Stow-on-the-Wold is a picture-book market town in the heart of the English countryside.  The town’s medieval houses, built with distinct Cotswold stone, attract visitors from all over the world. The town can get crowded during the day but many visitors depart by early evening leaving the town a peaceful delight to stroll around.  We would recommend a late afternoon/early evening visit to enjoy the sights at their best.  A bonus is the town’s main car is free after 3.00 pm!

St Edward’s Church

Visitors must go to St Edward’s Church which may have the country’s most photographed church doorway.  Two yew trees straddle the entrance giving the church its unique magical appearance.  It has been suggested that the doorway influenced the author Tolkien in his writing of: Lord of the Rings. Just like the doors of St Edward’s, Tolkein’s, the Doors of Durin are flanked by trees.  Was the doorway of St Edward’s Tolkein’s inspiration?  Locals say they were but we shall never know.

In the churchyard, there is a small headstone dedicated to those who fought in the English Civil War, 1642-1646.  The Battle of Stow, 21 March 1646, was the last pitched battle of the war in England. The defeat of the Royalist forces in the battle sealed the fate of Charles the First who was under siege in nearby Oxford. With the defeat of the Royalists’ forces at Stow, Charles’ last hope was gone and in May he surrendered.  Britain has many First and Second World War and even Boer War memorials but few memorials to the 17th Century Civil War.  This is one of the few. 

The pathway through the church yard takes you to the centre of the town.

There are many independent shops and businesses in the town to explore.  We enjoyed visiting the Cotswold chocolate shop which has a great variety of delicious chocolate to tempt you.  If you have a savoury tooth then the Cotswold Cheese shop is the place for you. There are art shops, antique shops, fashion shops, shops for every taste and occasion. Even if you do not purchase anything, it is a simple pleasure just window shopping them all.

Then there are so many excellent places to stop for a bite to eat and drink.  The pubs are dog friendly and are popular with ramblers and walkers after walks in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. 

The Bell pub pictured here has a good menu and also has accommodation for visitors to the area.  Some of their accommodation is a short walk up from the pub. If you don’t want to walk to your accommodation, the landlord will give you a lift in this lovely car.  What a way to start your holiday!

The Porch House is another picturesque pub in the town centre.  It claims it is the oldest inn in England!

If you visit Stow on the second Thursday of the month, you will be able to shop at the local farmers’ market which takes place in the pretty market square.  The Cotswolds is now home to many specialist food and craft ware producers.  All can be sampled at the market. The cross shown in the photograph below is in the market square where the market takes place.

The Cotswolds is well known for its special Cotswolds stone buildings.  Each building has that unique appearance which makes towns like Stow such a wonderful place to visit. Here are just a few photographs showing some of those buildings.  

This Grade II listed building was once a drinking water fountain and horse trough. It now decorates the entrance to the town with a display of flowers.  

Parking in Stow-on-the-Wold

The main car park and public toilets (20p entry) are situated opposite the Bell Pub.  As mentioned above, parking is free after 3.00 pm.  Parking in the rest of the town could prove difficult as it is a very popular place to visit.   There is some parking at the Tesco superstore a few hundred metres walk from the town centre.  However, there may be some restrictions, especially during the busy weekends. 

Stow-on-the-Wold is a great place to visit and a great base from which to explore the other beautiful Cotswolds villages and countryside.  We enjoyed our visit: we are sure you will enjoy yours. 

We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please share with anyone you think may be interested. See you again soon!

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