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Stow-on-the-Wold Tourist Information

Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns, situated at the meeting place of eight roads. Stow was the most important market town in the north Cotswolds when the sale of the sheep and wool was at its height.

In 1476 King Edward IV gave Stow the right to hold two fairs; on the 12th May and the 24th October each year, and Stow Fair was for centuries one of the biggest livestock markets in Britain.

Daniel Defoe visited the town years before writing Robinson Crusoe; he recorded that 20,000 sheep were sold at the fair. Stow Fair later became better known as a horse fair, but due to disagreements over revenues the official fair was moved to Andoversford. However, there are still two Gypsy horse fairs held on the Thursdays nearest the original dates, which take place in fields between Stow and the nearby village of Maugesbury.

The 'Tures' or ancient narrow alleyways leading into Market Square were used for driving sheep in to market. The Market Cross dates from the Middle Ages, although the lantern head was restored in the late 19th Century. St. Edward's Hall in the Square was built in 1878, and contains paintings of notable figures of the Civil War.

Stow-on-the-Wold was the site of the last battle in the Civil War, when Sir Jacob Astley's Royalist army were soundly defeated in 1645.

Most of the houses grouped around the Market Square are from the 17th Century and 18th Century, the 'Crooked House' on the west side of the Square dates from around 1450. The King's Arms Hotel, an old coaching inn, was where King Charles I stayed on the 8th May 1645 prior to the Battle of Naseby.

The Unicorn Hotel built in the 17th century, still retains the huge stone fireplaces and low oak beamed ceilings of the period. The hotel is situated on the Roman road, the Fosse Way, which runs from Lincoln in the east to Bath in the west.

The Church of St. Edward, dates from the 13th century to the 15th century, but much restored in the 17th century, it was used to house prisoners during the Civil War. One of the church bells (which still ring), is inscribed "God save King James - 1606". In the south isle there is a fine 17th century Flemish painting of the Crucifixion by de Craeyer, a pupil of Rubens.

Today Stow-on-the-Wold is well known as an antique centre, with over 70 antique dealers, picture galleries and antiquarian book-sellers in the town.

 

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Attractions near Stow-on-the-Wold
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection (3 Miles)*
The museum is bulging with great cars, quaint caravans, precarious looking motorcycles, enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities!
Birdland (3 Miles)*
Birdland is set in woodland, river and gardens, this natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds
Bourton House Garden (4 Miles)*
The Cotswolds' best kept secret! An award-winning three acre garden surrounding a fine 18th century Manor House and Grade I listed 16th century Tithe Barn.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Stow-on-the-Wold

Attractions:
  Birdland  3 Miles
  Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection  3 Miles
  Bourton House Garden  4 Miles
more attractions in Stow-on-the-Wold...
 
Towns:
  Upper Swell  1 Mile
  Longborough  1 Mile
  Lower Swell  1 Mile
more towns near Stow-on-the-Wold...
 
Estate Agents:
  Humberts  3 Miles
  R A Bennett and Partners  4 Miles
  Chancellors Group of Estate Agents  8 Miles
Hotels:
  The Unicorn Hotel  <1 Mile
  Grapevine Hotel  <1 Mile
  Royalist Hotel  <1 Mile
more hotels in Stow-on-the-Wold area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Chure House Bed and Breakfast  <1 Mile
  South Hill Farmhouse  1 Mile
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Self Catering:
  Honey Cottage  <1 Mile
  Barton Cottage  3 Miles
  Wisteria House  3 Miles
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Campsites:
  Folly Farm Campsite  5 Miles
  Mayfield Park  16 Miles
  Briarfields Motel & Touring Park  17 Miles
TIC: Stow-On-The-Wold Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01451 831082  <1 Mile



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Towns near Stow-on-the-Wold
Upper Swell Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Longborough Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Lower Swell Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
more towns near Stow-on-the-Wold...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Stow-on-the-Wold
The Unicorn Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
In the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, The Unicorn Hotel is a 17th-century building with stylish interiors, offering the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding area.
Grapevine Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
Set in the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, this beautiful, award-winning 17th century hotel has become justly renowned for its warm hospitality and fine dining.
Royalist Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
Enjoy a unique blend of beautifully restored English Heritage and exquisite food in The Cotswolds; an area of outstanding natural beauty.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Stow-on-the-Wold
Honey Cottage (< 1 Mile)*
Honey Cottage is a delightful romantic old Cotswold stone cottage which is set in an enviable position, within under a minutes walk to all the lovely restaurants, pubs and interesting little shops.
Barton Cottage (3 Miles)*
Barton Cottage is a 2 bedroom classic period cotswold stone semi-detached cottage situated on the edge of the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Its a 1 minute walk to the famous Mousetrap Inn (visited by Agatha Christie !)
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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