Known for its industrial heritage, history of activism and passion for alternative living, the town of Stroud is a must-visit for vegans exploring the South-West. Whether you're a local or just visiting for the day, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of the best things to do in Stroud. 

Let’s dive in!

Here are the best things to do in Stroud as a vegan

Stroud is filled with fun things to do as a vegan, here are some of our top recommendations:

Visit a local market

A trip to Stroud is not complete without paying a visit to one of the town’s many markets. 

Our favourite (of course) is our very own Vegan Fairs event, a bi-annual market that hosts a variety of vegan and plant-based brands - think incredible vegan food, delicious drinks and eco-conscious vendors. Be sure to check beforehand to see when our next Stroud market is on.

There’s also a separate Farmer’s Market that runs every Sunday.

Grab a pint at Stroud Brewery

If you love craft beer, then you’ll love a trip to the one and only Stroud Brewery. 

This eco-conscious microbrewery crafts organic ales while championing environmental responsibility. They employ green brewing practices and harness renewable energy to make their beers, helping to minimise waste! Book a tour or pay their taproom a visit for an ice-cold pint.

See a gig at The Subscription Rooms

Watching a gig or performance at The Subscription Rooms is definitely one of the best things to do in Stroud!

Dating back to 1833, this historic venue has a legacy of hosting diverse performances and events - from live music concerts and theatre productions to art exhibitions and community gatherings.

Watch a football match at Forest Green Rovers

Just 15 minutes from Stroud, you’ll find the world’s very first vegan football club. Forest Green Rovers is the world's first carbon-neutral football team, striving to make a positive impact on the environment. 

The entire team, from the players to the fans, is part of a unique movement promoting a plant-based lifestyle. Even their stadium, The New Lawn, boasts being the world's first fully vegan football ground, serving up delicious plant-based food options for fans.

Whip up a new dish at Natural Cookery School

The Natural Cookery School is a vegetarian-vegan cooking school that focuses on helping vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters improve their plant-based culinary skills. Learn to whip up some yummy Spanish tapas, or hone your cooking prowess with one-to-one private classes. 

Visit the famous Woodchester Mansion

This Victorian Gothic mansion boasts an intriguing history with a twist: it was never completed!

Construction began in the mid-19th century but was mysteriously abandoned, leaving behind an awe-inspiring shell of grandeur. Woodchester Mansion is believed to be haunted, with many ghost hunters flocking every year to catch a glimpse of one of the building’s many spirits. 

If ghosts aren’t your thing, we recommend checking out the nearby Woodchester Valley Vineyard to try a selection of their award-winning vegan-friendly wines.

Marvel at the collection at Museum in the Park

Located right in the heart of Stratford Park, the Museum in the Park is one of the best things to do in Stroud.

The museum takes visitors on an educational journey through Stroud's past - where you can experience one of the many exhibits that showcase the town's industrial history. Outside of the museum, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful park and stop to enjoy a cup of tea in the nearby café.

Vegan Restaurants in Stroud

Vegans who are looking to eat out will be spoilt for choice thanks to the number of vegan-friendly and vegan restaurants in Stroud. Here are our top vegan eats in the town.

Karibu Vegan Bar & Kitchen

This fully vegan restaurant serves up delicious ​​plant-based cuisine inspired by the owner’s Kenyan roots. Make sure you try their Caribbean jerk 'steak.’

Falafel Mama

This vegetarian falafel joint has been serving up a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours since 2016. Try their famous falafel, or opt for a fresh salad with plenty of freshly made hummus. 

Fat Toni's Pizzeria

In the mood for a takeaway pizza? Fat Toni’s offers a variety of veggie toppings as well as giving customers the option to swap to vegan cheese for no extra cost. They also do a vegan pesto.

Simpsons fish and chip shop

This fish and chip shop has quite an expansive vegan menu, including pea fritters, vegan battered sausage and ‘to-fish’ (vegan fish made with tofu). Most of their sides such as curry sauce and mushy peas are also vegan-friendly.

Star Anise Arts Cafe

This cosy cafe is a great place for vegans in Stroud to stop for a bite to eat. Try their vegan falafel mezze or banh-mi, washed down with a plant-based chai latte. 

Vegan-friendly shops in Stroud

Vegan shoppers rejoice! Stroud is full of small independent shops that offer a great selection of vegan and eco-friendly products.

Sunshine Health Food Shop

This high street health store has a great range of cruelty-free beauty and personal care products, as well as vegan vitamins and supplements. Plus, it’s located right in the heart of Stroud.

Coco Caravan

This fully vegan chocolate shop has a large selection of plant-based treats. They also hold regular tastings and other events in-store.

Made in Stroud

This local shop is filled with carefully chosen handmade and stylish artisan products from Stroud and the surrounding area.

See you in Stroud!

It’s safe to say that Stroud is definitely one of the best places to visit when travelling around the South-West. With all of its vegan-friendly restaurants, shops and attractions, this town makes for the perfect day out. 

And while you’re there, why not come along to one of our upcoming Stroud markets? It’s a great way to spend your time in Stroud - plus you’ll be supporting independent vegan businesses.

We run our Vegan Fairs throughout the South West of England and Wales - you can find the full Vegan Fairs event list here.