Stow-on-the-Wold is undoubtedly one of the most charming towns within the Cotswolds. Its wide market square tells a story of times gone by when it would host one of the country’s most important annual sheep markets. But sheepish history aside, Stow-on-the-Wold also has a rich history due to its strategic position as the highest town in the Cotswolds. Initially, it was an Iron Fort, and then it became the location of the final battle of the English Civil War. So whether you come to Stow-on-the-Wold for the history, its ties to Lord of the Rings, or simply because it is a beautiful Cotswold town, then fear not, you will find plenty of things to do!
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Best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
1. Get a Dose of History at the Market Square
Like neighbouring Moreton in Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold has been hosting markets ever since King Henry I granted a charter back in 1107! However, it is the annual sheep sale that has shaped Stow’s wide market square. Since 1330 Stow-on-the-Wold has been hosting a week-long market that vendors travel to from far and wide. It is believed that up to 20,000 sheep were sold in a single day during the Stow-on-the-Wold fair during its hay days! The market square is wide to accommodate all the sheep and traders, while the alleyways leading to it are narrow and winding to help control the flow of sheep and therefore ease the task of counting them!
The farmers market still comes to Stow-on-the-Wold regularly. Between April and September, the market comes to town on the second and last Tuesday of every month. Between October and March, it only comes to Stow on the second Tuesday of every month. Don’t forget though, that Moreton in Marsh has a market every Tuesday year-round!
You can still enjoy the market square with its many shops, inns, cafes, and restaurants even when the market isn’t in town. There are certainly plenty of things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold to help keep you entertained!
More than just a market town!
Also in the square, you will find the old penal stocks, which date back to the 15th century. They were used to publicly humiliate and penalize the unruly. England’s Statute of Labourers required every town to have stocks, so it is a common sight in many medieval towns! Not only are they significant historical artifacts, but they make for fun photos too!
You’ll find the ancient Market Cross at the opposite end of the square. The Cross’s four sides represent important people and events in the town: the Civil War, the crucifixion, the wool trade, and St Edward. This Cross was erected in the Market Square to remind business owners to conduct trade fairly and honestly.
Lastly, the English Civil War memorial is also an important monument worth checking out. This memorial was constructed after the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold in the 17th century. A Royalist Army of over 1,000 soldiers was marching through the town to meet with King Charles when the Parliamentarians managed to stop them. A bloody hand-to-hand battle ensued which the Parliamentarians won. They imprisoned almost all of the remaining soldiers, later massacring them. It is believed that there was so much blood in the town that ducks could bathe in it! Digbeth Street actually got its name from this event since it translates to duck bath in Old English!
2. Admire Tolkien’s Door at St. Edward’s Church
Ever since the rise of influencers in floaty dresses, visiting St Edward’s Church has become one of the most popular things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold (and in the Cotswolds)! The church was built sometime during the medieval ages on the site of an earlier Saxon church. The current building was renovated in the 17th century and has been standing tall since. It is in this church that the Parliamentarians imprisoned and held captive over 1,000 soldiers from the Royalist Army before murdering them. The church is named after Stow on the Wold’s patron, Saint Edward. In fact, the town was originally known as Edwardstow before King Henry I changed it to Stow-on-the-Wold in 1107. The church is a grade I listed building known for its buttresses, stained glass windows, and large churchyard.
However, more recently, it is a side entrance that has attracted the most attention! The large wooden door on the North wing is flanked by ancient yew trees on either side that appear to be growing directly out of the stone, as if the trees had feet. It is believed that this same tree is the real-life Moria, which is the original inspiration behind ‘Doors of Durin’ in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a scholar at Oxford and a frequent visitor of the Cotswolds from where it is believed he got a lot of inspiration. At the time he was said to be visiting Stow-on-the-Wold with friends when he saw the church entrance and realised it would make the perfect entrance to an ancient kingdom. And just like that the Doors of Durin came to life.
3. Experience the Gypsy Horse Fair
With the decline of wool, the previously famous annual sheep markets have now been replaced by a biannual Gypsy Horse Fair. It takes place in May and October every year and sees 100s of travellers coming together from all corners of the UK. Many arrive in their traditional horse-drawn caravans, making great subjects for budding photographers. Still, to this day, it remains one of the most important gypsy fairs in England. It is an experience not to be missed!
