs too.

Is there a fridge?

Yes, the hut has access to a mini fridge, the Studio & Suite both have a fridge.

What are the cooking facilities?

The Suite & Stuido has a kettle, toaster, microwave, sink and fridge. The Hut has a rustic glamping style kitchen.

What do we need to bring if we want to use BBQ?

We recommend that guests bring everything they need to have a BBQ. We can supply a selection of camping tableware and BBQ tools for a small fee.

Outdoors

How close are you to fields and nature?

The Hide Artist Retreat is ideally situated. We live in an AONB which means all nature around The Hide is totally protected. We are surrounded by countryside and are perfectly situated for the 'getaway break/back to nature'. Our local town, Nailsworth is conveniently nearby, but there are fields and woods and Minchinhampton Common moments from the door.

Are there local walks you can recommend?

Yes, we can recommend local walks we enjoy around the Five valleys. We can loan maps of the area too.

Can you walk from The Hide without going in the car?

Yes, there are plenty of walks straight from the door of The Hide. We can make recommendations.

Is there anywhere to store our bikes if we bring them?

Yes, we have a lockable storage area for your bikes. Cycling in this part of The Cotswolds is a popular pastime.

Other

Do I have to be an artist to stay at The Hide?

Not at all, The Hide welcomes staycationers and remote workers as well as artists.

Do you supply firewood for the wood burner?

Yes, your room comes with a start kit for your first evening. You can purchase further kindling and firewood from us for additional nights. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own wood should you wish to.

How far is the bathroom from the hut?

Your rustic outdoor style shower room and box loo is next to The Hut.

Can we do a small clothing wash at some point?

We are happy to offer you use of our washing machine for a small fee if the need arises.

What is the cost of a residency or retreat?

All pricing can be found on our availability page.

Note: Funding opportunities may be available through your local initiatives or council, which you can apply for directly.

Will I need a car?

No. Many guests arrive without a car, and there are plenty of opportunities to walk, cycle and spend time outdoors locally.

If you would like to travel further afield during your stay, car hire from a local company is also available.