About France Lynch Pleasure Ground
France Lynch Pleasure Ground is an outdoor public park managed by Chalford Parish Council (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). It lies between the hamlets of Chalford Hill and France Lynch in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and is one of three parish “pleasure grounds” (the others are at Bussage and Chalford Vale) (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). The site includes open lawns, children’s play areas (swings, slides, roundabouts) and sports facilities. Originally it was common land enclosed in 1869 to create a recreational ground for local millworkers (www.chalfordparishlocalhistorygroup.org.uk), so it has long served as a village gathering space. Locals even recall that a British Legion hall once stood here for dances and sports during the mid-20th century (www.chalfordparishlocalhistorygroup.org.uk). Over time the parish has added amenities – for example a basketball/5-a-side football court (2015) and outdoor gym (2016) were built here (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk) – but the ground remains mainly an open field and playground.
Today the Pleasure Ground is prized for both recreation and nature. Park volunteers deliberately leave a section uncut to nurture wildflowers; council records note that over 60 native species (rock rose, thyme, cowslip, etc.) thrive here (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). The Chalford Climate Action Network describes it as a remnant of Cotswold limestone grassland with “by far the greatest biodiversity” of any local park (chalcan.org.uk), earning it recognition as a local wildlife site. This mix of wildflower meadows and family play areas – all set on a Cotswold escarpment – gives the venue a special countryside charm. In short, France Lynch Pleasure Ground is more than a playground or pitch: it’s a scenic historic parish park and wildlife haven beloved by the community.
Events and Programming
Despite its village setting, the Pleasure Ground hosts surprisingly large public events. Each July it’s home to Chalfest, an annual community music festival. Chalfest is volunteer-run and family-friendly; in 2025 it featured over 40 acts with headliners like Kula Shaker, Judge Jules, Fisherman’s Friends, Toby Lee, Dick & Dom and an Amy Winehouse tribute (stroudtimes.com). The festival sets up multiple stages on the field, adds comedy, craft and craft beer stalls, and even a traditional “village green” fun area for kids (stroudtimes.com). Local bands and DJs also play on side stages, ensuring there’s something for all ages. Aside from Chalfest, the ground has hosted one-off concerts. For example, reggae band Kaya Fyah is booked for summer 2026 (www.shazam.com), and dance events with acts like G-Class and DJ Hybrid took place in July 2026 (www.shazam.com) (www.shazam.com). Community groups also use the space: the historic Chalford Band (formed 1885) holds a free open-air “Picnic in the Park” concert each September – for instance, they gave a free 140th-anniversary concert on 7 Sep 2025 (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk), complete with cakes, ice cream and drinks. Over the past decade the Pleasure Ground has become a lively seasonal venue (concerts, fairs, festivals) while still remaining free to visit on quiet days.
Tickets and Booking
Major events require advance tickets, usually sold through official channels. For example, Chalfest weekend passes are released on authorized sites (e.g. Ticket Fairy or the festival’s own page) and often sell out. Adult 2-day tickets have run around £80 (including fees) for recent years (www.ticketfairy.com). Discounted tickets are offered too: youth tickets (ages 12–16) are cheaper, and “community” tickets for local residents cost far less (about £25.30 in 2025) (www.ticketfairy.com). Children under 11 attend free (one free ticket per child) (chalfest.co.uk). Note that younger teens sometimes must be with a charged adult (e.g. in 2025, anyone 14 or under needed an accompanying 17+ ticket subject) (www.ticketfairy.com). Smaller community events (like the band’s picnic concert) are usually free to attend with no booking needed. In all cases, it’s best to buy early once tickets go on sale – popular shows often sell out weeks in advance. There’s no permanent box office at the ground, and last-minute gate sales only appear if an event isn’t sold out.
Seating and Layout
France Lynch Pleasure Ground is basically an outdoor field, not a fixed-seating auditorium. It’s mostly flat grassy ground with a gentle slope toward the valley. For concerts or festivals, organisers typically erect a stage at one end of the field and leave the audience area open. There are no built-in stands: seating is usually on the lawn. Visitors are encouraged to bring fold-up chairs or picnic blankets for comfort. In general admission areas, the best views are near the front of the stage (for sound and closeness) or up on the slight rise behind the crowd (for a wider view). The built-in play zones (with swings and slides) are off to the sides and fenced from the main field during events. There is no formal VIP section, though some festivals occasionally have a roped-off front row or sponsor area. In summary, plan on standing or informal seating on grass – it’s a casual open-air layout. (Keep in mind that after rain the grass can get muddy, so waterproof footwear and seating help.)
