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By train
Stroud has a train station, and so is accessible from all over the country. The trains usually arrive and depart once every thirty minutes on weekdays.
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By bus
Stroud is the crossroads of the cotswolds for buses, and stagecoach buses go further afield. Need more info
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By car
The cotswolds are pretty hopeless in terms of public transport, so a car might be a good idea.
To reach Stroud from the M5, turn off at junction 13 Eastwards. Follow the A419 through Stonehouse. The route is sign posted.
A large multi-storey carpark is outside the town centre.
By Taxi
Taxi is an easy and affordable way to get around Stroud. You can either book a cab or you will find them immediately next to Stroud train station.
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The town is small, and much of the shopping district has been pleasantly pedestrianised. (mind the steep hills!)
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Stroud Farmers Market, Cornhill Market Place (North side of town, halfway up road(?)), Every Saturday, 9am to 2pm. Dozens of stalls selling Cheese, Meats, Plates, Honey, Jam, Spices, Vegetables, Cooked food, etc... Very busy and interesting. Often has a 'performing chef!'. [url=http://www.madeinstroud.org/markets/stroud.htm]Made in Stroud official site[/url]
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Cinema,
*The Space, theatre, music, etc, happens here.
*Out and About, Although Stroud itself has few attractions, fans of walking and hiking, or if you just want to take the dog for a walk should visit the local information office for popular walking routes, or just take foot and find your own! The Valleys around Stroud offer spectacular views, and if you don't mind a longer walk, a White Chalk Horse can be found.
*Mountain Biking, Stroud has extensive public bridleways that you can legitimately ride on
*Sports and Activities, If you more of a golfer, be sure to check out Rodborough and Minchinhampton comon, a large expansive grass land with a full golfing course set out for free. Nearby Minchinhampton Golf club can also accommodate you with an internationally recognised 18 holes and driving range.
Next to the Stroud College of Art and Design is the Leisure Centre, with several Tennis/Squash and badminton courts as well as a swimming pool and various 'different' activities from Trampolining to Akido.
Stroud Daisybank is a popular park for many visitors and offers stunning views overlooking the Cotswald countryside
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Loads of shops along the pedestrian high street. Many non-chain shops too!
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There are various fast food outlets in Stroud (including Subway, McDonald's and Burger Star) despite opposition from locals. Other cafés:
*Woodruff's. Organic café at the top of the high street, offering home-made food and lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Lunchtime meal £8-12.
*Mill's café. Down a (nice) alleyway towards the top of the high street. Two different meals each day, generous and delicious. Wide selection of home-made cakes. Lunchtime meal £6-10.
*Spuds. In the Merrywalk's precinct. Cheap baked potatoes and baguettes to go, though you can sit if you wish. Relatively cheap (roughly £3 per potato or baguette)
*Mother nature. Middle of the high street, down an alleyway. Fresh made-to-order sandwiches, baps, baguettes and paninis to go.
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There are various cafés and coffee shops in Stroud, including Mother nature, Woodruff's and Mill's mentioned above, which serve freshly-baked cakes and tarts. A Costa Coffee recently opened and is situated at the top of the high street.
The main club in town is the Warehouse, only open on Saturday nights and costing £6 to get in (£3 before 11:30). A newer, less popular club, Junction 13, is at the top of town. It's open both Friday and Saturday nights and costs £4 to get in (before 11:00 it's free). These clubs aren't great, though, and Stroud can get quite nasty at night. Nearby [wiki=c7aab921280227d720074ff5dbbc8115]Cheltenham[/wiki] is much better for evening entertainment.
*Golden Fleece, Nelson Street, 01453764850. Pub with nice atmosphere, locals' preference (check out the quote of the day on the black board outside). Part of a group of pubs including Tipputs and Brittanica (in nearby [wiki=1d71619c02a99ff41f775b83cd27c253]Nailsworth[/wiki]). Serves fantastic, restaurant-style meals and particularly nice garlic bread.
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Bear of Rodborough Hotel, Bear of Rodborough, Rodborough Common, Stroud (Head Eastwards out of town centre follow signs for Minchinhampton), 01453 878522 (info@bearofrodborough.info) [http://www.talbotinncotswolds.co.uk/]. Unreviewed. Need a car to get to it. £120 (about $180) for a double.
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[[WikiPedia:Stroud, Gloucestershire]]