Stow on the Wold

Stow on the Wold is one of the most popular of the Cotswold towns. Standing at a height of almost 800 feet, it is the highest settlement in the Cotswolds. Glorious and far reaching views are able to be seen just a few minutes' walk from the mainly 17th and 18th Century market square.

Famous for its many antique and art shops, Stow also boasts an array of delightful gift, craft and household shops, many different kinds of food shops to tempt you and of course not forgetting the wonderful variety of restaurants, pubs and hotels. (The Royalist Inn is one of the oldest Inns in England and is listed in the Guinness Book of records.) All these surround the attractive square making it a very pleasant experience to wander round before having a well deserved drink or meal. Twice a year Stow Horse Fair takes place on the outskirts of the town, continuing the traditions of long ago when thousands of sheep were herded into the square - the medieval Market Cross reminds us of those days and was a symbol of fair trading.

Both Oxford and Stratford on Avon are within easy driving distance and the town is surrounded by delightful villages to explore such as The Slaughters (do visit The Old Mill, they sell wonderful ice cream!) The Oddingtons, Burford, Bourton on the Water with its many attractions such as Birdland, The Motor Museum, Maze and Model Village. The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Cotswold Farm Park are also a short drive away and make for a super day out for the whole family. Warwick Castle, Sudeley Castle and Blenheim Palace are all superb and well worth a visit.

Equidistant between Moreton in Marsh and Bourton on the Water, Stow makes for a superb base for exploring the whole of the Cotswold region with the Roman Fosseway (A429) leading to Cirencester and, via the A4, to Bath. It is less than 2 hours drive to London or by rail - Moreton in Marsh to Paddington Intercity approx. 90 minutes. Closest Airport - Birmingham.

Cottages to rent around Stow on the Wold

• Birch House

Holiday cottages to rent

Cotswold villages to stay