Your Guide to
Stow-on-the-Wold
“The highest town in the Cotswolds”
Stow-on-the-Wold is filled with history and charm. Cotswold stone buildings lean against each other and over the centuries beautiful coaching inns have been established here. Wandering the streets, you will pass the ancient market square where farmer’s markets are still held, independent boutiques and antique shops, and the old town stocks.
For hundreds of years Stow-on-the-Wold has been a meeting point for traders and travellers. It prospered during the wool trade as many Cotswold towns did and twice a year it still hosts the Gypsy Horsefair. The town sits high on a hill, at 800ft it is the highest town in the Cotswolds, and the Roman Fosse Way passes through. With such a rich heritage Stow-on-the-Wold draws many visitors.
One of the most photographed points of interest in Stow are the doors to St Edwards Church which appear to be straight from the pages of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. You can also enjoy a meal and a drink at one of the oldest pubs in England while here.
We hope you enjoy your stay in this much-loved part of the Cotswolds. To help you plan your days we’ve put together a collection of our favourite experiences, so you can make the most of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Hidcote Manor Garden, Ebrington
These National Trust gardens planted by Lawrence Johnston are a collection of plants discovered during his expeditions around the globe. They have been designed as a series of outdoor rooms and are a beautiful example of the arts and crafts style.
Sezincote, Moreton-in-Marsh
The exceptional beauty of Sezincote sits in 3,500 acres of Cotswold countryside. At the centre of the family estate is the unexpected 200-year-old palace. This Mogul-inspired Indian palace is topped with an onion shaped dome and is surrounded by romantic gardens. You feel you are transported to an exotic world with grottos, temples and waterfalls.
Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh
This stunning Arboretum is a wonderful spot to let off steam. Follow the woodland trails (there’s a trail especially for children with a prize at the end), through the beautiful estate surrounded by clouds of wildflowers, trees, and plants. Batsford is always beautiful, but it really comes into its own during the spectacular Autumn months.
Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-the-Hill
Bourton House Garden has been a labour of love since 1983 when the then owners of Bourton House set about transforming a neglected wilderness into the stunning garden you see today. Over the years the garden has evolved, and visitors can now enjoy rare, unusual, and exotic plants, inspired planting and vivid combinations of texture and colour.
Chastleton House, Chastleton
Thought to date back to 1607, the National Trust’s Chastleton is a Jacobean country house and a time capsule of the last 400 years. The house remained within the same family for much of its existence and with little intrusion from the modern era. You truly feel like you are walking back through time.
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill
Step inside the mind of Charles Wade at the National Trust’s Snowshill Manor. With a passion for the unusual, the collections housed here vary from tiny toys to Samurai armour with a new unexpected discovery at every turn. Wade was an architect and artist and his passion for the unusual has created the eclectic beauty of Snowshill Manor and Garden.
St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
Tucked away just off the market square is St Edward’s Church. This medieval church has a well-known doorway which has become the poster image of Stow-on-the-Wold. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the north porch door is framed by ancient yew trees giving it the appearance of being straight out of a J.R.R Tolkien novel depicting Middle Earth.
Find our tailored collection of services, available at your cottage, in the Experiences section of our website
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the-Water
Take a nostalgic journey back in time with a visit to the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection. With over 40 cars, vintage caravans, and classic motorcycles on display as well as motoring paraphernalia from a bygone era and a fabulous toy collection, this is a fun day out for petrol heads of all ages.
Fosse Gallery for Contemporary British Art, Stow-on-the-Wold
An established voice in the world of contemporary British art, the owner is respected for her eye for detail and commitment to her artists. Founded in 1980, the gallery displays work from up-and-coming artists and internationally recognised works. The Fosse Gallery is regarded as one of the most important UK galleries.
Peter Martin Gallery, Stow-on-the-Wold
Canadian born Peter Martin is one of Canada’s most respected photojournalists and became a professional photographer at the tender age of 16. His Stow-on-the-Wold gallery showcases his diverse portfolio of work and is also a base for seminars and lectures with invited speakers.
Broadway Arts Festival, Broadway
The Broadway Arts Festival is a biennial event that celebrates the unique, artistic heritage of the village, forged by the famous colony of American writers and artists who found inspiration here during the late 19th century. Encompassing different locations throughout the village you’ll find workshops, outdoor theatre, exhibitions, talks, live music and garden tours.
Longborough Festival Opera, Longborough
The family behind this fantastic opera festival are incredibly passionate about what they do. It has grown since 1991 to become a well-regarded company with productions of internationally recognized opera including Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute and Carmen. They also support emerging artists and showcase their talents.
