English Fashion Designer, Jasper Conran, once described Stroud as ‘The Covent Garden of the Cotswolds'. A market town situated 10 miles south of the City of Gloucester, Stroud is encircled by five sweeping valleys opening out to the River Severn and is renowned for its steep streets, independent spirit and cafe culture.
Want to know more about living in the towns and villages around the Stroud District? Check out our Expert Guide: Places to Live in Stroud.
Schools in Stroud
You don’t need to look hard to find a good school in the Stroud district. There are a number of Outstanding Ofsted rated primary / secondary schools and the opportunity to carry on to further education with a college situated in the town. Use our Locrating tool on the Property Details page to search for schools in your preferred location now.
Things of Interest in Stroud
Stroud has a treasure-trove of independent retailers, boutiques and vintage shops, all in the heart of the town, giving the place its distinctive bohemian feel. It’s also worth checking out Stroud's award-winning weekly Farmers' Market – considered one of the best in the country.
Founded in 1889, Nailsworth based football club, Forest Green Rovers, is the longest serving member of the National League and came 2nd during the 2015/16 season. The club plays at New Lawn, just outside the town centre.
The Subscription Rooms were built in 1833 by public subscription, hence the name, and the venue still plays an important part in the artistic and civic life of the town. It serves as the entertainment heart of Stroud and hosts year-round performances, exhibitions, classes and markets. It also houses the Tourist Information Centre and is more commonly referred to as the ‘Subrooms’.
Set in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park, Stroud's Museum in the Park is a Grade II listed 17th Century building and tells a fascinating story of Stroud’s rich and diverse history.
Traditional local circus troupe, Gifford’s Circus, is based at Fennell’s Farm just outside Stroud and tours various locations in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire throughout the summer. With Tweedy the Clown and various breath-taking acts, it's a popular show with families.
Located close to Stroud, just 3 miles from the market town of Tetbury, Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the finest tree collections in the world, carefully laid out within a listed Victorian landscape. With 17 miles of accessible paths and a stunning treetop walkway, Westonbirt Arboretum is a favourite attraction for families, dog walkers and school visits, and is famed for its spectacular Autumn colour and Spring rhododendron, azalea and magnolia displays. Other popular events include an Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail and the venue plays host to Treefest and music concerts with its Forest Live programme.
Travel In and Around Stroud
The A46 road links Stroud to Gloucester to the north and Bath to the south, with the A419 connecting Stroud to Cirencester in one direction and the M5 motorway at Junction 13 in the other.
Trains depart from Stroud railway station in the centre of town, with frequent services to Gloucester, Cheltenham, Swindon, Reading and London.
Coaches run frequently from Stroud to many UK destinations.
Places to Explore in Stroud
Stroud has a wealth of parks and green spaces:
- Stratford Park is a 56 acre park located just outside the centre of Stroud, with a great range of facilities. The park has won the Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Award on multiple occasions and been a Special Innovation Award winner for community involvement.
- The Five Valleys offers a popular circular walk of some 21 miles around Stroud. A fundraising walk is held annually in aid of the Stroud-based Meningitis Trust, usually on the last Sunday in September.
- With over 3,000 miles of public footpaths/walks and forming part of the Cotswold Way, the Stroud District is justly regarded as one of the finest areas for walking in the UK.
Did You Know…?
- The lawnmower was invented and first demonstrated in Stroud in 1830 by local man Edwin Beard Budding.
- Famous author, Laurie Lee, was born in Stroud and grew up in nearby Slad. His autobiographical account of country life was captured in his book Cider with Rosie.
- Many celebrities have been drawn to the Stroud area over the decades. Some of Stroud’s current famous residents include Lilly Allen, Keith Allen, Cath Kidston and, more recently, Jamie Dornan, star of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Contact Us
As an award-winning Sales & Lettings Agent in Stroud, we have a love and in-depth knowledge of the local area and are happy to share this with you. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, sell or let a property in and around Stroud, contact our friendly team today.
