Stow-on-the-Wold: A Hidden Gem in the Cotswolds
Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds at nearly 800 feet above sea level in Gloucestershire, is a charming market town that offers a step back in time. Known for its ancient market square dating back to 1107, thriving independent scene, and status as the 'antique capital of the Cotswolds,' it attracts visitors from far and wide. Just a 10-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water and 30 minutes from Cheltenham, this idyllic town is packed with traditional tearooms and one of the best bookshops in the UK.
Independent Shops and Hidden Courtyards
The renowned market square is surrounded by an abundance of shops, including the gift store The Honey Pot, sheepskin goods at Lambswold, and the Cotswold Sweet Company. Venturing further into the town reveals sloping streets, medieval stonework, and climbing ivy. There are no empty stores in sight, but thriving independent businesses like Ella's Emporium, Rhubarb Rhubarb Boutique, the florist Allium, kitchen store The Crock Shop, beer cafe and bottleshop Off the Square, and local favourite Cotswold Baguettes. Hidden gems like Talbot Court, with green shopfronts and string lights, and the Borzoi Bookshop are easy to miss but well worth finding.
The Borzoi Bookshop: A Sanctuary for Bibliophiles
Tucked down a courtyard off Digbeth Street, the Borzoi Bookshop has been trading for more than 40 years. Packed with novels for all ages, it offers a cosy, secluded store for finding the next best read or joining a book club. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: 'Lovely quaint book shop with a wide variety of books, cards and wrapping. They had a lovely children’s section with beanbags to sit on, which was inviting for our child. Staff were pleasant, and the shop was fairly busy with customers. They even had signed copies of books on sale. Would definitely recommend.'
Traditional Tearooms and Antique Stores
Stow-on-the-Wold is home to a variety of antique stores, including White Cottage and Tare Antiques, where visitors are guaranteed to find vintage treasures. The collection of traditional tearooms truly makes the town stand out, offering a step back in time. Lucy's Tearoom was particularly noteworthy, with elegant seating outside and curved window frames. The Old Bakery Tearoom, tucked inside Fountain Court, offers classic cream tea. Huffkins appeared to be a favourite among locals, who sat in the summer sunshine savouring cake and a cuppa against the town's medieval backdrop.
Historic Pubs and The Tolkien Door
A trip to Stow-on-the-Wold isn't complete without stopping by The Porch House, claimed to be the oldest pub in England, with historic wooden beams and uneven floors dating back to the 10th century. Residents also filled the streets around The Queen's Head Inn, sipping drinks in the afternoon sun, while others opted for wine at Massimo or cocktails at The Cotswolds Farm Shop. The town is also celebrated for the 'Tolkien Door' at the north entrance of St. Edward's Church, surrounded by towering intertwined yew trees believed to have inspired the 'Doors of Durin' in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Annual Gypsy Horse Fair
Twice annually, Stow-on-the-Wold hosts the traditional Gypsy horse fair, stretching back over 500 years, which originated as a sheep and wool fair, reflecting the town's trading heritage.
