9 SPLENDIDLY WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Love to visit Stow-on-the-Wold and looking for the best places to stay, splendid things to do and warm hearty meals? It can be overwhelming trying to figure out the answers to these questions if you are a first time visitor to the town. I am glad you are here because this guide has all the information you need for a timeless experience.
Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the best towns to visit in the Cotswolds and it is one of my favourite places in England. With mellow yellow stone buildings, quaint houses, chic cafes and trendy food shops, Stow stands out as one of the loveliest towns to explore. Surrounded by a large expanse of woodland, a long history going back to the Iron Age and as a historic wool market town, this pretty town really is a nice place to spend some time at.
Above all, Stow-on-the-Wold is home to enchanting yew trees, two in particular and a door that looks like an entrance to a magical wonderland which has people flocking to this hilltop town.
In this guide, you will find useful information and experienced tips about the best places to stay, splendidly wonderful things to do including walks in the countryside, and where to find the enchanting door. Also in this guide are top places to eat and drink along with shops to browse. With this guide, you can confidently plan ahead, arrive in Stow-on-the-Wold and have a fabulous time.
Overseas Traveller?
The easiest way to visit Stow-on-the-Wold is on a guided tour. The best tour is this one here that combines a visit to other Cotswold villages that are worth visiting. It is also possible to drive to Stow as it is well placed at a junction of seven roads and can be reached conveniently. If you are planning on driving in England, get your car from Discover Cars.
Additionally, visit my travel pages about London, England, and Scotland for travel inspiration around the UK.
Are you visiting some of the English Heritage sites such as Stonehenge, Dover Castle, 1066 Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey or Osborne House on the Isle of Wight? If so, you may want to take advantage of the discounted Overseas Visitor Pass. This visitor pass is worth buying if you are visiting more than two of the over 100 sites covered by this scheme.
There are several informative pages about travels in Lake Como, Milan, Verona and Barcelona also, if you are extending your vacation to Europe.
HERE IS YOUR GUIDE ABOUT SPLENDID THINGS TO DO IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
An overview of what is covered:
- Where is Stow-on-the-Wold?
- Weather in Stow-on-the-Wold and the Best Time to Visit;
- Why is Stow-on-the Wold Worth a Visit?
- Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold? Top Places to Stay in Stow, Cotswolds;
- History of Stow-on-the-Wold;
- Splendidly Wonderful Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold;
- Places to Eat and Drink in Stow;
- Shops in Stow-on-the-Wold;
- Day Trips from Stow-on-the-Wold;
- Stow-on-the-Wold Walks;
- How Much Time is Needed in Stow?;
- How to Visit Stow-on-the-Wold without a Car?;
- Directions to Get to Stow by Car;
- Parking in Stow;
- Read More about My UK & EUROPE Guides;
- Finally…
- What’s New;
WHERE IS STOW-ON-THE-WOLD?
Stow-on-the-Wold is a parish in Gloucestershire at the heart of England’s Cotswolds**, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is located at the junction of several main crossroads through the Cotswolds. One of them is the A429, the Fosse Way which is of Roman origin. More about directions to Stow further down this article.
**The Cotswolds covers an area of six regions in the central southwest of England: Gloucestershire; Oxfordshire; Warwickshire; Wiltshire and some parts of Somerset.
THE WEATHER IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD & THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Generally, the weather conditions in Stow-on-the-Wold are warm, cool and cold with wind, rainfall and clouds.
The summer months are warm, short, comfortable and partly cloudy. The season lasts for approximately 2.9 months, typically from June 14 to September 10. Average daily temperatures range from highs of 18°C to 21°C to lows of 12°C. July is the hottest month with records of 21°C.
The cool season in Stow typically lasts for four months, from November 16 to March 16. Average daily high is at 9°C.
Winter months are cold and windy. The coldest month in Stow-on-the-Wold is January with an average low of -1°C and highs of 6°C.
Generally, the best time to visit Stow-on-the-Wold is from late June to late August. During these months, rain is less or no rain at all for most days. Temperatures range from a comfortable 18°C to a very warm 27°C. The last week of July is particularly a favourite time for tourists.
TIP 1: I’d recommend visiting Stow during the shoulder season: October, November, December, March and April. There are days where there is no rain, temperatures are comfortable and it is really nice to walk around and explore without meandering the crowds. In addition, you don’t have to wait in long queues for coffee.
