Stroud is a small market city in Gloucestershire that makes a incredible base for exploring the Cotswolds and different close by landmarks. Nevertheless, there are many great issues to do in Stroud itself from looking the farmers’ market to visiting museums, attempting out some eating places, and much more apart from.
I’ve buddies in Stroud so go to frequently and love exploring the quaint, cobbled streets and impartial retailers on this hilly city within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds. There are some nice pubs round and the Stroud Brewery is without doubt one of the high locations to go to should you like actual ale.
In addition to all of the fascinating locations to go to in Stroud, there are some glorious day journeys to close by locations of curiosity. A few of the close by Cotswold villages embrace Slad and Fort Combe that are properly price a go to. The cities of Gloucester and Bristol are additionally simply brief prepare journeys away.
Greatest Issues To Do in Stroud
Under, you’ll discover all kinds of locations to go to in Stroud from cultural landmarks to food and drinks venues, procuring, museums, and extra. There’s a lot to maintain you occupied on this nice Cotswold city and it’s someplace I come again to again and again to take pleasure in an extended weekend.
1. Browse the Stroud Farmers’ Market
Visiting the Stroud Farmers’ Market is a should on any journey to the city and the most effective issues to do in Stroud if you wish to get an actual really feel for a conventional Cotswold market city. The market has gained many awards and is taken into account one of many greatest and greatest in the entire of the UK.
The market is a heaven for foodies with a number of contemporary, native produce from ale, native ciders and cheeses (the Cotswold is famed for each), preserves, and rather more. I like wandering across the market and normally find yourself selecting a number of items to take house (which can or might not have a proof proportion).
The market is open each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm on the Cornhill Market Place (see under for deal with and instructions). Wandering across the vigorous market is unquestionably some of the enjoyable issues to do in Stroud.
Handle: Cornhill Market Place, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HH. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Catch a Band on the Brunel Items Shed
The Brunel Items Shed is a singular venue that’s been remodeled into an artwork and stay music area within the coronary heart of Stroud. The shed was constructed by engineer and architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel entire additionally constructed the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
The shed is run by the SVA (Stroud Valleys Artspace) which additionally has one other department on the town on John Road; only a stone’s throw from the Brunel Items Shed. Each areas are glorious methods to expertise up-and-coming acts in addition to native artists and extra.
Handle: Station Strategy, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3AP. Click on right here for instructions.
3. See the Museum within the Park
When you’re in search of free issues to do in Stroud then head alongside to the fascinating Museum within the Park. This native historical past museum is situated inside a beautiful seventeenth Century stone home, inside Stratford Park. There’s additionally an artwork gallery showcasing work and illustrations from native college students.
Services on the museum embrace a present store, cafe, and the Walled Backyard (extra on that under). The museum is open each day from 11 am to 4:30 pm and entrance is free. The attractive Stratford Park is one in every of my favourite locations for a stroll and one of many high locations to see in Stroud.
Handle: Stratford Park, Stratford Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Discover The Walled Backyard
The Walled Backyard is a conventional walled backyard that’s break up into completely different sections, joined by a collection of interconnecting pathways. Inside you’ll discover brightly coloured flower beds, a pavilion, apple and pear orchards, a pond, a solar terrace and a meadow, and a kitchen backyard.
When you’re in search of some peace and quiet, the Walled Backyard is the place to be. This idyllic setting is ideal for studying a guide, sitting in quiet contemplation, or attending one of many studying occasions hosted by the backyard (see the web site to see what’s at the moment occurring).
Handle: Stratford Park, Stratford Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Go to Stroud Brewery
The Stroud Brewery is one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Stroud and is someplace buddies and I normally find yourself on a Friday or Saturday night time. There’s a big taproom right here, indoor and outdoors seating (beneath a marquee), and a very good choice of native meals served too.
The brewery has an in depth listing of beers and ciders with each draught and bottles accessible. There’s an enormous choice of meals accessible from brunch (served each day till 3 pm), burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and sharing platters. It’s no marvel the place is at all times packed.
The brewery holds common occasions from beer and cider festivals to stay music, dance workshops, and even a communal workspace for digital nomads and different distant staff (on Wednesdays). Verify the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your keep. Stopping right here is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Stroud.
