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Stow-on-the-Wold is arguably the most famous and charming of the Cotswold wool towns, sitting proudly atop a hill at the junction of several ancient roads. Its wide, historic Market Square is the epicentre of the town, lined with elegant Cotswold stone buildings, antique centres, and traditional inns.
You can visit St Edward's Church, famous for its enchanting door flanked by ancient yew trees, said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien. History lovers can examine the old penal stocks in the Market Square, a relic from the 15th century. The town is also famous for the Old Porch House, reputed to be England's oldest inn. Stow is the perfect base for enjoying the gentle, rolling countryside, with numerous scenic walks to nearby picturesque villages like Bourton-on-the-Water.
The best experience in Stow-on-the-Wold comes from staying within the compact Town Centre, placing you right in the middle of the antique shops, historic inns, and dining scene.
Hotels located around the Market Square and the top of the main street are the most desirable. Staying here means you are steps away from St Edward's Church and the best of the independent retail therapy, as well as the numerous coaching inns that form the social heart of the town. This is the ultimate hub for soaking up the Cotswold atmosphere.
For those prioritising outdoor activities, look for accommodation slightly on the outskirts of the town centre, particularly near the roads that lead towards Daylesford Organic or the various walking trails. This offers a quieter, more tranquil base while still being a very short walk from the main square.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have its own railway station; the closest is Kingham or Moreton-in-Marsh, both requiring a short taxi or bus ride. Most visitors arrive by car due to its central position within the Cotswolds and its proximity to major roads. A central hotel means you are positioned well for the local bus services that connect to other beautiful Cotswold villages.
Hotel prices in Stow-on-the-Wold are extremely high and highly seasonal. The peak prices occur throughout the summer, from May to September, and are heavily driven by weekend visitors, particularly during the UK school holidays.
The town's very small size and immense popularity mean that a premium is charged almost constantly. The best value is found during the quiet months of January and February. A unique detail for Stow is its famous Gypsy Horse Fair, held twice a year in May and October. These dates cause accommodation prices to spike dramatically and should be checked carefully. For the best rates, a mid-week stay from Sunday to Thursday offers the only realistic chance of significant savings.