Stroud Visitor Guide: Explore The Five Valleys and Things to Do
The town of Stroud is in the Cotswolds area of Gloucestershire. Five valleys converge in the town and make it a very special area 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 in the area. Stroud has a significant art community and is a hotbed for protestors, especially environmental activists.
Things To Do In Stroud
There are many things to see or do in Stroud. 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 see when visiting Stroud. These are 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 a walk along the canal away is Gallery Pangolin in Chalford.
Enjoy a Meal or Drink Out
Stroud is a fantastic foodie destination and has many fantastic restaurants to visit. Many of these serve locally produced food and drinks. There is also an abundance of country pubs in the town which are great for a quiet drink and an enjoyable walk in the five valleys. There are also many pubs and cafes in the town, 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 for walking and exploring 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 are from 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 food produce. Stroud Farmers Market has won awards and is one of the most popular in the UK. There is a great variety of locally produced food, including meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables. There are bakeries that supply bread and cakes and local beer and wine suppliers.
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 that the existing building could no longer meet the growing demands of the town and rebuilt the church, except for the 14th-century tower and spire, which are original structures. The grounds are a nice place to go for reflection or somewhere quiet to enjoy an alfresco lunch. It’s also worth popping inside to see the decor.
Stroud Brewery Tours
If you enjoy beer or are interested in how it’s made, you could enjoy 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 is a grade II listed Cotswold stone building that was built in 1833. It has stone columns and a balcony and a lovely square outside, which is perfect to sit and watch 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 options in the area to do some shopping, including many independent shops. The most notable is Stroud farmers’ market or some of the local farm shops. The town also has many great independent food shops, such as bakeries, delis and much more.
Stroud’s high street in Stroud is rather 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 go shopping in Stroud; their concept is like that of the famous Borough Market in London. They have a great selection of food retailers, including artisan bakeries, butchers and delicatessen stalls. They also have a variety of street food offerings; thus, it is 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 have a great variety of locally produced food and a cafe to enjoy lunch out 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 a great destination for walking or cycling from other places in the county too.