Stroud is a small market town located in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is known for its steep streets, attractive countryside and its link to the arts. Located in the Cotswolds, Stroud is a beautiful town with a strong cultural heritage, especially renowned for its arts and crafts.
1. Parks and places for a walk
Stroud is surrounded by rolling hills and valleys and offers a variety of countryside walks to explore. A great place to start is Stratford Park, located on the outskirts of the town. This is a beautiful green space surrounded by gardens, woodlands and meadows. You can catch a glimpse of Stroud Lake or explore the park's walled gardens and discover the variety of wildlife. Alternatively, you can take a walk along the River Frome and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery with your date. The River Frome Trail is a great option, offering a 4 mile circular route along the river, with a woodlands walk that is full of wildlife, including birds, rabbits and foxes.
2. Places for a coffee date
If you are looking for a more relaxed first date, why not head for a great coffee shop in Stroud. Locals will often recommend Caffe Nero on Market Street, which offers an extensive menu of teas, coffees, pastries and cakes for a delicious caffeine boost. Alternatively, Grind is an independent coffee shop offering speciality coffee and tea, as well as breakfast and lunch dishes.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions
For an interesting and educational date, visit The Museum in the Park located in Stratford Park. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Stroud and the surrounding area, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the town. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so you can take your date along to one of the interesting talks and lectures.
4. Live music and entertainment
For a more lively date, you can take your date to one of the local traditional pubs that have live music. The Prince Albert on London Road has regular live music nights, where you can enjoy a variety of music genres from local and touring bands. Or, why not check out The Subscription Rooms, located on George Street, which hosts a variety of live music and theatre performances.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants
For a more relaxed evening, you can take your date to a local pub or restaurant for a drink and some food. The Victory Inn is located in the centre of town and is one of the oldest pubs in Stroud, offering a range of beers, ales and ciders from locally sourced producers. The Old Bear Inn on Eastington is a traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a wealth of ales and ciders, as well as delicious pub snacks. For something a little more luxurious, why not head to The George on King Street, which is an award-winning restaurant, offering an excellent menu of British dishes.
6. Other date ideas
If you are looking for something a little different, Stroud has plenty of other date options to choose from. For sports fans, you can head to the Ombersley Golf Club to enjoy a round of golf, or take your date to the nearby Bowood Estate for a game of tennis or a bike ride. If you are looking for an outdoor activity, why not take your date for a spot of fishing on the River Sever, or take a boat ride along the Thames and Severn Canal? For a more relaxing date, why not visit one of the many local spas, such as the Beaumont Health Club and Spa or the French Bohemian Beauty Day Spa.
