10 Splendid Things to Do in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire

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 ‘Tolkien’ 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.

Splendid Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, was first published by Timeless Travel Steps, in March, 2023, and is regularly updated. The last update was on February 02, 2026, by Georgina.

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.

Reasons Why Stow-on-the-Wold Should Top Your List for a Visit

A historic market town, Stow-on-the-Wold is absolutely 100% worth a visit and should top every traveller’s list. Home to historic buildings, 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.

A town unlike any other in England, Stow sits on a hill, offering you with breathtaking views of the sea of undulating green expanse as far as eyes could see. Rich in vibrant local culture, Stow is wonderfully positioned where you are part of nature and enjoy some quiet respite.

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.

Stow’s unique charm, along with a plethora of activities to do, make a visit totally worthwhile. You are sure to have a timeless experience with all the things to do at Stow-on-the-Wold.

Here is Your Guide about Splendid Things to Do in Stow-on-the-Wold: What to Do in Stow, Cotswold

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. It was constructed to overlook the market square.

What stands out in St Edward’s are its authentic features such as the 11th century Norman stonework, 13th century columns and arches, a large painting of the Crucifixion by Gasper de Craeyer, a memorial to a fallen soldier of the Battle of Stow and other elements, including a clock with chimes that has existed here since 1580. The present clock was built in 1926.

A key addition to the church is its 15th century tower, home to eight bells, renowned for the heaviest ringing of all of Gloucestershire.

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.

Browse the splendid Boutiques and 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!

In Stow-on-the-Wold, every corner exudes an old time charm, inviting you to explore its historic landmarks, quaint shops, and picturesque landscape. Your visit is sure to be unforgettable.

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 cozy traditional great Cotswold pubs. Here is my selection of the best places to eat and drink in Stow-on-the-Wold:

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. 

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.

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. 

The Weather in Stow-on-the-Wold and Best Time to Visit Stow

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.

PRO 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.

PRO 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..

TIP: Plan your Stow-on-the-Wold trip with my guide to the best time to visit the Cotswolds—considering seasons, weather, and crowds.

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.

How Much Time do You Need in Stow-on-the-Wold

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 below.

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.

Tip: If you’re planning to stay overnight in the Cotswolds, check out my 2-day itinerary—a slow travel guide from London or Oxford, with or without a car.

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.

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. The town offers plenty of parking and is 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.

How to Visit Stow Without a Car

If you do not wish to drive or do not have a car, you can easily hire one here. Alternatively, you can reach Stow by public transportation, via 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.

Read my complete guide to exploring the Cotswolds car-free—stress-free travel by train, bus, and on foot.

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.

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.

in sum…

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.

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