Love is in the air across the Stroud district this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, the Stroud district is well placed to offer residents and visitors a wide range of memorable ways to celebrate. From independent shops and makers to countryside walks and cultural attractions, the district’s towns and villages offer something for every kind of date – all while supporting local businesses and showcasing the area’s unique character.

Stroud District Council’s Economic Development Team has highlighted a selection of ideas that demonstrate the breadth of what the district has to offer, from traditional days out to more unusual experiences:

Wander around a market

If your love language is fresh produce, this is your moment. A gentle amble around one of our markets gives you the perfect chance to impress your date with locally made treats. Then take your haul home and cook up a romantic meal with maximum food miles bragging rights.

Take your pick from Stroud Farmers Market, The Shambles Market and Baptist Hall Craft Market in Stroud, or head to Nailsworth Artisan Market. You can also browse one of our brilliant farm shops for a cosy countryside vibe.

Coffee dates

Independent coffee shops are the heart and soul of the district. They’re ideal for lingering conversations, people watching and bonding over your preferred roast profile.

Take a romantic walk

We live in a walking paradise. Choose a peaceful canal stroll, head up to the commons for spectacular views, take on a lung busting climb up a hill, or marvel at the ships graveyard in Purton – there are almost too many options to choose from. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new, explore a town or a village you’ve never visited, or return to a favourite common at sunset for unforgettable views.

Try one of the trails on our Discover Stroud Trails app which includes town centre history walks, ghostly scavenger hunts and film location trails. Or browse more than seventy walks on the Visit Stroud website, neatly listed by location and interest.

If the dog comes too, make sure you truly impress your date by picking up after it and popping it into the nearest bin.

Ice cream adventures

It’s never too cold for ice cream. Not when the district is home to some truly fantastic makers. Pair a scenic walk with a cone and they will be completely moooved by your creativity. Try Winstone’s Ice Cream on Rodborough Common or Wholly Gelato in Elmore near the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Explore a new bookshop

For a relaxed, cosy date, browse somewhere like Stroud Bookshop in the High Street and Fireside Bookshop in Rowcroft, The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop in Nailsworth or Cotswold Book Room in Wotton. Pick out a book for each other or find something to read together over coffee.

Try a craft or pottery workshop

Whether it’s throwing a pot, lino printing or joining a craft session with a local maker, trying something hands on together is memorable and often good for a laugh. House of Goblin in Stroud is offering a two-hour Valentine’s Day Class with champagne, or book a Clay Date pottery experience at Little Earthquake Pots.

Evening drinks

From lively town centre spots to cosy village inns, you will find something that matches the mood. For a unique twist, try Holy Water in Stroud for cocktails or the quirky Hoptician Micro Pub in Dursley for real ales that will earn you instant date points.

For the culture lovers

History fans can enjoy a romantic wander at The National Trust’s Newark Park or explore centuries of intrigue at Berkeley Castle.

Art lovers can visit one of the district’s brilliant exhibitions. Prema Arts Centre in Uley has two exhibitions that finish on 14 February, along with a lovely coffee shop. Or visit Gallery Pangolin for its exhibition Out of Africa which is open from 10am to 1pm.

For something playful, take your date to the Museum in the Park for its hands on exhibition of toys and automata that you can interact with together.

Try something different

If you prefer a date with a twist, there are plenty of options. Test your teamwork in The Engine Escape Room in Dursley. Walk an alpaca with Tibbiwell Alpacas. Or enjoy wine tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard.

Evening entertainment

Check ahead as some events may sell out but here are a few highlights:

• Ultrabeat at the Sub Rooms
• Swing From Paris at Minchinhampton Market House
• Valentines Ceilidh at Stroud Brewery
• Six Nations rugby screenings for those who love sport
• For something truly unusual, Wotton Electric Picture House is pairing Buster Keaton's 1924 classic Sherlock Jr with music by R.E.M.   

Evening meals

If you’re planning a traditional Valentine’s dinner, you probably needed to book weeks ago. If you’ve left it too late, see the section titled Wander around a market and get creative at home instead. If you are eating out, our Food Hygiene Inspectors hope you checked the venue’s food hygiene rating before you booked!

Stroud District Council also reminds residents to stay safe online during a time when romance fraud typically increases. Simple steps – such as avoiding sending money to someone only met online and seeking advice from friends if something feels unusual – can help protect against scams.

With its rich mix of landscapes, culture, food, drink and independent businesses, the Stroud district offers countless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day while supporting the local economy and enjoying the best of the area.

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