Here’s why I regularly recommend it — and why some other hotspots didn’t make my cut.
It’s central
Stow sits almost in the geographical centre of the Cotswolds, right beside the main north–south artery, the A429, with good roads heading east and west. Nowhere in the region is out of range for a day trip that starts from here, and most of the area’s “greatest hits” are within a 30-minute drive.
It’s also one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. Stroll over to the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields, just west of the A429, for a magnificent view — one of the best sunset-viewing spots in England.
Stow sits almost in the geographical centre of the Cotswolds, right beside the main north–south artery, the A429, with good roads heading east and west. Nowhere in the region is out of range for a day trip that starts from here, and most of the area’s “greatest hits” are within a 30-minute drive.
It’s also one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. Stroll over to the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields, just west of the A429, for a magnificent view — one of the best sunset-viewing spots in England.
The main road bypasses the town centre
The A429 skirts the west side of town, leaving the expansive market square for people who are here by choice, not just passing through.
This is not the case in popular towns like Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh, where the traffic barrels through the middle. On busy days, their high streets resemble slowly creeping car parks rather than postcard scenes. Stow’s bypass makes its centre far more pedestrian-, and dog-, friendly.
The A429 skirts the west side of town, leaving the expansive market square for people who are here by choice, not just passing through.
This is not the case in popular towns like Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh, where the traffic barrels through the middle. On busy days, their high streets resemble slowly creeping car parks rather than postcard scenes. Stow’s bypass makes its centre far more pedestrian-, and dog-, friendly.
Excellent range of food, drink, and accommodation
It’s a given that most Cotswold towns offer a range of places to stay — from rooms above pubs to hotels to Airbnb-style lets. Increasingly, there are “rooms only” setups: beautifully decorated en-suite rooms without shared lounges or on-site staff.
What really sets Stow apart is its dining scene. Alongside sandwich shops, pubs, and a chippy, there’s a wealth of upscale options. You’ll find posh bakeries, breakfast cafés, and restaurants for foodies, plus a superb deli perfect for assembling opera picnics. Craving something international? Stow offers Greek, Chinese, and excellent Indian options. There’s even a boutique wine bar to delight any serious oenophile.
You could easily spend two weeks here, dine somewhere different every night, and never need your car.
What really sets Stow apart is its dining scene. Alongside sandwich shops, pubs, and a chippy, there’s a wealth of upscale options. You’ll find posh bakeries, breakfast cafés, and restaurants for foodies, plus a superb deli perfect for assembling opera picnics. Craving something international? Stow offers Greek, Chinese, and excellent Indian options. There’s even a boutique wine bar to delight any serious oenophile.
You could easily spend two weeks here, dine somewhere different every night, and never need your car.
Quiet mornings and evenings
Like most Cotswold towns, Stow regains its tranquillity once the day-trippers leave ... but even more than most. Purely anecdotal, but I’ve noticed Stow attracts fewer coach tours than places like Broadway, where buses unload outside the Lygon Arms daily. Stow feels more geared to independent travellers, families, and locals — with a higher proportion of domestic visitors than many other popular towns.
Like most Cotswold towns, Stow regains its tranquillity once the day-trippers leave ... but even more than most. Purely anecdotal, but I’ve noticed Stow attracts fewer coach tours than places like Broadway, where buses unload outside the Lygon Arms daily. Stow feels more geared to independent travellers, families, and locals — with a higher proportion of domestic visitors than many other popular towns.
Why I’ve passed other favourites by
Bourton-on-the-Water: Charming canals, yes — but the atmosphere feels geared towards families with young children. If that’s you, you’ll probably love it. As more mature travellers who value peace, we tend to recoil from the noise and chaos. (Why do so many parents abandon discipline on holiday? One starts to wish for the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.)
Moreton-in-Marsh: The A429 slices through the centre, and the mainline train station makes it one of the most crowded towns in the Cotswolds. While I understand the reluctance of visitors unused to driving on the left, the best parts of the region are beyond public transport.
Chipping Norton (pictured left): Shares Moreton’s traffic issue and has, to my eye, less charming architecture. In recent years it’s become a magnet for posh Londoners heading for Soho Farmhouse or the absurdly priced Daylesford Farm Shop. Add in the Clarkson’s Farm effect, and it’s just not my scene. (Though I heartily endorse the way Clarkson has raised awareness of the challenges farmers face.)
Chipping Campden: Were it a little closer to our cultural anchor, Longborough Festival Opera, it would be a serious contender. Its fairy-tale architecture, thatched cottages worthy of Disney, historic market hall, and proximity to Hidcote Gardens are irresistible. Still, Stow wins on restaurants.