4. Go Antiquing
Stow is well known for its independent boutique stores, antique shops, and art galleries. So whatever form of art you are into, you will find a lot to your liking here. Of its many antique stores, a few really stand out for their location and quality of the goods on sale. Tara Antiques, Durham House Antiques, and Tudor House Antiques are some of the most popular antique stores in Stow-on-the-Wold. Expect to find many hidden treasures during your search!
5. Visit the Fosse Art Gallery
Speaking of art, the Fosse Art Gallery has consistently been called one of the most important art galleries in the UK. It showcases contemporary British art, and it is located right here in Stow-in-the-Wold! Fosse Gallery was founded in 1980 by Brian Sinfield and Gerard O’ Farrell, and it used to showcase only Victorian watercolour paintings. However, today, the gallery is mainly known to be a premier showcase for British contemporary artists. Located right at the top of Market Square, the Fosse Art Gallery organizes regular exhibitions while also selling art from both local and internationally renowned artists.
Address: The Square, The Manor House, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AF
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 5pm
6. Explore the Charming Tea Rooms
Nothing evokes a more quintessential British feeling than taking a break to enjoy an afternoon tea. And you won’t be left short of choice! My favourite? Huffkin’s, Lucy’s Tearoom, and The Old Bakery Tearoom. In Huffkins, you need to try the Lardy Cake. At Lucy’s, make sure you enjoy the afternoon tea experience, especially if it is nice weather and you can sit outside. At The Old Bakery, please don’t miss out on their Short Bread Millionaire (my favourite!). And while you are eating it, make sure to read their story, which you will find on the table. It’s a tragic story yet inspiring at the same time. But I won’t ruin it for you and will let you read it for yourself.
7. Get that Insta-Worthy Shot at The Triangle
Like everything else in Stow on the Wold, even the smallest water fountain has some historical story behind it. In the triangle, you will find the Old Fountain, the Old Post Box, and the Horse Trough. These are three important historical landmarks of Stow-on-the-Wold, which you will find at the top of the High Street.
The Old Fountain, which also served as a horse trough, dates back to 1896 and was donated to the town by Piers Thursby to serve as the first source of clean water for the residents of Stow. The Old Post Box might seem like any other post box that dots the lanes of the UK. But what is special about this one is that instead of bearing the usual initials of “E R,” which stand for Elizabeth Regina or Queen Elizabeth, this post box dates back to the Edwardian times! It might also bear the initials “E R”, but these stand for Edward Rex, or King Edward VII on this particular post box.
8. Have a Play Date with Animals at Cotswold Farm Park
If you are familiar with Countryfile, a popular BBC TV series, then you will be familiar with Adam Henson, the owner of Cotswold Farm Park. Although he now runs the farm, it was his dad, Joe Henson, that founded it back in 1971 to help protect and breed rare farm animals. Since its inauguration, no farm animal breed has gone extinct in the UK! In addition to their great work protecting rare breeds, Cotswold Farm Park is also a leader in sustainable animal farming approaches. It is a brilliant place where both adults and children can learn about the importance of farming.
There is no end of activities to do at the Cotswolds Farm Park, from digging up your own potatoes to watching baby chicks hatch! So whether you want to feed the goats, pet a rabbit, or go on a wildlife walk, there is plenty to keep a family of all ages entertained for the day. And once you get peckish, you will find several food outlets, from full sit-down meals at the Ox Shed restaurant to salad boxes and sandwiches in the café or ice cream from Dolly’s.
Get free entry when you stay the night!
It is not the cheapest activity in the Cotswolds if you only plan to spend a short time there, but if you make an entire day out of it, it becomes great value for money! In fact, why not make a weekend out of it and stay overnight? You can either bring your tent at £20 a pitch or choose a little more luxury by glamping or picking out one of their lodges. You can read my review from my latest visit here. It is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold when visiting with family.
Address: Guiting Power, GL54 5FL
Opening Times: 9:30 am to 5 pm every day
9. Explore the Cotswolds with a guide
It is completely possible to enjoy the charming market town of Stow-on-the-Wold on your own. Enjoy all the independent shops in the town centre, go for a long walk, and admire the historic buildings.
However, you will learn very little about the town or the Cotswolds. If you are interested in more than just shopping, eating, and getting some nice pictures, then I would recommend joining a tour that will not only cover Stow-on-the-Wold, but a number of other Cotswold towns too.
