Holiday rentals in Stow-on-the-Wold

The highest town in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stow-on-the-Wold lies on the track of the Fosse Way, an old Roman road linking Exeter in the southwest of England to Lincoln in the northeast. It prospered as a market town from the beginning of the 12th century, and the narrow alleyways that were used to control and count sheep coming to market can still be seen today.

The word “wold” refers to the hill that the town stands on, with views across the rolling landscape of the Cotswolds, surrounded by a patchwork of agricultural fields and dry stone walls. The centre of town remains locked in time with honey-coloured limestone used in virtually every building around the main square and punishment stocks still present on the village green. The imposing golden St Edward’s market hall stands next to the market cross, which commemorates the importance this town played in the English Civil War in the 17th century. It is now home to inviting tea rooms, independent shops, antique stores, and majestic coaching inns.

Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stow-on-the-Wold attracts more visitors during public holidays, particularly in the summer months. Many of the homes in the town are second homes for people living in places like London, which makes the town busier on weekends. Stow-on-the-Wold still holds a farmers’ market on the second and last Thursdays of the month in the peak season, April to September, and the second Thursday of the month between October and March.

Stow-on-the-Wold has a festival in July every year, alternating between the Cotswolds Festival and the Stow Motor Show. The town is on an exposed hill around 240 metres above sea level, which means that it can get particularly cold and windy in the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. If you come to stay in cottages in these seasons, also be aware that some of the local attractions may be closed, including the Chastleton country house and the Bourton House Garden.

St Edward’s Church

Stow-on-the-Wold means the ‘holy place on the hill,’ referring to St Edward’s Church that lies at the heart of this community. Dating back as far as the 11th century, it has a magical north door framed by two ancient Yew trees and a 15th-century tower rising majestically with its peel of bells.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Heading south along the route of the Fosse Way brings you to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Low stone arch bridges cross the shallow River Windrush that flows along the high street. The village boasts honey-coloured buildings, a selection of tea rooms and shops, the Cotswolds Motoring and Toy Museum, and a quintessentially English model village.

Broadway Tower

Set within 50 acres of parkland, Broadway Tower is a characterful landmark on Beacon Hill, one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. This “folly” was built over 200 years ago and is a testament to English eccentricity. Its intriguing history can be explored in its rooms and it even has its own nuclear bunker close by. Views from the top of the tower span an incredible 16 counties on a clear day.