Our guide to the charming Cotswold town, Stow-on-the-Wold

The huge appeal of Stow-on-the-Wold

The bustling Cotswold market town appeals to those looking for their own beautiful place to call home. It offers a laid-back quality of life and relative value for money without feeling totally cut off. London, Oxford and Birmingham are all accessible, as are numerous charming Cotswold towns and villages.

The ability to reach London in around 90 minutes by train, or Oxford in 25-45 minutes holds great appeal. The M40 and A40 provide good road links too. It’s a very accessible area, despite its rural location.

The area’s always been appealing, but nearly ten years ago it became even more desirable. The exclusive members’ club, Soho House, opened their rural, Cotswold home in 2015 – Soho Farmhouse. Located in Chipping Norton, Soho Farmhouse offers a social space with a spa, gym, restaurants and outdoor activities. It’s been a progressive addition to the local area, and has certainly introduced a new market to its neighbouring Cotswolds villages. Add to that Daylesford Organic which has grown enormously over the years. It now provides shopping, dining and a cookery school. Plus a new health and wellness centre — The Club by Bamford.

“Since Covid, a new demographic of buyers has appeared in the Cotswolds,” explains Glazebrook. “Buyers in their 30s and 40s with young families who would’ve stayed in London until they retire, now have a more flexible work-life balance and want to take advantage of the Cotswolds lifestyle much sooner.”

The good local schools are also key factors. An abundance of popular primary schools are coupled with The Cotswold School and Chipping Campden School, two outstanding state schools nearby. For private education, there’s Kitebrook and Kingham Hill with further options in Cheltenham, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon which are all within easy reach.

The Moreton-in-Marsh Show

Capturing the Cotswold countryside in a day, the annual Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a wonderful, social event. In 2024, it takes place on Saturday 7th September. It’s a day full of farming, food and family fun. Watch the sheep shearing, show jumping and Shetland Pony Grand National. Shop wonderful artisan produce and crafts, and sample delicious local food. For the local Knight Frank team, it’s a brilliant day of socialising and chatting to the local community.

The best local products

The area regularly hosts a wide variety of festivals and events. It does Christmas exceptionally well. The Christmas Cotswold Fair is a highlight with an array of independent shopping with proceeds going to the WellChild charity.

The Big Feastival in Kingham is a wonderful combination of good food and good music. It’s held on Alex James’ farm (yes, Alex of Blur fame) over a weekend at the end of August.

Year round, there’s a wealth of local producers to celebrate. There’s always Cotswolds fudge in the Stow-on-the-Wold Knight Frank office! The Cotswold Distillery produces fantastic gin. Daylesford Farm in Kingham is a must-visit place for incredible, organic produce or to stop for a bite to eat.

Stow-on-the-Wold has a monthly farmers market. In nearby Moreton-in-Marsh, there’s a weekly market each Tuesday. It’s as easy to buy local products from the producers as it is to go to the supermarket.

Foodie destinations

Quality local produce is celebrated in restaurants and cafes around the Cotswolds area too. In Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Butcher’s is a wonderful restaurant for nose to tail, award-winning gourmet dining.

When it comes to brilliant pubs, you’re spoilt for choice. The Porch House is said to be the oldest inn in England and dates back to 947 AD. The Old Stocks is a beautiful 17th century pub with great food and drink. The Sheep does delightful small plates, as well as a cracking Sunday roast.

For a decent cuppa, head to artisan micro roastery, Stow Town Coffee for a takeaway. It’s the perfect start to your day.

Arts and cultural hotspots

Stow-on-the-Wold has a thriving arts scene. ArtÓ in Brewery Yard is a hub for creatives, showcasing featured artists and providing flexible working spaces. Clarendon Fine Art has an elegant gallery space on The Square which specialises in contemporary paintings and sculpture.

The area hosts a variety of cultural festivals too. The Dean and Chadlington Summer Music Festival brings classical music to the Cotswolds. Also in summer, Longborough Festival Opera takes place in a 500-seat home-grown theatre near Stow-on-the-Wold. Sit back and enjoy amazing opera whilst looking out over stunning views of the Evenlode valley.

Nearby Cheltenham is home to the world’s largest literary festival each October. Year round, it hosts festivals spanning science, jazz and music too.

Country pursuits

Being surrounded by outstandingly beautiful countryside lends itself to outdoor pursuits. Whether you want to explore it by foot, horse or bicycle, there’s a wealth of tracks to follow. The Cotswold Way is a 102 mile walk from Chipping Campden to Bath passing through charming towns and villages, and providing magnificent views along the way.

There are many clubs for sports fans and an abundance of equine facilities too. The local Stow-on-the-Wold rugby club is particularly popular. The family-friendly community club has fabulous juniors and minis sections.

Stow-on-the-Wold boasts many beautiful properties, from period cottages to country estates. You’ll also find stylish contemporary homes which can be a real draw. “It’s a really desirable part of the country,” explains Glazebrook. “Property performs really well here,” he adds.