A weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold
The highest town in the Cotswolds, with a big market square and antique shops
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- Updated October 2026
Stow-on-the-Wold is a hilltop market town, at about 244 metres the highest in the Cotswolds, where several old roads meet. A large market square is lined with golden stone buildings, antique dealers, galleries and pubs, and a church door flanked by two ancient yew trees is much photographed.
It is a good central base for the Cotswolds, with Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters and Chipping Campden all close by.
Check prices for a weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold
Top attractions in Stow-on-the-Wold
The market square
A big open square once used for sheep fairs, now surrounded by shops and pubs.
St Edward's Church door
A famous doorway with two ancient yew trees, said to have inspired a scene in a fantasy novel.
Antique shops and galleries
Many independent dealers selling antiques, art and interiors.
The Slaughters
The villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, a pleasant walk along a stream a few miles away.
Cotswold Way walks
Footpaths radiate in every direction through farmland and villages.
Best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.
Cotswolds pub lunch walk
A gentle riverside walk between Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter is one of the Cotswolds' classic strolls, about a mile and a half each way along the River Eye, through meadows and past honey-coloured stone cottages. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Afternoon tea in Bath
Afternoon tea is a Bath tradition, and you can enjoy it in grand Georgian settings, boutique hotels or the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Company stages plays there year-round. Allow a weekend.
More things to do near Stow-on-the-Wold
- Hot tub cottage in the Cotswolds The Cotswolds
Best areas to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
The market square
Central and atmospheric, with historic inns.
The edge of town
Quieter, with walks from the door.
Moreton-in-Marsh
A nearby town with a railway station.
Best hotels in Stow-on-the-Wold
These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.
The Porch House
The Unicorn Hotel
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.
Best time to visit Stow-on-the-Wold
Spring to autumn for walking and village hopping. Winter has a cosy feel, with pubs and open fires.
Seasons that suit Stow-on-the-Wold well: spring, summer, autumn.
Estimated budget for a weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold
| Hotel or B&B, per night for two | £130–£220 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | £65–£100 |
| Activities and extras for the weekend | £30–£90 |
| Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel | £420–£730 |
Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.
Getting to Stow-on-the-Wold
- From Oxford: About 50 minutes by car.
- From Bristol: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
- From London: About 2 hours by car. The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, about 4 miles away.
Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.
A sample weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold
- Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The market square.
- Saturday: Start with The market square, then St Edward's Church door. In the afternoon, head to Antique shops and galleries.
- Sunday: Visit The Slaughters or Cotswold Way walks, then head home.
Packing list for Stow-on-the-Wold
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear
Good to know
- The town is exposed and can be cold and windy, so bring warm layers.
- Parking in the square is limited and charged.
- Book pubs and restaurants at weekends.
Stow-on-the-Wold weekend FAQs
Is Stow-on-the-Wold a good base for the Cotswolds?
Yes. It is central, with villages, walks and attractions all within 20 minutes.
Can I reach Stow by train?
Take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh, then a bus or taxi of about 10 minutes.
More weekend ideas
Honey-coloured villages, rolling hills and country pubs
Chipping CampdenGloucestershireA golden-stone market town at the start of the Cotswold Way
BurfordOxfordshireThe gateway to the Cotswolds, with a sloping High Street and antique shops
CheltenhamGloucestershireA Regency spa town, famous for festivals, racing and elegant squares
Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK
Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.
Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.