Top 12 Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold in The Cotswolds [The Ultimate Guide]

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming and quintessentially English historic town you must visit. From where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, this ultimate guide includes everything you need to know before visiting Stow-on-the-Wold.

Once an ancient wool town, Stow-on-the-Wold is situated near The Fosse Way which was an ancient Roman road that linked from Exeter in the southwest to Lincoln in northeast. This picture-perfect town has some of the best antique shops in Britain and sits some 700ft above sea level, making Stow-on-the-Wold the highest town in the Cotswolds and an unmissable stop on your Cotswolds itinerary.

Origins of the name Stow-on-the-Wold

Its unusual sounding name isn’t so strange once you break it down. During Saxon times, it was believed that a missionary by the name of Edward lived as a hermit at a well located in the southern part of town. Over time, this gave rise to the town’s first name, St. Edward’s Stowe or Holy Place. The Old English word ‘stowe’ means a place, spot, locality, or site. The term ‘wold’ simply means ‘hill’ or ‘rolling hill’, so put together, Stow-on-the-Wold literally means Holy Place on the Hill.

From where to stay to where to eat, here are the best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold in The Cotswolds.

1. Learn about Stow-on-the-Wold’s History at the Market Square

Crooked House

Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold - Park benches

Park benches in Market Square

Historic Town stocks

The heart of Stow-on-the-Wold is its large Market Square, once the centre of the town’s wool trading past which could hold up to 20,000 sheep ready for sale. As you approach the Market Square, notice the surrounding high-walled alleyways, known as ‘tures’, which were intentionally built to funnel sheep into the square to be sold.

Today, Market Square is lined with elegant buildings and a range of antique shops, art galleries, and gift shops. After a spot of shopping, take your time to wander around Market Square, soaking in all the details of the town’s past. At one end stands the town stocks which date back to the 15th century and are shaded by an old elm tree. At the opposite end of the square you’ll find the ancient Market Cross, erected as a symbolic reminder to the traders of medieval times to deal honestly and fairly.

Located on the west side of the Market Square is the ‘Crooked House’ built about 1450. On the southern end is The King’s Arms, where Charles I is said to have stayed during a visit.

It was also here in Market Square that the last important battle of the Civil War took place. On 21 March 1646, the Parliamentary army overwhelmed the Royalist army which resulted in them fleeing the field. They retreated back into the streets of Stow in what resulted in a bloody massacre and eventual surrender. The wounded were laid in Digbeth Street and as the legend goes, ducks were seen swimming in the blood. Some even claim that’s how Digbeth Street got its name, after ‘Duck Bath’.

In memory of those who fought and died at this time, you can see a memorial stone in St. Edward’s churchyard.

Address: Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1JW

2. See Tolkien’s Door at St. Edward’s Church

Built between the 11th and 15th century, St. Edward’s Church is named after the town’s patron saint Edward who also gave the town its original name Stow St Edward or Edwardstow.

This Grade I listed building is amongst the highest architectural category thanks to its large stained glass windows, buttresses, and lovely churchyard.

However, St. Edward’s Church’s most famous architectural feature has to be its tree-framed doorway on the north side bound by two ancient yew trees. This fairytale-esque door is said to be the inspiration for ‘Doors of Durin’ in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings door into Moria.

Address: 2 Crossways House the Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB
For more details, visit the official St. Edward’s Church website here

3. Say Cheese! At The Cotswold Cheese Company

Fancy some local cheese? You can’t go past The Cotswold Cheese Company – it’s literally a cheese lovers dream come true! There are over 80 different artisan and farmhouse cheeses from all around the world. There is also a wonderful selection of breads, biscuits/crackers, chutneys and local meats to enjoy your cheese with. If you run out of time or there are also shops located in neighbouring Moreton-in-Marsh and Burford.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: 10pm – 4pm
Address: 1-2, Fountain Court, Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
For more details, visit the official Cotswold Cheese Company website here

4. Eat in Britain’s Oldest Inn, The Porch House

Enjoy a delicious pub lunch over a few pints in The Porch House, the oldest pub in Britain. In fact, part of the building was once a hospice built by order of Aethelmar, Duke of Cornwall in 947AD!

Located in the dining room of the Grade II-listed building is a wonderful 16th century fireplace with symbols either side of it, said to be protection against witches.

Booking is essential. Book your table via their app by searching for “Honeycomb Houses” in the app store and Google Play store and create your account.

The guest rooms are simply gorgeous, each beautifully curated and stylish. I couldn’t help but stay two nights here during my visit and I’m so glad I did! As there are only thirteen rooms, room are booked fairly quickly and well in advance. Avoid disappointment and book your stay here.

Address: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
Check availability and book your stay at The Porch in here.

5.Have Afternoon Tea at Lucy’s Tearoom

Lucy’s Tearoom is a cozy family run, traditional English tearoom and B&B is the perfect place in town to enjoy a full English breakfast, a light lunch, or decadent afternoon tea – all locally sourced and homemade.

Set in a stunning 300 year old building with a flagstone floor and exposed beams, this is an idyllic place to relax in a historic atmosphere. There is also a charming secluded courtyard open all year around, kept warm in the colder months by a fireplace.

They serve everything from loose leaf teas, ethically sourced coffee, marshmallow topped hot chocolate, Prosecco, wine, beer and soft drinks. They also cater to those with special dietary requirements. Gotta love that!

Lucy’s Tearoom do not take bookings, they operate on a first-come first serve basis. If you can, snap up a seat at their bay window and enjoy watching the world go by.

