Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Welcome to the People&#8217;s Republic of Stroud, as it&#8217;s known on the ground. If much of the Cotswolds is honey-hued gentility then Stroud is it&#8217;s red brick, revolutionary cousin. The unofficial boho capital of the Cotswolds champions the artisan, the arty, the eco and the independent, and is a previous <em>Sunday Times</em> best place to live champion (2020).</p>



<p>You are in for some of the most breathtaking views in the whole county here as Stroud is hugged by the Five Valleys (you&#8217;ll need to love hills). If you want to live somewhere that proudly champions eco shops, healthy eating, yoga, wellbeing classes and arts spaces then you&#8217;ve hit the jackpot. There&#8217;s a regular Farmers&#8217; market to rival Borough (it pulls in people from miles around), plus it has a cinema, the lovely Stratford Park and thriving arts scene. Add to that a blossoming indoor hawkers-style food market, Five Valleys, and Stroud&#8217;s star is definitely on the rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-16-1000x667.jpg" alt="food at the stroud hotel" class="wp-image-62314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-16-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-16-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-16.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Feast at The Stroud Hotel</figcaption></figure>



<p>The famous weekly <a aria-label="famous weekly market (opens in a new tab)" href="https://fresh-n-local.co.uk/trader/stroud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmers&#8217; Market</a> is a feast for the stomach and the senses. Pick up artisan bread and cheese, olives, pies, flowers, fresh fish and more. We&#8217;re there filling up our basket every Saturday (open 9am – 2pm). The newly regenerated Five Valleys shopping centre is also a mecca for incredible street food. Recently overhauled, it now features a food market and boutique department store, Sandersons, take your pick from the likes of <a href="https://www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk/eat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thai 2 Go, La Cantina and Non Solo Pasta</a> to name a few along with sushi bar <a aria-label="Kyuri Sushi (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk/stores/kyuri-sushi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyuri Sushi</a>.</p>



<p>Check out <a href="https://www.galgos.co.uk/">Galgos Latino</a> for the most amazing Venezuelan tapas, or head to vegan Star Anise Café or <a href="http://www.woodruffsorganiccafe.co.uk/">Woodruff&#8217;s Organic Café</a>, the first totally organic outlet in the UK, for healthy bites. Brand new for 2024 grab a NY style deli sub at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peanutsdeli/?locale=en_GB">Peanut&#8217;s New York Deli &amp; Smokehouse</a>. Partial to a pint? You&#8217;re sorted at the popular <a href="https://stroudbrewery.co.uk/">Stroud Brewery</a>. </p>



<p>A newcomer in 2023, <a href="https://thestroudhotel.com/">The Stroud Hotel</a> right by the station is co-owned by Andy Burrows, the drummer from Razorlight (extra cool points), come here for the great all-day menu, a friendly welcome and the pretty alfresco courtyard garden. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="2048" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n.jpg" alt="Don't walk boogie neon sign Fourteen Stroud Glucestershire" class="wp-image-65183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/434058607_832652205579319_3865884117429442458_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p>The shops may not be &#8216;high end&#8217; but Stroud does have an abundance of colourful, artisan boutiques. Expect an eclectic mix of shops selling everything from eco homewares to vintage and vinyl. For&nbsp;quirky lifestyle gifts head to <a href="https://www.fourteenlifestyle.co.uk/">Fourteen </a>and <a href="https://www.madeinstroud.co.uk/">Made In Stroud</a>, emporiums stocking locally made items. The town also boasts the <a aria-label="Five Valley's Shopping centre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk/market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Valley&#8217;s Shopping Centre</a> &#8211; a multi-million pound retail and eating destination. If you seek designer labels, Sandersons here is your best bet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Alternative health is well catered for in Stroud. In 2023 a brand new modern doctors and physio department opened at Five Valleys, and everything from Ayuravedic therapists to Reflexology are available in the area. There may not be many beauty salons but there are several popular hair salons. Try one of the restorative yoga classes at <a href="https://www.stroudyogaspace.com/">Stroud Yoga Space</a> or <a href="https://www.stroudyogaspace.com/">Tai Chi</a> at Lansdown Hall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Community camaraderie is strong in Stroud. It&#8217;s a genuinely friendly, down to earth place to live with lots of gatherings to dip into throughout the year. Highlights include the Stroud Country Fair in Stratford Park, vegan markets and the annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stroudwassail/?locale=en_GB">Stroud Winter Wassail</a>.</p>



<p>Top tip: go on the annual  <a href="https://www.stroudrocks.co.uk/things-to-do/yard-trail-stroud">Stoud Yard Trail</a>, this community wide event sees people open up their back gardens to sell their trash – and your treasure. It&#8217;s free and comes with maps, an app, and is a really fun way to spend the day selling your old stuff or scooping up loads of quirky bargains, taking place this year on 24 Aug.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>Stroud&#8217;s surroundings are a nature lover&#8217;s playground &#8211; and it&#8217;s all free to explore! The National Trust <a aria-label="Rodborough Common (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/minchinhampton-and-rodborough-commons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodborough and Minchinhampton Common</a>s are beautiful places to walk, run, bike or ramble with far-reaching panoramic views that&#8217;ll blow you away. </p>



