
About This Spring
## Overview Hawkwood College Spring is a public drinking spring located on the grounds of Hawkwood College, a well-known arts, ecology, and wellbeing centre nestled in the rolling Cotswold hills near Stroud, Gloucestershire. The college sits within a beautiful estate surrounded by woodland and meadows, and the spring has historically served as a natural water source for the property and its visitors. The Stroud valleys area of Gloucestershire is renowned for its numerous natural springs, fed by water filtering through the oolitic limestone of the Cotswold escarpment — a geology that often produces clear, mineral-rich water. The spring is accessible during college opening hours (9am–5pm) and offers a peaceful spot to collect water while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Hawkwood estate. ## Directions 1. Head to **Painswick Old Road, Stroud, GL6 7QW** — this is the nearest postal address and the access road for Hawkwood College. 2. Follow signs for **Hawkwood College** along Painswick Old Road. The college is situated on the hillside above Stroud. 3. Once on the college grounds, look for signage or ask at reception for directions to the spring. Hawkwood College has previously provided a spring map on their website — check [hawkwoodcollege.co.uk](http://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/) before your visit for the most up-to-date access information. **GPS coordinates:** 51.75716, -2.215397 ## What to Expect The spring is located within the Hawkwood College estate, a serene setting of gardens, woodland, and open green space typical of the Cotswold countryside. Visitors have reported the water to be clean and pleasant-tasting, consistent with the limestone-filtered springs common throughout this part of Gloucestershire. Access is available during the college's standard hours of **9am to 5pm**. As Hawkwood is a working college and retreat centre, visitors should be respectful of any events or activities taking place on the grounds. It's worth checking the college's website or contacting them in advance to confirm public access, particularly during private events or seasonal closures. Bring your own containers if you plan to collect water. The surrounding area offers lovely walking opportunities along the Cotswold Way and through the Painswick valley, making this a worthwhile stop as part of a broader exploration of the region's natural springs and scenic trails.
Getting There
Address
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GPS Coordinates
51.757160, -2.215397
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. Head to **Painswick Old Road, Stroud, GL6 7QW** — this is the nearest postal address and the access road for Hawkwood College. 2. Follow signs for **Hawkwood College** along Painswick Old Road. The college is situated on the hillside above Stroud. 3. Once on the college grounds, look for signage or ask at reception for directions to the spring. Hawkwood College has previously provided a spring map on their website — check [hawkwoodcollege.co.uk](http://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/) before your visit for the most up-to-date access information.
Categories
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.