Getting There and Parking
The Pleasure Ground’s entrance is on Burcombe Way/Highfield Way in Chalford Hill (postcode e.g. GL6 8LP). By car, take the A419 from Stroud toward Gloucester, then turn up Chalford Hill Lane and follow signs or maps to France Lynch. (GPS users can enter “Burcombe Way, Chalford Hill” or similar.) Public transport: Stagecoach’s 67/C67 bus from Stroud stops in Chalford Hill near the Old Neighbourhood Inn and “Chalford Hill – The Green.” The stop “Chalford Hill (opp Burcombe Road)” is only a 5–10 minute walk from the ground (bustimes.org) – just head up Burcombe Way toward the playground. Parking: There’s no large car park at the field itself. During events, the main parking is at Chalford Sports & Social Club on Highfield Way, about 800m away. This lot holds ~100 cars (with disabled parking/ramp) and charges roughly £10 per vehicle on event days (cash or card) (www.ticketfairy.com) (camra.org.uk). If that fills, roadside parking is extremely limited: please park considerately in neighbouring streets. (Tip: arrive early to secure a spot.) Rideshare drop-offs can be arranged on Highfield or Burcombe Way near the entrance. For mobility needs, the sports club lot is safest as it has ramp access to the field (camra.org.uk).
Inside the Venue
For ticketed events, expect fenced entry gates where tickets or wristbands are checked. Security is usually low-key (often volunteers) for local shows, but bag checks and general festival rules apply. Once inside, you’ll find the field laid out with stages, vendor tents and open areas. Amenities: Organisers provide portable toilets (including accessible units) – there are no permanent loos at the field. (The adjacent sports club has indoor toilets, including a disabled one (camra.org.uk).) Food and drink are available from on-site stalls or bars. For example, a recent free concert had vendors selling cakes, ice cream and drinks (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). Similarly, festivals bring in food trucks, a bar tent or beer garden. Bring cash and card – vendors usually accept both. There is no coat check, but small merchandise booths often set up shop (CDs, t-shirts, crafts). Mobile signal is generally okay, but Wi-Fi isn’t provided. The atmosphere is informal and family-friendly, so expect picnickers, children running about, and musicians mingling with the audience. Safety: Stay aware of mud patches (if wet) and keep clear of any temporary cables or generator areas. It’s wise to wear ear protection for loud concerts. Overall, the venue feels like a village fete: enjoy the open-air vibe and local charm while on site.
Nearby Amenities
When the event concludes, you’re a short walk from a few pubs and shops. The Old Neighbourhood Inn on Chalford Hill and the Kings Head down Lynch Road both serve food, ales and pub classics. (In fact, the Kings Head hosts its own summer music festival in July (www.gloucestershirepubs.co.uk).) Stroud town is only 3–4 miles away, offering restaurants, cafés and supermarkets. If you plan to eat before a show, the pubs in Chalford are convenient – during the day they do meals, and many patrons picnic on the park lawns too. For late-night, note that Chalford shops close early, so Stroud or Gloucester has more after-dark options. Accommodation: There are B&Bs and guesthouses in Chalford and France Lynch (for example, The Coach House on Highfield Way), and hotels in nearby Stroud (like the Clothiers Arms pub-hotel on Bath Road) for longer stays. There’s also the M5 service-area inns (e.g. Days Inn at Michaelwood, ~12 miles) if you need basic lodging. When planning, allow extra time – transit runs late into evening but is infrequent, so taxis or calling a lift from Stroud may be needed after dark. Overall, the area has a warm Cotswold feel: scenic walks and rural views just beyond the park provide great photo ops between sets.
What Makes This Venue Special
France Lynch Pleasure Ground is more than just a local field – it’s a piece of the parish’s heritage. Unlike a modern amphitheatre, it is a true village green that has hosted community life for generations. Its roots go back to 1869 when common land was set aside for all residents (www.chalfordparishlocalhistorygroup.org.uk), and tales of school sports days and wartime dances in the old Legion hall show how central it’s been to village culture (www.chalfordparishlocalhistorygroup.org.uk). Today, that history and countryside charm are alive whenever a festival rolls in. The combination of wildflower meadows and open space is unusual for a concert site – ecologists note it has the parish’s richest flora (chalcan.org.uk) (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk) – so audience members often enjoy music while perched in a sea of native flowers. The venue’s independent spirit also stands out: Chalfest and other events are run by volunteers and locals, not corporations (stroudtimes.com). Performers and fans love the friendly, informal atmosphere of this tiny hilltop stage. In short, artists and audiences keep returning because it feels like a community gathering in a pretty, historic Cotswold setting – a quaint playground where pop-up concerts somehow feel completely natural.
Visitor Tips and Information
Visitors should plan for an outdoor, rural venue. Wear sturdy shoes (the grass can be lumpy or muddy) and bring layers or rain gear—Cotswold weather can change fast. Don’t forget suncream and a hat for day shows. Since seating is informal, a folding chair or picnic blanket is smart for comfort. For families, kids are welcome at most events (under-11s free with ticket (chalfest.co.uk), but younger teens must be with an adult (www.ticketfairy.com)). The playgrounds are on-site but often roped off during concerts. Note the strict rules: no open fires or camping (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk) (use nearby campsites if needed), and drones are illegal here. If mobility is a concern, use the sports club car park entrance – it has a ramp and disabled toilet (camra.org.uk). Check event websites for age or bag policies, and have your tickets at hand (mobile tickets are usually fine). It’s also good to arrive early for big shows to get parking and a good viewing spot. Finally, be respectful of the local community: park legally, keep noise reasonable on exit, and pick up any litter. Do these and you’ll make the most of this charming, one-of-a-kind local venue.
