You’d be missing out if you’ve never visited Stroud; it could be the Cotswolds ' best-kept secret, enveloped by five sweeping green valleys of Gloucestershire, also known as the ‘Golden Valley’ and crowned the best place to live in 2021. Painswick, Slad, Toadsmoor, Chalford and Nailsworth collectively form this hidden gem. Home to my friends, family, Ralph (the family dog) and where I pulled my very first pint – which probably best suited a cone – this idyllic part of the world is where I grew up.
From the iconic mud-coated Land Rovers to the aroma of fresh-farm produce and the inviting ambience of quintessential pubs , every aspect of Stroud exudes authenticity and charm. And if you encounter the occasional pothole or two, consider it a sure sign that you’ve arrived. For natural beauty, Stroud is utterly captivating with its vibrant arts scene and expansive manicured landscapes where you’ll find an age-old reputation for sheep farming and wool.
Its rivers, peppered with old mills, were once powered by the local streams that flow through the Five Valleys. Stroud is no stranger to producing and luring many creative talents, from the Beatles performing at The Stroud Subscription Rooms in 1962 to being home to notable icons like Edward Beard Budding, who invented the first-ever lawnmower. Then there’s Laurie Lee, who penned the timeless English classic Cider with Rosie, hatched in the serene Slad Valley.
Jilly Cooper’s vibrant stories are set against a backdr.