Hawkwood College

## Overview Hawkwood College is a historic retreat and conference centre nestled in the Cotswold hills near Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. Set within beautiful grounds at an elevation overlooking the surrounding countryside, the property is home to a private drinking spring that has long served the estate. The college itself occupies a Grade II listed building dating back to the 19th century and has been used as a centre for arts, ecology, and holistic education since the mid-20th century. The spring on the grounds is a private water source, and access is not open to the general public without prior arrangement. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately 51.40694, -2.209228, placing it within the Hawkwood College estate in the Painswick Valley area of Gloucestershire — a region well known for its natural springs and limestone geology. The Cotswold limestone aquifer that underlies this area is renowned for producing clear, mineral-rich spring water, and many historic estates in the region have relied on their own spring sources for centuries. While the water from this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source on the property, visitors should note that water quality can vary and independent testing is always advisable before consumption. ## Directions 1. From Stroud town centre, head north on the A46 toward Painswick. 2. After approximately 2 miles, look for signs to Hawkwood College or Painswick Old Road on your left. 3. Follow the lane uphill through the wooded valley toward the college grounds. 4. The spring is located within the private estate — please contact Hawkwood College in advance to arrange access or inquire about visiting. *Note: As this is a private spring on the grounds of Hawkwood College, visitors should always seek permission before attempting to access the site.* ## What to Expect Hawkwood College sits in a tranquil, wooded setting typical of the Cotswold escarpment, with mature trees, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views across the Painswick Valley. The spring itself is a private feature of the estate and is not set up as a public water collection point. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially English countryside, with rolling green hills, dry stone walls, and ancient beech woodlands nearby. Because this is a private drinking spring, casual drop-in visits are not encouraged. Hawkwood College regularly hosts courses, retreats, and events — attending one of these may be the best way to experience the grounds and the spring firsthand. The area around Stroud and Painswick is rich with other natural springs and walking trails for those exploring the region's water heritage.