TIP 2: Stow isn’t really that cold or too windy during the shoulder season. Best to layer up instead of chunky sweaters. Take along a scarf, and a hooded jacket. In this way, you are well placed to be comfortable no matter the weather..
WHY IS STOW-ON-THE-WOLD WORTH A VISIT?
A historic market town, Stow-on-the-Wold is absolutely 100% worth a visit and should top every traveller’s list. Splendid warm stone homes, surrounded by lovely villages and an expanse of green undulating landscape, Stow stands out as one of the loveliest towns in the Cotswolds. Home to England’s oldest inn, tunnels snaking beneath the streets, and a remarkable history going back to the Iron Age along with a lore or two of charmingly haunting tone, this ancient wool town is an unmissable town for historophiles. With an incredible Market Square, shopping spots and the ‘magical door to the other world’, Stow is a perfect retreat for anyone seeking a quintessential experience in the English countryside.
A town unlike any other, Stow is wonderfully positioned where you are part of nature and enjoy some quiet respite. You are sure to have a timeless experience with all the things to do at Stow-on-the-Wold.
WHERE TO STAY IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Stow provides a wonderful variety of places to stay ranging from self-catering cottages to luxury hotels with many dating back centuries. With the town welcoming visitors all through the year, you are sure to find a perfect stay with no trouble at all, in this ancient town. Remember to book early, as the most beautiful, and there are a handful here, and uniquely decorated ones get fully booked months ahead.
Here are some suggestions for you:
The Porch House has been welcoming travellers for over eleven centuries. Despite being the oldest inn in England, this home-away-from home abode is anything but dated. Brimming with centuries old characters of rustic stone walls, ancient timber beams, crooked staircases, roaring open fires and flagstone floors, the Porch Inn is truly one of its kind and a stay here will be remarkable. Welcomes canine family members.
The Stag at Stow is a wonderfully restored Georgian Townhouse and Coach House. The Stag offers 23 superior, elegant and beautiful boutique rooms, individually decorated by a local designer. All the boutique rooms offer generous living space. The Coach House was originally a coaching inn and dates from the 14th century. The rooms in the Coach House are generously spacious, warm and welcoming. Dogs are welcome.
Sheep on Sheep Street is a property packed with contemporary character and innovative interiors along with an open and airy atmosphere. Excellent reviews on their staff, vibes and service. Dogs are welcome.
The Old Stocks Inn is a former 17th century coaching inn and is housed in a set of three terraced houses in a Scandinavian-style look. It comes with velvet sofas, colourful walls and roll-top baths. They offer 16 bedrooms, and a three-bed self-catering cottage. The garden rooms are dog friendly.
If you want to try a traditional bed and breakfast kind of stay, book an experience at Lucy’s Tearoom. This property offers two cosy en-suite bedrooms in a converted barn along with a tasty home-cooked breakfast at the tearoom.
Have you ever dreamed of living in a cosy penthouse? Here’s your chance! Book the Clock Tower Stow. This penthouse overlooks the village green, sleeps four in two en-suite bedrooms along with exposed stonework, wooden beams and underfloor heating.
Go here for a greater variety of accommodations in Stow-on-the-wold.
HISTORY OF STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Stow on the Wold, where the wind blows cold”
… so an 18th century rhyme goes, describing this beautiful historic market town that sits on a hill, 244 m (800 ft) above sea level, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Something you might experience on a winter’s day.
Officially founded by the Normans as a result of its converging routes, Stow-on-the-Wold’s origin can be traced back to the Iron Age.
There have been settlers in Stow since the Iron Age and the hilltop location was originally the site of a fort during the Iron Age. There are evidence of remains of Iron Age settlements and Bronze Age burial mounds between Stow and the nearby village of Maugersbury. However, the most prominent early settlers were the Romans who built significant crossing routes and meeting points to boost trade.
When the Saxons settled here, it is believed that a missionary named Edward lived as a hermit at the well on the south-side of town. This gave the town its ancient name, “Edwardstowe”. “Stowe” from the old Saxon word meaning ‘holy place’. The word “wold” comes from the old English word, “wald” which is loosely translated to mean ‘rolling hill or high ground.’ Hence, “Stow-on-the-Wold” literally translates to “the holy place on the hill.”
Stow-on-the-Wold’s Growing Importance in History as a Market Town
Since Saxon times, Stow has been an important crossing route and a meeting point. Stow’s unique position on a hilltop and its location on the junction of the Roman roads, The Jurassic Way, the Salt Way and the Roman Fosse Way led it to become an important trading centre. The Roman Fosse Way runs straight over Stow, and this used to lead to Londinium or London, connecting to Exeter, Lincoln, Bath, Cirencester and Leicester. These routes still exists to this day.