Handle: London Street, Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2BY. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Pop Into Woodruffs Cafe (The First Natural Cafe in Britain)
Woodruffs Cafe was based in 1998 and claims to be the primary ever wholly natural cafe in Britain. Proprietor Jamie was as soon as one of many stall holders on the Stroud Farmers’ Market earlier than establishing store within the city on a extra everlasting foundation.
This is a superb place to return for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and you may be assured of the best native and natural components in every little thing out of your espresso to the numerous mouthwatering meals on provide (the BBQ Boston beans, eggs, and mushrooms dish is an actual winner).
The cafe is open each day from 8 am to five pm (9:30 am to three pm on Sundays). When you’re in search of one thing wholesome, ethically sourced, and most of all tasty, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with Woodruffs Cafe.
Handle: 24 Excessive Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AJ. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Stroll Alongside the Stroudwater Canal
The Stroudwater Canal runs by means of the guts of the city for 12 miles (19 km) and takes within the lovely Stroud Valley space. The towpath that runs alongside the canal is a good place to stroll (particularly when you have a four-legged good friend with you) because it’s away from the roads and in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
Strolling alongside the canal is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do round Stroud if you wish to escape into the serene nature that laps on the city. That is one in every of my favourite locations for a stroll and there are many choices corresponding to The Stables Cafe or The Three Horseshoes pub to cease en route for refreshments.
8. Go Wine Tasting at Woodchester Winery
Woodchester Valley Winery is situated on the outskirts of Stroud and is the proper place for wine lovers. The vineyard affords guided excursions and tastings and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Stroud for {couples} who take pleasure in a glass or two of vino. Study all about viticulture and wine-making as you take pleasure in a tutored tasting.
The excursions function year-round and I like taking within the beautiful Sroud Valley surroundings from right here. The winery holds common occasions and there’s an onsite store the place you’ll be able to decide up a bottle or two to take house or present. This can be a incredible time out for these occupied with England’s wine business. See the web site to guide.
Handle: Convent Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 5HR. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Hike the Cotswolds Method
The Cotswolds Method is a 102-mile (164 km) path that runs by means of the guts of this space of excellent pure magnificence. The route begins in Chipping Campden and ends in Bathtub, passing proper by means of the city of Stroud. Though the complete path is slightly formidable for a brief journey, it’s doable to take pleasure in a day hike.
This five-mile spherical journey beginning and ending in Stroud affords a number of the best views within the nation and takes in native magnificence spots Haresfield Hill and Standish Wooden. Pack some good strolling footwear, a picnic, and a pair of binoculars to identify the native wildlife and set out for a day surrounded by beautiful nature.
That is one in every of my favourite hikes and the most effective issues to do in Stroud for households in search of out of doors actions. Afterward, you should definitely discover a good pub to relaxation these drained ft (I like to recommend The Clothiers Arms).
10. Go to the Stroud Subscription Rooms
The Stroud Subscription Rooms (identified domestically as The Sub Rooms) is the previous city corridor and residential to a small vacationer data middle, a artistic artwork area, and a bar and restaurant. Visiting The Sub Rooms is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Stroud at night time as there’s at all times one thing enjoyable occurring.
From exhibitions by native artists, workshops, comedy acts, open-mic nights, and stay gigs, this is without doubt one of the high locations within the city for night leisure. The onsite Central Bar and Cafe affords a spread of sunshine snacks and refreshments and is a good place to hang around.
Handle: George Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AE. Click on right here for instructions.
11. See Fort Combe, England’s Prettiest Village
The beautiful Cotswold Village of Fort Combe is simply 22 miles south of Stroud and takes round 40 minutes to drive alongside the A46. It’s so beautiful that it’s usually labeled because the prettiest village in England due to its picture-perfect stone cottages with thatched roofs, colourful flowerbeds, and winding lanes.
When you’re after that excellent image of a quintessential English village for Instagram, then Fort Combe is the place to search out it. Discover the cobbled lanes, picturesque river, and outdated stone bridges on this village that point forgot. See the medieval market cross, pop into one of many pubs or tea rooms, and delight in some of the lovely locations in England.
12. Discover Woodchester Park
The attractive Woodchester Park dates again to the 18th Century and contains 5 lakes throughout an expanse of wooded valley six miles (10 km) south of Stroud. See an unique nineteenth Century boathouse, scroll by means of many paths that wind their means by means of the park, and luxuriate in a cream tea or ice cream on the tea rooms.
