Venue
The Surroundings
The college is set in 42 acres of beautiful gardens, woods and fields, with its own spring water, and is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All guests are free to wander the grounds at their leisure. There are footpaths in the woodlands, with further trails for the hiking enthusiasts through the scenic Painswick and Slad valleys.
Care for the environment is an important part of the Hawkwood ethos, with the cultivation of gardens and pastures as well as the animal husbandry, following organic and bio-dynamic practices.
The Groups Who Use Hawkwood
More than 3000 people pass through Hawkwood's doors each year. A third of these are part of outside groups coming for their away days, special theme conferences or team building retreats. The outside groups comprise many well-known local and national organisations, including: Stroud and Gloucester Social Services, Victim Support, osteopathic training events, Gestalt in Organisations, Forum for the Future, Kitty Baron Riding for the Disabled, The National Trust, Soil Assosiation, Bath University, Severn NHS Trust, and many more. They enjoy Hawkwood for its peacefulness, the beautiful site, the friendly service and the ethos - not to mention its reputation for delicious food! Many comment that there is no other place like Hawkwood in the region. One local government group, on an away day, said it was "the best venue in town!"
The Accommodation
We can currently accommodate more than 50 guests on site, with 14 single, 14 double and 3 triple rooms. Two of the double rooms are on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible. Additional camping or campervan spaces are also available. Whatever your needs, we will do our best to find a mix of accommodation which best suits your requirements.
Course Facilities
We have six rooms which offer a range of facilities, including comfortable meeting rooms, lecture hall and studios. We are happy to accommodate outside courses where appropriate. Inside facilities include:
Main Hall (45' x 22' or 13.7 x 6.7 m) - a large room with wonderful views across the water garden and grounds. It is ideal if you need an area to "spread out". It holds up to 95 people in a lecture format.
Studio One (32' x 17' or 9.7 x 5.2 m) - holds up to 40 people in lecture format. with running water available, It is also ideal for craft activities.
Studio Two (20' x 18' or 6.1 x 5.5 m) - holds up to 20 people in lecture format. The decor and optional lounge chairs make it a comfortable, informal meeting space.
Sitting Room (size 24' x 19' or 7.3 x 5.8 m) - has the character of the original house, with a gothic fireplace and striking architectural features. Ideal for medium-sized study groups. Holds up to 15 people.
Blue Room (size 22' x 18' 6.7 x 5.5 m) - the perfect setting for smaller discussion groups. Holds up to 25 people in lecture format.
Library (size 22' x 18') - a spacious room, lined with books. Comfortable chairs and a period fireplace make this the ideal place to study in comfort, or to simply sit and read. It may also be booked as a meeting room. On colder days, a log fire burns in the grate.
Hospitality
Hawkwood has a well-known reputation for delicious wholesome food. The catering staff take pride in creating meals composed of fresh vegetables, meats and fruits. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for. A large percentage of food served is organic, some from our own gardens.
Sixty people can easily be accommodated in the country-style dining room, and provision can be made for additional numbers on special arrangement.
Warm comfortable rooms and good food are all part of Hawkwood's hospitality. The friendly and dedicated staff aim to meet your particular needs and ensure that you enjoy your stay.
