Kate W
23 December 2019
Characterful pubs, stylish cottages and excellent antique shops, Stow-on-the-Wold captures the magic of the Cotswolds perfectly within its winding streets.
At the heart of this town is the market square complete with an ancient cross at one end and medieval stocks at the other; it’s a beautiful place to explore and absorb a little history.
Popular Moreton-in-Marsh is an equally lovely town that’s just 5 miles down the road and offers a whole host of extra amenities, while the surrounding northern Cotswolds boast family-friendly attractions, including a wildlife park, and wonderful walks waiting to be discovered.
Start browsing our collection of quaint and characterful holiday cottages in Stow-on-the-Wold and you’ll soon discover the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones.
Local walks to explore
It’s a true centre for walking in the Cotswolds with wonderful rural routes taking in country views and quaint towns and villages in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Why not follow this pleasant 3.5-mile short circular walk from Stow-on-the-Wold? It will lead you across to pretty Broadwell village and offer great views once you reach the top of the hill at the end of the route.
Another day, you could follow this circular, scenic walking trail across to the village of Lower Swell where the Abbotswood parkland can be found.
For a much longer trail to follow, strike out along the Cotswold Way, a national trail you can pick up in Broadway, or The Gloucestershire Way, a footpath that stretches from Chepstow on the Welsh border across to Tewkesbury and passes right by Stow-on-the-Wold; both offer you fantastically long routes where you can stretch your legs.
Other fun things to do
The ancient yew trees that stand guard at the entrance to St Edwards Church
At the heart of this exquisite Cotswolds town is the magnificent St Edward's Church, a wonderfully peaceful spot to step into during your time here. Drop by the Fosse Gallery to take a look at the beautiful artwork displayed there, and head over to the extensive parkland that is Abbotswood if you have dogs with you who need to stretch their legs.
Further afield, this area surrounding the north of the Cotswolds is full of wonderful things to do and places to see.
Explore the grounds of the beautiful World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, walk the halls of Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, or visit the old folly of Broadway Tower high above the quaint village of Broadway that’s complete with parkland, a café and an old nuclear bunker.
Take the kids along to meet the incredible animals that live at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – get up close to lions, rhinos and penguins before going for a wander around the scenic on-site gardens.
The National Trust managed Hidcote Manor Gardens in Hidcote Bartrim are influential arts and crafts gardens with beautifully designed outdoor spaces just waiting to be uncovered too.
Things to do in the Cotswolds
Places to eat
This exquisite market town is bursting with pubs and restaurants for you to dine out in during your getaway to the Cotswolds.
The Old Butchers was once a butchery but has now become a seafood restaurant with stylish décor and a cosy atmosphere. The Hive is a sweet café/eatery in the heart of the town where you can stop for a cake after browsing the high street, while Sheep on Sheep Street is a fun restaurant to head to for music nights and pizza.
If you prefer a trip to the pub, then The Old Stocks Inn offers excellent cuisine in a stylish setting and The Bell at Stow is a traditional old English pub where you can relax and enjoy a full Sunday roast.
After long days full of exploration, why not grab a takeaway to take back to your holiday cottage? Jade Garden offers wonderful Chinese food while Greedy's Fish & Chips is just the place for a classic bag of chips.
Discover more Cotswolds restaurants
Shops and the market
This market town is an important shopping hub with boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, gifts and crafts shops to explore. The honey-coloured streets are a delight to wander through while browsing the independently-owned shops found here.
It’s known as a centre for antiques, so you could pop into Baggott Church Street Limited, La Chaise or Tudor House Antiques – who knows what treasures you might uncover? Fosse Gallery Fine Art, Wychwood Art and Lindy Allfrey Studios all cater for art lovers, while anyone looking for beautiful gifts to take home should drop by The Baobab Tree and The Grey Heron.
The monthly market is the perfect place to stock up on fresh local produce to cook back at your holiday home; enjoy a big breakfast or delicious dinners while relaxing back at your cottage escape.
Holiday cottages in Stow-on-the-Wold
We have a wonderful range of accommodation for you to browse through in and around Stow-on-the-Wold. With plenty of quaint cottages boasting that traditional honey-coloured stone façade and a warm and welcoming interior, you’ll soon find a holiday cottage that’s ideal for you and your guests.
The ever-stylish Pineapple Spa is a great choice for a family of four with exposed brickwork and a copper slipper bath all contributing to its luxury, five-star status among our collection. If you’re planning a getaway just the two of you, try a romantic escape to The Trinity, an eclectic apartment inside a former church. Any bigger families or groups of friends can enjoy a break to Nepenthe, a farmhouse-style cottage with warm and traditional décor that welcomes six guests.
We have a great selection of cottages in Stow-on-the-Wold, from two-person escapes to big family getaways. Start browsing our collection today and pick out your next Cotswolds retreat.
Holidays in Stow-on-the-Wold
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.