The Ultimate Guide To Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is one of those postcard-perfect Cotswold towns, with its historic market square and pretty little streets and courtyards. Even better, it’s just a few minutes’ drive away from our hotel in Upper Slaughter. Here’s our locals’ guide to Stow-on-the-Wold.

Where is Stow-on-the-Wold?

Stow-on-the-Wold is right at the heart of the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of England – although because Stow itself is so lovely, you may decide to spend your whole visit among its narrow lanes and Cotswold-stone houses.

At 800 feet above sea level, Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds. The views and the surrounding countryside are both stunning.

What does Stow-on-the-Wold mean?

Stow-on-the-Wold simply means “Holy Place on the Hill” (“wolds” refers to upland countryside, and the “stow” bit is the holy place). 

Stow-on-the-Wold is on the famous old route, the Fosse Way. Six historic routes meet in Stow as well as the Fosse, and the Normans founded a town here to take advantage of the established passing trade. However, there’s been a settlement here for far longer than that, as it’s likely there was once an Iron Age fort on top of the hill where Stow now stands.

Like many Cotwold towns, the place formerly known as “Edwardstow” became an important wool trading centre. It was famous for its sheep and horse fairs, and the town’s historic square is pays homage to this heritage.

Why are the alleys in Stow-on-the-Wold so narrow?

We’re used to old towns having narrow streets, but Stow’s seem exceptionally so. The little winding lanes leading off the market square were built like that deliberately to slow down the sheep, making them easier to count (and control!). 

When you realise that as many as 20,000 sheep could be sold on a single fair day, you can appreciate why the town planning took animal logistics into account. These sheep funnels even have their own name: “tures”.

What are the best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold?

The best thing to do in Stow-on-the-Wold is explore its old streets and admire its honey-coloured buildings, while popping into its many shops (and hostelries). Here are a few highlights to visit along the way.

The Market Square

Start out at the Square (you can always pop into its visitor centre for advice and leaflets), which has some of the best architecture in the town. Look out for the medieval crooked house and the 500-year-old King’s Arms Hotel (the King being the first Charles, who once stayed here). 

The Market Cross is a reminder of the Square’s days as a thriving trading point, while the wooden stocks are a reminder of what could happen if you didn’t trade fairly… There are plenty of shops and galleries to discover in and around the Square, and don’t miss those distinctive “tures”.

Stow-on-the-Wold Church

St Edward’s Church is mostly medieval, dating back to the 11th century, but with elements and additions right up to Victorian times. It’s best known for its north door, which is said to have inspired J.R.R.Tolkien to create the Doors of Durin in his Lord Of The Rings trilogy. 

The “Yew Tree Door” certainly has a fantasy feel, flanked by its gnarled old trees that seem to grow into the wood of the door. “Speak, friend, and enter”.

Walks around Stow

After a pootle around the streets of Stow, head out of town for some beautiful walks in the Cotswold countryside. There’s a lovely walk from Stow to Lower Slaughter, or hike to the site of the Battle of Stow. Try the circular walk from Stow to Bourton-on-the-Water, an 11-mile route that takes in some glorious scenery (and frequently, mud. Wear good boots).

Places close to Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is just three and a half miles from our hotel in Upper Slaughter and just a bit further from Bourton-on-the-Water. Bourton and the Slaughters are lovely villages to explore, and it’s excellent walking country. 

You’re close to Cotswold Farm Park and Cotswold Wildlife Park, which are both excellent family days out. The beautiful Batsford Arboretum is just six miles from Stow.

What are the shops like in Stow-on-the-Wold?

As you can imagine, Stow-on-the-Wold is a superb place for antique shops. You could easily lose a day exploring these treasure troves. Visit the Fosse Gallery in the Square for its superb variety of contemporary art and Rosie B for eclectic homeware. Stow has several bookshops, including Borzoi Bookshop in Digbeth Court.

Shopping for food in Stow? Stock up on cheese and all sorts of delectable deli goodies at the Cotswold Cheese Company. D’Ambrosi serves absolutely gorgeous, chef-prepared take-aways, while the Organic Shop in the Square is the place for fresh local produce.

Stow also has a Tesco and a Co-op, and there’s a BP service station on Station Road.

Where is there to eat in Stow-on-the-Wold?

Stow has a wonderful choice of tea rooms and cafes, many of them housed in gorgeous old buildings. Try Lucy’s Tearoom for traditional afternoon tea (dogs are welcome at Lucy’s, which serves special doggy ice cream!). Don’t miss the famous Lardy Cakes at Huffkins.

If you like a cosy old pub, Stow won’t disappoint. Dine at the old Porch House, officially the oldest pub in Britain. It dates back over 1,000 years, and has the dendrochronology to prove it. Other historic inns include The Bell, The Queen’s Head and The Sheep, all serving fine local food and drink.

How do I get to Stow-on-the-Wold?

Stow-on-the-Wold is easy to reach by car: follow in the chariot wheels of the Romans by taking the A429 Fosse Way. For parking, the two main car parks are Maugersbury Road (GL54 1HH) or Fosseway (GL54 1BX).

There isn’t a station at Stow, so if you’re travelling by train, book a ticket to nearby mainline Moreton-in-Marsh. 

Planning a holiday near Stow-on-the-Wold?

Lords of the Manor is just over three miles from Stow-on-the-Wold, in Upper Slaughter. You can even walk into town! Find out more about staying at Lords of the Manor.