Gypsy Horsefair, Stow-on-the-Wold
Twice a year the gypsy horse fair arrives at Stow-on-the-Wold. This meeting of travellers from across the country is a long-standing Cotswold tradition. Due to the rich wool heritage Stow has, markets have been held here for centuries and it is a natural meeting place for people travelling through the area. During the Gypsy Horsefair hundreds of horses are paraded and sold and there is a fantastic atmosphere.
Did You Know?
Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds.
Alexiou’s, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: dinner
This family run Mediterranean restaurant and bar offers a little taste of Greece and Cyprus in the heart of the Cotswolds. With a menu of classic Greek dishes this brother and sister team have created the ambiance of a traditional taverna in a super-stylish and elegant setting.
Atrium at Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter
Perfect for: dinner, special occasions
For a special occasion or celebration, the Atrium at the Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter is an exceptional fine dining restaurant. The tasting menu is a fusion of classic French and Cotswold influences and with just 14 covers this is an intimate and romantic experience.
Restaurant Henne, Moreton-in-Marsh
Perfect for: dinner
Henne is a small, intimate dining space for just 14 guests at any one time. The experience features multiple savoury courses, desserts, and petit fours with a focus on high quality local produce. Expect modern seasonal British cuisine.
Sheep on Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
The elegant restaurant is contemporary and colourful offering plenty of space and light. The varied menu encompasses sharing platters, hot sandwiches, classic pub dishes plus wood-fired pizzas. If the weather is being kind enjoy a drink in the garden, which also has an open fireplace for cooler evenings.
The Feathered Nest Country Inn, Nether Westcote
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, drinks
The Feathered Nest Inn started out more than 350 years ago as a malt house before morphing into a country inn. Today it remains the heart of the village and a lovely spot for a cool pint after a long walk or a delicious meal by the fire. The menu changes regularly and a number of specials are usually available.
The Fox Inn, Broadwell
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
The Fox Inn is a homely country pub on the green in the village of Broadwell. The pub serves real ale, good pub food and has a large outdoor beer garden with outdoor dining as well.
The Hive, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: dinner
The owners of the Falcon Inn wanted to create a great village pub serving a good pint, interesting wine and excellent food at a great price and they do just that. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure you always have the best ingredients on your plate.
The Kingham Plough, Kingham
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, takeaway
The Kingham Plough is a delightful Cotswold stone pub in the heart of the Evenlode Valley. The pub is renowned for championing local produce and suppliers and the daily changing menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The Kings Arms, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: dinner
Displaying all the character and atmosphere you would expect from a Cotswolds country pub, the Kings Arms offers a classic pub menu for lunch, afternoon tea and hearty evening meals. During the cooler months the fires are lit, and the ambiance is warm and cosy.
The Old Bakery Tearoom, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: lunch, afternoon tea
This lovely tearoom has been in the same capable hands since 2005 and offers a warm and unhurried welcome. Enjoy homemade, freshly prepared meals including salads, jacket potatoes and quiches as well as snacks and cakes and their excellent afternoon cream tea.
The Old Butchers, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: dinner
Housed in an old butcher’s shop this popular, family run restaurant offers a menu that is designed to ensure minimal wastage through their nose to tail ethos. Whilst its name might indicate a very meat focused menu, they feature an abundance of seafood.
The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: dinner, Sunday lunch
The restaurant at the 17th century Old Stocks Inn serves up seasonal British dishes using the best local suppliers and the menu changes regularly depending on what’s in season. Enjoy dining outside on the terrace or head to the cocktail lounge where you can sip on a creative confection whilst watching the world go by.
The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, drinks
If walls could talk the Porch House would have plenty to say as there has been an inn on this site since 947. The menu changes regularly and features local, seasonal produce. The restaurant is full of character with exposed beams, stone walls and a huge fireplace, alternatively soak up the sunshine in the courtyard garden.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Wild Rabbit is a modern British inn, and is part of the renowned Daylesford Estate. The contemporary dining room is a vibrant light space with an open kitchen adding the theatre and experience. The food is modern British with a few nods to classic pub dishes all inspired by the best seasonal produce available.
Cotswold Baguettes, Stow-on-the-Wold
Perfect for: lunch
The team behind Cotswold Baguettes aim to bring you quality, rustic baguettes and sandwiches at an affordable price, and they don’t disappoint. They also serve salads and savoury bakes and a range of cakes for dessert.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford
Home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and diverse gardens the park is home to more than 260 different species of animals, many of which are endangered in the wild and it sits in 160 acres of landscape parklands and gardens. Daily activities include penguin feeding, and the Madagascar walk through.
