I'm Recommended by The Telegraph: What to Bring Home After 48 Hours in the Cotswolds
Stroud Farmers’ Market has regularly been named one of the best farmers markets in the UK, so it’s always lovely when visitors discover College Green while they’re here.
A few years ago, a writer from The Telegraph visited Stroud and included College Green in their guide to “what to bring home after 48 hours in the Cotswolds”. At the time I was only making handmade soap in small batches from my kitchen table in Randwick.
Things have grown a bit since then.
Alongside the soaps, College Green now includes essential oil pillow sprays, reed diffusers, candles and bath soaks inspired by the slower pace of life here in the Cotswolds. I still make very small quantities of handmade soap, but these days I’m probably best known for my aromatherapy blends.
If you’ve ever visited Stroud Farmers’ Market on a busy Saturday morning, you’ll know why it’s become such a destination. There’s always a queue for fresh vegetables and sourdough bread, dogs everywhere, people carrying huge bunches of flowers, and stalls full of genuinely local products. Everything sold at the farmers’ market has to be made or produced within 30 miles of Stroud, which keeps it feeling very different from larger commercial markets.
You can read more about why it’s regularly considered one of the best farmers markets in the UK here.
And if you’re planning a visit these are my twelve reasons you should visit Stroud Farmers' Market
The Telegraph originally mentioned my soaps, which I still make in limited quantities when time allows. But over the last few years the aromatherapy side of the business has really grown.
The Sleep Easy pillow and room spray has become especially popular. It’s blended with lavender, chamomile, neroli and patchouli essential oils and is designed to help create a calm bedtime routine. Lots of customers first buy it at the market, then come back for refills or gifts later on.
The Night Garden range has also become a favourite, available as a reed diffuser and room mist. It’s a softer, deeper scent designed for evenings when you want the house to feel calm and relaxed.
One of the nicest things about Stroud Farmers’ Market is that you actually get to speak to the people making things. Most of us are micro businesses doing everything ourselves, from designing labels to packing orders late at night at the kitchen table. I think people value that more and more now.
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds and wondering what to bring home, Stroud Farmers’ Market is a good place to start. You’ll find local food, bread, flowers, handmade gifts, natural skincare and home fragrance products, all made by independent businesses nearby.
You can find me there on the fourth Saturday of every month with my essential oil sprays, diffusers, candles, bath soaks and whatever small batch of soap I’ve managed to make that month.
Huge thanks to Harriet, and the Telegraph; you can read the full article here.
FAQ
Is Stroud Farmers Market worth visiting?
Yes. Stroud Farmers Market is regularly named among the best farmers markets in the UK and is known for its award-winning local food, artisan makers and strong community atmosphere.
When is Stroud Farmers Market?
The market takes place every Saturday in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Every market is different as many stallholders attend once or twice a month, so you'll have a unique experience every time.
What can you buy at Stroud Farmers Market?
You’ll find locally produced food including bread, seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, milk, locally grown flowers, handmade gifts, natural skincare, candles, aromatherapy products and crafts from independent Cotswold makers.