Stow-on-the-Wold is a wonderful little market city within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Naural Magnificence. There are many unbelievable issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold equivalent to exploring medieval buildings and artwork galleries, visiting outlets, making an attempt out the numerous eating places, and stopping by one of many oldest pubs in England.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years as I’ve associates within the area, and I like trying out all of the cool locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold at any time when I’m within the space. It’s one of many prettiest small cities in England and has loads of glorious eateries serving seasonal, native dishes.
The city is perched on a hilltop overlooking the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and has been an vital buying and selling middle for hundreds of years. It’s the best city within the area and stands at 800 toes (244 meters) above sea degree. It additionally hosts a daily farmers’ market promoting native produce that draws many guests desperate to browse regional items.
Finest Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold
Beneath, you’ll discover a choice of the most effective Stow-on-the-Wold points of interest from medieval castles to age-old markets, gardens, outlets, and pubs. There’s one thing for everybody in Stow and the place deserves to be excessive on the listing of any traveller to England.
1. Go to the Market Sq.
Probably the greatest issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold is to see the Market Sq. which is the primary hub of the city. There’s a farmers’ market right here on the second and final Thursday of the month, from April to September, and on the second Thursday from October to March.
The market is the right place to select up recent, native produce from throughout the Cotswolds and the southwest. From jams and preserves to chutneys, cooking sauces, and regionally made beers, ciders, and gins, that is one in every of my favourite locations to buy artisan meals and goodies.
The Market Sq. is the city’s beating coronary heart and is surrounded by attractive buildings fabricated from honey-colored Cotswold Stone. You’ll discover a vary of outlets and cafes across the sq. promoting all the pieces from second-hand books and antiques to cream teas and different native specialties.
Tackle: Market Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB
2. See St Edward’s Church
The medieval St Edward’s Church is a Grade II listed constructing that dates again so far as the eleventh Century with over 1,000 years of historical past. This Norman church was first consecrated in 1086 making it one of the crucial historic buildings within the Cotswolds, and certainly the entire of England.
One of the crucial spectacular issues about St Edward’s is its north-facing door which is flanked by two massive yew timber rising as if from the church partitions. The doorway appears to be like prefer it’s been taken straight from the set of The Lord of the Rings and also you may discover the odd Hobbit hiding behind.
The picturesque churchyard makes an important escape from the bustling city middle and is one in every of my favourite locations to take a seat and take just a few minute’s away from all of it. It’s additionally very photogenic, particularly the traditional doorway. The church and grounds are open to the general public, and visiting is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Tackle: 2 Crossways Home the Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB
3. Have a Pint within the Oldest Inn in England
The historic Porch Home is likely one of the oldest inns in England. This lovely, rustic constructing fabricated from trademark Cotswold stone has been dated again so far as the yr 947 making it effectively over 1,000 years outdated. The pub has a energetic bar, a beautiful outdoors terrace, a conservatory, and a restaurant.
Whether or not you’re searching for a fast lunchtime nibble, a three-course night meal, or only a few drinks within the beer backyard, you possibly can’t go unsuitable. I like a very good, conventional pub and The Porch is likely one of the most interesting I’ve ever been to. There’s a superb choice of native beers and ciders too.
The restaurant serves upmarket pub meals with a contemporary twist. The cooks use native and seasonal produce to craft beautiful dishes from scorching steaks to king prawn curry, and a very good Sunday roast. The standard and repair is excellent, and the pub has costs to match. It’s an important choice for an important day.
Tackle: 1 Digbeth Road, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1BN
4. Browse the Artworks on the Fosse Gallery
Followers of up to date artwork ought to head to the Fosse Gallery which has been showcasing artworks since 1980. The gallery is acknowledged as one of the crucial vital within the UK and has housed works by up to date artists equivalent to Fluer Grabow, Mary Feddon OBE, and James Donovan amongst a number of different luminaries.