In 1107, Henry II granted Stow a charter to hold a weekly market. This is when he changed the name from Edwardstow to Stow on the Wold. The market was held every Thursday in the space where the three ‘WAY’ met and it is this area that has developed through the years and forms the present day Market Square.
From 1154 through to 1485, Stow thrived through the wool trade. In 1476, Edward IV granted Stow with a charter to two five-day annual fairs, on May 12 and October 24. The weekly market together with the annual fairs grew to be important events, with Stow’s importance also. The events were held to trade sheep and wool products. It brought wealthy wool merchants to Stow-on-the-Wold. They set up homesteads and Almhouses and channeled a lot of money to the community. They contributed to the building of the church tower at St Edward’s Church, which is a landmark in Stow.
Stow-on-the-Wold and the English Civil War
Stow-on-the-Wold played a significant role in the English Civil War. It was here, on March 21, 1646 where the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold took place. The Royalists army were marching through Stow to meet King Charles but were overwhelmed by the Parliamentarians. Legend has it that the street ran red with blood where ducks could swim through. This street later became known as “Digbeth Street”, meaning “duck’s bath”. More than a thousand soldiers were imprisoned in St Edward’s Church, which marked the end of the first Civil War in England.
There is an English Civil War monument in the Market Square to mark this sombre event.
Stow-on-the-Wold Today
Today, Stow-on-the-Wold is a thriving market town, although with a population of under 2,000*, it suggests a large village. At the heart of it, Stow is a town with an important retail and business community.
*2021 Population Census of Stow-on-the-Wold: 1,905
SPLENDID THINGS TO DO IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
One of the first things you will notice when arriving in Stow is the extraordinarily large Market Square. The size of the square is an indication of Stow’s heritage as a significant sheep market. It is said that some 20,000 sheep were sold here on a single day during the wool trade heyday.
Pop in at the Stow-on-the-Wold Library and Visitor Centre and pick-up a map of the town.
Here’s my selection of the splendid top things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold:
Wander the Stow-on-the-Wold Market Square
The heart of Stow is the impressive Market Square where trade has been held since 1107. Most of the attractions are situated in and around the square.
Take a stroll around the square and admire many of the ancient buildings, built in a chaotic fashion but somehow look pretty as they stand, complementing each other while exuding an old time charm.
Some of the alleys that lead out of the square are narrow and high-walled. These are called “tures”, used for funnelling the sheep to the market. There is a Market Cross here which was built to remind the merchants to trade fairly.
Around the square, you’ll find several pubs: The Kings Arms, The Queen’s Head and The Stag. There are antique and gift shops, cafes and tearooms. The townhouses here are built from Cotswolds honey-coloured stones and add to the charm of Stow.
A prominent feature of the square is the Stow Civil War Monument situated near the crossroads to Digbeth Street and Church Street.
Head to Stow’s Church: St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
Simply known as Stow’s Church, St Edward’s Church is a Grade I listed building and dates back to ancient times, built on the site of an earlier Saxon church. The building today reflects elements from the 11th to the 15th century with additions from the Victorian era. It houses Norman stonework from the 11th century, and early English columns and arches from the 13th century. It was constructed to overlook the market square.
Stow’s church tower stands at 26.8 metres (88 ft) which was completed in 1447. Housing eight bells, it has the heaviest ringing of all of Gloucestershire.
Inside Stow’s Church is a dedication to the Royalist and soldier, Captain Hastings Keyte of Ebrington, who died in the Battle of Stow, aged 23. In the churchyard, the Civil War dead are still remembered by the flowers placed at their memorial stone.
There is a large painting of the Crucifixion by the Flemish artist, Gasper de Craeyer. A clock with chimes has existed here since 1580 and the present clock was built in 1926.
However, most visitors stop short of venturing inside the church itself once they reach one of Cotswold’s most photographed spots in Stow. The north entrance to St Edward’s Church is home to two ancient yew trees planted on either side of a wooden arched door studded by nails. This door gives an other-worldly appearance, like a gateway to a magical world, where one would be instantly transported to another realm should they pass through it. This is truly an enchanting spot at Stow’s church which is rumoured to have inspired JRR Tolkien to create Doors of Durin in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Was he inspired? We don’t know for sure.
