Elm Court

Standing stones and earthwork remains mark what was once a significant medieval manor house near Stroud, though Elm Court today requires a fair bit of imagination to picture its former glory. The site sits quietly in the Gloucestershire countryside, with visible foundations and some surviving walls hinting at the substantial residence that once dominated this spot.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to ponder among the ruins, particularly those with an interest in medieval domestic architecture. The layout becomes clearer as you walk around the remains, and on a clear day the elevated position offers decent views across the surrounding valleys. It's not going to wow the kids though - there's precious little left standing and no interpretation boards to help bring the past to life.

Free to explore whenever you fancy, this is very much a specialist interest rather than a family day out. Allow half an hour unless you're particularly keen on medieval archaeology. The grassy site makes for a pleasant enough ramble if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots like Court Farm Camping or Briarfields Touring Caravan Park, but it's hardly worth a special journey. Best combined with a walk through the surrounding countryside or a visit to Stroud itself, where the local museum might fill in some historical gaps.