Living in Stonehouse

Stonehouse boasts a strong sense of community, with local events, groups, and societies playing a prominent role in everyday life. The town holds annual events such as the Stonehouse Goodwill Festival and summer fêtes, which draw together residents of all ages for celebrations and fundraising activities.

The Stonehouse Community Centre, library, and nearby outdoor facilities offer spaces for clubs, classes, and gatherings. Weekly markets and volunteer projects are an important aspect of social life, encouraging connections and supporting local enterprises. Green spaces like Oldends Lane Playing Fields, Laburnum Field, and the local canal make outdoor pursuits a routine part of living in the area, with walking, cycling, and family picnics popular throughout the year. Country walks along the Stroudwater Canal and into the Cotswold hills are also easily accessible.

Stonehouse maintains a reputation as a generally safe and welcoming town, characterised by low levels of serious crime. The Gloucestershire Constabulary has an active local presence, with regular patrols and community policing initiatives that focus on preventing crime and engaging residents. Most incidents in the area are minor and related to anti-social behaviour rather than more serious offences.

The area benefits from neighbourhood watch schemes and efforts to enhance the safety of public spaces, especially around schools and parks. Regeneration projects and investment in local facilities have also supported community cohesion and overall safety. Residents tend to report a sense of security, particularly in the residential neighbourhoods and village outskirts.

Parking in Stonehouse is generally straightforward, with ample on-street parking available in residential neighbourhoods and within the town centre. Some areas operate a permit scheme for residents, especially on busy streets near the high street and station. Short-stay and long-stay parking is provided in town centre car parks, ideal for shoppers and visitors.

Road access is excellent thanks to Stonehouse’s proximity to the M5 motorway, facilitating travel throughout Gloucestershire and to neighbouring counties. The A419 offers a direct route to Stroud and connects to nearby towns and business parks.

Travel times by road to local centres:

• Gloucester – approx. 25 minutes via A419 and A38 (12 miles)
• Cheltenham – approx. 30 minutes via M5 (20 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 40 minutes via M5 (29 miles)
• Stroud – approx. 10 minutes via A419 (4 miles)

Rush hour congestion is mild compared to larger urban areas, but brief delays can occur during peak hours along the A419 and at motorway junctions.

Stonehouse offers a welcoming array of food and drink venues, reflecting local tastes and the area’s traditional character. The town centre features independent cafés, bakeries, and family-run restaurants serving everything from classic British fare to Italian cuisine. The Royal Oak and The Globe Inn are longstanding pubs in Stonehouse, popular for their real ales and community atmosphere.

For those seeking a broader range of nightlife and dining options, nearby Stroud offers gastropubs, cocktail bars, vegan cafés, and vibrant farmers’ markets. While Stonehouse itself provides a more relaxed social scene with occasional live music at pubs and clubs, it also benefits from events hosted at local social clubs and nearby venues.

Takeaways, traditional chip shops, and pizzerias are scattered throughout the area, catering to everyday needs. For more extensive nightlife and clubbing, residents often travel to larger towns like Gloucester or Bristol.

School Quality: Stonehouse is served by well-rated primary and secondary schools such as Park Junior School and Maidenhill School, which are both considered supportive and effective in their teaching approaches.

Parks and Green Space: Several parks and recreational areas, including Laburnum Field and Oldends Lane, provide ample room for outdoor play, sports, and family gatherings. The nearby canal paths offer opportunities for walking and nature exploration.

Childcare: The area has a choice of nurseries and preschools, catering to different ages and needs, which is valued by working parents and families with younger children.

Safety: Stonehouse experiences low crime rates and benefits from community policing as well as active neighbourhood watch schemes, contributing to a reassuring environment for families.

Family Activities: Family-friendly events, clubs, and local sports teams provide a range of afterschool and weekend activities. The proximity to larger attractions in Stroud, Gloucester, and the Cotswolds gives further options for day trips and shared experiences.

Stonehouse is ideal for those with pets, especially dogs, thanks to its green spaces and close proximity to open countryside. The Stroudwater Canal towpath, Oldends Lane Playing Fields, and local parks are popular spots for dog walking and outdoor exercise. The Cotswold hills provide further opportunities for longer walks and rural exploration.

The town supports a pet-friendly attitude, with several local vets and pet supply shops available in Stonehouse and nearby Stroud. Pubs such as The Royal Oak often welcome dogs, and many cafés offer outdoor seating suitable for pet owners. Rental and housing policies generally accommodate responsible pet ownership, though terms can vary by property and landlord.

Stonehouse is well-connected for both local and long-distance travel, making it a convenient base for commuters and those who enjoy exploring the wider region. The town boasts its own railway station on the main line between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa, offering regular direct services to London, Swindon, Stroud, and Gloucester.

Stonehouse is also served by various bus routes, linking it with neighbouring towns and villages, as well as Stroud and Gloucester. For drivers, the nearby M5 motorway provides easy road access north to the Midlands and south towards Bristol and the South West. Stonehouse is well-positioned for travel throughout Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

Key commute times by train and car:

• Stroud – approx. 7 minutes by train / 10 minutes by car
• Gloucester – approx. 15 minutes by train / 20 minutes by car
• Bristol – approx. 55 minutes by train (change at Swindon) / 40 minutes by car via M5
• London Paddington – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by train

For air travel, Bristol Airport is under an hour by car, and Birmingham Airport is also within reasonable reach.

Stonehouse has a solid reputation for educational facilities, making it an attractive choice for families. The area is served by both state and independent schools with positive Ofsted ratings and a tradition of academic achievement.

Primary Schools: Park Junior School is a popular choice in Stonehouse, with an Ofsted rating of "Good" (March 2020), known for its inclusive and supportive learning environment. King's Stanley Church of England Primary School, just south of the town, is also rated "Good" (October 2022) and is recognised for its welcoming ethos.

Secondary Schools: Maidenhill School serves Stonehouse and surrounding villages, offering comprehensive education for students aged 11 to 16. Ofsted rated Maidenhill "Good" (January 2020), citing effective leadership and a safe learning environment. Rednock School in nearby Dursley also accommodates some Stonehouse families and holds a "Good" rating (October 2022).

Colleges & Sixth Forms: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS Stroud Campus) is within easy reach, providing a variety of A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning opportunities. Further sixth form options can be found in Stroud and Gloucester.

Universities: While Stonehouse itself does not host a university, the University of Gloucestershire in Gloucester and Cheltenham is around 30 minutes away, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol is also accessible by car or train for those seeking further study.