Strood Area Guide

Situated on the banks of the River Medway, Strood is a thriving town with a great mix of shops, restaurants and nearby attractions. With Rochester close by, property in Strood also benefits from excellent schools, peaceful green spaces and commuter links that make travel to London easy.

Welcome to Strood

A friendly town with strong community ties, Strood is home to several sports clubs and many national and independent stores. Whether you're looking for a park home or an apartment by the river, there's something for everyone. Strood benefits from high-speed trains to London, but the nature reserves and parks close by mean the countryside is never too far away.

Strood is perfect for families

Property in Strood is ideal for families who want city and countryside within easy reach. The town’s secondary school, Strood Academy, enjoys an excellent reputation, while other options nearby include the Hundred of Hoo Academy in Rochester. There are highly rated primary schools for younger kids, including St Nicholas Church of England Infants, Gordon Children's Academy and Hilltop School in Frindsbury.

Getting around in Strood

Strood is close to both the M2 and A2, connecting it with Maidstone, Canterbury and Dover, and Dartford to the north. The town has four stations close by – Strood, Cuxton, Higham and Rochester. Strood station operates direct services to London and Maidstone, with the former departing every 30 minutes and the latter every hour. Journey times are just 30 minutes for each.

A short history of Strood

Strood was once part of neighbouring Frindsbury but became a parish in its own right during the 12th century. Today it’s officially a suburb of Rochester, which lies just across the river, and has continued to grow in size due to its rail links with London. Strood has a population of around 40,000, with several famous names living locally, including Jools Holland, who resides at Cooling Castle.

Outdoor activities in Strood

Lovers of the great outdoors will never be short of things to do around Strood. Local attractions include the award-winning Broom Hill Park and the historic village of Upnor, which has a famous sailing club. There are also numerous nature reserves close by, including RSPB Northward Hill, High Halstow National Nature Reserve and Cliffe Pools, where you can see wader birds and other wildlife.

Shopping and Entertainment in Strood

Strood is close to Medway Valley Park, which is packed with shops and restaurants and a gym, cinema and bowling alley. The nearby Diggerland theme park offers a great day out with the kids, along with Fenn Bell zoo. Property in Strood also benefits from excellent pubs and restaurants nearby. Local favourites include the Three Crutches Bar & Grill and the Tudor Rose at Upnor and The Sans Pareil in Frindsbury and the Red Dog in High Halstow.