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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 corresponding to exploring medieval buildings and artwork galleries, visiting retailers, 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 pals within the area, and I really 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 middle for hundreds of years. It’s the very best city within the area and stands at 800 ft (244 meters) above sea degree. It additionally hosts an everyday farmers’ market promoting native produce that pulls many guests desirous to browse regional items.
Finest Issues To Do in Stow-on-the-Wold
Under, you’ll discover a number of the perfect Stow-on-the-Wold sights 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 checklist of any traveller to England.
1. Go to the Market Sq.
The most effective 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 choose up contemporary, 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 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 made from 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.
Handle: 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.
Some of the spectacular issues about St Edward’s is its north-facing door which is flanked by two massive yew bushes rising as if from the church partitions. The doorway seems 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 important escape from the bustling city middle and is one in every 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 greatest free issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Handle: 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 made from 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 vigorous bar, a beautiful outdoors terrace, a conservatory, and a restaurant.
Whether or not you’re in search of a fast lunchtime nibble, a three-course night meal, or only a few drinks within the beer backyard, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken. I really like , 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 important possibility for an important day.
Handle: 1 Digbeth Avenue, 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 crucial vital within the UK and has housed works by modern artists corresponding 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 a few of the fascinating items on show on the Fosse, and with frequent visitor exhibitions, there’s at all times 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 nice free issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Handle: 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 in search of a cut price. The Tara Antiques Centre is among the greatest locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold in case you’re in search of an fascinating present or memento to choose up. The middle is positioned within the Grade II listed Manor Home simply off Market Sq..
Right here, you’ll discover all the things from nice silverware to jewellery, home goods, and rather more. I really like shopping previous vintage retailers and Tara is among the greatest locations within the nation to take action, with over 30 vintage sellers represented over three flooring. In the event you’re in search of a particular present, you’re certain to search out it right here.
Handle: 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 avenue from time to time then you definitely’ll need to head to the Cotswold Candy Firm within the middle of city. Right here, you’ll discover an enormous number of home made 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 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 totally different fudges and different scrumptious treats.
Shopping (and tasting) on the Cotswold Candy Firm is certainly one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, particularly in case you have youngsters (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.
Handle: 1 Crossways Home, The Sq., Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB
7. Go to Blenheim Palace, House 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 best examples of Baroque structure. Blenheim is the ancestral residence and birthplace of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is among the greatest locations to go to close to Stow-on-the-Wold and is a should for historical past lovers like myself. You’ll be able to 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 day by day from 10 am till 4:45 pm. Tickets value £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 important time out for all the household.
Handle: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
8. Go Climbing within the Close by Countryside
The countryside round Stow is ideal for mountaineering 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 as a result of attractive views (but additionally due to the quaint nation pubs alongside the best way). There are many routes from Stow ranging in issue from brief 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 the event you’re extra of a seasoned hiker then you’ll be able to 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 value a go to for its attractive village scenes and River Eye.
Climbing is among the greatest issues to do round Stow-on-the-Wold due to the attractive views from the excessive vantage factors across the village.
9. Go to Medieval Sudeley Fortress
The fifteenth Century stately residence at Sudeley Fortress is a superb time out 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 few of the greatest cream teas and different home made snacks within the Cotswolds – be sure to arrive with an urge for food to strive a few of these!
The gardens are open day by day from 10 am to 4 pm and the fort from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets value £19.50 for adults and £8.75 for kids and embrace entry to the home and grounds.
Handle: Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
10. Store for Native Produce at Daylesford Natural
Daylesford Natural Farm is only a brief drive from Stow and makes for an important time out. Right here you’ll be able to 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.
Handle: 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 1000’s of uncommon crops and bushes from world wide. From snowdrops to bamboo, Japanese shrubs, and species from the rainforest, Batsford is the right place to expertise a few of the most gorgeous nature within the nation.
The arboretum is positioned 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 kids. That is positively among the finest locations to go to close to Stow for the entire household and even encompasses a play space for teenagers.
Handle: 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 be famed for its arts scene with a number of galleries and humanities areas, and an annual arts competition 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 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 among the finest locations to see close to Stow-on-the-Wold. There are many fantastic issues to do from exploring the bustling excessive avenue and its many retailers to shopping the weekly farmers’ markets.
The city is the well-known residence of many celebrities from Prime Gear host Jeremy Clarkson to former prime minister David Cameron. There’s an outside swimming pool, an artwork house and theater, and plenty of lovely Cotswold structure from the Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill and extra.
The easiest way 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 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 positioned 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 residence to many historic landmarks corresponding 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 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 superb 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 beautiful, rolling countryside whereas studying one thing in regards to the historical past of the world from an skilled information.