What are the ticket prices for events at France Lynch Pleasure Ground?
Prices vary by event. For example, 2-day festival tickets have run about £80 for adults (www.ticketfairy.com). There are usually cheaper rates for youth (12–16) (www.ticketfairy.com), and children under 11 attend free (one free ticket per child) (chalfest.co.uk). Community discounts also exist (e.g. Chalford residents paid ~£25 in 2025 (www.ticketfairy.com)). Smaller local concerts are often free or pay-what-you-can.
Where can I buy tickets for shows at this venue?
Tickets are sold via the official event organisers (festival websites or authorised sellers). For instance, Chalfest tickets have been sold through Ticket Fairy and the Chalfest site (www.ticketfairy.com). It’s best to buy in advance when they go on sale. There is no permanent box office at the Pleasure Ground, and door sales only happen if any tickets remain.
Are there child or family concessions?
Yes. Major events often have family pricing. For example, Chalfest 2025 gave free entry to under-11s (a free ticket is provided per child) (chalfest.co.uk). Youth tickets (12–16) were available at reduced price (www.ticketfairy.com). Also, Chalford locals could buy special “community” tickets (much cheaper – about £25 in 2025) (www.ticketfairy.com). Always check each event’s policy.
Is the Pleasure Ground accessible by public transport?
Yes. Stagecoach buses serve Chalford Hill (Stroud’s rural suburb). Take Route 67 (Stroud–Bussage) and alight at “Chalford Hill – The Green” or “Chalford Hill (opp Burcombe Road)” (bustimes.org). These stops are a short walk uphill on Burcombe Way to the ground (about 5–10 minutes). Check the latest bus schedules for times.
What are the parking options at France Lynch Pleasure Ground?
Parking at the site is informal. For events, use the nearby Chalford Sports & Social Club car park on Highfield Way (about 0.8km away). It holds ~100 cars and costs around £10 per car (cash/card on-site) (www.ticketfairy.com) (camra.org.uk). Otherwise, street parking near the Pleasure Ground is very limited. Disabled parking and ramp access are available at the sports club lot (camra.org.uk).
Is the Park fully wheelchair accessible?
The field is mostly level grass, which can be challenging in wet conditions. The adjacent sports club car park has a ramp and disabled toilet (camra.org.uk). Visitors using wheelchairs can park there and use the ramp to the ground. Some events provide accessible portable toilets. It’s a good idea to contact organisers ahead of time for full accessibility details.
What refreshment facilities are on site?
Food and drink are usually available from mobile vendors during events. For example, at a free band concert cakes, ice cream and drinks were sold (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). Festivals like Chalfest bring in food trucks, bars, and beer tents. You can typically pay by cash or card. After performances, local pubs (Old Neighbourhood Inn, Kings Head) and Stroud town are nearby for meals or late snacks.
What facilities (toilets, etc.) are available inside the venue?
There are no fixed restrooms on the field. Portable toilets (including wheelchair-accessible units) are provided at large events. Otherwise, only the nearby sports club has indoor toilets (with one disabled-accessible) (camra.org.uk). Bring essentials (hand sanitizer, etc.) as facilities can be basic.
Can I bring dogs or drones to the venue?
Dogs on a leash are generally allowed on the Pleasure Ground itself, as it’s public parkland (though they are discouraged during concerts). However, drone use is strictly banned by parish rules (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). Open fires, camping and other disruptive activities are also prohibited (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk).
Are there any age or dress code restrictions?
There’s no formal dress code – casual, weather-appropriate clothing is best. Festivals in summer can be hot in daytime and cool at night, so layer up. No age limits apply to the ground itself. For events, all-ages shows are common. (For instance, Chalfest welcomes families, with under-11s free (chalfest.co.uk) – but anyone 14 or under must have an adult with them (www.ticketfairy.com).)
Is seating provided or do we need to bring our own?
Seating is not provided – it’s a lawn area. You’re welcome to bring picnic blankets, low chairs or camping stools. At concerts and festivals, people spread out on the grass. If you need a seat, plan to bring it. Some events may have a few benches or hay-bale seating, but these are limited and on a first-come basis.
What items are prohibited inside the venue?
General festival rules apply: typically no outside alcohol, no weapons, and no fireworks. Per parish rules, open fires, camping or drones are forbidden (www.chalford-glos.gov.uk). Also assume typical bag size limits if security is in place. Check the specific event announcement for any additional restrictions (e.g. no professional cameras).
What time should I arrive for an event?
It depends on the show. Big festivals often open gates midday or early afternoon – arriving 1–2 hours before main acts get you a spot near the stage and easier parking. For smaller concerts (like the band’s picnics), arriving when the event says it starts (often mid-afternoon) is fine. If you want to picnic or explore first, come early anyway – it’s a peaceful park.
How can I pay for parking or food inside the venue?
The sports club parking lot takes pay-on-exit by card or cash (about £10) (www.ticketfairy.com). Food and drink vendors generally accept cash and major cards on-site. Still, carrying a little cash can be handy for small purchases. The on-site bars and most stalls will also have card readers by now.