Despite having growth since the 1960’s, Whitminster remains a predominately rural parish. Formerly known as Wheatenhurst, which is still the name given to the area around the Parish Church. We are approximately five miles west of Stroud, and six miles south of Gloucester, with J13 of the M5 motorway about 1 mile away, and the A38 (Roman road) being the main road commuter route through the village.
The road through Whitminster from the A38 is School Lane, and goes on past the turning for Saul to the picturesque village of Frampton-on-Severn, where the nearest Doctor’s Surgery is situated. At Saul there is a canal boat marina, accessed via the Stroudwater canal from the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. Whitminster Parish Church, dedicated to St. Andrew is close by the marina, as is the proud Whitminster House, a forerunner of which was recorded in the doomsday book. These two lie back from the leafy lane and are alongside the river Frome in a lovely countryside setting, with splendid walks around the church, the canal and the river.
At the start of School Lane, from the A38, is the Village Hall, first built in 1938, and refurbished and extended in 2007. The hall represents the hub of the village, and hosts a wide variety of activities, times and dates of which can be found on its notice board on the wall facing the road.
Along School Lane in a westerly direction, after the mini-roundabout is the village Primary School. Behind the school is the village playing field. The village currently has four football teams, (two of which play regularly at home) and two cricket teams, and play-areas for Children including an extremely popular skateboard ramp.
Whitminster is well-provided with village amenities; The Whitminster Inn complex comprises a hotel, with function centre, Chinese, Indian and English restaurants and fast food outlets. The Olde Forge is a village pub and restaurant and between these two is the village shop with all its amenities. These are at the crossroads across the A38, opposite the village hall.
Also in Whitminster, is Highfield Garden World and World of Water, and further on towards Gloucester is the Attwoolls Camping Centre, which sells everything from camping to skiing equipment, and is a popular manufacturer and outlet for marquees. Close by is the Teckels Animal Sanctuary, a boarding home for cats and dogs, as well as providing a refuge for unwanted or badly treated pets.