Stroud and the Cotswolds.

It goes without saying that the Cotswolds are worth a visit. They are a wonderful place relating to London kinda like Muskoka is to Toronto and Gatineau is to Ottawa. That means they are normally a fairly pricey place to stay, but Stroud is a little bit different.

The Stroud School of Art

As Cotswolder.com says, "Some say Stroud is not really a Cotswold town. It is not a perfect "golden" village but is a regular mid-sized town (population around 20,000) with a somewhat ugly High Street filled with regular stores. It is frequently described as "gritty". Others say that Stroud is the only "real" Cotswold town left - not a place of perfectly restored second homes for wealthy Londoners and vacationers, but instead a place where people live and work like they did in all the Cotswold towns a few decades ago." That's what makes Stroud interesting.

High Street

We rented a large two bedroom flat on the third story of a Georgian row house at 24 Lansdown through Airbnb. It was quite modern inside with all the amenities, but most importantly it was very centrally located. We were very comfortable. We could live there. ($800 for the week.)

The High Street was two minutes away. There were several large grocery stores within walking distance and of course pubs and retaurants all over. The local chippie serves enormous portions. We were well fed.

The High street itself is an interesting collection of restaurants, book stores, antique stores, art stores and coffee shops. It does have a "gritty" feel but not true grit.  The Cotswold canal runs right through the center of town and the railway station is right beside it. 

Stroud has a lovely small "Museum in the Park" that is free. We spent a couple hours wandering around what used to be a clothier's mansion (now turned museum) and enjoyed it thoroughly. Among other things we learned that Stroud is where the push lawn mower was invented!

Protoype lawnmower

There were walking trails off in every direction. Footpaths led to all the surrounding towns, and a section of the Cotswold way passes very close by. We walked to Stonehouse, to Nailsworth, and a circular route of the CW. They were great paths that folks have been walking on for centuries. It's easy to earn your ales.

The easy access and the untouristy feel of the place is very nice. That was what we were looking for. We had a very laid back week in our secret hideaway. Great spot! We recommend it.