Handle: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3TS. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Go to the Fairly Village of Slad
The close by village of Slad is one in every of my favourite locations to go to close to Stroud due to its connections with one in every of my favourite authors (Laurie Lee) who grew up within the village and is buried within the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Church. Reverse the church is The Woolpack Inn which is a good place for a pint and affords beautiful views throughout the hills and valleys.
Lee wrote concerning the village and surrounding countryside in his bestseller Cider with Rosie (which alongside together with his full again catalog you’ll be able to decide up within the Stroud Bookshop, as I did on my final go to). Bus 228 leaves Stroud Merrywalks bus cease (Cease D) hourly and takes simply 4 minutes to succeed in the village.
14. See Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester Mansion is a Grade I listed Victorian constructing that dates again to 1855. This grand mansion is hidden in a deep valley and is surrounded by lush countryside making it a superb time out for the entire household. The home is famed because the residence of a colony of bats that roost within the higher ceilings.
The mansion is open from 11 am to five pm each Friday Saturday and Sunday from April to October. It’s doable to take a guided tour of the home and grounds which may be booked on-line. Entrance prices £9 for adults and kids beneath 16 go free.
Handle: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3TS. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Take a Day Journey to Bathtub
The historic metropolis of Bathtub is simply 30 miles (48 km) from Stroud and makes a superb day journey as it may be reached in beneath an hour. There are many great issues to do in Bathtub from exploring the traditional Roman baths (therefore the identify) to having fun with a reinvigorating spa day and admiring the beautiful Georgian structure.
The most effective methods to expertise Bathtub is to take a tour like this 90-minute strolling tour which incorporates entry to the Roman baths and showcases a number of the metropolis’s high landmarks corresponding to Pulteney Bridge, Bathtub Abbey, and the Royal Crescent. Click on right here to search out out extra.
It’s round a 50-minute drive from Stroud to Bathtub alongside the A46 or you’ll be able to take one of many hourly trains (by way of Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Bathtub is unquestionably the most effective issues to do close to Stroud should you’re in search of a terrific day journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Stroud
Under, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Stroud that will help you get probably the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest issues to see in Stroud and a number of the greatest day journeys from the city.
1 Day in Stroud Itinerary
With simply someday in Stroud, go to the Museum within the Park and Walled Backyard earlier than popping into Woodruffs for an natural brunch or lunch. Within the afternoon, stroll alongside the canal and cease by the Hill Paul Gallery. Within the night, head to the Stroud Brewery for drinks and a chunk to eat. If it’s a Saturday you should definitely take a look at the Farmers’ Market.
2-3 Days in Stroud Itinerary
Observe the above itinerary to your first day and spend extra time exploring the city and its parks, river, and canal (there are many nice picnic spots between them). Be sure you cease in a single or two of the city’s glorious pubs like The Previous Fleece or Fountain Inn.
1 Week in Stroud Itinerary
One to 3 days is the proper period of time to cowl all there’s to do in Stroud, so embrace day journeys on spare days to attractive Fort Combe (the prettiest village in England) and historic Bathtub. Save a day or two to hike a part of the Cotswolds Approach to actually get a really feel for this lovely a part of the nation.
The place to Keep in Stroud
These are a number of of one of the best locations to remain in Stroud for vacationers:
The Clothiers Arms – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The Clothiers Arms is an outdated inn situated within the coronary heart of Stroud simply by the River Frome and a brief stroll from the railway station and all of the Stroud sights and facilities. The comfortable rooms include a desk, flatscreen TV, and complimentary toiletries, and a few rooms also have a balcony. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Previous Fleece Flats – Greatest for Households
The Previous Fleece Flats affords cozy one and two-bedroom lodging in Stroud; excellent for households and small teams of buddies. The lodging include a non-public rest room with a bathe, a fully-fitted kitchen, and WiFi all through. The rooms are tastefully adorned to a contemporary normal. Click on right here to guide.
