STROUD

STROUD

This market town has a vibrant mix of independent shops, markets and live music and is surrounded by stunning Cotswold countryside and beautiful local villages.

Stroud, a market town on the western side of the Cotswolds, the meeting point of the surrounding five valleys and their rivers, is often referred to as the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds, yet often overlooked by visitors.  With its steep streets, buzzing markets and fascinating history dating back to 1594 through to the industrial revolution which led to its world-class cloth production. The felt coverings for Wimbledon’s tennis balls are still produced here, quite apt given our sponsorship of players at Wimbledon!

A trip to the town must surely start with a visit to the renown and multi award winning Stroud Farmer’s Market, now one of the busiest and most popular in the UK. It takes place every Saturday morning from 9am-2pm at the Cornhill Square and surrounding streets, more information can be found on the Fresh N Local website. Artisan producers and street food vendors come together to enrich visitors’ sense of sight and smell. Do check out other more random sellers too from watch straps to home produced toiletries or cushions. There is nothing pretentious about this market, just pure culinary joy. Recommendations would be lengthy, but we did drool over products from artisan family bakers Hobbs House Bakery, Salt Bakehouse and Humble Crumb, deli products form Over Farm, Stroud Smokehouse and Plenty Pies; vegan chocolate by Cocco Caravan and street food from …. For more information on how to get there and parking visit here.

In addition to this market, Stroud also hosts the Shambles indoor Market on Fridays and Saturdays, Vintage Mary Market every Monday which has an abundance of quirky and unique one off vintage gifts. The Stroud Antique and Collectors Fair takes place on the first Monday of every month in St Laurence’s Church Hall.  Finally, the Five Valleys Night Market runs every Friday evening until 9pm in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Stroud, you will not be disappointed and here are a few of our top tips.

Don’t miss out on …

Local wine tasting and vineyard tours at the nearby award winning Woodchester Valley Vineyard and a visit to Stroud Brewery and Taproom is an absolute must, where organic beer meets sustainability in a community hub with a very unique atmosphere. Sample the range of beers alongside local and organic food from brunch to light lunch or meals to fill a hearty appetite. The Brewery is family and dog friendly.

Stroud Subscription Rooms, known by locals simply as The Sub Rooms, originally built by public subscription under the architect Charles Baker, sits proudly in George Street in the centre of town.  Recently restored and reignited, the Rooms offer a wealth of entertainment in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and workshops. For more information on events see here on What’s On. When the Beatles performed here in 1962 little would they have known how the venue would go from strength to strength.

Visitors to the town can easily spot the former mills along the valleys, some of which are mntioned in the 1086 Domesday Book; some are open for guided tours. A number of interesting landmark buildings contribute to the town’s creative spirit including the Museum in the Park, which houses a collection of over 4,000 objects telling the story of the people and landscape of the Stroud District as well as a walled garden, shop and café; and the Heritage Board Map Trail.

The Cotswold Way, 102 miles long, runs right through the town, a worthy inclusion after a hike across nearby Rodborough, Minchinhampton and Selsey Commons to refresh, rest or do some sightseeing.  The Commons themselves offer stunning scenery across the areas made famous by Laurie Lee and his 'local', The Woolpack at Slad is another must stop, but do book as it is very popular.

It will come as no surprise to learn that there is an abundance of galleries offering both contemporary and fine art works alongside pottery and other craft works. Stroud Valley Arts (SVA), housed in a 7,000 sq ft warehouse in the town centre has been lovingly refurbished over the years and now provides an event and café space, including studio spaces for over 25 artists.  A visit to Victoria Studio Works Studio, a creative hub of art studios, workshops, classes and exhibitions. Nearby Gallery Pangolin in Chalford, just a 10-minute drive away, offers world class sculpture by contemporary artists.

Some super eclectic independent shops are to be found including a really cool record shop, Klang Tone Records in London Road and the Sandersons Boutique, a high end store in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre & Market in King Street selling brands such as Holland Cooper, Loake, Barbour and Penhaligons and a great array of 'street food' kiosks, many showcased in the slideshow above.

PLACES TO EAT

The Stroud, an iconic historic Grade II listed hotel, bar and restaurant, has reopened its doors following major renovations and upgrade designed with contemporary and rustic charm. Choose between the The Bucknall Bar and Restaurant, under Ramsey trained Arthur Knights ,has created a stunning menu, or the Chefs table for special occasions. The Snug and Lounge offers a more intimate setting.

Eateries with an international flavour include Non Solo Pasta in King Street (there products can also be found at the Farmers Market) and Japanese, Kyuri Sushi which combines the elegance of Tokyo with the freshest flavours in the Five Valleys market. The Corner House has built a solid reputation for dishes using seasonal , local ingredients combining new ideas with old favourites and its sharing platters are always popular.

There are several pubs worth a visit in the town itself, alongside some reputable pit stops in surrounding villages. The Old Fleece, just outside the town on the Nailsworth Road oozes rustic charm and has a very good reputation for its food, whilst the Lamb Inn offers good pub grub with incredible views from its garden retreat.. Check out the Crown and Sceptre also, a notably historic building in the heart of town with real ales and friendly service.

If you’re interested in staying close to Stroud please take a look at the properties on the right, all within an easy drive to the market town and its surrounding villages.