With its multitude of independent shops, world-famous farmer’s market, eco-friendly outlook and plenty of Cotswold countryside right on the doorstep, it’s no surprise that Stroud has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore more or a tourist visiting the town for the first time, SoGlos has selected the best things to do in the Stroud district — from having a pint of organic local beer, to meeting rare wildlife and cheering on the daring acts at the circus…
Cheer on the performers at Giffords Circus 25th anniversary show
Giffords Circus celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, with the tropical-themed Laguna Bay kicking off at Giffords HQ on Fennells Farm this April.
The show marks the triumphant return of Tweedy the Clown after a year off, too, making it one of Stroud's most unmissable events of the year.
Raise a toast at Stroud's award-winning organic brewery
The multi-award-winning Stroud Brewery is a must-visit, with its canalside taproom boasting a sunny beer garden for warmer days, as well as a fresh food menu and an electic selection of regular pop-up food traders.
As well as being a gorgeous spot for a pint, Stroud Brewery's taproom is at the heart of the local community and provides a versatile space for everything from live music nights to yoga classes, jam sessions, craft workshops, board game nights and even wedding receptions.
See knights go head-to-head at Berkeley Castle's joust
The imposing Berkeley Castle has a storied history, not least as the place where King Edward II met his grisly end. Visitors to the historic attraction can learn all about its famous residents, as well as exploring its glorious gardens and regular exhibitions — with the latest featuring the costumes of Wolf Hall.
But perhaps the most anticipated event of Berkeley Castle's calendar is the joust, where medieval knights in full armour face each other in an epic duel!
Take in spectacular views from the commons
Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Selsley commons give walkers spectacular views over Stroud's valleys, the River Severn, the Malvern Hills and even into Wales on clear days.
Walkers can pick up the Cotswold Way over Selsley Common, looking out for native wildflowers and wildlife, as well as Bronze Age burial mound 'the Toots'; animal lovers can wave to the grazing herds of Hereford, Longhorn and Belgian Blue cows on Minchinhampton Common; or grab a cone or two of Winstones iconic ice cream on the edge of Rodborough Common.
Browse for fresh produce at Stroud Farmers’ Market
Taking over the town centre every Saturday, Stroud is well-known for its farmers’ market, which is one of the busiest and most popular in the UK. Gloucestershire growers, farmers, bakers and crafters descend on the town, offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to foraged mushrooms, microgreens and herbs; locally reared meat and eggs; artisan cheese and sourdough bread; small-batch gin and beer; luxury cakes, chocolate and fudge.
Stroud Farmers’ Market also has an impressive selection of street food to dig into as you browse, with dishes like Thai chicken in batter, freshly-fried falafel, gooey tartiflette and vegan bao buns to try.
Make a splash at Stratford Park Lido
Open during the summer months, usually from May to September each year, Stroud’s lido is a glorious place for a dip, with the outdoor spring-fed pool nestled in the heart of Stratford Park.
The pool offers lane swimming sessions for keen swimmers, as well as family-friendly public swim sessions — and has a Grade II-listed parabolic diving board, too. Surrounded by parkland, it’s one of the best places to spend a summer’s day in Stroud.
Go to a grassroots gig at The Sub Rooms
The Sub Rooms launched its grassroots gigs series in 2025, giving talented local artists a chance to perform on its prestigious stage — and audiences the opportunity to discover new music from the most exciting up-and-comers.
Whether you're hoping to catch the next big thing in an intimate setting, or you just want to support the grassroots music scene in Stroud, check out The Sub Rooms' diverse programme, spanning rock and grunge to Americana, jazz and hip hop.
Sip award-winning local wine at Woodchester Valley Vineyard
Offering tours and tastings to suit every palate, Woodchester Valley Vineyard invites wine lovers to take a tour of its boutique family-run vineyard before sampling some of its award-winning wines.
Go for a classic tour with a selection of wines from full-bodied reds and crisp whites to elegant rosés to try, or opt for one of Woodchester Valley's fun foodie events like pinot and pizza or fizz and chips evenings.
Meet the world's rarest geese at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a fantastic family day out, packed with wildlife to see from migratory birds to cheeky otters, as well as interactive trails, canoe safari, a living wetland theatre and the ever-popular Welly Boot Land.
Home to the world's rarest goose, Slimbridge's Mission Possible habitat lets visitors meet Hawaiian nenes, which were saved from exinction by the WWT's founder, Sir Peter Scott.
