15 Finest Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold in 2023

Stow-on-the-Wold is a good looking little market city within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Naural Magnificence. There are many incredible issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold akin to exploring medieval buildings and artwork galleries, visiting retailers, attempting 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 buddies within the area, and I like trying out all of the cool locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold each time 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 heart for hundreds of years. It’s the best city within the area and stands at 800 ft (244 meters) above sea stage. It additionally hosts a daily farmers’ market promoting native produce that pulls many guests desperate to browse regional items.

Finest Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold

Under, you’ll discover a number of the most effective Stow-on-the-Wold points of interest from medieval castles to age-old markets, gardens, retailers, 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.

Top-of-the-line issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold is to see the Market Sq. which is the principle 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 choose up recent, native produce from throughout the Cotswolds and the southwest. From jams and preserves to chutneys, cooking sauces, and domestically made beers, ciders, and gins, that is certainly one 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 product of honey-colored Cotswold Stone. You’ll discover a vary of retailers and cafes across the sq. promoting all the things from second-hand books and antiques to cream teas and different native specialties.

Deal with: 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 vital historic buildings within the Cotswolds, and certainly the entire of England.

Probably the most spectacular issues about St Edward’s is its north-facing door which is flanked by two giant yew bushes 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 would possibly discover the odd Hobbit hiding behind.

The picturesque churchyard makes an excellent escape from the bustling city heart and is certainly one of my favourite locations to sit down and take a couple of 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 among the finest free issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Deal with: 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 among the oldest inns in England. This lovely, rustic constructing product of trademark Cotswold stone has been dated again so far as the yr 947 making it properly over 1,000 years previous. The pub has a energetic bar, a stunning exterior terrace, a conservatory, and a restaurant.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a fast lunchtime nibble, a three-course night meal, or just some drinks within the beer backyard, you possibly can’t go fallacious. I like a very good, conventional pub and The Porch is among the best I’ve ever been to. There’s a wonderful number 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 excellent possibility for an important day.

Deal with: 1 Digbeth Road, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1BN

4. Browse the Artworks on the Fosse Gallery

Followers of latest artwork ought to head to the Fosse Gallery which has been showcasing artworks since 1980. The gallery is acknowledged as one of the vital vital within the UK and has housed works by up to date artists akin to Fluer Grabow, Mary Feddon OBE, and James Donovan amongst a bunch of different luminaries.

I’m not the largest fan of contemporary artwork however even I take pleasure in a number of 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.

Deal with: 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 retailers and folks come right here from everywhere in the world on the lookout for a discount. The Tara Antiques Centre is among the finest locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold for those who’re on the lookout for an fascinating reward or memento to choose up. The middle is situated within the Grade II listed Manor Home simply off Market Sq..

Right here, you’ll discover all the things from high-quality silverware to jewellery, home items, and rather more. I like looking previous vintage retailers and Tara is among the finest locations within the nation to take action, with over 30 vintage sellers represented over three flooring. In case you’re on the lookout for a particular reward, you’re certain to search out it right here.

Deal with: 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 once in a while then you definately’ll need to head to the Cotswold Candy Firm within the heart of city. Right here, you’ll discover an enormous number of do-it-yourself sweets, candies, toffees, and fudges (my favourite), and it’s the right place to choose up a style of the Cotswolds.

You’ll discover nostalgia with the number of retro sweets, particular reward 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.

Shopping (and tasting) on the Cotswold Candy Firm is unquestionably one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, particularly when you’ve got children (younger or previous). The store is open from 10:30 am till 5 pm Monday to Saturday and from 11 am till 4 pm on Sunday.

Deal with: 1 Crossways Home, The Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB

7. Go to Blenheim Palace, Residence 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 certainly one of England’s best examples of Baroque structure. Blenheim is the ancestral dwelling and birthplace of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.

Visiting Blenheim is among the finest locations to go to close to Stow-on-the-Wold and is a should for historical past lovers like myself. You may discover the home and grounds, and there are many occasions hosted on the palace all year long (test the web site to see what’s happening throughout your keep).

The palace is open each day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets price £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for kids (the ticket is then legitimate for a whole yr). There are many services onsite together with a variety of cafes and eating places and a present store, making it an excellent day trip for your complete household.

Deal with: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

8. Go Climbing within the Close by Countryside

The countryside round Stow is ideal for mountaineering because of the miles of path throughout rolling hills and valleys. That is certainly one of my favourite locations to hike in the entire of the UK; primarily as a result of attractive views (but additionally 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. In case 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 properly price a go to for its attractive village scenes and River Eye.

Climbing is among the finest issues to do round Stow-on-the-Wold because of the attractive views from the excessive vantage factors across the village.

9. Go to Medieval Sudeley Fort

The fifteenth Century stately dwelling at Sudeley Fort 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 loads to maintain everybody entertained. There’s an onsite cafe known as the Pavilion that sells a number of the finest cream teas and different do-it-yourself snacks within the Cotswolds – be sure to 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 fortress from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets price £19.50 for adults and £8.75 for kids and embrace entry to the home and grounds.

Deal with: 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 excellent 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 beautiful 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.

