The town of Stroud is known as the less commercial corner of the Cotswolds, a somewhat bohemian collection of buildings, squares and lanes, tucked into the green hills which once housed countless sheep during the town’s time as the centre of the Cotswold’s woollen industry. Today, Stroud welcomes visitors to its friendly cafes, quaint bookshops, independent shops and tempting eateries. Described by Jasper Conran as the ‘Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’, Stroud has a regular farmers’ market, year-round programmes of music and theatre, a thriving arts scene and a state-of-the-art cinema. For simply relaxing, Stratford Park on the edge of town offers lakeside walks, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a museum. Head out of town to explore the five sweeping valleys which surround it, with country lanes just made for walking or cycling.
