Where is the Stroud District?
The Stroud District is located within Gloucestershire, one of the most picturesque counties in England. Lying between Bristol and Gloucester the district incorporates the Southern Cotswolds and Severn Vale.
Stroud is connected by excellent road (M5) and rail links to Bristol, Gloucester, Birmingham and beyond. Bristol is only 45 minutes away. Also within an hour's drive are Bath, Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons and Swindon. Birmingham is approximately an hour and a half away. There is a direct intercity rail link from Stroud to Swindon and Central London (Paddington Station).
Please see Multimap for the exact location of the Council.What's the area like?
The District possesses all the qualities and more you would expect from such an area - a majestic Cotswold landscape, bustling market towns have a bohemian feel, with cafes, galleries, markets and bookstores to potter around, unspoilt villages, excellent schools and a broad range of housing. The district has high employment and low crime levels.
There is a strong heritage within the district harking back to the industrial revolution and beyond. There are still a number of converted former mills, Medieval, Roman and prehistoric sites. Berkeley castle in the Severn Vale is England's oldest inhabited castle. The local countryside made famous as the setting for Laurie Lee's "Cider With Rosie" possesses an intimacy, at once enveloping and easily accessible, that has long been an inspiration to artists and writers. The Severn Vale also has a beauty of its own and homes the renowned Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge.
This beautiful landscape, coupled with the artistic culture of the population, makes Stroud District the ideal place to get out and explore. The area is a great place to stimulate the body as well as the mind. The hills and valleys provide excellent walking and cycling for all abilities and there are many sports facilities throughout the district.
One of the District's greatest strengths is its people. Over many generations, the District has attracted a wide mix of musicians, poets, artists, thespians, craftspeople and entrepreneurs which add to the area's 'can do' culture. There is a vibrancy in the district that is difficult to beat.
