Stratford Park

Lovely place to take the kids during half term! After they got tired playing on the playground, we walked over to the museum area and learned more about dinosaurs, old days living. A lot of wonderful bits of human civilization history and preserved artifacts. We didn’t make it to the second floor but did make it to the gardens out back. Thoroughly enjoyed this smallish museum. There’s a nice cafe when you walk in, the products offered are coffee, baked goods, canned drinks- some alcoholic in case you fancied, and most importantly a freezer chest of ice cream.

Stratford Park in Stroud is a vibrant 56-acre space featuring a leisure center, outdoor pool, and tennis courts. Visitors can explore the Museum in the Park, enjoy scenic walks around the lake, and relax in expansive green areas. With playgrounds, a skate park, and community events like parkruns, it’s a perfect destination for recreation and relaxation.

Absolutely loved visiting here. We had a lovely day and will definitely visit often. The car park is free, as is the Museum (although you can leave a donation). The museum was very interesting and the walled gardens out the back was super pretty. There is a large play area which kept my children entertained for ages, alongside massive green space. We didn't visit the lido but this is right next to the play area/car park. There is a sensory garden, a skate park and a cafe (with a smaller play area outside). We finished off with a walk around the arboretum and lake, we seen ducks and swans and there was also a little woodland area to walk through. Everything was kept very clean with no rubbish about. Public toilets are right next to the car park. You could easily make a whole day of it with a picnic!

Stratford Park is a captivating 56-acre haven that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich heritage, and community spirit. Recognized with multiple Green Flag Awards and a gold accolade from the Heart of England in Bloom, the park stands as a testament to thoughtful conservation and inclusive design . Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the park's arboretum, boasting over 800 mature trees, including majestic Cedars of Lebanon and Monkey Puzzle trees . The woodland trails, especially along the Painswick Stream, offer serene walks amidst seasonal wild garlic blooms . Families can delight in the expansive play areas, recently refurbished to cater to children aged 4–11, complemented by ample seating for picnics . The park's sensory garden provides a multi-sensory experience, featuring a labyrinth and wheelchair-friendly zones, ensuring accessibility for all . Cultural and recreational facilities abound, with the Museum in the Park offering over 4,000 exhibits, from dinosaur bones to historical artifacts, all housed in a Grade II listed 17th-century building . The leisure centre caters to fitness enthusiasts, while the historic Stratford Park Lido, currently undergoing a £2.7 million renovation, promises a revitalized swimming experience upon completion . With free entry, ample parking, and a calendar brimming with community events, Stratford Park is more than just a green space—it's the vibrant heart of Stroud, inviting visitors of all ages to explore, relax, and connect.

Lovely park and playground. There is a free museum which is quite big and rather impressive for being free in comparison to others that charge. At the museum there is an art gallery and a lovely outside area. The park itself is not huge but great for a few hours and a picnic. The only cafe is at the museum unfortunately along with the toilets but we did not find any other facilities. Parking was free which is a bonus and there were a few other walks going off from here which look great for another day. Well worth the visit. The sensory garden wasn't impressive, there was very little there to consider it a sensory garden especially when comparing to others we have been too.