The town of Stroud, nestled within the rolling hills that once housed innumerable sheep during the town’s heyday as the Cotswolds’ woollen industry, is recognised as the less commercial part of the Cotswolds. It is a slightly bohemian assemblage of buildings, squares, and roads. Attractive eateries, cosy bookshops, welcoming cafes, and independent stores may all be found in Stroud today. Stroud, which Jasper Conran referred to as the “Covent Garden of the Cotswolds,” features a year-round calendar of musical and theatrical performances, a bustling arts community, and a cutting-edge movie theatre. A museum, lakeside walks, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and Stratford Park on the outskirts of town are all great places to unwind. Explore the five rolling valleys that surround the town, which have country paths ideal for walking or riding.