I’m not the largest fan of recent artwork however even I get pleasure from among the fascinating items on show on the Fosse, and with frequent visitor exhibitions, there’s all the time one thing new to find. The gallery is open from 10:30 am to five pm Monday to Saturday. Entrance is free; making this one other of the good free issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Tackle: The Manor Home, The Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AF
5. Store on the Tara Antiques Centre
Stow is famed for its vintage outlets and folks come right here from all around the world searching for a discount. The Tara Antiques Centre is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold if you happen to’re searching for an fascinating present or memento to select up. The middle is situated within the Grade II listed Manor Home simply off Market Sq..
Right here, you’ll discover all the pieces from tremendous silverware to jewellery, home items, and way more. I like searching outdated vintage outlets and Tara is likely one of the finest locations within the nation to take action, with over 30 vintage sellers represented over three flooring. When you’re searching for a particular present, you’re certain to search out it right here.
Tackle: The Manor Home, The Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AF
6. Fulfill Your Candy Tooth on the Cotswold Candy Firm
If, like me, you’re keen on a sweat road from time to time you then’ll wish to head to the Cotswold Candy Firm within the middle of city. Right here, you’ll discover an enormous choice of do-it-yourself sweets, candies, toffees, and fudges (my favourite), and it’s the right place to select up a style of the Cotswolds.
You’ll discover nostalgia with the choice of retro sweets, particular present hampers, candy jars, chocolate bars, and even sugar-free candies. I may spend all day on this store smelling the candy aromas and spend a month’s wages on the completely different fudges and different scrumptious treats.
Searching (and tasting) on the Cotswold Candy Firm is unquestionably one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, particularly you probably have children (younger or outdated). The store is open from 10:30 am till 5 pm Monday to Saturday and from 11 am till 4 pm on Sunday.
Tackle: 1 Crossways Home, The Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB
7. Go to Blenheim Palace, Dwelling of the Churchills
Historic Blenheim Palace is a big nation mansion that was constructed between 1705 and 1722. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is taken into account one in every of England’s most interesting examples of Baroque structure. Blenheim is the ancestral dwelling and birthplace of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is likely one of the finest locations to go to close to Stow-on-the-Wold and is a should for historical past lovers like myself. You possibly can discover the home and grounds, and there are many occasions hosted on the palace all year long (verify the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your keep).
The palace is open each day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets value £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for youngsters (the ticket is then legitimate for a complete yr). There are many services onsite together with plenty of cafes and eating places and a present store, making it an important day trip for all the household.
Tackle: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
8. Go Mountain climbing within the Close by Countryside
The countryside round Stow is ideal for mountain climbing due to the miles of path throughout rolling hills and valleys. That is one in every of my favourite locations to hike in the entire of the UK; primarily because of the attractive views (but in addition due to the quaint nation pubs alongside the way in which). There are many routes from Stow ranging in problem from quick walks to full-day and multi-day hikes.
The Coronary heart of England round stroll is simply 3.6 miles (5.8 km) and takes round 90 minutes. When you’re extra of a seasoned hiker then you possibly can go forward and check out the 7.7 mile (12.4 km) Stow-on-the-Wold to Higher Slaughter hike. This route takes round 4 hours and Higher Slaughter is effectively value a go to for its attractive village scenes and River Eye.
Mountain climbing is likely one of the finest issues to do round Stow-on-the-Wold due to the gorgeous views from the excessive vantage factors across the village.
9. Go to Medieval Sudeley Citadel
The fifteenth Century stately dwelling at Sudeley Citadel is a wonderful day trip for the entire household. From guided excursions of the home to getting misplaced within the lovely gardens full with mazes, orchards, and wildflower walks, there’s lots to maintain everybody entertained. There’s an onsite cafe known as the Pavilion that sells among the finest cream teas and different do-it-yourself snacks within the Cotswolds – be sure you arrive with an urge for food to attempt a few of these!
The gardens are open each day from 10 am to 4 pm and the citadel from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets value £19.50 for adults and £8.75 for youngsters and embrace entry to the home and grounds.