Deal with: Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG

11. Take within the Contemporary Air at Batsford Arboretum

The 56 acres of land at Batsoford Arboretum contains hundreds of uncommon crops and bushes from around the globe. From snowdrops to bamboo, Japanese shrubs, and species from the rainforest, Batsford is the right place to expertise a number of the most beautiful nature within the nation.

The arboretum is situated within the small market city of Moreton-in-Marsh just some 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 price £9.95 for adults and £3.50 for kids. That is positively among the finest locations to go to close to Stow for the entire household and even includes a play space for teenagers.

Deal with: 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 giant tower providing panoramic views of the close by countryside. The village can be famed for its arts scene with numerous 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 below half-hour to drive. There are many nice walks across the village and thru the 200-acre deer park. Close by Snowshill Manor is price 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 among the finest 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 retailers to looking the weekly farmers’ markets.

The city is the well-known dwelling of many celebrities from Prime Gear host Jeremy Clarkson to former prime minister David Cameron. There’s an out of doors swimming pool, an artwork house and theater, and plenty of 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 (comply with the A44) as there aren’t any native buses for this route. One other nice method to see the city and different highlights of the Cotswolds is to take a tour like this half-day tour from Oxford that additionally contains Bourton on the Water and different lovely villages. Click on right here to e book.

14. See the Gorgeous 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 akin to Arlington Row, a row of Seventeenth-century cottages which have been fantastically preserved. I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and Bibury is certainly one of my favourite villages because of 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 method to expertise Stow-on-the-Wold and different close by villages like Broadway, Burford, and Bibury. You’ll get to discover sleepy villages and beautiful, rolling countryside whereas studying one thing in regards to the historical past of the realm from an skilled information.

Whereas most excursions of the Cotswolds are spent driving from place to position, this tour is completely different in that it focuses much more on strolling. The eight-hour expertise prices £65 per particular person and contains transport from close by Stratford-upon-Avon (the previous dwelling of Shakespear) or Moreton in Marsh which is just some miles from Stow. Click on right here to e book.

Fast Journey Itineraries For Stow-on-the-Wold

Under, you’ll discover a couple of itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Stow-on-the-Wold. Whether or not you could have simply someday 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, you’ll want to stroll across the charming city heart and Market Sq.. Browse for books, native meals, and antiques on the many impartial retailers. Be sure that to choose up some tasty sweet from the Cotswold Candy Firm (I extremely suggest their do-it-yourself fudge).

Try the artworks on show on the Fosse Gallery and take outing to understand the structure and solitude at St Edward’s Church. Be sure you cease by the Porch Home, maybe the oldest pub in England relationship to 947AD, and seize a pint of native ale or a chunk to eat within the glorious restaurant.

2-3 Days in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary

If in case you have a couple of 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 a number of the best English countryside conceivable. Attempt a number of the different pubs and eating places within the city akin to the superb Talbot, Alexiou’s, and The Outdated Butchers.

1 Week in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary

If in case you have per week to discover Stow, comply with the above itineraries in 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 attractive home and grounds.

Go to the close by cities and villages of Chipping Norton, Bibury, and Broadway that are a number of 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 a couple of 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 because of its location within the coronary heart of the city. Rooms include a big double mattress, an en-suite rest room, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services. A alternative 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 good looking rural setting. The ivy-covered stone constructing has a variety of rooms from doubles to twin and singles, making it an excellent possibility for households. All rooms include a non-public, en-suite rest room 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 condo a couple of minutes stroll from Market Sq. and the middle of Stow. The property comes with a stunning backyard and terrace in a tranquil, rural location. Rooms include a deluxe, kingsize mattress, an en-suite rest room, and free WiFi all through the property. Click on right here to study extra.

Finest Eating places in Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a wonderful vacation spot for foodies with many high-quality cafes, pubs, and eating places in and across the city. Under are 5 of my high picks.

The Porch Home: There’s been an inn on the location of the Porch Home since at the very least 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 little bit dear, however price each penny. Click on right here for instructions.

The Hive: The Hive is a quaint, dog-friendly cafe/restaurant within the heart of city is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch. From choices akin to porridge, a full English, or smoked salmon and eggs, the mouthwatering menu makes this certainly one of my favourite locations for a chunk 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 good looking rural setting within the coronary heart of Stow. From humous to halloumi and mousaka to medallions, this is among the high eating places within the city and may be very moderately 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 retailers of Market Sq.. Feast on pub classics like ham, egg and chips, scampi, or do-it-yourself burgers (together with vegetarian). The lasagne is great, 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 automobile for those who 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, nonetheless, the journey could be made in round two hours by taking the practice 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 be a good way to see Stow.

Because it’s a small city, all the most important points of interest in Stow-on-the-Wold are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to go to a number of the close by landmarks like Blenheim Palace and Batsford Arboretum it’s finest to have your individual transport or lease a automobile as public transportation isn’t nice on this a part of the nation.

Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Stow-on-the-Wold:

In Closing

Now you understand what to see and do in Stow-on-the-Wold from purchasing on the month-to-month farmers’ markets to gorging on scrumptious sweets, exploring the Tolkein-like St Edward’s Church, or sinking a couple of pints in one of many oldest inns within the nation. Stow is a incredible vacation spot and a quintessential English rural city.

With so many glorious vacationer points of interest in Stow-on-the-Wold, it’s no marvel it’s such a preferred vacation vacation spot. The city can be an excellent 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.

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