Stow on the Wold Travel Guide: Things To Do, Where To Stay, Places To Go
At a Glance
What it is: Stow on the Wold is a historic Cotswold market town, built around a large, honey-stone market square.
Best For: Antiques browsing, independent shops and a quieter alternative to Bourton on the Water.
Getting there: Around 90 minutes from London by car and right on the A429 Fosseway for further exploring. The nearest station is Moreton in Marsh, a short taxi ride away.
Best time to visit: Any season, Stow is a good wet weather option as well as being pretty in the sunshine.
Why Stow on the Wold?
Stow on the Wold is an ancient town that has been a commercial hub for centuries; it sits at the meeting point of several old roads, and the market has been trading since the 12th century. Today it is a quiet but prosperous town known for antiques shops, independent boutique, and tearooms with excellent links to other North Cotswolds towns and attractions. You'll find lots of things to do in Stow on the Wold!
Staying in Stow you have the best of all the worlds - all the shops, eateries and conveniences of a town, on-foot access to countryside walks and an easy base for reaching popular Cotswold attractions.
Stow On The Wold Things To Do: A Weekend Itinerary
Day One
Morning: The Market Square
Start in the square itself. There are plenty of places to grab a good coffee, and head round to St Edward's Church,. The fairytale yew-tree north door famous for inspiring J.R.R. Tolkein and the church itself has lots of history. Then browse the independent shops, from homewares, to books to delis - and on of the highest concentrations of antiques dealers in the Cotswolds.
Afternoon: Countryside Walking
Get on your walking boots and pack some snacks and take the circular walking path that takes in three Cotswolds villages: Upper Swell, Lower Swell and Maugersbury. Here you'll get to enjoy the countryside scenery as well as these peaceful authentic villages - there's a pub in Lower Swell for a pit stop.
Evening: Where to Eat
Stow on the Wold has lots of great pubs and restaurants to choose from. The Old Butchers is a good choice for a special evening, or try Britain's oldest inn, The Porch House. The Sheep on Sheep Street and the Old Stocks have great elevated pub food in gorgeous surroundings.
Day Two
Choose Your Adventure
Stow on the Wold is great for exploring further afield. The "Venice of the Cotswolds", Bourton on the Water, is ten minutes drive or bus away, and from there you can also explore the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter (walkable from Bourton on the Water).
Families
From Stow you are in easy reach of Adam Hensons' Cotswold Farm Park where you can see and pet the animals, or for something a bit wilder Cotswolds Wildlife Park is just the other side of Burford. In Bourton on the Water there is also Birdland and the Cotswold Motoring & Toy Museum (home to TV's Brum!).
Foodies
Ten minutes away from Stow is Daylesford Organic, where you can browse the shop and eat in the restaurant. Head down to Bourton on the Water to visit Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Brewery (book in advance for a tour), or go across to Chipping Norton for Diddly Squat Farm Shop (be prepared for long queues in the summer months.
Walkers
If you're bringing your dog with you pick a walk round Broadway Tower and have a go on their "doggy playground". Or for something quieter, drive the short distance to Adlestrop where there are lots of scenic walks across Adlestrop Common.
Culture Buffs
In Stow you are close to wonderful historic homes Chastleton, Snowshill and Sezincote, as well as the gardens at Hidcote. Further afield north is the renowned gallery Compton Verney, or to the east is Blenheim Palace.
Where to Stay
Our Stow on the Wold cottages are right in the heart of Stow a few moments' walk from the market square itself. Coniston House has a wood-fired hot tub in the secret garden, Rathbone Cottage comes with parking included while The Crook is closest to the centre being right on iconic Sheep Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stow on the Wold quieter than Bourton on the Water?
Generally yes, Stow tends to draw a different crowd and is less of a day-tripping spot. You'll find the locals and tourists alike pop in and out of Stow.
How far is Stow on the Wold from Bourton on the Water?
About 4 miles, roughly a 10-minute drive and they are connected by public buses - it's easy to combine both in one trip.
Is Stow on the Wold dog-friendly?
Yes, see our dog-friendly cottages guide for more.
What is parking like in Stow on the Wold?
There is free parking in the Market Square itself, as well as free on-road parking along Sheep Street and Park Street (with no time limits). Rathbone Cottage also has its own parking.
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