Stroud Visitor Guide: Explore The Five Valleys and Things to Do
Stroud is in the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire. Five valleys converge in the town, making it a special place for walking or cycling. The town has steep hills, independent shops and vibrant cafe culture.
Stroud is the principal town in the area, serving many villages and smaller towns. Stroud has a significant art community and is a hotbed for protestors, especially environmental activists.
Things To Do In Stroud
Stroud offers many things to see and do. However, hiking and cycling are the more popular choices.
Shambles Market & Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall at the Shambles Market is a lovely place to visit when you’re in Stroud. This is a pretty Neoclassical Grade II* listed buildings that date from 1596. It was originally built for use as a market hall. Nowadays, it’s a local government building that overlooks the weekly market on the streets outside. It is a nice backdrop for the market; however, on quieter days, it’s nice to see the details up close.
Lansdown Hall & Gallery
They originally built Lansdown Hall & Gallery as a temperance hall in the 19th century. The hall now hosts live music, theatre, seminars, cinema and art exhibitions. It is located close to St Laurence’s Church and the library. The hall now hosts a variety of art exhibitions. I enjoy popping in for a mooch and have been tempted by some paintings for my home. If you like art, a short drive or walk along the canal takes you to Gallery Pangolin in Chalford.
Enjoy a Meal or Drink Out
Stroud is a fantastic foodie destination with many great restaurants. Many of these serve locally produced food and drinks. The town also has plenty of country pubs, which are great for a quiet drink and an enjoyable walk in the five valleys. The town also has many pubs and cafes, including some wonderful dog-friendly options.
Five Valleys of Stroud
The five valleys include Chalford Valley, Nailsworth Valley, Ruscombe Valley, Slad Valley and the Painswick Valley. These are stunning places to walk and explore the local countryside. You can hike to or from the town centre in all of the valleys, and there are some great trails. Some of my favourite hikes start in Slad, Painswick, or Minchinhampton, finishing with a beer and food in Stroud.
Farmers Market
The weekly farmers’ market in Stroud takes place in Cornhill Market and the nearby streets. It is open from 9 am until 2 pm every Saturday and is a great place to buy some local produce. Stroud Farmers Market has won awards and is one of the UK’s most popular markets. It offers a wide variety of locally produced food, including meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. Bakeries supply bread and cakes, and local suppliers provide beer and wine.
St Laurence Church
St Laurence Church is in the Shambles, Stroud. The site has been a place of worship for over 700 years. In 1866, the Victorians felt the existing building could no longer meet the town’s growing needs and rebuilt the church, except for the 14th-century tower and spire, which are original structures. The grounds are a nice place to reflect or enjoy a quiet alfresco lunch. It’s also worth popping inside to see the decor.
Stroud Brewery Tours
If you enjoy beer or want to see how it’s made, you could take a tour of Stroud Brewery. The brewery is one of the best organic breweries in the Cotswolds. During the tour, you can learn about their ingredients and how they make their delicious beers. As a bonus, you can also taste their beers and afterwards enjoy a meal and drinks in their restaurant or outside seating area alongside the canal. Brewery tours take place weekly, and you can book on their website.
Stroud Subscription Rooms
One of the most recognisable buildings in the town is the Subscription Rooms. The Subscription Rooms are a Grade II listed Cotswold stone building that was built in 1833. It has stone columns, a balcony, and a lovely square outside, which is perfect for sitting and watching the world go by. They also host lots of live music and other events. Historically, the Beatles played here in 1962. You can find out who’s performing soon on their website.
Shopping
There are many shopping options in the area, including many independent shops. The most notable are the Stroud farmers’ market and some local farm shops. The town also has many great independent food shops, such as bakeries, delis and much more.
Stroud’s high street is unique and has some great shops to browse. There is always something different to see, and it is unlike the high street in other towns.
Five Valleys Market
The Five Valleys Market is a great place to shop in Stroud; its concept is like the famous Borough Market in London. It has a great selection of food retailers, including artisan bakeries, butchers, and delicatessen stalls. They also offer a variety of street food, making it a great place to dine out.
Jolly Nice
Situated just outside the town on the road to Cirencester is Jolly Nice, a comprehensive farm shop. They offer a wide variety of locally produced food and a cafe for lunch in the beautiful countryside. It’s well worth the trip out of town, and as a bonus, there are some good walks nearby too.
Other Tourist Attractions in Stroud
- Cotswold Craftsmen Gallery
- Explore Woodchester Park & Mansion
- Go to the Museum in the Park
- Walk along the Thames & Severn Canal
- Nether Lypiatt Manor
- Have fun at Stratford Park, including going swimming
Getting To Stroud
Stagecoach buses serve the town, with routes from Cirencester, Gloucester, Cheltenham, and many of the local Cotswold Villages. It is also on the train line to London, so it’s within easy reach from many places outside of the county. Stroud is also a great destination for walking or cycling from other places in the county.