<p>In the summer stroll past herds of grazing belted Galloway cattle and in the winter come fly a kite. Go to <a aria-label="Winstone's Ice Cream Parlour (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.winstonesicecream.co.uk/our-parlour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winstone&#8217;s Ice Cream Parlour</a> in the middle of the Common. Top tip? Try the locally-made honey and ginger ice cream, it&#8217;s divine. We love a visit to <a href="https://museuminthepark.org.uk/">The Museum in the Park </a>in leafy Stratford Park, a great free museum with more than 4,000 artefacts, regular workshops and Walled Garden to explore. Also nearby is <a href="https://www.cattlecountry.co.uk/">Cattle Country Farm Park</a> in Berkeley with the UK&#8217;s largest scramble net.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1100" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-17.jpg" alt="the sub rooms in stroud" class="wp-image-62321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-17.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-17-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-17-1000x733.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-17-400x293.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Sub Rooms</figcaption></figure>



<p>Stroud is culture-central. Head to the <a href="https://thesubrooms.co.uk/">Sub Rooms</a> for national headline-grabbing artists galore, comedy and live music, this brilliant venue is the place for all your eclectic entertainment needs. Or check out <a href="https://www.sva.org.uk/">SVA </a>(Stroud Valleys Artspace), a cool cultural hub with revolving exhibitions and shows. The <a href="https://stroudbookfestival.org.uk/">Stroud Book Festival </a>takes over the town each year (6 &#8211; 10 November this year) and always features big names in the world of literature from Kate Mosse to Rachel Joyce. If artisan food and drink are your bag the <a href="https://www.stroudfoodanddrink.com/">Stroud Festival of Food &amp; Drink</a> in May is unmissable, previous years have seen the likes of Jay Rayner, Lloyd Grossman and Jack Stein on the bill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Properties in Stroud have an overall average price of £379,072. The majority of sales in Stroud were semi-detached homes going for £351,048, terraced houses £315,816, with detached properties fetching £622,206.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="733" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-18-1000x733.jpg" alt="house in stroud with knight frank for sale" class="wp-image-62326" style="aspect-ratio:1.364256480218281;width:641px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-18-1000x733.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-18-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-18-400x293.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-18.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A quintessentially Cotswolds 4-bed cottage in the idyllic village of Pitchcombe in Stroud. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/properties/residential/for-sale/pincott-lane-pitchcombe-stroud-gloucestershire-gl6/cir012436529">On the market with Knight Frank for £1.195m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Lots of choice here. In keeping with Stroud&#8217;s alternative vibe, <a href="https://www.seasonsnursery.co.uk/">Seasons Nursery</a> blends traditional preschool teaching methods with Montessori and Steiner principles. Both <a aria-label="Wycliffe College (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wycliffe College</a> and <a aria-label="Beaudesert School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaudesert School</a> nearby takes tots from 3+ ys if you want an independent education and continuity, <a href="http://curious-caterpillars.co.uk/">Curious Caterpillars</a> caters from 3+ mths if you are starting them early.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p>For primaries, there is lots of choice in Stroud, most of which are rated Ofsted Good, with <a href="https://www.uplandsprimarystroud.co.uk/">Uplands Community Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.woodchesterprimary.co.uk/">Woodchester Endowed Primary School</a> both rated Outstanding. </p>



<p>For the older ones, Stroud is grammar school central. The highly esteemed Marling Grammar School (boys) and Stroud High School (girls) are popular choices and places are hotly fought over every year. There are great state options too including <a aria-label="Thomas Keeble (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk/?doing_wp_cron=1614606994.4496610164642333984375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Keble</a> in Eastcombe for 11 – 16 yrs and Archway School. </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for the private sector, highly rated <a aria-label="Wycliffe College (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wycliffe College</a>, just three miles from the centre of Stroud, is an internationally-renowned school offering a broad curriculum and forward-thinking ethos. Educating ages 3 – 19 yrs the school is set in 52 acres of rolling countryside and boasts fantastic facilities. For a great prep school head for the popular <a aria-label="Beaudesert School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaudesert School</a>, 10 mins drive away, catering for ages 3 – 13 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Stroud is origin home of Extinction Rebellion. Stroud has quite an industrial edge for the Cotswolds and a proud textile making history (you&#8217;ll spot several former textile mills along the valleys) and Wimbledon tennis ball cloth and championship snooker baize are still made here today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Really good links to London. You&#8217;ll be minutes from the M5 (taking you to Bristol or London) and a town centre rail link takes you to the capital in around 90 mins, although you will have to change at nearby Swindon.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Stroud

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