Spend time browsing the Fosse Gallery in Stow
A charming gallery situated at Stow’s market square, was founded in 1980. Home to some of the best in British contemporary art, Fosse Gallery is reputed as one of the most important art galleries in the UK. Some of the works featured include Seren Bell, Michael de Bono, Annabel Carey, Peter Carrick, Lydia Corbett amongst others. They often run exhibitions, so it’s worth popping in when you are here.
Explore the Tearooms and have a coffee & cake
One of the splendid things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold is to explore the numerous quaint tearooms that are sprinkled around the town. Each is distinct, charming and exudes a sense of warm cosiness that is akin to the slow-paced life in the Cotswolds countryside. Have coffee or tea and cake. Do some people watch and just enjoy the calm atmosphere of the town.
Have Lunch at the Oldest Inn in England: The Porch House Stow-on-the-Wold
The Porch House in Stow was known as The Royalists Hotel and has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as England’s Oldest Inn, dating back to 947 AD.
There are some interesting features to look out for at the Porch House. One example is the medieval fireplace where there are carvings of “witch’s marks” to ward off spells. There are tales of resident ghosts as well as secret tunnels from the cellar leading beneath the street.
Serving fresh seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting meal in the quietness of their splendid conservatory, their delightful garden terrace, fine dining in their warm and homely restaurant or hearty British grub in their historic pub.
Go Bargain Hunting at the Antiques Shop
Another splendid thing to do in Stow-on-the-wold is to go bargain hunting at the antiques shops. There are several dotted around Stow that you can visit. Many shops specialise in antique furniture but there are some that offer treasure troves of various kind dating from many years back to present day.
You can find here a list of antique shops in Stow.
See the Medieval Stocks in Stow
One of the wonderfully splendid things that you may want to do in Stow is to take a journey back in time and check out their medieval wooden stocks. These are located in the green on the side of the Market Square. The medieval stocks in Stow date back to the 15th century and are a famous Cotswold landmark.
In case you didn’t know, stocks were used as a form of physical punishment for petty crimes during medieval times. It involves public humiliation. Victims have their feet or wrists locked in the stocks for hours or overnight. Passersby would tease them or throw rotten food at them. Yes, that really did happen according to history books. Thankfully, that punishment no longer exists.
Make a Quick Stop at Stow’s Old Fountain
A Grade II Listed historic landmark, Stow’s Old Fountain and Horse Trough has its origin in 1867/1868. This Victorian fountain was donated by Joseph Chamberlain who contributed also towards digging a deeper well. The fountain provided the first supply of regular clean water to the residents of Stow.
Stow’s Old Fountain and Horse Trough appears to have a Gothic structure, four-sided with a masonry pyramid roof. The fountain has two horse troughs, two drinking fountains and a dog bowl. It sits at the North end of the High Street, a place called The Triangle, near Fosse Way.
Lookout for the Old Edwardian Post Box
At The Triangle in Stow, you’ll see a disused old post box with the initial ER. While there are many post boxes around England with the letters ER (Elizabeth Regina) representing the late Queen Elizabeth, this one in Stow actually dates back to Edwardian times. The initials ER on this red letter box stands for Edward Rex, King Edward VII. It was placed in Stow sometime between 1901 and 1910. You’ll also see the new Queen Elizabeth’s pillarbox nearby.
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
There is a great variety of places to eat and drink in Stow-on-the-Wold ranging from fine dining restaurants to hearty meals in cosy traditional great Cotswold pubs. Here is my selection of the best places to eat and drink in Stow-on-the-Wold:
Traditional Tea-rooms and Cafes in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a haven for traditional tea-rooms. There are so many sprinkled around the town that I was pleasantly surprised. With so many comes a difficult choice… One of my favourite is Huffkins. Situated in a 17th century building overlooking the Market Square, it is known for its own blend of tea and absolutely delicious cakes.
One of the splendid things to do in Stow is to take some time out to enjoy cream teas. If you’d like to do this, head to The Old Bakery at Digbeth Street that serves up fabulous cream teas. If you are specifically looking for tasty gluten and dairy free cakes, head to Coach House Coffee that offers an extensive range of fresh bakes and pastries. Set over three floors, the Coach House also offers some of the best people watching spots.
Pubs in Stow-on-the-Wold
Pubs in Stow-on-the-Wold are plentiful. The top pubs in Stow include the historic pub, The Porch House where you can tuck into traditional hearty meals and local ales while warm up to log fires in winter.
