Stroud
Brimming with independent shops, cafés and galleries and home to one of the best Farmers Markets in the country, bohemian Stroud has been described by Jasper Conran as ‘the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’. Here you will find an eclectic mix of shops against the dramatic backdrop of the beautiful Five Valleys, easily reachable by direct public transport links to London. Where else would you find a specialist fairy store, two vinyl record stores and a fossil shop as you saunter through the streets?
Stroud is most often characterised by its industrial heritage, where former textile mills still stand proud, strung along the valleys. Wimbledon tennis ball cloth and championship snooker baize are still made here today. Other former working mills open to visitors to enjoy guided tours on certain days of the year. In the town itself, many interesting landmark buildings contribute to its creative spirit. Discover the heritage of Stroud through the Heritage Board Map Trail. Pop into Stroud Tourist Information Centre to pick up a copy.
Unsurprisingly, Stroud has become a centre for the creative industries with many writers, artists and craftspeople taking up residence in the five sweeping valleys encircling the town, made famous by Laurie Lee’s “Cider with Rosie”. Throughout the year, the town is home to a varied programme of festivals and events including the International Textiles Festival and month-long Site art festival where open-studio tours allow a glimpse into artists’ homes and studios.
The Cotswold Way runs through Stroud and 600 acres of National Trust land forming Rodborough, Minchinhampton and Selsley Commons overlook the town. The commons are particularly popular during the weekend or light summer evenings where you will find a mix of walkers, horse-riders, paragliders, kite-flyers, picnicking families and those looking for a delicious, locally-made Winstones ice-cream.
This less discovered area of the Cotswolds is criss-crossed with canals and work is currently underway to restore the Stroudwater canal back to its former glory. Enjoy a walk or cycle along the tow path (Thames and Severn Way) stopping at a traditional pub or café on the way - be sure to try a refreshing pint of one of Stroud’s locally brewed ales. 2012 sees the launch of the Stroud on Water Festival. To find out more, drop into the Canal Visitor Centre located at Wallbridge Lock in Stroud.
Brief GROUP TOUR Itinerary:
DAY of DEPARTURE
Depart from your choice of pick up point in your hometown giving plenty of time to make the leisurely journey to Stroud. Regular comfort stops and a lunch halt will be made en-route as traffic dictates
On reaching the hotel, the driver will unload the luggage for immediate check in. The rest of the evening is free at leisure
DAYS in RESORT
Free time in Stroud, take your choice of day excursions, stay 1,2,3,4 or 5 nights or more
DAY of RETURN
After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to the hotel and its staff and rejoin the Five Star Travel coach for the return journey home. Comfort stops will be made at regular intervals when time and traffic allows
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Transport:
We will collect you from your chosen pick up point(s) in a choice of 25, 29, 35, 49, 51, 74 or 83 seater coaches.
Accommodation:
Is provided in 2, 3 or 4 bedded rooms with private en-suite facilities
A limited number of single rooms are available at a small supplement, maybe even free if the hotel is willing
Evening Entertainment:
Most hotels provide evening entertainment of some form, you will be advised on which nights when booking
Meal Plan
All rooms are booked on a bed & cooked breakfast basis.
An evening meal option is available at a supplement on any nights of your stay
Optional Extra Night(s)
Why not stay extra night(s) and spend more time in resort or have a choice of optional day excursions
Local Tourist attractions:
* Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
* Berkeley Castle
* Edward Jenner Museum
* Painswick Rococo Gardens
* Museum in the Park, Stroud
All itineraries are suggestions and can be adapted to suit your group requirements
