Easton is noted for its culturally diverse community,[2] centred on the shopping streets of Stapleton Road and St Marks Road, the latter noted for the exuberant sculpted signs that hang above many of the shop doors and the architecturally striking illuminated dome of Easton Mosque.

There are a number of Moroccan and Indian subcontinent restaurants and shops specialising in organic and ethnic foods.

In the medieval period Easton lay within the Royal Forest of Kingswood in the manor of Barton Regis.

During the late 20th century, Easton developed a reputation for crime and drugs problems,[4] and by 2005 it was described by The Sunday People newspaper as "Britain's most dangerous street".

[5] In 2002, the Home Secretary David Blunkett visited Stapleton Road when announcing it as one of five areas with high crime rates to receive additional government support for policing.

Easton has two railway stations, Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road, which are served by trains on the Severn Beach Line plus services to and from Gloucester and South Wales.