The town dubbed ‘Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’ that’s even more beautiful at Christmas
On paper it would seem like any other English town: it has a train station, a cinema, a shopping centre filled with businesses, and a thriving town centre. But we know that Stroud[1] is more than that.
Making it stand out from the crowd is a thriving cultural scene, a market that’s among the country’s best, and an independent spirit that’s reflected in its shops and its identity. Plus, on the edge of the Cotswolds[2] it’s surrounded by some of the best countryside Gloucestershire[3] has to offer.
And at Christmas, when the town is made sparkly with beautiful decorations, it’s a must-see. Its proximity to London makes it ripe for tourists wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke. It is only 90 minutes from London Paddington right into town.
What makes Stroud so great?
For those wanting food[6] there is plenty to entice. The Five Valleys food hall provides a range of cuisines from across the world: British, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Mexican.
And in the town itself you can enjoy many of the independent venues. Plus every Saturday there’s usually long queues of people at the renowned farmers market[7] wanting to try whatever fancy food is on offer.
Homemade sourdough loaves, local-produced honey, fruits, veg and meats, you can get a plethora of great produce that will make you forget about that diet you were on.
It’s not just food, but coffee shops too. While you do get chains such as Starbucks[8] and Costa Coffee[9] in the town, there’s also places such as Woodruff’s[10] and the Stroud Wine Company where you can enjoy wine tastings. Nearby Woodchester Valley has recently had its Sauvignon blanc named as one of the world’s best[11].
Back in 2021 it was named in The Sunday Times[12] named Stroud the best place to live in the UK, because of its idyllic green surroundings and quality of schools. Indeed, it is so beloved by Londoners that some have even described it as the “Covent Garden of the Cotswolds” or “Notting Hill with wellies”.
For those wanting to see the surroundings you can enjoy walks song the Thames-Cotswold Canal, a walk up any of Selsley, Minchinhampton or Rodborough commons where you can also enjoy any of the pubs nearby or een go fo an ice cream. Just out of town and there’s Slad, the home of Cider With Rosie author Laurie Lee[13], who enjoyed a pint or two in the Woolpack[14].
Back in 2021 it was named in The Sunday Times[15] named Stroud the best place to live in the UK, because of its idyllic green surroundings and quality of schools. Indeed, it is so beloved by Londoners that some have even described it as the “Covent Garden of the Cotswolds” or “Notting Hill with wellies”.
For those wanting to see the surroundings you can enjoy walks song the Thames-Cotswold Canal, a walk up any of Selsley, Minchinhampton or Rodborough commons where you can also enjoy any of the pubs nearby or een go fo an ice cream. Just out of town and there’s Slad, the home of Cider With Rosie author Laurie Lee[16], who enjoyed a pint or two in the Woolpack[17].
References
- ^ Stroud (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cotswolds (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cotswolds wedding venue named best in the West Country (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ BBC Countryfile: Ellie Harrison updates fans on what she’ll do next after leaving hit show (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ food (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ renowned farmers market (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Starbucks (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Costa Coffee (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Woodruff’s (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ named as one of the world’s best (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ The Sunday Times (www.thetimes.co.uk)
- ^ Laurie Lee (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Woolpack (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ The Sunday Times (www.thetimes.co.uk)
- ^ Laurie Lee (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Woolpack (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)