Stow-on-the-Wold
The highest market town in the Cotswolds, full of antique shops. The two ancient yew trees beside the north door of the church have a fairy-tale quality.
Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a hill about 244 m above sea level and is the highest town in the Cotswolds. In medieval times it prospered from the wool market, and today the market square at its centre is surrounded by antique shops, tearooms and old inns. Its best-known feature is the north door of St Edward's Church, where two ancient yew trees grow tight against the door frame, like the magic gate in a fairy tale. They are often said to have inspired the Doors of Durin in Tolkien's work. The town lies about 7 km from Bourton-on-the-Water. It can be combined with Upper and Lower Slaughter for a half-day trip, and there is a pay car park.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Upper and Lower Slaughter
- Chipping Campden
- Broadway Tower
- Burford
- Bibury
- Sudeley Castle
- Cirencester