I recently joined Go Cotswolds on their “Cotswolds in a day” tour which is a taster of the key towns and villages of North Cotswolds. I have lived in the area for 9 years and therefore knew everywhere they took us, yet I learn more in the first 10 minutes than I had in my 9 years of living here, It genuinely was a brilliant day out, and a great way to get a taster of the Cotswolds. You can read up on my experience here or you can check out their tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
10. Geek out at The Borzoi Bookshop
Set back from Digbeth Street, which runs off the main square, you will find this fabulous independent book shop. It caught my attention as I walked past so I took a peek inside determined not to buy anything! Yet 10 minutes later I walked out with two new books that I’m sure I didn’t need but which I will thoroughly enjoy!
Address: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
11. Enjoy a Craft Beer
Also on Digbeth Street you will find an independent craft beer café and bottle shop. They often run beer-tasting evenings which I have heard are great, but even when no events are running, there is always a great atmosphere and it is the perfect place if you are looking to sample or buy local spirits, wines and beers.
Address: 2, Mascot House, Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
12. Watch chocolate being made at the Cotswolds Chocolate Company
As a chocolate lover a visit to the Cotswolds Chocolate Company is both heaven and hell (there is too much of it in my diet already!). Run by owners Heidi and Tony, their little store is located just off the main square, at the start of Digbeth Street. Everywhere you look the shelves are stacked with chocolate, from your traditional milk chocolate to locally-sourced lavender infused chocolate bars.
The highlight for me was seeing how the chocolate is made. At the back of the store there is a window from where you can see Tony masterfully pouring the velvety chocolate into moulds. Definitely a store worth visiting if you are a chocolate lover (or avoiding it if you are on a diet!).
Address: Frances House, Digbeth St, Digbeth St, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
13. Get your cheese fix at the Cotswolds Cheese Company
If you’re a fan of all things cheesy and delicious, then look no further than The Cotswold Cheese Company. With two stores, one in Moreton-in-Marsh and the other in Stow-on-the-Wold, as well as a franchise in Burford, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and condiments. This locally established gem has been keeping the Cotswolds well-fed and satisfied with their drool-worthy selection for years.
Best Hikes to do in Stow-on-the Wold
If you are a regular of the blog, you will know just how much I love exploring the Cotswolds on foot. The entirety of the Cotswolds is criss-crossed with public footpaths, and Stow is no exception! Here are some breath-taking countryside walks for you to do from Stow-on-the-Wold.
14. Go for a historic walk – Battle of Stow Loop
If you want to mix scenery with history, I recommend the Battle of Stow loop. The 9 miles of well marked-trail will take you through some of the most important historical landmarks, including St Edwards Church, Donnington Brewery, and of course, the site of the Battle of Stow, which was the final battle of the English Civil War. Unfortunately, the brewery is not open to the public, but there is a Donnington Way walk that takes in 15 of their pubs over a 62-mile walk! Since I don’t like beer, it isn’t one I’ve ever attempted!
15. Discover two of the most beautiful nearby villages – Stow on The Wold to Upper Slaughter
The Stow on the World to Upper Slaughter walk is a beautiful out-and-back trail. It is 14 km there and back but relatively flat, so therefore pretty easy for most fitness levels. What I love about the route is that you get three great towns for the price of one: Stow, Lower Slaughter, and Upper Slaughter. The last two are probably the most beautiful ones in the Cotswolds (in my opinion). You could always make it slightly longer by taking a detour into Bourton-on-the-Water too, which would add an extra 9 km to your day, but perfectly doable for anyone with moderate fitness wanting to spend all day exploring the area on foot.
16. Take a Walk to Stow Well
If you are looking for a rewarding short walk, then head down the historic Well of Stow-on-the-Wold where locals collected water from until 1937. There is a lovely view to your right as you make your way down Well’s lane.
If you fancy a slightly longer walk, then continue down Well’s Lane following it as it turns into a track. The track is signposted as Monarch’s Way, which is a long-distance footpath based on the escape route that King Charles II took during the Civil War. The Monarch Way we eventually bring you into the charming village of Broadwell. There is a lovely 12th century church here as well as a great pub, the Fox Inn, should you wish a mid-walk drink. I often run or cycle through Broadwell. There is a house on the corner of Chapel Street that looks spectacular during the summer months when it is covered in Ivy.
