Stow-on-the-Wold is a lovely 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 resembling exploring medieval buildings and artwork galleries, visiting outlets, 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 mates 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 necessary buying and selling middle for hundreds of years. It’s the best city within the area and stands at 800 toes (244 meters) above sea degree. It additionally hosts an everyday farmers’ market promoting native produce that draws many guests wanting to browse regional items.

Greatest 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, outlets, 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.

Among the finest 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 regionally made beers, ciders, and gins, that is one in all 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 outlets and cafes across the sq. promoting all the pieces 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 probably the most historic buildings within the Cotswolds, and certainly the entire of England.

One of the crucial spectacular issues about St Edward’s is its north-facing door which is flanked by two giant yew timber rising as if from the church partitions. The doorway appears prefer it’s been taken straight from the set of The Lord of the Rings and also you may discover the odd Hobbit hiding behind.

The picturesque churchyard makes a terrific escape from the bustling city middle and is one in all my favourite locations to take a seat and take just a few 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 without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the oldest inns in England. This stunning, rustic constructing product of trademark Cotswold stone has been dated again so far as the yr 947 making it nicely over 1,000 years outdated. The pub has a full of life 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 only a few drinks within the beer backyard, you’ll be able to’t go improper. I really like an excellent, conventional pub and The Porch is without doubt one of 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 a terrific possibility for a special day.

Handle: 1 Digbeth Avenue, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1BN

4. Browse the Artworks on the Fosse Gallery

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

I’m not the most important fan of recent artwork however even I get pleasure from 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.

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 outlets and folks come right here from all around the world on the lookout for a cut price. The Tara Antiques Centre is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Stow-on-the-Wold in the event you’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 pieces from fantastic silverware to jewellery, home goods, and far more. I really like shopping outdated vintage outlets and Tara is without doubt one of the greatest locations within the nation to take action, with over 30 vintage sellers represented over three flooring. Should you’re on the lookout for a particular reward, you’re positive to seek 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 road every now and then then you definately’ll wish 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 reward hampers, candy jars, chocolate bars, and even sugar-free candies. I might 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.

Looking (and tasting) on the Cotswold Candy Firm is certainly probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, particularly when you have children (younger or outdated). 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, Dwelling 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 all 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 without doubt one of 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 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 amenities onsite together with quite a lot of cafes and eating places and a present store, making it a terrific time out for the whole household.

Handle: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

8. Go Climbing within the Close by Countryside

The countryside round Stow is ideal for climbing due to the miles of path throughout rolling hills and valleys. That is one in all my favourite locations to hike in the entire of the UK; primarily because of the attractive views (but in addition due to the quaint nation pubs alongside the way in which). There are many routes from Stow ranging in problem 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. Should 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 nicely value a go to for its attractive village scenes and River Eye.

Climbing is without doubt one of 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 Fort

The fifteenth Century stately residence at Sudeley Fort is a superb time out for the entire household. From guided excursions of the home to getting misplaced within the stunning gardens full with mazes, orchards, and wildflower walks, there’s lots to maintain everybody entertained. There’s an onsite cafe referred to as the Pavilion that sells a number 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 each day from 10 am to 4 pm and the citadel from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets price £19.50 for adults and £8.75 for kids and embody 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 a terrific 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 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.

Handle: Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG

11. Take within the Recent Air at Batsford Arboretum

The 56 acres of land at Batsoford Arboretum contains hundreds of uncommon vegetation and timber 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 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 price £9.95 for adults and £3.50 for kids. That is positively the most effective locations to go to close to Stow for the entire household and even includes a play space for youths.

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 giant tower providing panoramic views of the close by countryside. The village can also 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 beneath 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 the most effective locations to see close to Stow-on-the-Wold. There are many fantastic issues to do from exploring the bustling excessive road and its many outlets to shopping the weekly farmers’ markets.

The city is the well-known residence of many celebrities from High Gear host Jeremy Clarkson to former prime minister David Cameron. There’s an outside swimming pool, an artwork area and theater, and many stunning Cotswold structure from the Almshouses to Bliss Tweed Mill and extra.

The easiest way 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 solution 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 stunning villages. Click on right here to e book.

14. See the Beautiful 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 Recognized for its picturesque stone cottages and idyllic nation scenes.

Bibury is residence to many historic landmarks resembling Arlington Row, a row of Seventeenth-century cottages which have been superbly preserved. I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and Bibury is one in all 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 solution to expertise Stow-on-the-Wold and different close by villages like Broadway, Burford, and Bibury. You’ll get to discover sleepy villages and lovely, 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 just a few itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to whereas sightseeing in Stow-on-the-Wold. Whether or not you may have simply someday to spend or every week to discover, these itineraries embody all the highest issues to see in Stow-on-the-Wold to take the strain off planning your journey.

1 Day in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary

With only a day to spend in Stow, you should definitely stroll across the charming city middle and Market Sq.. Browse for books, native meals, and antiques on the many unbiased outlets. Be certain that to choose up some tasty sweet from the Cotswold Candy Firm (I extremely advocate their home made fudge).

Try the artworks on show on the Fosse Gallery and take day out 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 courting to 947AD, and seize a pint of native ale or a chew to eat within the glorious restaurant.

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

In case you have just a few 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 resembling the superb Talbot, Alexiou’s, and The Previous Butchers.

1 Week in Stow-on-the-Wold Itinerary

In case you have every week to discover Stow, comply with the above itineraries on your first three days and embody 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 number of the most stunning locations within the Cotswolds. There’s tons to seek 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 just a few of the perfect locations to remain in Stow-on-the-Wold for vacationers:

Davenford Stow Gardens – Greatest 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 amenities. A selection of continental, á la carte, or vegetarian breakfast is included. Click on right here to e book now.

Woodland Guesthouse – Greatest for Households

The attractive Woodland Guesthouse is situated simply over a mile from Stow in a lovely rural setting. The ivy-covered stone constructing has a spread of rooms from doubles to twin and singles, making it a terrific possibility for households. All rooms include a non-public, en-suite toilet and flatscreen TV. Click on right here to seek out out extra.

The Cozy Shed – Greatest for {Couples}

The scenic Cozy Shed is a one-bedroom residence 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 toilet, and free WiFi all through the property. Click on right here to be taught extra.

Greatest Eating places in Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a superb vacation spot for foodies with many fantastic 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 a bit of dear, 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 resembling porridge, a full English, or smoked salmon and eggs, the mouthwatering menu makes this one in all my favourite locations for a chew 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 facet of Thessaloniki however in a lovely rural setting within the coronary heart of Stow. From humous to halloumi and mousaka to medallions, this is without doubt one of the high eating places within the city and could be very moderately priced. Click on right here for instructions.

The Previous Butchers: The Previous 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 outlets 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 automotive in the event 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 might 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 also be a good way to see Stow.

Because it’s a small city, all the foremost sights in Stow-on-the-Wold are inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, to go to a number of the close by landmarks like Blenheim Palace and Batsford Arboretum it’s greatest to have your personal transport or lease a automotive 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 recognize what to see and do in Stow-on-the-Wold from buying on the month-to-month farmers’ markets to gorging on scrumptious sweets, exploring the Tolkein-like St Edward’s Church, or sinking just a few 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 marvel it’s such a well-liked vacation vacation spot. The city can also be a terrific 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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