Get your culture fix at Museum in the Park
With 4,000 artefacts on display, from dinosaur bones and Roman antiquities to Prinknash pottery, landscape paintings and patent drawings of the world’s first lawnmower, Museum in the Park showcases the Stroud district’s fascinating history.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year — and has a beautifully restored walled garden, bursting with flowers, native apple and pear trees and a kitchen garden to explore.
Tuck into an affordable feast at The Long Table
Offering pay-as-you-can meals made from hyper local ingredients, The Long Table in Stroud is a unique dining experience with community at its heart — where there are no reservations and a seat at the table for everyone.
Its seasonal menus use the very best produce the team can get their hands on, championing provenance and regenerative agriculture, as well as minimising food waste. Those who can afford to pay it forward help to fund meals for people who couldn't otherwise afford them, creating a sense of community spirit.
Spend an afternoon lounging in Burleigh Court's spa garden
Offering a 'scenic sauna', historic Art Deco plunge pool, massage hut and hot tub with a view, boutique hotel Burleigh Court's Wellness Garden is a tranquil retreat on the outskirts of Stroud.
Try a round of self-guided Nordic Cycle therapy, alternating between the hot sauna followed by a cold dip, before retreating to a lounger for a glass of fizz or a light lunch on the patio — with the spa garden open to non-residents for £25 per person.
Have a go at stand-up paddleboarding on the Stroudwater canal
Take to the water on one of Stroud’s canals and have a go at stand-up paddleboarding. Glide down the waterways and drink in the idyllic views, or have a go at something more adventurous — like stand-up paddleboard yoga!
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the canal towpaths offer a variety of walking routes with plenty of heritage boats, working locks and historic mills to see, not to mention lots of local wildlife like woodpeckers, kingfishers and weasels.
Go on a tractor trailer ride around Cattle Country Farm Park
Hop on board the tractor trailer and take a ride around Cattle Country Farm Park to learn all about life on the farm and meet its resident cows.
This popular family attraction boasts not only adorable farm animals to meet and feed, but an outdoor splash zone and huge indoor play barn with slides, soft play and loads more so little ones can burn off some of their boundless energy — with seasonal attractions like a pumpkin patch and Santa's grotto, too.
Catch a film at Wotton's independent cinema
Wotton-under-Edge's Electric Picture House Cinema is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country, first opened in 1913.
The indepedently-owned cinema screens the biggest Hollywood blockbusters alongside art house films, live theatre and family favourites at affordable prices, with popcorn, sweets, soft drinks and even beer and wine on offer, too.
Hunt for ghosts at Woodchester Mansion
Famed for being one of the most haunted places in Gloucestershire, the spectacular Woodchester Mansion in Nympsfield is an unfinished gothic mansion with a fascinating backstory. Legend has it that one day back in the 1800s, the builders constructing the mansion downed tools and fled, leaving all their belongings behind, never to return — and it remains unfinished to this day.
Staff and visitors have reported hearing strange noises and disembodied voices, with the mansion having been featured on Most Haunted — but even if you’re not the ghost-hunting type, the eerily beautiful building is well worth a visit, with eagle-eyed visitors sure to spot some of the filming locations used in the BBC’s Northern Lights and Netflix’s The Crown.
Spend a day at one of Stroud's many festivals
From literature and arts to food and beer, Stroud has a festival for all of them! In summer, the annual Stroud Festival of Food & Drink has seen the likes of Jay Rayner, Ken Hom, Loyd Grossman and Rustie Lee come to town to cook up a storm; while Stroud Beer Festival takes over The Sub Rooms for a three-day celebration of craft beer and live music every August.
In autumn, Stroud Book Festival brings bestselling authors to town for a programme of inspiring talks and events, with previous attendees including Ian McEwan, Michael Rosen, Clive Myrie, Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt; while Stroud Arts Festival provides a platform for theatre, film, poetry and music from world-renowned and local performers.
Test your wits at The Escape Room in Dursley
Dursley's family-friendly escape room at The Engine challenges visitors to work together to solve a series of cryptic clues.
Choose from the Egyptian-themed Pharaoh's Curse or the superbly spooky Witch Way Out, with escape room experiences costing £72 for up to six players.
Visit the pub that inspired Cider with Rosie
The Cotswold village of Slad, on the outskirts of Stroud, is the setting for Laurie Lee’s bucolic novel Cider with Rosie — and The Woolpack, nestled into the hillside, was his local pub.
Visitors can follow the Laurie Lee trail, waymarked by poems and quotes, before resting their weary legs at The Woolpack, accompanied by a pint of cider, a hearty meal and stunning views across the Slad Valley.
