2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Will Twigger)
Not many towns can proudly say they're enveloped by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but Stroud in Gloucestershire can do. Tucked away in a steep valley within the Cotswolds, this historic market town was crowned the best place to live in the UK in 2021. It's not hard to see why - with its stunning landscapes, charming canal, and friendly wildlife, Stroud is truly a slice of English heaven.
Just a 90-minute train ride from London Paddington, Stroud is the perfect country getaway for the weekend. The old town has expanded to include several beautiful villages nestled in the hills, adding to its overall charm. In March 2021, The Sunday Times declared Stroud as the best place to live in the UK, praising its abundance of green spaces, independent spirit, and high-quality schools.
This independent spirit is evident in the town's shopping areas, which are dotted with craft shops and independent boutiques. This spirit harks back to its 19th-century nickname 'the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds', highlighting the similarities between the artistic communities in both areas. Stroud also hosts its own fringe festival every August, where 400 artists, usually unsigned bands hoping to make their mark, perform for free over a weekend.
The festival also includes art and literature. Situated in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, you're never too far from the charm of country life. One of Stroud's delightful quirks is the local farm cows that are allowed to roam freely.
This means you might occasionally find yourself waiting for a few cows blocking the road, or even spot one or two joining you in a local pub's beer garden for a pint. So why not make the most of the warmer spring weather this year and treat yourself to a day out in the country? It's just a 90-minute journey from Paddington. You can sign up to get the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in London sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
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