Stroud tourist information

Stroud, standing at the western edge of the Cotswolds, grew up on steep slopes at the junction of five tributaries of the River Severn.

The busy market town has retained its character despite considerable industrialisation in the late 18th and 19th century. At the height of the textile industry there were over 150 woollen mills in the valleys centred around the town. Today many light industries have replaced these mills and Stroud continues to thrive.

The High Street is colourful and surprisingly cosmopolitan.

Stroud is now the home to one of the largest concentrations of artists and craftsmen in the country and many alternative health practitioners have also been attracted here.

One of the many galleries is the Rope Store Studio Gallery in 'The Shambles' off the High Street.

Today visitors come to Stroud to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the surrounding hills (made famous by Laurie Lee in 'Cider with Rosie), explore the history of its textile mills and visit the small individual shops, galleries and workshops.

A new tourist attraction is the Museum in the Park, a new family-friendly museum located in Strafford Park.

Near the town stands Woodchester Mansion, an unfinished architectural masterpiece.

Stroud has a Tourist Information Centre