What to do · Cotswolds
Stow-on-the-Wold
Information
- Price
- On your own · free
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Who it's for
- All ages
What it is and what you see
Stow-on-the-Wold is a small market town of about 1,900 residents, on top of a 244 m hill: it is the highest village of those we suggest in the Cotswolds. The Fosse Way, the Roman road that is now the A429, passes through it. For centuries it lived off wool: Daniel Defoe reported that in the 18th century as many as 20,000 sheep were sold in a single day.
What you come to see is around the market square, surrounded by buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, with shops and tea rooms. Among them is St Edward's Hall, which is now the library. Look out for the narrow lanes that lead down from the square between the houses: sheep were driven along them to market.
A couple of steps away is St Edward's church. After the Battle of Stow, on 21 March 1646, in which Sir Jacob Astley's Royalists were defeated a mile north of the town, hundreds of prisoners were held in it. Beside its north porch grow some ancient yew trees that frame the door.
How long
An hour for the square, the lanes and the church; two if you stop at the shops or for something to eat or drink. It is more a place for strolling and eating than for seeing monuments.
A good base
Stow is in the middle of the area: Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh are close, as are the Cotswold Farm Park and Daylesford. If you are travelling without a car, the Pulhams 801 bus links it with Moreton-in-Marsh, which has a direct train from London Paddington, and with Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham, also on Sundays with less frequency. Kingham station, on the same line, is a short taxi ride away.
Getting there and parking
By car, along the A429 from Moreton or from Bourton. Arrive early at weekends: the town is small and parking is limited.
When to go
All year round. Best on weekdays, with fewer people. Twice a year, in May and in October, the Stow Horse Fair is held, in a field near Maugersbury. On those days the extra traffic blocks the roads around. If you are not going to the fair, avoid those dates.
With children
There are no attractions for children in the town: it is a short walk. For a day with children, combine Stow with Bourton in the morning or with the Cotswold Farm Park.
Where to eat and sleep
In the town is The Porch House, an old inn with seasonal British cooking and rooms. Nearby, in Daylesford, next to Kingham, Daylesford Farm, and in Kingham, The Wild Rabbit.
Tips
- Look for the church yews They are beside the north porch of St Edward's.
- Check the horse fair dates In May and October the traffic blocks the roads around.
- Use it as a base without a car The 801 bus links it with Moreton station and with Bourton.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Stow-on-the-Wold?
The market square, the lanes through which the sheep were brought in and St Edward's church, with the yews at its north porch.
Can you go without a car?
Yes. The Pulhams 801 bus links it with Moreton-in-Marsh, which has a train from London, and with Bourton-on-the-Water.
When is the Stow Horse Fair?
Twice a year, in May and October, in a field near Maugersbury.
As a family
