Stroud guide: things to do in Stroud

Set within the heart of the Cotswolds, the charming market town of Stroud is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, glorious countryside and rich history. With its blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, it’s a popular destination for families, as well as couples looking for escapism in the form of rural walks and simple pleasures. Families can explore the scenic walking trails of the Cotswold Way, visit nearby Woodchester Mansion, or enjoy a day at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Besides the attractions, Stroud has much to offer visitors looking to experience a slower pace of life. Browse the Saturday farmers’ market for local produce to whip up into a feast back at your holiday cottage, or while away a pleasant few hours dipping into the local shops and art galleries. The picturesque setting is conducive to a relaxing romantic getaway, with a suggested itinerary featuring strolls in the surrounding countryside, tucking into sumptuous meals at one of the town’s many independent eateries and exploring the pretty villages of the Cotswolds.

Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, discover local heritage, or indulge in artisan shopping, Stroud offers a delightful escape for all its visitors.

Holiday cottages in Stroud

---

Skip to:

• Attractions in Stroud
• Places to eat in Stroud
• Shopping in St Andrews
• Walks in Stroud
• Events in Stroud
• Map of things to do in Stroud

---

Attractions in Stroud

There are plenty of things to do in Stroud for visitors of all ages, whether you’re a couple on a romantic break, or a family looking to fill your days with fun. Soak up some heritage at the town’s historic attractions, or get back to nature with a visit to one of the local gardens or parks. Find more things to do in the Cotswolds in our handy guide, and more ideas for family fun in the Cotswolds.

---

Museum in the Park

Free to enter, this fascinating museum in the beautiful setting of Stratford Park has over 4,000 artefacts on display, telling the story of Stroud, its people, landscapes and heritage. There’s plenty to see, interactive exhibits and lots to keep children occupied too.

Admire artwork in the regular exhibitions, explore the stunning walled garden, and stop for a cuppa and a light bite in the cafe. Beyond the museum, wander around the lake and the arboretum, enjoying a bit of peace and quiet within the bustling town of Stroud.

---

Woodchester Mansion

Just over 6 miles southwest of Stroud is Woodchester Mansion, a Grade I-listed Victorian Gothic house, set within the beautiful scenery of a Cotswold valley. The building is actually unfinished, but it is nonetheless an astounding example of Gothic Revival architecture, and offers a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a building of this scale and grandeur.

Unique carvings, intricate vaulted ceilings and expert stonework can all be seen here; you may even be lucky enough to witness some of the resident stonemasons at work. The best way to get to know the building is on one of the scheduled guided tours throughout the day.

---

Woodchester Park

Why not combine a visit to Woodchester Mansion with a stroll around the National Trust’s Woodchester Park and make a day of it? The peaceful wooded valley encompasses a chain of five lakes and features a natural play trail for families to enjoy. There are lovely walking routes with the possibility of spotting wildlife including red kites, rabbits, deer and foxes.

Cafes at Tinkley Gate and Woodchester Mansion promise to keep you well fed and watered. There’s also a second-hand bookshop at Tinkley Gate; pick up a novel and settle back in the sunshine for a relaxed afternoon.

---

Painswick Rococo Garden

North of Stroud, Painswick Rococo Garden is a beautiful 18^th-century garden in a leafy valley, with outstanding views of the countryside. Enchanting follies, flamboyant design, places to play, and areas of tranquillity – the garden has something for everyone.

Lose yourselves in the maze, follow a woodland walking trail, take home a memento from the plant shop and kick back with a cuppa in the cafe.

---

The Garden at Miserden

The Garden at Miserden is a gloriously and decadently planted 17^th-century garden, affording spectacular views over a deer park and the undulating hills of the Cotswolds. The garden is beautifully designed, with highlights being the full, mixed borders, a 200-year-old sycamore tree, an impressive topiary yew walk, a rill with a fountain and an enchanting stone summerhouse.

Recharge your batteries with a tasty treat from Little Ginger food trailer in the grounds of the glasshouses.

---

Places to eat in Stroud

For many, holidays are synonymous with delicious food, and a getaway to Stroud is sure to satisfy those foodie urges. The town is sprinkled liberally with restaurants, pubs, takeaways and cafes – in fact we have a whole article dedicated to places to eat in Stroud – just let your tastebuds lead the way.

---

The Corner House

Delicious dishes served in a family-friendly environment are The Corner House’s speciality. Fresh, and, where possible, seasonal ingredients are used to create exquisitely flavoured dishes, to be savoured in the warm and welcoming environment of their restaurant. Whether you visit for a Sunday roast or a special dinner, you won’t fail to be impressed by this Stroud restaurant’s offering.

---

Karibu

Vegans and vegetarians rejoice! Karibu is a gem of a restaurant, serving up mouthwatering vegan fare; a colourful and flavourful array of dishes which will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even cleared your plate. Choices include gochujang noodles, vegetable samosas and tofu burgers which you can enjoy downstairs, upstairs or on the roof terrace. What’s more, dogs are welcome throughout.

---

Wilder

Just 4.5 miles out of Stroud, and well-worth the short journey, is the fabulous Wilder restaurant. A unique, Michelin-recommended eatery, Wilder offers a three-hour, eight-course tasting menu which truly is a feast for the senses. Incorporating seasonal produce into impeccably prepared dishes, served with a curated selection of drinks pairings, this is a dining experience perfect if you’re looking for places to eat in Stroud for a special occasion. Booking is essential!

---

Shopping in Stroud

When it comes to shopping, Stroud doesn’t disappoint. Pick up local produce at the Saturday morning farmers’ market, find a mixture of big-name brands and independent shops in Five Valleys Shopping Centre, and peruse the high street for a large array of shops and cafes. On Fridays and Saturdays, don’t miss Shambles Market, packed with fabulous independent stalls selling everything you could possibly need, and much more besides.

Support local producers when you stock up on supplies at Knights Artisan Butchers and The Cotswold Grocer, and find other essentials in one of Stroud’s many supermarkets – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, ALDI, Iceland, Lidl and Co-Op – take your pick!

It’s a pleasure to wander around the characterful town, perhaps picking up a tasty treat from Choux Bun Appetit, a tipple for later from the Stroud Wine Company, or something to munch while you walk from Confection Affection. You can supplement your wardrobe with garments from boutiques to suit all styles, or find that unique piece of homeware you’ve got the perfect spot for. And if you exhaust the streets of Stroud, continue the retail therapy at nearby Nailsworth, Wotton-under-Edge or Dursley.  

---

Walks near Stroud

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Stroud is a top destination for a walking holiday, promising stunning views of the rural Cotswold landscapes. Rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages are staples of walks in this part of the country, and the area is rich in scenic trails like the Cotswold Way, Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, and Woodchester Park, providing plenty of opportunities to fasten those laces and put your best walking boot-clad foot forward.

---

Painswick Beacon

Just north of Stroud sits Painswick Beacon, the site of an Iron Age hill fort, with impressive 360-degree views from its summit. This pleasant, short, circular walk heads up through the woodland, past the golf course along a section of the Cotswold Way before climbing steps up to the top of Painswick Beacon. Stop a while to catch your breath and admire the panorama, which sweeps from the Malvern Hills to the Forest of Dean and the Brecon Beacons.

---

Laurie Lee Wildlife Way

Taking in a beautiful swathe of the Cotswold National Landscape, in the peaceful Slad Valley, this wonderful, circular trail passes amongst hills, valleys, woodlands, rivers and streams. The area is rich in wildlife, and the walk is dotted with poetry posts, celebrating the connection to famous poet/author Laurie Lee, most recognised for his book Cider With Rosie. The poems and excerpts on the post provide a good excuse to pause and ponder the landscape on your walk.

---

Events in Stroud

Every week sees a different event in Stroud, including live bands in the pubs, live theatre at Cotswold Playhouse and the Subscription Rooms, weekly markets and well-attended family and charity days. We’ve picked out some of the best annual events in Stroud, but be sure to check local social media pages before your travels to find out what’s on in Stroud during your stay.

---

Map of things to do in Stroud

Find all the things to do in Stroud that we’ve mentioned above on our handy map below.

<

" class="fr-draggable">

---

Holiday accommodation in Stroud

Stroud is a lovely location for a Cotswolds holiday, within 11.5 miles of Gloucester, 14 miles of Cheltenham, and surrounded by fantastic attractions, peaceful countryside and pretty Cotswolds villages to explore.

The latter host many of our cosy holiday cottages – or perhaps you’d prefer to be at the heart of the action in Stroud itself? Whatever your criteria, find your perfect match amongst our holiday cottages in Stroud, or find more inspiration in our article about the best places to stay in Gloucestershire.

Holiday cottages in Stroud