Opening times: Open every day from 10.30am – 4pm
Address: The Square, Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB
For more details, visit the official Lucy’s Tearoom website here

6. Visit The Old Bakery Tea Room for scrumptious cream scones

For me afternoon tea is all about the scones. For the best cream scones in town, pop into The Old Bakery Tearoom. Run by couple Jackie and Alan for the past 13 years, The Old Bakery Tearoom offers a cosy and personal experience that will feel like you’re visiting a friend’s house. Best of all, everything is homemade on the premises too!

Opening times: Mon-Wed 10:30am – 4pm; Friday 10:30am-4pm; Saturday 10:30am-5pm; Closed Thursdays and Sundays
Address: Digbeth Street, Stow on the Wold GL54 1BN
For more details, visit the official The Old Bakery Tea Room website here

7. Explore contemporary British art at Fosse Gallery

Not to be missed is Fosse Gallery located at the top of Market Square. Established in 1980, for the past four decades Fosse Gallery has been home to important contemporary British art in the heart of the Cotswolds and considered one of the most important art galleries in the United Kingdom. The artwork on display here is truly worth being shared on an international scale.

Opening times: Open Monday – Saturday from 10.30am – 5pm
Address: The Square, The Manor House, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AF
For more details, visit the official Fosse Gallery website here

8. See the water fountain at The Triangle

The Triangle at the top of the High Street stands this drinking fountain and horse trough. It was donated to the inhabitants of Stow in 1896 to commemorate both the first regular supply of clean water to the town and the generous donation of £2,000 by Joseph Chamberlayne who enabled the well to be dug even deeper.

Address: Corner of Fosse Way and High Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1DL

9. See the Historic Postbox

On your walk up to The Triangle, make a quick photo stop at this disused Edwardian post box set into the wall on the High Street wall. This postbox dates to the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910).

Address: Located opposite Parson’s Corner on High St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1DL

10. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Cotswold Sweet Company

From fudge to sweets, chocolate to sugar free treats, pop into the tiny Cotswold Sweet Company shop and pick up some of the finest homemade confectionery around. Their sweet jars full of traditional favourites make the perfect souvenir or gift.

Opening times: Monday-Friday 10:30pm – 5pm, Saturday 10:30am – 5:30pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm
Address: The Square, 1 Crossway house, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB
For more details, visit the official Cotswolds Sweet Company website here

11. Relax on the terrace at Wyck Hill House

For a taste of classic country Cotswold living with stunning views of the surrounding valley and rolling hills, venture just 2.5 miles (4.2 km) from Stow-on-the-Wold centre is Wyck Hill House Hotel and Spa.

Head to the sunny terrace of this beautiful 18th century building and enjoy a glass of your favourite ale, wine or cider whilst enjoying the exquisite views.

If you’ve got more time, why not pencil in a luxury spa treatment and really make the most of these relaxing surroundings. Check their website for special offers.

Address: Burford Road, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1HY
For more details, visit the official Wych Hill House website here

12. See historic farm animals at Cotswold Farm Park

Put on your Wellington boots and explore the famous Cotswold Farm Park. The Park specialises in historical farm animals ranging from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Viking and Norman periods, as well as the Agricultural Revolution.

Cotswold Farm Park regularly features on TV with its animals appearing in period dramas. In fact, the animals were even used on the set of Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning film Braveheart.

More importantly, the Cotswold Farm Park works hard to protect breeds and protect rare breeds of farm animals and is home to over 50 breeds. Impressive!

Located just a short 10-minute drive from Stow-on-the-Wold town centre, Cotswold Farm Park hosts family activities including farm demonstrations, farm safaris, and of course feeding time!. Don’t miss the Animal Barn to spot some cute new-born animals or take a Wildlife Walk to experience the surrounding views, rare wildlife and seasonal flowers.

Opening times: Open daily from 9.30 am – 5 pm
Address: Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL
For more details, visit the official Cotswold Farm Park website here

Want to see more of the Cotswolds? Join one of these top-rated tours.

Don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide for more tips

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a wonderful place to base yourself when visiting the Cotswolds. There are loads of charming villages close by that all be reached in as little as 15 minutes. These include Moreton-in-Marsh, The Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water. Below are my top two recommendations for accommodation in Stow-on-the-Wold. I stayed in them both and can’t recommend them highly enough.

The Stag at Stow

The first two nights I stayed at the beautiful boutique hotel, The Stag at Stow. Each of its 23 rooms are individually decorated in a wonderfully restored Georgian Townhouse and Coach House.

I stayed in Room 8 which featured a lovely super king size Hypnos bed, large walk-in shower, luxury bed linen, large smart TV, high speed wifi, Roberts DAB radio, and Nespresso coffee machine.

I adored my stay here. It’s all the small and thoughtful touches in the decor and furniture that really made my stay feel luxurious and special.

Check availability and book your stay at The Stag at Stow here

The Porch House

Room with a view

For the second part of my visit I stayed in the cosy and iconic Porch House. I wanted to stay here first but since it’s a popular choice for visitors being the oldest British Inn, I missed my chance and had to rearrange my dates.

I stayed in the deluxe double room with its gorgeous exposed beams. Each room is unique and individually decorated so be sure to book well in advance if there is a certain room you want to stay in. The staff were warm and friendly and couldn’t do enough to accommodate me. Each room features a TV, free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso coffee machine, newspapers and an en suite bathroom with handmade toiletries. When you check in, definitely book a table in the restaurant. The food is divine!

Check availability and book your stay at The Porch House here.

For more places to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold, you can check the latest prices here.

Airbnb

For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are popping up all over the area so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices. Airbnb has numerous convenient options to choose from. If it’s your first time get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here, when you sign up using my unique reader referral link. If not, compare prices and book your stay here. For more inspiration, visit my guide to the most unique cottages on Airbnb.

Here’s a handy map to see all available stays.

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The Cotswolds