Tackle: Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
10. Store for Native Produce at Daylesford Natural
Daylesford Natural Farm is only a quick drive from Stow and makes for an important day trip. Right here you possibly can eat and drink within the onsite cafes and eating places, store for natural produce within the farm store, or stroll across the gorgeous grounds within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds.
The farm hosts common occasions from meals and drinks festivals to cookery workshops and is open from 8 am to eight pm Monday to Saturday and from 9 am to six pm on Sundays.
Tackle: Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG
11. Take within the Recent Air at Batsford Arboretum
The 56 acres of land at Batsoford Arboretum consists of 1000’s of uncommon vegetation and timber from all over the world. From snowdrops to bamboo, Japanese shrubs, and species from the rainforest, Batsford is the right place to expertise among the most gorgeous nature within the nation.
The arboretum is situated within the small market city of Moreton-in-Marsh only a few miles from Stow. The park is open from 9:30 am to five pm Monday to Saturday and from 10 am to five pm on Sundays. Tickets value £9.95 for adults and £3.50 for youngsters. That is undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to close to Stow for the entire household and even incorporates a play space for youths.
Tackle: Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AT
12. Go to Close by Broadway
Broadway is one other of the charming Cotswold villages and is famed for its massive tower providing panoramic views of the close by countryside. The village can also be famed for its arts scene with a lot of galleries and humanities areas, and an annual arts pageant that takes place each June.
Broadway is simply 12 miles (19 km) from Stow and takes underneath half-hour to drive. There are many nice walks across the village and thru the 200-acre deer park. Close by Snowshill Manor is value a go to for its charming gardens, and loads of nice pubs to cease in – my favourite being The Swan.
13. Go to Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a quaint market city lower than half an hour’s drive away and the most effective locations to see close to Stow-on-the-Wold. There are many great issues to do from exploring the bustling excessive road and its many outlets to searching the weekly farmers’ markets.
The city is the well-known dwelling of many celebrities from High Gear host Jeremy Clarkson to former prime minister David Cameron. There’s an outside swimming pool, an artwork house and theater, and many lovely Cotswold structure from the Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill and extra.
One of the simplest ways to get to Chipping Norton is to drive (observe the A44) as there aren’t any native buses for this route. One other nice technique to see the city and different highlights of the Cotswolds is to take a tour like this half-day tour from Oxford that additionally consists of Bourton on the Water and different lovely villages. Click on right here to e book.
14. See the Beautiful Village of Bibury
The charming village of Bibury is situated within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds, simply 15 miles (24 km) from Stow-on-the-Wold. There are many enjoyable issues to do and the village is Identified for its picturesque stone cottages and idyllic nation scenes.
Bibury is dwelling to many historic landmarks equivalent to Arlington Row, a row of Seventeenth-century cottages which have been superbly preserved. I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and Bibury is one in every of my favourite villages due to its picturesque cottages and charming location.
There are additionally some nice locations to eat and drink round Bibury from The Catherine Wheel pub to The Swan Brasserie, and the well-known trout farm which has an onsite restaurant serving the freshest fish.
15. Take a Cotswold Strolling Tour
This villages strolling tour is a wonderful technique to expertise Stow-on-the-Wold and different close by villages like Broadway, Burford, and Bibury. You’ll get to discover sleepy villages and lovely, rolling countryside whereas studying one thing concerning the historical past of the realm from an skilled information.
Whereas most excursions of the Cotswolds are spent driving from place to put, this tour is completely different in that it focuses much more on strolling. The eight-hour expertise prices £65 per individual and consists of transport from close by Stratford-upon-Avon (the previous dwelling of Shakespear) or Moreton in Marsh which is only a few miles from Stow. Click on right here to e book.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Stow-on-the-Wold
Beneath, you’ll discover just a few itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Stow-on-the-Wold. Whether or not you could have simply in the future to spend or per week to discover, these itineraries embrace all the highest issues to see in Stow-on-the-Wold to take the stress off planning your journey.
