The Journal

Stow-on-the-Wold might be small - just 2,000-odd lucky souls live there - but, in the charm and entertainment stakes, this beautiful and historic Cotswold town is gargantuan. With gorgeous architecture, picturesque countryside, sophisticated independent shops and bijou tea rooms - along with a healthy glut of stimulating activities - the day-to-day population of ‘Stow’ swells all year round; proof in the pudding of its unrelenting appeal. The town’s name is simple enough: it comes from the Saxon words Stow, meaning ‘religious meeting place’, and Wold, meaning ‘rolling hill’, and it was once famous for its sprawling annual fairs, from where as many as 20,000 sheep might be sold in a day from the large Market Square. These days, the square still exists - and it is still the epicentre of the town - but, in place of the old wool trading, more modern commerce provides a beating heart, with the added bonus of  fine art galleries and antiques stores tucked away along alleys lined with honey-coloured Cotswold cottages. As one of the highest towns in the area, at 800 feet, Stow also offers majestic views, but there is plenty to do here - other than gaze lovingly at the surrounding landscape all day. Here is our guide to making the most of your time in Stow-on-the-Wold.