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 searching the farmers’ market to visiting museums, attempting out some eating places, and much more in addition to.
I’ve buddies in Stroud so go to repeatedly 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 likely one of the prime locations to go to when you like actual ale.
In addition to all of the attention-grabbing 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 Citadel Combe that are effectively price a go to. The cities of Gloucester and Bristol are additionally simply quick 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 foods and drinks venues, procuring, museums, and extra. There’s lots 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 standard Cotswold market city. The market has gained many awards and is taken into account one of many greatest and finest in the entire of the UK.
The market is a heaven for foodies with plenty of contemporary, native produce from ale, native ciders and cheeses (the Cotswold is famed for each), preserves, and way more. I like wandering across the market and normally find yourself selecting a couple 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 handle and instructions). Wandering across the vigorous market is certainly some of the enjoyable issues to do in Stroud.
Deal with: 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 reworked into an artwork and reside music area within the coronary heart of Stroud. The shed was constructed by engineer and architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel complete 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 places are glorious methods to expertise up-and-coming acts in addition to native artists and extra.
Deal with: Station Strategy, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3AP. Click on right here for instructions.
3. See the Museum within the Park
When you’re searching for free issues to do in Stroud then head alongside to the attention-grabbing Museum within the Park. This native historical past museum is positioned inside a stunning seventeenth Century stone home, inside Stratford Park. There’s additionally an artwork gallery showcasing work and illustrations from native college students.
Amenities on the museum embrace a present store, cafe, and the Walled Backyard (extra on that under). The museum is open day by day from 11 am to 4:30 pm and entrance is free. The gorgeous Stratford Park is one in all my favourite locations for a stroll and one of many prime locations to see in Stroud.
Deal with: Stratford Park, Stratford Highway, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Discover The Walled Backyard
The Walled Backyard is a standard 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 searching for some peace and quiet, the Walled Backyard is the place to be. This idyllic setting is ideal for studying a e-book, sitting in quiet contemplation, or attending one of many studying occasions hosted by the backyard (see the web site to see what’s at present occurring).
Deal with: Stratford Park, Stratford Highway, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Go to Stroud Brewery
The Stroud Brewery is one in all my favourite locations to go to in Stroud and is someplace buddies and I normally find yourself on a Friday or Saturday evening. There’s a big taproom right here, indoor and out of doors seating (beneath a marquee), and a very good choice of native meals served too.
The brewery has an intensive listing of beers and ciders with each draught and bottles out there. There’s an enormous choice of meals out there from brunch (served day by day till 3 pm), burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and sharing platters. It’s no surprise the place is at all times packed.
The brewery holds common occasions from beer and cider festivals to reside music, dance workshops, and even a communal workspace for digital nomads and different distant employees (on Wednesdays). Examine the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your keep. Stopping right here is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Stroud.
Deal with: London Highway, 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 wonderful place to return for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and you may be assured of the best native and natural substances in every thing out of your espresso to the numerous mouthwatering meals on supply (the BBQ Boston beans, eggs, and mushrooms dish is an actual winner).
The cafe is open day by day from 8 am to five pm (9:30 am to three pm on Sundays). When you’re searching for one thing wholesome, ethically sourced, and most of all tasty, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with Woodruffs Cafe.
Deal with: 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 center 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 superb place to stroll (particularly in case you have a four-legged pal with you) because it’s away from the roads and in a stunning, tranquil setting.
Strolling alongside the canal is likely one of the finest issues to do round Stroud if you wish to escape into the serene nature that laps on the city. That is one in all my favourite locations for a stroll and there are many choices reminiscent of 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 positioned on the outskirts of Stroud and is the proper place for wine lovers. The vineyard provides guided excursions and tastings and is likely one of the finest 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 reward. This can be a incredible day trip for these all in favour of England’s wine business. See the web site to e-book.
Deal with: Convent Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 5HR. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Hike the Cotswolds Manner
The Cotswolds Manner is a 102-mile (164 km) path that runs by means of the center of this space of excellent pure magnificence. The route begins in Chipping Campden and ends in Tub, passing proper by means of the city of Stroud. Though the complete path is somewhat bold for a brief journey, it’s potential to take pleasure in a day hike.
This five-mile spherical journey beginning and ending in Stroud provides 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 all my favourite hikes and the most effective issues to do in Stroud for households searching for out of doors actions. Afterward, be sure you discover a good pub to relaxation these drained toes (I like to recommend The Clothiers Arms).
10. Go to the Stroud Subscription Rooms
The Stroud Subscription Rooms (recognized regionally as The Sub Rooms) is the previous city corridor and residential to a small vacationer info heart, a artistic artwork area, and a bar and restaurant. Visiting The Sub Rooms is likely one of the finest issues to do in Stroud at evening as there’s at all times one thing enjoyable occurring.
From exhibitions by native artists, workshops, comedy acts, open-mic nights, and reside gigs, this is likely one of the prime locations within the city for night leisure. The onsite Central Bar and Cafe provides a variety of sunshine snacks and refreshments and is a superb place to hang around.