I would recommend retracing your steps to return to Stow-on-the-Wold. There is al alternative route which does provide a fantastic view over the valley, but involves walking about 650 metres on the busy Fosse Way which I like to avoid!
Best places to Eat in Stow on the Wold
The choices of places to eat in Stow are endless, and it was hard to pick just a few. For this reason, I have chosen somewhat quirky restaurants that offer more than just good food!
17. Have a meal in the oldest pub in Britain – The Porch House Inn
The Porch House is thought to be Britain’s Oldest Inn. Just for that accolade, it is worth a visit! Just think, you could be sitting down to eat in the same spot where weary travellers have been eating for over 1000 years! OK, it has changed a little since it was originally built in 947 AD! That hospice has since been replaced with the now 16th-century building, but still, it’s a pretty special spot! Historical joint aside, the Porch House serves delicious quintessential English food with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and is a spot not to be missed when visiting Stow-on-the-Wold.
On our last visit I thoroughly enjoyed the Crispy salt & pepper squid, served with garlic aioli and grilled lemon. I then had a fillet of pork which was served with saffron potatoes, crispy cavolo nero, apple and fennel coleslaw and a grain mustard jus. And to finish off sticky toffee puding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream!
You can’t go wrong here. Great atmosphere, a unique pub and fantastic food!
The Porch House also offers 13 guest rooms, all different to each other. Why not stay the night in Britain’s Oldest Inn?
Address: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN
18. Eat the best fish in the area… at The Old Butchers
The Old Butchers used to be… Yes! You guessed! A butcher’s shop! Pete and Louise Robinson bought and converted it into a warm and rustic restaurant in 2005. Today, this restaurant is one of the very best in the entire Cotswold region, but not for the reasons you would think. Based on the name, it would make sense for you to believe their meats would be their specialty. Unfortunately, that’s where you would be wrong!
Their primary focus is actually fresh, locally and seasonally sourced fish! Considering we are not close to the sea, it is incredible how good their fish menu is (and how delicious the dishes are!). If you are not a fish eater though, fear not. They have more than fish on the menu, including seasonal game, locally sourced meat, and delicious burgers! But what I love most is their nose-to-tail policy which focuses on minimal wastage while cooking their gourmet dishes.
Address: 7 Park St, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AQ
19. Enjoy a pint at the Queen’s Head
The Porch House might be the oldest pub in Britain, but you would be forgiven for thinking that that accolade belongs to the Queen’s Head, which I’m not sure has seen a revamp since it was first opened. But it is this charm that attracts locals and visitors alike. The feeling of stepping back in time into an old traditional pub without any of the fancy frills of the modern ages. Just good beer and good quality locally sourced food.
The Queens Head is owned by the Donnington Brewery, a local brewery with an ingenious idea. To create it’s very own footpath called the Donnington Way. This 62-mile circular route covers all 15 of the original Donnington-owned pubs, making it what surely must be the longest pub crawl in the UK!
Address: Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB
20. Date night at The Sheep on Sheep Street
Considered one of the finest eateries in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Sheep has a calendar full of events to make every visit different. Beat the “Board-om” during January with their boardgame nights, enjoy a sharing dessert for Valentines, or join the #nationalpieday celebrations with a pie and a pint. There is always something going on at The Sheep so make sure you visit their website for an up to date schedule of events.
The Sheep also offers rather lavish accommodation. So if you are looking for a touch of luxury when staying in the Cotswolds do check out The Sheep on Sheep Street.
Address: Sheep St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AU
21. Do as the locals do, and have lunch at Cotswolds Baguettes
When our Go Cotswolds guide dropped us off in Stow-on-the-Wold, he recommended lunch at Cotswolds Baguette, although he did worn there might be a queue, since it is where all the locals go! He was not wrong! There was indeed a queue of locals waiting for their baguette, and I soon found out why! Freshly made with locally sourced produce and a nice selection of cakes, a Cotswolds Baguette makes a perfect, tasty, and cheap lunch. Imagine Subway but with better quality fillings, a proper baguette, and staff that enjoy their job. It’s a winner!