Whereas most excursions of the Cotswolds are spent driving from place to put, this tour is totally different in that it focuses much more on strolling. The eight-hour expertise prices £65 per individual and contains transport from close by Stratford-upon-Avon (the previous residence 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
Under, you’ll discover a couple of itineraries that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Stow-on-the-Wold. Whether or not you might have simply someday to spend or every 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 middle and Market Sq.. Browse for books, native meals, and antiques on the many unbiased retailers. Make sure that to choose up some tasty sweet from the Cotswold Candy Firm (I extremely advocate their home made fudge).
Take a look at the artworks on show on the Fosse Gallery and take outing to understand the structure and solitude at St Edward’s Church. You should definitely 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
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 few of the best English countryside conceivable. Strive a few of the different pubs and eating places within the city corresponding to the wonderful Talbot, Alexiou’s, and The Outdated Butchers.
1 Week in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary
In case you have every week to discover Stow, observe 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 residence 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 few of the most lovely locations within the Cotswolds. There’s tons to search out right here from a mannequin village to the Broadway Tower to climb, walks, and hikes, and naturally loads of fantastic rustic pubs for refreshments.
The place to Keep in Stow-on-the-Wold
These are a couple of of the perfect 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 toilet, 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 positioned simply over a mile from Stow in a good looking rural setting. The ivy-covered stone constructing has a spread of rooms from doubles to twin and singles, making it an important possibility for households. All rooms include a non-public, en-suite toilet 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 toilet, 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 superb vacation spot for foodies with many nice 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 modern European delicacies. It’s somewhat 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 superb place for breakfast or brunch. From choices corresponding to porridge, a full English, or smoked salmon and eggs, the mouthwatering menu makes this one in every of my favourite locations for a chunk in Stow (strive the Hive Breakfast). Click on right here for instructions.
Alexiou’s Restaurant: The Alexiou’s Restaurant is a superb restaurant and bar serves up the perfect Greek and Mediterranean meals this aspect 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 could be very fairly priced. Click on right here for instructions.
The Outdated Butchers: The Outdated Butchers is fantastic seafood restaurant in a former butcher’s store (thus the title; 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 return for a style of the ocean. Click on right here for instructions.
The Talbot: The Talbot is a superb pub and restaurant with a quaint courtyard overlooking the retailers of Market Sq.. Feast on pub classics like ham, egg and chips, scampi, or home made 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 greatest to lease a automobile in case you 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 will 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 be an effective way to see Stow.
Because it’s a small city, all the key sights in Stow-on-the-Wold are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to go to a few of the close by landmarks like Blenheim Palace and Batsford Arboretum it’s greatest to have your personal 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Stow-on-the-Wold:
Stow-on-the-Wold is understood 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 be famed for its vintage retailers such because the Tara Vintage Middle.
One of the best time to go to Stow-on-the-Wold is spring or fall. The village can get slightly busy with coachloads of vacationers in the course of the summer season months so try to keep away from the excessive season if doable. Could, June, and September are nice instances to go to when the climate is nice sufficient for strolling and eating outside.
Stow-on-the-Wold is certainly value visiting because it’s one of the crucial picturesque market cities within the Cotswolds. With so many sights in Stow-on-the-Wold and straightforward 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 corresponding to Blenheim Palace, then every week is best.
Like most villages in rural England Stow is a really secure place for vacationers. Violent crime is nearly unprecedented, nevertheless, as a result of sheer variety of guests in July and August, take the same old traveler precautions corresponding to not leaving doorways unlocked or valuables on show.
Looking for antiques is among the hottest issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold and folks come from far and large 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 common methods to go the time right here.
The small alleys, generally known as “Tures”, had 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 Avenue and resulting in Market Sq..
In case you have a candy tooth then it is best to positively strive a few of the fudge or different handmade sweets and candies from the Cotswolds Candy Firm. It’s additionally common to strive a few of the native actual ales and ciders in one of many many pubs just like the Porch Home.
Wold means hilly or excessive area in previous English so Stow-on-the-Wold actually interprets as Stow-on-the-Hill (it’s certainly on the very best peak of the Cotswolds).
A number of the previous buildings across the Market Sq. are stated to have interconnecting tunnels and the Kings Arms Lodge had a tunnel main out of the city. Normally, such tunnels had been used for illicit buying and selling and smuggling; just like these discovered below homes in Cornwall.
In Closing
Now you realize what to see and do in Stow-on-the-Wold from procuring 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 sights in Stow-on-the-Wold, it’s no surprise it’s such a preferred vacation vacation spot. The city can 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.
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