1 Day in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary
With only a day to spend in Stow, be sure you stroll across the charming city middle and Market Sq.. Browse for books, native meals, and antiques on the many unbiased outlets. Make certain to select up some tasty sweet from the Cotswold Candy Firm (I extremely advocate their do-it-yourself fudge).
Try the artworks on show on the Fosse Gallery and take trip to understand the structure and solitude at St Edward’s Church. You’ll want to cease by the Porch Home, maybe the oldest pub in England relationship to 947AD, and seize a pint of native ale or a chew to eat within the glorious restaurant.
2-3 Days in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary
When you’ve got just a few days to discover Stow-on-the-Wold then head out for a stroll or hike within the close by countryside. This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) round stroll takes in among the most interesting English countryside conceivable. Attempt among the different pubs and eating places within the city equivalent to the superb Talbot, Alexiou’s, and The Outdated Butchers.
1 Week in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary
When you’ve got per week to discover Stow, observe the above itineraries on your first three days and embrace some day journeys to close by locations of curiosity. Go to close by Blenheim Palace, the ancestral dwelling of wartime British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, and wander the gorgeous home and grounds.
Go to the close by cities and villages of Chipping Norton, Bibury, and Broadway that are among the most lovely locations within the Cotswolds. There’s heaps to search out right here from a mannequin village to the Broadway Tower to climb, walks, and hikes, and naturally loads of great rustic pubs for refreshments.
The place to Keep in Stow-on-the-Wold
These are just a few of the most effective locations to remain in Stow-on-the-Wold for vacationers:
Davenford Stow Gardens – Finest for First-Time Guests
Central Davenford Stow Gardens is the right place for first-time guests in Stow due to its location within the coronary heart of the city. Rooms include a big double mattress, an en-suite lavatory, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services. A selection of continental, á la carte, or vegetarian breakfast is included. Click on right here to e book now.
Woodland Guesthouse – Finest for Households
The attractive Woodland Guesthouse is situated simply over a mile from Stow in a wonderful rural setting. The ivy-covered stone constructing has a spread of rooms from doubles to twin and singles, making it an important choice for households. All rooms include a personal, en-suite lavatory and flatscreen TV. Click on right here to search out out extra.
The Cozy Shed – Finest for {Couples}
The scenic Cozy Shed is a one-bedroom condominium a couple of minutes stroll from Market Sq. and the middle of Stow. The property comes with a beautiful backyard and terrace in a tranquil, rural location. Rooms include a deluxe, kingsize mattress, an en-suite lavatory, and free WiFi all through the property. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Finest Eating places in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a wonderful vacation spot for foodies with many tremendous cafes, pubs, and eating places in and across the city. Beneath are 5 of my high picks.
The Porch Home: There’s been an inn on the location of the Porch Home since not less than 947 making it one of many oldest pubs within the nation. In addition to a well-stocked bar and picturesque beer backyard there’s a restaurant that serves native specialties and up to date European delicacies. It’s a bit expensive, however value each penny. Click on right here for instructions.
The Hive: The Hive is a quaint, dog-friendly cafe/restaurant within the middle of city is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch. From choices equivalent to porridge, a full English, or smoked salmon and eggs, the mouthwatering menu makes this one in every of my favourite locations for a chew in Stow (attempt the Hive Breakfast). Click on right here for instructions.
Alexiou’s Restaurant: The Alexiou’s Restaurant is a wonderful restaurant and bar serves up the most effective Greek and Mediterranean meals this facet of Thessaloniki however in a wonderful rural setting within the coronary heart of Stow. From humous to halloumi and mousaka to medallions, this is likely one of the high eating places within the city and may be very fairly priced. Click on right here for instructions.
The Outdated Butchers: The Outdated Butchers is great seafood restaurant in a former butcher’s store (thus the identify; don’t be fooled) has been wowing diners since 2005 with expertly cooked British dishes utilizing native and seasonal produce. From Cornish lobster to Dover sole and beer-battered fish and chips, that is the place to come back for a style of the ocean. Click on right here for instructions.