Burleigh Court docket Lodge – Greatest for {Couples}
When you’re in search of slightly luxurious whereas visiting the Stroud sights then the Burleigh Court docket Lodge is simply the place. Situated 4 miles from the city, this four-star resort in an outdated Cotswold stone manor home has rooms that function a balcony, hearth, and a four-poster mattress. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Greatest Eating places in Stroud
Stroud has some glorious pubs and eating places using one of the best native Cotswolds components. Listed here are a number of of my favourite locations to eat on the town:
Jrool Bistro: Jrool Bristro is a cultured restaurant and cocktail bar within the middle of city makes a speciality of a menu of domestically sourced components and a few glorious cocktails. From classics like scampi and chips to halloumi, hen skewers, and burgers, you’ll you should definitely discover one thing tasty on the menu. Costs are very cheap with mains all costing round £12. Click on right here for instructions.
The Yard Cafe and Kitchen: Previously Mills Cafe, The Yard is situated on the Excessive Road and is a good daytime possibility that serves up a choice of cold and warm snacks from sandwiches and paninis to nachos, sourdough, and noodle dishes. Click on right here for instructions.
The Clothiers Arms: In addition to a superb place to remain in Stroud, The Clothier Arms is a conventional pub with a superb menu of native beers, ciders, modern British delicacies, and pub classics. Nice costs with mains from £12.95. Click on right here for instructions.
Karibu Vegan Bar and Kitchen: When you’re in search of a meat-free meal then head alongside to the vastly fashionable Karibu bar and kitchen. There’s a sit-down cafe and choices for takeaway or supply providers. The smoky pink pepper goulash is wonderful they usually make a imply mojito – don’t simply take my phrase for it. Click on right here for instructions.
Simpsons Fish and Chips: Simpsons is unquestionably one of the best fish and chip store in Stroud and has a dine-in restaurant in addition to takeaway service. Simpsons is not like most different chippies as they provide vegan and gluten-free choices and are slightly extra upmarket with costs that replicate this (£10-£12 for fish and chips). Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Stroud
The closest worldwide airport to Stroud is Bristol which is an hour’s drive away. You’ll want a automobile as there aren’t any direct transport hyperlinks from the airport to Stroud.
I normally get a raise to Stroud from London with buddies and it’s a easy two to three-hour drive alongside the M4 and A419 (relying on visitors). There are a number of hourly trains from London Paddington and the journey takes round 90 minutes.
Visiting all of the vacationer sights in Stroud may be completed on foot because it’s not an enormous city, nevertheless, to get probably the most out of your journey hiring a automobile could be a good suggestion so you’ll be able to discover extra of the beautiful Cotswold countryside across the city.
Issues To Do in Stroud: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Stroud:
Stroud is known for its farmers market and as a quaint city within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds. It’s additionally identified for its glorious brewery (Stroud Brewery).
Spring by means of fall is one of the best time to go to Stroud to get probably the most out of your journey and benefit from the beautiful countryside in town’s doorstep.
Stroud is unquestionably price visiting for its sights just like the Walled Backyard, farmers market, and native brewery. It’s additionally a terrific place for foodies due to its impartial cafes and eating places specializing in native, natural produce.
Two to 3 days (an extended weekend) is the proper period of time to see all Stroud has to supply, however should you want to discover close by locations corresponding to Slad, Fort Combe, and Bathtub then per week is best.
Stroud is mostly secure for vacationers however is not with out crime. Take the same old precautions whereas touring and keep away from dimly lit areas and outlying estates at night time.
Visiting the farmers market, procuring within the city’s many impartial retailers, having fun with the native food and drinks, and strolling within the close by countryside are a number of the hottest issues to do in Stroud.
There aren’t any seashores in Stroud because it’s an inland city.
Stroud is a foodie’s dream with so many great eating places that use native Cotswold produce. Native ciders, cheeses, and meats are all accessible on the farmers’ market and the city’s cafes, pubs, and eating places.
In Closing
Now you recognize what to do in Stroud, the charming market city within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds. From the numerous parks and inexperienced areas like Stratford and Woodchester Park to the Walled Backyard, museums, and artwork areas, there’s a lot within the city to maintain guests occupied.
Foodies will love the various vary of eateries within the city from the primary natural cafe in Britain to vegan eating places, conventional pubs, and naturally the well-known farmers’ market and brewery. It’s additionally a incredible vacation spot for mountaineering and exploring the remainder of this lovely area and I can’t wait to return.
