An Artist-led Retreat in the Cotswolds,
a unique place to stay, work and relax
The Hide Artist Retreat offers dedicated residency spaces for solo creatives and rural accommodation for those wishing to retreat in style.
Designed to match our philosophy
The Hide gives you the chance to absorb both the natural environment and a creative atmosphere in perfect balance, to be rejuvenated and inspired without the distraction and pressures of daily life.
“Had a lovely stay at The Hide, Alice and Piers were very welcoming. The room was super comfortable, nicely laid out, particularly the en-suite bathroom which was very luxurious. It’s in an incredible location for exploring the Cotswolds and a very relaxed and tranquil place to spend time.”
Bobby K, Staycationer
The perfect balance at The Hide.
Your stay is always productive, whether taking time out or putting effort in.
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Natural Environment
Pet friendly
Wood burners
Stunning views
Pub in walking distance
Wild swimming
Guided walks
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty -
Creative Atmosphere
WIFI
Bespoke artist studio
Dedicated work areas
Curated art collection
Local attractions
Thriving art scene
Stimulating creative activities
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Can you recommend a taxi service?
Yes. there are several local taxi services eg;
Stroud Taxis → 01453 750 211
AAA Taxis Stroud → 07813 962509
We strongly recommend you order in advance of your stay. In some situations, we can assist with our own car for a small fee.
Can I get to you on public transport?
Yes, our nearest train station is Stroud, Gloucestershire. You can pre-book a taxi from there. There are limited buses also from Stroud to Nailsworth, followed by a steep but short walk on a footpath up through woods to The Hide.
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 in both the Hut and the Suite.
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.
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, we have Morrison’s supermarket as well as smaller supermarkets and the exceptional Deli at Williams Food Hall all in Nailsworth.
What does the breakfast include?
The breakfast ingredients are tea/filter coffee, local award-winning sourdough loaf, jam, butter, and orange juice.
Can the breakfast be Gluten free or vegan?
Yes, we are happy to supply either gluten free or vegan breakfast ingredients.
Is there a fridge?
Yes, the hut has access to a mini fridge, the suite a large fridge/freezer.
What are the cooking facilities?
Both the hut and the suite have kettle, toaster, microwave, sink and fridge.
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?
The bathroom is situated in the artist studio up the garden about 15 metres away.
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.
Do you do discounts for longer stays?
Yes, we offer discounts for stays over 7 nights.
“Alice asks really insightful questions which helped me consider my practice in a different light. As a brilliant practitioner she has so much knowledge to share, while giving me the confidence to develop my art further, without judgement. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her if you're looking to move forward with your practice” Lisa R, Artist
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Hide Artist Retreat is a stone’s throw from the idyllic, Cotswold town of Nailsworth, the art scene of Stroud with its famous farmers market and the historic, Roman town of Cirencester.
It’s under an hour’s drive to the cities of Bath and Bristol.
Alice Sheppard Fidler, founder and director of The Hide artist retreat is a practicing fine artist working in installation, sculpture, and performance.
Alice exhibits nationally and internationally and teaches at numerous institutions in the UK, offering critique, technique and mentoring.