Stow-on-the-Wold Originally Called Stow St Edward, a Small Civil Parish and Market Town in Gloucestershire, England
Stow-on-the-Wold, also known as Edwardstow or Stow St Edward in honour of the town’s patron saint, is a civil parish and market town in the English County of Gloucestershire. The town sits on top of an 800 ft hill where several major roads passing through the Cotswold converge, including the Fosse Way. The town was established by Norman Lords as a marketplace. It took advantage of its vantage position on the converging roads to further trade. Since 1330, fairs have been held in this town by royal charter, and even today an annual horse fair is still held at the outskirt of town.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow is a shopping paradise for the shopaholics It hosts a broad range of independent shops; from boutiques, art galleries, arts and crafts, to clothing shops, high-end fashion shops and food shops. Every 2nd Thursday of the month there is a Farmers Market with numerous stalls selling all kinds of products and wares. Stow is also known as antique shopping centre because of the numerous antique shops that grace the town’s streets.
The town also does not disappoint when it comes to places to eat out. It has a delightful mix of tea and coffee shops, bistros, pubs, and restaurants plus a wide range of cuisine to choose from.
Things to See and Do in Stow-on-the-Wold
Something that should not be missed in this town is the Gypsy Horse Fair held twice a year, in May and October, in an open field near the town centre. Other places worth visiting are the Cricket Museum, the St Edward’s Church and the famous gardens of Sezincote, Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor in the Cotswold.
The Falconry Centre, Batsford Arboretum and the Chastleton House are also nearby and are worth a visit.