The Talbot: The Talbot is a wonderful pub and restaurant with a quaint courtyard overlooking the outlets of Market Sq.. Feast on pub classics like ham, egg and chips, scampi, or do-it-yourself burgers (together with vegetarian). The lasagne is superb, and all this may be washed down by native craft beer or cider. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
The closest worldwide airport to Stow is Birmingham Airport which is about an hour’s drive away. It’s finest to lease a automotive if you happen to want to discover the Cotswolds additional as public transport on this rural space isn’t complete.
From London, it’s a two-hour drive alongside the M40. There aren’t any direct trains from the capital, nevertheless, the journey could be made in round two hours by taking the prepare from London Paddington to Kingham, after which taking a taxi for the ultimate 5.6 miles (9 km) to Stow. Taking a Stow-on-the-Wold tour can also be an effective way to see Stow.
Because it’s a small city, all the main points of interest in Stow-on-the-Wold are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to go to among the close by landmarks like Blenheim Palace and Batsford Arboretum it’s finest to have your individual transport or lease a automotive as public transportation isn’t nice on this a part of the nation.
Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Stow-on-the-Wold:
Stow-on-the-Wold is thought for its many historic buildings from the medieval St Edward’s Church to the Porch Home, one of many oldest pubs in the entire of the UK. The city can also be famed for its vintage outlets such because the Tara Vintage Heart.
One of the best time to go to Stow-on-the-Wold is spring or fall. The village can get reasonably busy with coachloads of vacationers through the summer season months so attempt to keep away from the excessive season if potential. Might, June, and September are nice instances to go to when the climate is nice sufficient for strolling and eating open air.
Stow-on-the-Wold is unquestionably value visiting because it’s one of the crucial picturesque market cities within the Cotswolds. With so many points of interest in Stow-on-the-Wold and simple day journeys, it’s one in every of my favourite locations for a weekend away.
Two to 3 days is the right period of time to spend in Stow-on-the-Wold as this will provide you with sufficient time to see the highest sights within the city. If you wish to take some day journeys to close by villages and historic locations equivalent to Blenheim Palace, then per week is healthier.
Like most villages in rural England Stow is a really secure place for vacationers. Violent crime is sort of exceptional, nevertheless, because of the sheer variety of guests in July and August, take the same old traveler precautions equivalent to not leaving doorways unlocked or valuables on show.
Looking for antiques is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold and folks come from far and huge to browse all of the city has to supply. Strolling across the charming city middle and Market Sq., and popping into the numerous glorious pubs and eating places are additionally widespread methods to move the time right here.
The small alleys, often known as “Tures”, have been used to maneuver sheep from their pastures to the marketplace for sale which is why there are a lot of of those small alleys round Sheep Road and resulting in Market Sq..
When you’ve got a candy tooth then it’s best to undoubtedly attempt among the fudge or different handmade sweets and candies from the Cotswolds Candy Firm. It’s additionally widespread to attempt among the native actual ales and ciders in one of many many pubs just like the Porch Home.
Wold means hilly or excessive area in outdated English so Stow-on-the-Wold actually interprets as Stow-on-the-Hill (it’s certainly on the best peak of the Cotswolds).
Among the outdated buildings across the Market Sq. are mentioned to have interconnecting tunnels and the Kings Arms Resort had a tunnel main out of the city. Often, such tunnels have been used for illicit buying and selling and smuggling; much like these discovered underneath homes in Cornwall.
In Closing
Now what to see and do in Stow-on-the-Wold from buying on the month-to-month farmers’ markets to gorging on scrumptious sweets, exploring the Tolkein-like St Edward’s Church, or sinking just a few pints in one of many oldest inns within the nation. Stow is a unbelievable vacation spot and a quintessential English rural city.
With so many glorious vacationer points of interest in Stow-on-the-Wold, it’s no surprise it’s such a preferred vacation vacation spot. The city can also be an important base for exploring close by locations of curiosity from Blenheim Palace to the picturesque villages of Bibury, Broadside, and the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
