The College is in a great location.  When you fancy venturing off campus you can explore not only the beautiful Cotswolds, but also the many nearby towns and cities and, of course, London is just 90-minutes away by direct train.

The Student Union will also be running trips to lots of these places at the weekends.

Cirencester

Cirencester is often called the capital of the Cotswolds. It's a busy town with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Cirencester has high street shops as well as plenty of smaller boutiques. Remember to take your student card - you can get a discount at loads of places from Macdonalds, to Pakeman Catto and Carter, Burton and Dorothy Perkins, Mackenzies Cafe Bar and Cotswold Country Living, amongst others.  In Roman times, Cirencester was the second largest town after London and you can find out about the history of the town at the Corinium Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Swindon (30 minute drive or 15 minute train journey)

At nearby Swindon you can catch the latest films at the Greenbridge Leisure Park, which has a 12-screen multiplex cinema and loads of restaurants.  The Swindon Designer Outlet, Europe's largest indoor outlet village, has more than 100 shops offering savings of up to 50%.  Swindon also has an arts centre, the Wyvern Theatre, bowling, laserquest, ice skating and karting.

Cheltenham (35 minute drive or 50 minute train journey)

Cheltenham is world famous for its racecourse and hosts the National Hunt Festival in March featuring the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup.  The town also has the oldest cricket festival in the country.  The Promenade is a tree lined avenue flanked by smart shops and cafés, with plenty of pubs and bars off the main street. If you have time for some culture in between shopping, sport, eating and drinking, then the Everyman Theatre has some top productions.  In October, visitors from around the world, including the likes of Bob Geldof and Gordon Brown, flock to the town for The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Bath (45 minute drive or 55 minute train journey)

There's loads to see and do in Bath.  'Britain's finest Georgian City' offers plenty for 21st-century visitors, including a lively scene with over 150 pubs and restaurants and some of the best quality independent shops in Britain.  There are a number of galleries and museums, including the Jane Austen Centre and the Fashion Museum.  You can take a rowing boat down the river or a dip in natural hot waters whilst overlooking the city at the Thermae Spa.  Later on you can visit Moles, a great live venue which has hosted many famous DJs and bands.

Bristol (50 minute drive or 1 hour train journey)

Bristol is the largest of the nearby cities and is fantastic for shopping, sightseeing, arts, theatre and music.  You could take a boat tour around the harbour before having a bite to eat at the Severnshed, Riverstation or the Mud Dock Cafe.  Shop 'til you drop in the boutique stores along Park Street or visit The Mall, the giant out-of-town shopping centre.  The Bristol Old Vic has a range of shows from Shakespeare to modern plays, whilst the Hippodrome stages major West End productions and the Colston Hall plays host to some top bands.  Clifton Village has plenty of lively bars and restaurants with great views over the suspension bridge.

Oxford (1 hour drive or 1 hour 20 minute train journey)

Historic Oxford may be packed full of students already but that simply means it's student friendly, so it's well worth a visit. The easiest way to get around is by hiring a bike or on foot, although you might want to take a punt down the river.  Amongst the famous buildings and galleries there are plenty of shops, restaurants and theatres as well as countless pubs tucked away in cobbled alleys, many with live music or comedy.  If you're after designer clothes then head to the shopping outlet at nearby Bicester Village. In July, the Henley Royal Regatta takes place in Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire.