If you're looking for a community that is proudly self-reliant with a vibrant art and culture scene within picturesque settings, Stroud should be at the top of your list. Experience the Cotswold lifestyle in Stroud, renowned for its picturesque hills and winding streets.
While Stroud offers many green spaces, it's not just about majestic scenery and invigorating walks. The town is also renowned for its great commuter links and an array of homes - from the traditional miller's cottages to newly developed apartments with spectacular canalside views.
Take a look at just some of the reasons why house hunters might consider moving to Stroud in.
Property Centre Guide on Living In Stroud, A Cotswold Town With Vibrant Arts & Culture
Stroud is one of the best places to live in the UK
Stroud was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, topping a list of 78 locations. The Sunday Times cited Stroud's excellent schools, convenient transport links and easy access to green spaces.
The announcement also mentioned the uniquely independent spirit that comes to the fore in Stroud's impressive local food scene and the brilliant weekly farmers’ market that brings the town and surrounding countryside together - The Sunday Times judges praised Stroud Farmers’ Market as “one of the best in the country”.
Property in Stroud
Stroud is graced with an abundance of historic and classic buildings, ranging from Victorian townhouses to charming Cotswold stone cottages.
New builds can be found around the district in areas such as Great Oldbury near Stonehouse as well as those nestled alongside the newly redeveloped Stroudwater Navigation.
Shop local in Stroud
Stroud town centre is a treasure trove of independent stores, eateries and cafés. Take your time strolling around the city streets and 'people-watch' from one of Stroud's many cafes. With an extensive variety of quality products ranging from locally crafted items to vinyl and vintage fashion - there's something for everyone.
Known for its cafe-culture Stroud is home to many independent coffee shops. At the centre of town there is Woodruffs; for a more secluded experience, check out the Yard Cafe and Kitchen formerly Mills Cafe and its courtyard; or for a more cosmopolitan vibe, take a seat at the Subscription Rooms Central Bar & Kitchen.
For the finest wines, look no further than The Stroud Wine Company and for those with a sweet tooth, Confection Affection is the perfect place to find chocolates as well as classic childhood treats. At Five Valleys Market, you'll have access to quality butchers, fishmongers, bakers and more all in one convenient spot.
Ori Hellerstein of The Artisan Baker at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud. Picture: Carl Hewlett / Hewlett Photography & Design
Enjoy the outdoors in Stroud
Embellished by breathtaking Cotswold landscapes, nature lovers can find endless green spaces to explore in and around Stroud.
Stratford Park is an ideal location to stroll and relax, with ample areas to sit and take in your peaceful surroundings. Located just a short walk from the town centre, Stratford Park offers a range of interests for everyone. The Museum in the Park is within the park grounds, in addition to the outdoor pool and leisure centre. The 56-acre park features a lake, an impressive arboretum with in excess of 800 trees and a children’s play area.
Stratford Park leisure centre and outdoor pool. Picture: Dr John Wells, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hills surround the town on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. Relish remarkable vistas across the Severn Estuary atop Selsley Common, indulge in a delicious ice cream at Winstones on Rodborough Common or enjoy a round of golf at Minchinhampton.
Easy access for commuters
Living in StroudLiving in Stroud is an ideal area for commuters, being just 20-45 minutes away by train to Cheltenham, Gloucester or Swindon as well as offering direct trains to London Paddington.
Moreover, the M5, just a 15-minute drive from the town centre, offers connections to Bristol and Birmingham while providing access to the M4 that takes you directly into Wales or towards Swindon if travelling further afield.
Stroud’s eco-friendly ethos
Stroud is well known for its green credentials, from eco-friendly homes to solar-powered football stadiums. In 2022, Stroud was named England’s least wasteful town by Bower Collective, possessing the country’s 2nd highest recycling rate and the 4th lowest amount of generated household waste.
Forest Green Rovers FC located in Nailsworth is not only a fully-vegan team but it has been dubbed the greenest football club in the world by FIFA. With an organic grass pitch that is free of pesticides and is irrigated with rainwater as well as solar-powered robot lawnmowers, the Forest Green Rovers stadium also includes electric vehicle charging points and uses 100% green energy from Ecotricity, one of the largest employers in Stroud.
Fantastic schools in Stroud
With over 60 primary schools and 15 secondary schools in the Stroud District, parents are not short of choice when it comes to the education of their children.
There are several secondary schools located close to Stroud town centre itself with Marling School, Stroud High School and Archway School being the closest.
Organic, locally produced food in Stroud
On Saturdays, the highly acclaimed Stroud Farmers' Market creates a buzz in Stroud.
Located at the Cornhill Square and surrounding streets, stallholders offer a remarkable variety of local produce - from homemade sourdough loaves to locally pressed apple juice. As one of Britain's biggest, busiest, and most well-known farmers' markets, you'll find over 50 stalls that feature locally sourced food, drink and crafts.
Stroud is also home to the UK’s first completely organic café Woodruffs and the newly redeveloped Five Valleys Shopping Centre features a Borough Market-inspired artisan food market as well as many independent and high street stores.
Arts and entertainment in Stroud
Stroud is a vibrant destination renowned for its creative community of artists and musicians. Spectacular music, comedy and theatre performances at The Sub Rooms in the heart of town make an unforgettable experience.
Marvellous galleries including Museum in the Park, Stroud Valleys Artspace and Gallery Pangolin along with remarkable venues further afield such as Prema Arts Centre are popular with art lovers. Moreover, you can purchase unique handmade pieces by local artists by visiting some of the independent shops in the town centre such as the ever-popular Made In Stroud.
History buffs and paranormal activity hunters alike will find plenty of excitement when they visit the eerie Woodchester Mansion in Nympsfield. This stunning, unfinished Gothic revival house has a captivating backstory including rumours that it is haunted. For those seeking colourful days out, Painswick Rococo Garden is ideal – explore the flowers and follies or enjoy live theatre performances throughout the summer season.
With so much on offer in Stroud, you’ll need an experienced and passionate agent to help find your dream property.
With an office in the centre of town, The Property Centre team have a love and in-depth knowledge of the local area which will enable you to secure the purchase of your new home in Stroud.
Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, let or sell a property in and around Cheltenham, contact our friendly estate agents in Stroud today.