Broadway: Nearly as storybook-pretty as Chipping Campden, but its location near the A44 makes it a favourite stop for tour buses. It was my base on my first trip here, with a busload of fellow Americans — lovely, but too crowded to beat Stow.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Charming canals, yes — but the atmosphere feels geared towards families with young children. If that’s you, you’ll probably love it. As more mature travellers who value peace, we tend to recoil from the noise and chaos. (Why do so many parents abandon discipline on holiday? One starts to wish for the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.)
Moreton-in-Marsh: The A429 slices through the centre, and the mainline train station makes it one of the most crowded towns in the Cotswolds. While I understand the reluctance of visitors unused to driving on the left, the best parts of the region are beyond public transport.
Chipping Campden: Were it a little closer to our cultural anchor, Longborough Festival Opera, it would be a serious contender. Its fairy-tale architecture, thatched cottages worthy of Disney, historic market hall, and proximity to Hidcote Gardens are irresistible. Still, Stow wins on restaurants.
Broadway: Nearly as storybook-pretty as Chipping Campden, but its location near the A44 makes it a favourite stop for tour buses. It was my base on my first trip here, with a busload of fellow Americans — lovely, but too crowded to beat Stow.
Where to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Stag – Our go-to hotel. This 17th-century coaching inn and Georgian townhouse blend into 22 stylish rooms. Some are compact, but all are design-magazine gorgeous. Right on the market square, with parking, a pub garden, dog-friendly policies, and a solid kitchen. Splurge on “The Potting Shed” if you can — a rustic, free-standing gem in the garden, ideal for dog owners. (Pictured below.)
The Stag – Our go-to hotel. This 17th-century coaching inn and Georgian townhouse blend into 22 stylish rooms. Some are compact, but all are design-magazine gorgeous. Right on the market square, with parking, a pub garden, dog-friendly policies, and a solid kitchen. Splurge on “The Potting Shed” if you can — a rustic, free-standing gem in the garden, ideal for dog owners. (Pictured below.)
The Porch House – Dating back to 947 (yes, really), it’s one of England’s oldest inns, blending historic beams with modern comforts. Not all rooms are dog-friendly, and those that are tend to be the smallest.
The Unicorn – Our favourite Airbnb-style option for longer stays. Eight spacious apartments in an old coaching inn, wrapped around a courtyard and walled garden. Many have two bedrooms, making it perfect for weekends with friends. Secure parking across the street; dogs welcome.
Cotswold Cottage Guest House – A small, room-only B&B with three tastefully designed en-suites. More affordable than the Unicorn, but with less space and no parking.
The Unicorn – Our favourite Airbnb-style option for longer stays. Eight spacious apartments in an old coaching inn, wrapped around a courtyard and walled garden. Many have two bedrooms, making it perfect for weekends with friends. Secure parking across the street; dogs welcome.
Cotswold Cottage Guest House – A small, room-only B&B with three tastefully designed en-suites. More affordable than the Unicorn, but with less space and no parking.
Where to eat & drink in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Butchers & The Old Stocks – Creative, modern fine dining in a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. The Butchers leans French and specialises in seafood; The Stocks is just as good, with slightly easier reservations. Expect £150–£180 for two with wine.
The Bell & The Queen’s Head – Solid pub classics at friendlier prices. The Bell edges ahead for food quality, though it’s a bit of a walk from the square. The Queen’s Head wins for central location and quintessential Cotswold charm.
Otis & Belle – An artisan bakery with pastries worthy of Copenhagen or Paris. Our guilty go-to when we don’t have breakfast included — and when one butter-laden treat inevitably turns into two.
The Cellar – A boutique wine bar with a carefully curated list and a genial owner who's usually there to guide you through creative wine picks, and often DJs smooth vibes from his vintage vinyl collection. Lite bites available; dogs welcome.
The Old Butchers & The Old Stocks – Creative, modern fine dining in a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. The Butchers leans French and specialises in seafood; The Stocks is just as good, with slightly easier reservations. Expect £150–£180 for two with wine.
The Bell & The Queen’s Head – Solid pub classics at friendlier prices. The Bell edges ahead for food quality, though it’s a bit of a walk from the square. The Queen’s Head wins for central location and quintessential Cotswold charm.
Otis & Belle – An artisan bakery with pastries worthy of Copenhagen or Paris. Our guilty go-to when we don’t have breakfast included — and when one butter-laden treat inevitably turns into two.
The Cellar – A boutique wine bar with a carefully curated list and a genial owner who's usually there to guide you through creative wine picks, and often DJs smooth vibes from his vintage vinyl collection. Lite bites available; dogs welcome.