Address: 2 Church Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BB
Best Coffee Shops in Stow-on-the-Wold
22. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Stow Town Coffee
Stow Town is one of the UK’s smallest coffee roasteries and is located in Stow-on-the-Wold, right in the heart of the Cotswolds. They bag their beans freshly to order and can even grind them to your particular taste! They also offer a coffee takeaway service should you need an immediate caffeine fix!
Address: The Barn, 2 Wells, Sheep St, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AA
Opening Times: 9am to 2pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
23. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate The Coach House Coffee Shop
The queue always seems to be out the door at the Coach House. I hear the coffee is phenomenal, but I can only comment on the hot chocolate, which is delicious, as are the tempting cakes that lure you in while you wait to be served!
Address: 1 Talbot Sq, Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BQ
Best Places to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
Since I only live a short drive away, in Moreton in Marsh, there is no need for me to stay anywhere else in the Cotswolds. However, it is sometimes nice to explore what hotels and guest houses are available in my home town. Although I haven’t stayed in either of these two Inns, they do come highly recommended from friends who have stayed there while visiting.
24. Stay at the historic Old Stocks Inn
Standing behind the old stocks of Stow-on-the-Wold lies the historic 17th-century Old Stocks Inn. From the outside it blends right into the honey-coloured market square, yet inside it is modern and chic. It is located right in the centre of town making it an ideal spot if you want to be right in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold. it is also one of the best towns from which to base yourself if you want to explore the North Cotswolds, since all the other key market towns are no more than 15 minutes drive away.
The design of the old building means that each of the 16 bedrooms is different, with the beds, furniture, bathroom, and Scandinavian-inspired deco all adapting to the configurations of the room. Fear not, the modern design does not take away from the old-school elements such as the exposed stone walls and wooden beams.
The Old Stocks Inn is a gorgeous boutique hotel to treat yourself to the next time you visit the Cotswolds.
Address: The Square, Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AF
25. Stay at Victoria House
I hear great things about Victoria House, a former 19th-century brewers house. After tasteful renovations, the stunning property now offers 7 opulent boutique rooms, each with its own unique charm and character. But as always it is the service that makes a place special, and Victoria House prides itself on the smaller details, such a decanter of Sherry in your room and an indulging bag of Cotswolds Fudge.
Do check it out if you are looking to pamper yourself on this visit.
For more accommodation options I recommend checking Booking.com for a list of all the properties and best deals.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to explore Stow!
Whether you come for the history, the art or the countryside, I am sure you will fall in love with the charm of Stow-on-the-Wold. There is no shortage of things to do, and you are perfectly located to explore the rest of the Cotswolds too.
The market town of Moreton in Marsh, home to Batsford Arboretum, is only 4 miles North. It also happens to be the only town within the Cotswolds with a train station! 11 miles away from Stow, you will also find the beautiful town of Broadway, as well as Broadway Tower, which happens to be the best place in the Cotswolds to watch the sunset! If you want to tick off the Cotswolds Instagram hotspots, then you will find Bourton-on-the-Water only 4 miles south and Bibury, with its amazing row of cottages, only 16 miles away. There is certainly plenty to see and do in the surrounding area too! Some recommendations would include the model village in Bourton the Water, the National Trust-owned Chastleton House, the beautiful gardens of Bourton House or the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford. And if you are looking for more adventurous activities, then check out my post about unique things to do in the Cotswolds.
How do I get to Stow using public transport?
Most people assume that the only way to explore the Cotswolds is by car. Although a car does make it easier, it is also one of the major problems we experience here, especially at peak times. We still rely on the old Roman Fosse Way road to travel from North to South, and it can get jam-packed, especially during the summer months. However, you don’t need a car to explore the Cotswolds.
It is really easy to get from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh by train and then get the 801 bus that will drop you off in Stow-on-the-Wold. An alternative would be to get the train to Cheltenham and then take the 801 North to Stow. For a full breakdown of how to explore the Cotswolds by bus please check out my Public Transport blog post.
Once in Stow, you can choose several bus services to access most parts of the Cotswolds. However, I’m a big advocate for choosing to explore by bike or on foot instead. You will be amazed at the gems you will find when you leave the main roads and start exploring down the country lanes!
For more Cotswolds inspiration, please check out all my other Cotswolds articles. And if you have any questions, please feel free to email me on bea@bea-adventurous.com. I love hearing from you all!