The Kings Arms is another splendid historic pub, formerly a coaching inn that has been around for 500 years. Built in the warm Cotswold stone and situated in the corner of the Stow’s Market Square, the Kings Arms serves up freshly prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients. Charles I stayed here in 1645, and The Kings Arms was used in the BBC adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s “Mayor of Casterbridge”. Pop in for coffee, lunch or stay a while in Stow and have dinner.
Other superb pubs in Stow include the Queen’s Head managed by the Donnington Brewery and The Bell, situated at the outskirts of town. Both places serve classic pub dishes, Sunday roasts and real ales. Contemporary-style pubs are The Sheep, popular for its crispy wood-fired pizzas and The Old Stocks Inn which serves up modern British dishes using locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Food Shops in Stow-on-the-Wold
There is a good deal of food shops in Stow-on-the-Wold. There are two that tops for me. The Cotswold Cheese Company which is a must visit, offering over 80 artisan cheeses from around the world along with crackers and chutneys to go with them. The other is Cotswold Baguettes which sells hot and cold baguettes along with the classic jacket potatoes.
SHOPS IN STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Stow is a wonderfully splendid town that is alive with independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. They surround the historic Market Square and some are dotted around the narrow alleys from the Square. Visit the cute Borzoi Bookshop, an independent bookshop that has been trading for 40 years from the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold. An inspiring Cutter Brooks has all things pretty for a home, from ornaments to wicker baskets. If you are craving something sweet, The Cotswold Sweet Shop is where you need to head to for the finest confectionery in the Cotswolds. Their handmade fudge is one to die for!
DAY TRIPS FROM STOW-ON -THE-WOLD
Ideally situated at the major crossroad, Stow-on-the-Wold is well placed to explore nearby Cotswold towns and villages.
The nearby Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular towns in the Cotswolds visited by tourists. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water has a picturesque high street with the River Windrush flowing by it. Situated just 6.4 km (4 miles) from Stow. The picturesque villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are slightly closer while Kingham and historic Moreton-in-Marsh are both situated at less than 8 km (5 miles).
Stow-on-the-Wold is close to many parks and gardens. One of the best ones to go to is Batsford Arboretum which covers 50 acres of beautiful gardens. It is especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Batsford is situated less than 10 km (6 miles) from Stow.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD WALKS
Stow is surrounded by beautiful countryside which provides many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and great walks.
One of the splendidly beautiful walks to do from Stow-on-the-Wold is the 9.6 km (6 miles) walk to Bourton-on-the-Water. This walk takes you through nice paths, picturesque villages (Wyck Rissington) and nature reserve (Salmonsbury Meadows). This trail takes about two to three hours each way and gives you splendid views of the Cotswold countryside.
There is an easier and shorter walk of 45 minutes to the village of Maugersbury which you may prefer if you do not have much time at Stow.
There are several more long distance walks if you would like something more challenging. Go here for an excellent guide to circular Walks around the Cotswolds which you may find helpful.
Stow Town Walks: This walk is historic in nature and starts at the Square. It begins with an introduction on how Stow has developed through the centuries. You will also learn about the architecture of some of the buildings, the importance of sheep, brewing and the role of Stow in the English Civil War.
This Walk runs for 90 minutes and is organised by Stow & District Civic Society every Sunday at 10:30 A.M. from the beginning of April through to the end of September. At the time of writing, it costs £5.00 and you can turn up on the day.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED IN STOW
Stow is a small town and I’d recommend at least 2 hours. This gives you plenty of time to browse the shops, see the highlights and have tea & cake in one of Stow’s quintessential tearooms. You’ll need at least half-a-day if you would like to do one of the popular circular walks outlined above. Better still, stay overnight in Stow. This is a nice town where you can enjoy a quiet weekend along with picturesque scenery, and learn all the stories about this town along with good, comforting meals and real ales.
HOW TO VISIT STOW WITHOUT A CAR
If you do not wish to drive or do not have a car, you can get to Stow by public transport train and bus or taxi, as well as with a tour group.
By Public Transport: Train and Bus/Taxi
There are no train stations at Stow-on-the-Wold. The nearest train stations are Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh. Both of these stations are on a direct line from London Paddington. You can take either the 802 bus from Kingham or the 801 bus from Moreton-in-Marsh to reach Stow. The journey time for either of the routes is 15 minutes. If you are travelling on a Sunday, the bus services are limited and you may have to take a taxi. It is best to pre-book your taxi.
