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.
Fosse Gallery
This is no backwater gallery in the Shires, with crusty old paintings gathering dust away from the gaze and urgency of the London art scene. Far from it. Established in 1980, Fosse Gallery is considered one of the most important art galleries in the UK, thanks to its carefully selected and staged exhibitions of contemporary British art. Visitors from near and far flock here, casting their eye over the displays that feature emerging and established artists - most of which are expertly curated by passionate gallery owner Sharon Wheaton. Paintings, sculpture and ceramics can be seen from Tuesday to Saturday, but hours may vary for private viewings and exhibitions. Entry is free, with a diverse range of works available for purchase.
Cotswold Farm Park
Cotswold Farm Park has become something of an institution and a phenomenon. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Stow-on-the-Wold, this is an endlessly popular family favourite, with a vast range of attractions that all centre around the activities of a successful working farm. It was founded by Adam Henson, one of the UK’s best-known farmers (thanks to presenting a popular BBC programme about rural life), and though his fame helped attract more visitors, it’s the attractions and activities themselves that have kept people coming back for more. The farm focuses on preserving rare livestock breeds, including sheep, pigs, and cattle, and up-close animal ‘demonstrations’ and encounters are everywhere, with the chance to feed goats, lambs, rabbits, and much more. It’s a lively place, where the visitor experience is prioritised: ‘tractor safari’ rides across the handsome countryside, plus adventure barns and safe play zones (indoor and outdoor) for children. Special seasonal events include pumpkin picking in autumn, lambing season in spring, and themed Christmas celebrations. On-site facilities also include a café, gift shop, and picnic areas, along with camping/glamping options.
St Edward’s Church
Back in the middle of Stow, this historic and picturesque parish church has an impressive claim to fame; it is best known for its ancient yew tree-framed doorway, which is believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings (and has since evolved to become something of an iconic and mystical symbol of the town itself). The doorway is an absolute must for keen photographers and Tolkien fans. That aside, parts of the church date back to the 11th century, and its hodge-podge architecture blends Norman, medieval, and Gothic styles with elegant stained glass and stone carvings. The war memorials are poignant, and a trip to St Edwards is worth it just for the quiet, reflective atmosphere that pervades.
Stow Town Coffee
Artisanal micro-roasters are quite the rage these days, but they’re definitely not mass market - so having one in Stow is quite a boon for the town. Stow Town Coffee is in fact one of the smallest commercial coffee roasters in the UK, and they’ve been proudly roasting beans in Stow since 2010 (so they’re veterans of sorts, versus many of the ‘new kids on the block’). The selection of coffee here is predictably outstanding, and you can pick up your own whole or freshly ground beans to enjoy using your own coffee machine or - alternatively - select your favourite barista selection for a quick-hit takeaway of their signature blend.
Sezincote House And Gardens
Sezincote House makes one question whether they really are in England. The centrepiece of this unique, family-run estate (which covers 3,500 acres of glorious countryside) is a remarkable 200-year-old Mughal-style Indian palace, with breathtakingly exotic architecture that stops you in your tracks. It might make you feel like you’ve fallen asleep and woken up in Rajasthan, especially if the sun is blazing down. The house was built in 1805 by Samuel Pepys Cockerell for his brother, Sir Charles Cockerell, inspired by time spent in India. It boasts a classic ‘onion’ dome, Chhatri pavilions, and ‘peacock-tail’ windows, while the gardens and grounds are wonderfully decadent, with cascading streams, intricate water features, and majestic palm trees. There is also a stunning stone bridge adorned with statues of Brahmin Bulls, representing the sacred ‘Nandi’ bull. Sezincote is a gem where India meets England, offering an extravagant flash where you’d least expect it.
Pottering around the meandering alleys of Stow-on-the-Wold is highly satisfying in itself. But though it has ancient, enduring charm in its DNA, this is a town that has moved with the times. With cutting-edge galleries, bijou cafes, independent stores - and a real array of diverse attractions - this is a bona fide classic of an English market town; not to be missed.
