To say that I love where I live would be a pretty big understatement.
My adopted hometown of Stroud is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, where five valleys converge to create a landscape of rolling hills and lush countryside. Renowned for its vibrant, eclectic community, Stroud is a delight for anyone who appreciates independent shops, art, and local culture.
Jasper Conran once dubbed it the “Covent Garden of the Cotswolds,” while the London Evening Standard likened it to “Notting Hill with wellies.” In 2021, The Sunday Times hailed Stroud as the “Best Place to Live in Britain,” applauding its lively independent spirit, excellent schools, convenient transport links, and easy access to glorious green spaces.
Fast-forward to 2025, and The Times has now ranked Stroud as the 3rd best place to live in the whole of England—a testament to the town’s enduring charm and appeal.
Stroud boasts a rich array of art venues, thriving vintage emporiums, and outlets for local makers, all contributing to its bohemian charm. The nearby suburbs and towns of Slad Valley, Sheepscombe, Bisley, and Nailsworth add to the town’s allure. Well-connected by train, bus, and coach, and with easy access to the M5 and M4 motorways, Stroud is both accessible and enchanting.
If you’re planning a visit, here are seven of the best independent shops (in my opinion!) in Stroud that truly capture the town’s unique spirit.
The Best Independent Shops In Stroud
1. Klang Tone Records – the legendary music store
Klang Tone Records is more than just a shop; it’s a musical institution in Stroud. Founded by avant-garde sound artist and obsessive crate-digger Sean Roe, this store has become one of the South West’s key destinations for jazz, electronic, and experimental music. With its recent launch of an in-house label, Klang Tone continues to be at the forefront of the independent music scene in Stroud. Sean is also incredibly approachable and happy to answer all your questions, (which I greatly appreciate as I don’t know much about the type of music my partner loves so they make gift buying that much easier!).
Paganhill Vintage also plays a prominent role in the shop – Ritsuko does the window displays which garner a lot of attention and her items are dotted all around the shop. She’s on Instagram too if you want to have a peak – @paganhillvintage
Find them at: 7A Lansdown Stroud, GL5 1BA
2. Humphries and Begg – eye-catching sustainable comfort-clothing
Humphries and Begg is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Alice Begg and Robbie Humphries, who are passionate about bold prints and comfortable clothing. Inspired by a playful and naive style, their designs are screen-printed onto 100% natural fabrics by a small team in Jaipur, India, resulting in unique, handcrafted pieces that embody an organic feel. You’ll know you’ve spotted their iconic prints at the Stroud Farmers Market even from a distance.
Find them at: 12 Kendrick Street, Stroud, GL5 1AA
3. Sunshine Health Store – 100 years of health food!
Sunshine Health Store makes it into my list of the best independent shops in Stroud because it has been a cornerstone of Stroud since 1927. It is a family-run business that is dedicated to high-quality health products, food, and personal service. The Hill family, who run the shop, believe in courtesy, confidentiality, and a no-pressure sales approach. This ethos has earned them the trust and loyalty of generations of families.
This relatively small shop is packed to the rafters with delicious healthy, organic and Fair Trade food. Not to be missed!
Find them at: 25 Church Street, Stroud, GL5 1JL
4. Fourteen Lifestyle Store – for quirky fun-filled gifts
Located in the bohemian heart of Stroud, Fourteen Lifestyle Store opened its doors on April 4th, 2014, thanks to Olive the Miniature Schnauzer and her owner, Denise. This quirky gift shop offers a delightful mix of fun, humorous, and often cheeky greeting cards, colourful homewares, unique gifts, and handmade dog accessories, all thoughtfully curated with a touch of whimsy.
I love having a mooch through all their fun stuff. Absolutely perfect for gifts, although maybe not for your more conservative friends! 😏
Find them at: 14 Kendrick Street, Stroud, GL5 1AA
5. Made in Stroud – Locally handmade beauties
What began as a series of makers’ markets in 1991 evolved into Stroud’s famous Farmers’ Market in 1999 and eventually led to the opening of the Made in Stroud Shop in 2000. This shop showcases the exquisite work of local artisans, offering a constantly updated selection of limited edition, exclusive, and special products that reflect the community’s creativity. Their selection of locally made ceramics is absolutely beautiful!
They also often collaborate with the local legend, Giffords Circus, which ends with some spectacular window dressings.
Find them at: 16 Kendrick Street, Stroud, GL5 1 AA
6. A Brilliant Disguise – Independent Boutique
A Brilliant Disguise has been a beloved part of Stroud’s retail scene for over 13 years. When the original owners retired in 2020, Kayleigh and Tom took over, focusing on maintaining the store’s independence, sustainability, and excellent customer care. This fashion boutique continues to be a favourite for those seeking unique and stylish clothing in Stroud.
Find them at: 25 High Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AJ
7. Moonflower – Ethical clothing and beauty products
Moonflower, a family-run business since 1979, moved to the High Street in 1986 and has been a staple of Stroud ever since. They now have two shops on the High Street. One specialises in ladies’ clothing, shoes, and accessories, and the other in gifts and beauty products. It is beautifully curated and committed to ethical and responsible sourcing, ensuring that its products are as kind to the planet as they are stylish.
Find them at: 13 High St, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1AZ
**Bonus: Stroud Farmers’ Market**
While not a shop, Stroud Farmers’ Market deserves a special mention. This award-winning market brings hundreds of visitors to the town centre every Saturday morning. Featuring locally produced goods—from honey and flowers to meats, vegetables, pastries, and crafts—this market is the beating heart of Stroud’s community. You can also often find Karakorum (me!) there if you’d like to browse our candles and baskets in person. The market runs from 9am – 2pm. Be sure to arrive early to experience the market at its best and avoid missing out on popular stalls.
Find them at: Cornhill Market Place & Surrounding Streets, Stroud, GL5 2HH
So there you have it—my favourite independent shops in Stroud. Of course, there’s much more to explore: from local art galleries to tranquil Stratford Park, plus plenty of scenic walks in the surrounding countryside—whether it’s following in Laurie Lee’s footsteps or venturing along the renowned Cotswold Way.
Stroud truly champions independence, creativity, and community, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates one-of-a-kind shopping experiences and a vibrant cultural scene.