With a Tour Group
The best way to experience the Cotswolds without a car is to join a tour group. This option is especially useful if you want to save time and money while experiencing the best of the Cotswolds. It is a stress-free experience where you do not have to navigate public transport or the motorways. In addition, the tour groups to the Cotswolds visit several villages/towns in a day. This means you can tick-off some of these wonderful villages in the Cotswolds in one day for one price.
Cotswolds is a popular destination in the UK, therefore there are several tours departing from London or nearby Oxford. I have been on several of these tours and I would recommend these day trips to the Cotswolds without hesitation. These tours I suggest have also received plenty of positive reviews from other travellers.
I would highly recommend this one, where you visit four beautiful villages, including Stow-on-the-Wold with lunch included. If you prefer not to have lunch, there’s no problem. You can join this tour that includes plenty of sightseeing time, and ensures you do not miss any of the highlights. Below are several tours which I’d suggest you peruse and Book early.
TOURS FROM LONDON
Tour of Cotswolds’ Small Villages;
Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Downton Abbey;
Cotswolds Tour in a Small Group;
Full Day Cotswolds Tour with Lunch;
Oxford & Cotswolds Villages Day Trip;
Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Day Trip;
TOURS FROM OXFORD
HOW TO GET TO STOW-ON-THE-WOLD BY CAR
Stow-on-the-Wold is less than two hours by car from London.
By Car: Post code for the town is GL54 1AF.
From London and the Southeast, take the M40/A40 towards Oxford. Continue on the A40 towards Cheltenham. At Burford roundabout, take the A361 through Burford, then the A424 towards Stow. The A424 meets the A429, Fosse Way just south of Stow. Here, turn right at the traffic lights, and go uphill to Stow-on-the-Wold.
From the North, take the M40 towards Oxford and Warwick. Exit at Junction 15 onto the A429 for Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold. Drive for about 30 minutes, passing through Moreton-in-Marsh until you reach Stow.
Or exit Junction 9 of the M5 near Tewkesbury and is 30 minutes to the West connecting to the A424.
PARKING IN STOW
There are plenty of car parking facilities on offer at Stow to ensure visitors can easily get to the town by car. Both short and long-stay car parking as well as free parking and pay-and-display parking. There is also disabled car-parking in the centre of town.
Free car parking is available at the Market Square but this is limited for 2 hours a stay. There is a long stay car parking next to Tesco on the Fosseway (Postcode: GL54 1DN). This involves a short walk to the centre of Stow.
There is a pay-and-display car park at Maugersbury Road, postcode: GL54 1HH.
READ MORE ABOUT UK & EUROPE GUIDES
About the UK:
THE COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND
St Edward’s Church Door, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire
Guide to Lacock Abbey Harry Potter and Talbot Photography Museum, Lacock, Wiltshire
Top Things to do in Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Best Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
Splendid Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold;
Charming Things to do in Bibury, Cotswolds;
Quaint Things to do in Burford, Oxfordshire;
LONDON, UK
7 Key Benefits of the London Pass;
Leadenhall Market: London’s Best Kept Secret;
Complete Guide to the Tower of London;
A Complete Guide to Greenwich: 45 Experiences in One Day;
ENGLAND
A Fun Day Out in Bodiam, East Sussex;
Canterbury in One Day from London;
Things to do in Battle, East Sussex;
Complete Guide to the Isle of Wight
SCOTLAND
Mallaig: 12 Very Best Things to do in the Highland;
Reasons to Ride the Harry Potter Train in the Highland;
Inverness: A Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highland;
About Europe
You may like to read some of my articles about Italy, Spain and Amsterdam in The Netherlands:
Go to this page for complete guides about cities in Italy;
One day in Montserrat from Barcelona;
Complete Guide to Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Things to do, Cuisines and Responsible Travel.
finally…
Sitting on the highest point in the Cotswolds, and as an ancient wool town, along with its long history and its importance in the English Civil War, Stow-on-the-Wold has plenty to offer its visitors. There is something to discover at every corner, be it wonky buildings, narrow alleys, ancient landmarks, witches’ marks, really pretty tearooms and pleasantly quaint shops along with special brews and cakes. A visit to Stow is definitely worth your time and makes for an essential visit if you want to experience an ancient wool town with all the splendidness of Cotswold heritage. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need to make your trip to Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds a timeless experience.
Can’t help but take a photo at the famous door “to the other world” 🙂
Have a great time exploring Stow-on-the-Wold.
WHAT’S NEW
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