Among many notable historic medieval buildings in the area are Beverston Castle and Owlpen Manor.

It was connected directly to the UK national rail network between 1867 and 1947, as the terminus of the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway.

Nailsworth remains connected by regular public transport; it is the terminus of the hourly Stagecoach Gold bus route 63 from Gloucester via Stroud.

[6] Built on the higher ground at the centre of town, St George's was consecrated in November 1900.

The large entrance was originally designed as a tower, but the elevated ground was found to be too unstable to support the weight, resulting in the unusual porch.

A chancel, the Lady Chapel, and vestries were added in 1939, commemorating those from the town who died in World War I.

On the west wall is a mural painted by Sir Oliver Heywood in 1985, showing community life in the town.

[8] In 1837, the Baptist chapel at Shortwood was rebuilt and by 1851 was serving a congregation of over 1,000 despite an exodus of nearly 100 members to Australia in the previous decade.

In 1864 disagreements over the appointment of a new minister saw a secession, with some members leaving to open the Nailsworth Tabernacle Church.

On November 27, 2019, Nailsworth signed a Friendship Agreement with the Village of Perry, New York, United States of America.