Cottages near the Stroud Valleys
Discover stunning views across the Stroud Valleys
Over millennia, five rivers and their tributaries have carved their way down through the Cotswold limestone plateau to form the beguiling Stroud Valleys. Converging on the market town of Stroud. Recently voted by The Sunday Times as ‘The Best Place to Live in the UK 2021’. It’s also famed for its farmers’ market. The valleys are a vision of breathtaking common land, including Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Selsley Common. It’s an incredibly scenic place with a landscape that is unchanged by the passing of time. Tiny villages dot the valleys, some no more than a handful of dwellings or farm buildings.
The power of the water undoubtedly made the Stroud Valleys an important wool and cloth manufacturing base. The fast-flowing rivers gave power to the mills and clean water to wash the wool. A handful of handsome, repurposed mills and their tall chimneys are all that’s left of the milling industry. These landmarks are seen in the wooded valley bottoms, notably along the River Frome, the Nailsworth Stream and the Toadsmoor Brook.
The two most populous valleys are the Chalford Valley, running from Sapperton to Stroud, and the Nailsworth Valley. This runs through the eponymous town of Nailsworth renowned for its award-winning restaurants, pubs, cafes and artisan producers. The three other valleys are the Painswick Valley. This centres on the historically affluent town of Painswick (also known as the Queen of the Cotswolds) and is home to the Painswick Rococo Garden. The Slad Valley, the setting of Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie, and lastly the Cam Valley surrounded by the southern edge of the Cotswolds with the towns of Cam and Dursley at its centre.
This is a charming and peaceful place to explore. Take a look at our collection of cottages near the Stroud Valleys and decide where your next countryside escape will be.