Deal with: George Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AE. Click on right here for instructions.
11. See Citadel Combe, England’s Prettiest Village
The beautiful Cotswold Village of Citadel 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 because of its picture-perfect stone cottages with thatched roofs, colourful flowerbeds, and winding lanes.
When you’re after that good image of a quintessential English village for Instagram, then Citadel Combe is the place to seek 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 indulge in some of the lovely locations in England.
12. Discover Woodchester Park
The beautiful Woodchester Park dates again to the 18th Century and consists of 5 lakes throughout an expanse of wooded valley six miles (10 km) south of Stroud. See an authentic nineteenth Century boathouse, scroll by means of many paths that wind their manner by means of the park, and luxuriate in a cream tea or ice cream on the tea rooms.
Deal with: 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 all my favourite locations to go to close to Stroud because of its connections with one in all 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 superb place for a pint and provides 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 achieve 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 day trip 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 potential to take a guided tour of the home and grounds which could be booked on-line. Entrance prices £9 for adults and kids beneath 16 go free.
Deal with: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3TS. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Take a Day Journey to Tub
The historic metropolis of Tub 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 Tub from exploring the traditional Roman baths (therefore the identify) to having fun with a reinvigorating spa day and admiring the beautiful Georgian structure.
Among the best methods to expertise Tub 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 prime landmarks reminiscent of Pulteney Bridge, Tub Abbey, and the Royal Crescent. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
It’s round a 50-minute drive from Stroud to Tub alongside the A46 or you’ll be able to take one of many hourly trains (through Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Tub is certainly the most effective issues to do close to Stroud when you’re searching for an excellent day journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Stroud
Under, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Stroud that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest issues to see in Stroud and a number of the finest day journeys from the city.
1 Day in Stroud Itinerary
With simply at some point 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 be sure you try 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 to cease in a single or two of the city’s glorious pubs like The Outdated 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 beautiful Citadel Combe (the prettiest village in England) and historic Tub. Save a day or two to hike a part of the Cotswolds Technique to actually get a really feel for this lovely a part of the nation.
The place to Keep in Stroud
These are a couple of of the very best locations to remain in Stroud for vacationers:
The Clothiers Arms – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The Clothiers Arms is an outdated inn positioned within the coronary heart of Stroud simply by the River Frome and a brief stroll from the railway station and all of the Stroud points of interest 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 seek out out extra.
Outdated Fleece Residences – Greatest for Households
The Outdated Fleece Residences provides cozy one and two-bedroom lodging in Stroud; good for households and small teams of buddies. The lodging include a non-public toilet 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 e-book.
Burleigh Courtroom Lodge – Greatest for {Couples}
When you’re searching for somewhat luxurious whereas visiting the Stroud points of interest then the Burleigh Courtroom Lodge is simply the place. Positioned 4 miles from the city, this four-star lodge in an outdated Cotswold stone manor home has rooms that characteristic a balcony, fire, 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 the very best native Cotswolds substances. Listed below are a couple of of my favourite locations to eat on the town:
Jrool Bistro: Jrool Bristro is an aesthetic restaurant and cocktail bar within the heart of city makes a speciality of a menu of regionally sourced substances and a few glorious cocktails. From classics like scampi and chips to halloumi, hen skewers, and burgers, you’ll be sure you discover one thing tasty on the menu. Costs are very affordable with mains all costing round £12. Click on right here for instructions.
The Yard Cafe and Kitchen: Previously Mills Cafe, The Yard is positioned on the Excessive Road and is a superb 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 standard pub with a superb menu of native beers, ciders, up to date 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 searching for a meat-free meal then head alongside to the massively fashionable Karibu bar and kitchen. There’s a sit-down cafe and choices for takeaway or supply companies. The smoky purple pepper goulash is superb 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 certainly the very 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 somewhat 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 elevate 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 points of interest in Stroud could be carried out on foot because it’s not a giant city, nonetheless, to get essentially 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 below 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 recognized for its glorious brewery (Stroud Brewery).
Spring by means of fall is the very best time to go to Stroud to get essentially the most out of your journey and benefit from the beautiful countryside in town’s doorstep.
Stroud is certainly price visiting for its points of interest just like the Walled Backyard, farmers market, and native brewery. It’s additionally an excellent place for foodies because of 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 when you want to discover close by locations reminiscent of Slad, Citadel Combe, and Tub then per week is healthier.
Stroud is mostly protected for vacationers however is not with out crime. Take the standard precautions whereas touring and keep away from dimly lit areas and outlying estates at evening.
Visiting the farmers market, procuring within the city’s many impartial retailers, having fun with the native foods 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 out there on the farmers’ market and the city’s cafes, pubs, and eating places.
In Closing
Now you realize 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 lots 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 mountain climbing and exploring the remainder of this lovely area and I can’t wait to return.