Bourton-on-the-Water
You can spend a lovely day out visiting the village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds this picture-perfect location has a wealth of attractions. Birdland, the Dragonfly Maze and the Motoring Museum will entertain the whole family and the Model Village is a charming experience. If you’re just visiting for the afternoon why not enjoy a cream tea in one of the independent cafes or a picnic along the river’s edge.
Daylesford Organic Farm, Daylesford
This beautiful organic farm in the Cotswolds is where the Daylesford empire started. Alongside the highly regarded farm shop featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables, a butchery and fresh fish counter, artisan bread and award-winning cheese, you’ll also find home and garden treasures to buy as well as a café, restaurant, and bar.
The Slaughters
One of the most picturesque spots in the Cotswolds, Upper and Lower Slaughter are worth a visit. Take a wander between the two villages along the River Eye and enjoy a meal at a country pub.
Broadway
The village of Broadway is full of quaint chocolate box cottages. The wide, tree-lined high street offers a range of independent shops and cafes and is a lovely place to while away a few hours as you browse and enjoy tea and cake. Just outside the village is Broadway Tower which you can climb for far reaching views across the area and meander around the estate spotting the resident deer.
The castle and gardens are a beautiful and historic setting with many stories to tell. Visit the 15th century west wing and exhibitions and the ten unique gardens which surround the castle. Special events are held throughout the year and there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
At the height of its time as a wool trade town, over 20,000 sheep would be sold here in a single day.
Crocodiles of the World, Brize Norton
Crocodiles of the World are dedicated towards the conservation of these often-misunderstood creatures. With 19 of the 24 species living here you will also see tortoises, meerkats and the Komodo dragon. Make sure you check the feeding times to see the crocodiles in action. Keeper experiences are also available if you’re feeling brave and want to learn more about these predators.
Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water
You wouldn’t expect to find a flamboyance of flamingos in the middle of the Cotswolds, but at Birdland there are 9-acres of enclosures to discover. Along with penguins, owls, parrots and pelicans you will find hidden dinosaurs and can become a climbing frame for a snake.
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
Set high in the Cotswolds, overlooking the Windrush Valley, this is a fabulous day out for the whole family and much loved by locals and visitors alike. See rare breeds, spot new arrivals in the animal barn, follow the wildlife trails and spend time in the glorious countryside.
Cotswold Falconry Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh
Observe fascinating flying displays and visit the breeding aviaries to learn about the endangered species which are protected here. For a more up close and personal visit, you can book a one hour private session to experience flying them yourself.
Bamford Wellness Spa, Kingham
Set on the Daylesford organic farm, Bamford Spa offers a holistic approach to relaxation and healing. A range of treatments use both modern and ancient techniques to fully relax the body and let the mind quiet. Classes are available and you can purchase access to The Spring Wet Spa.
C-Side Spa, Cowley
The magnificent surroundings of Cowley Manor make the C-Side Spa a luxurious escape. After enjoying a treatment of your choice and a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, you can also wander the grounds where you will find natural springs and lakes.
Dormy House Spa, Broadway
An award-winning spa just outside the heart of Broadway, a picturesque Cotswold location. You will also find a menu of treatments, a relaxed spa café and fitness suites alongside the candlelit infinity pool.
Hatherley Manor Spa, Cheltenham
Take some time for yourself at Hatherley Manor Spa. A thermal suite lets you choose your favourite way to rejuvenate or meditate in their tranquil relaxation room. Visit for a treatment and spend some time in the pool for a break away from life’s stresses.
Cotswold House Spa, Chipping Campden
Open for spa days or treatments, Cotswold House Spa also has a hair salon and nail bar on site. Found in the centre of Chipping Campden, combine your spa day with a stroll around the town.
Ellenborough Park Spa, Cheltenham
The luxurious Ellenborough Park will not disappoint. Surrounded by countryside on the outskirts of Cheltenham you can also enjoy the grounds after your favourite treatment or treat yourself to afternoon tea.
The Elan Spa at the Greenway, Cheltenham
This oasis of calm is an ideal retreat to relax and unwind while on holiday in the Cotswolds. With a choice of day packages and mini spa days, you will find something that will fit your needs perfectly.
The Lygon Arms Spa, Broadway
The Lygon Arms on the main street in Broadway is a wonderful place to while away a few hours with a treatment before spending time relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet on a lounger. This hotel is also home to the James Martin Grill for a delicious meal.
The Garden Spa at Minster Lovell, Minster Lovell
Choose how you want to spend your time by booking either a spa day, a treatment, or add-on use of the pool facilities. This space only allows eight users at a time, making it a truly relaxing experience.
Please Note: Information correct at time of publishing. Please check the destination/attraction direct website before visiting to confirm opening hours and visitor details.
