2025 Stow-on-the-Wold Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

A fabulous unspoilt market square in the magnificent cotswold town of Stow On The Wold. With excellent facilities and an abundance of quaint shops on hand, this market square has to be top of your list for a visit when touring the Cotswolds. The historic Market Square has hosted regular markets since 1107, with over 20,000 sheep changing hands there in its wool trade heyday. Look out for the high-walled alleyways known as 'tures' which would funnel sheep into the square. And the Market Cross which was built as a reminder for merchants to trade fairly. #uk #cotswolds #england #urbanexplorer #tripblazers

Hey everyone 👋 Today, I'm sharing a super treasure of a place with you all – the Cotswolds in England! This isn't just one town, but a region made up of many charming towns, known as the most beautiful countryside in England. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace nature and history 💕 🌳 Regional Features The Cotswolds stretches from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the great writer Shakespeare, in the north, to Bath, a famous Roman spa resort, in the south. The rolling countryside is like a beautiful, slowly unfolding scroll 🖼️ Here, you'll find green, rolling plains, lush ancient trees 🌳 winding, crystal-clear streams, and majestic, story-filled castles 🏰. There are also honey-colored stone cottages and moss-covered stones. Every detail exudes exquisite and profound historical charm, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time. 🗺️ Must-Visit Towns 1. Bibury 🎈 Known as the most beautiful town in the Cotswolds, Arlington Row is its iconic landmark and an epitome of the ancient, tranquil, and beautiful English village. It's also the background image on the inside cover of British passports 📸 These stone houses, built in the 17th century, have steep roofs and are neatly arranged, quietly overlooking the waterside meadows and rivers. Every shot is postcard-perfect. St. Mary's Church in the center of the village is a Saxon church with some replicas of Saxon relics inside, telling the town's long history. Don't forget to visit Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest trout farms in the UK, with 15 acres full of life. 2. Bourton-on-the-Water 💧 Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," the clear River Windrush runs through the entire village. Several ancient, low stone bridges cross the river, and the traditional Cotswold old wool houses along the river have mostly been turned into souvenir shops. Here, you can visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum to admire many vintage cars and motorcycles, or visit the model railway exhibition. There's also Birdland Park and Gardens, perfect for family trips, which is home to a variety of birds, including adorable penguins 🐧 3. Stow-on-the-Wold 🛍️ This hilltop town is a typical Cotswold market town, with independent shops, antique stores, and charming cafes surrounding the bustling market square ☕ The ancient St. Edward's Church is particularly striking, with its fairytale-like doors surrounded by tall yew trees. Once an important wool trading center, the town's old stock market and historical buildings bear witness to its past prosperity. Strolling here, you can deeply feel the fusion of the past and present. 4. Upper & Lower Slaughter 🌾 These two sister villages are quiet and charming. Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter has been named the "most romantic street in Britain" due to its picturesque scenery and exquisite architecture. The road is lined with willow trees and limestone houses. Strolling along the river, you can also visit the Old Mill Museum. When you're tired, sit down at a riverside cafe, order a coffee, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of English pastoral life. 🍽️ Food Recommendations 1. English Breakfast 🥐 In local B&Bs, you can taste authentic English breakfasts made by the landlady herself, usually including fried eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, baked beans, etc. The ingredients are fresh and mostly from local farms. Pair it with a cup of English black tea to start a day full of energy. 2. Ploughman's Lunch 🥪 Simple but delicious, it usually includes bread, cheese, ham, pickles, etc. Order a ploughman's lunch in a cozy country pub, along with a glass of ale, and feel the warm atmosphere of the pub and the enthusiasm of the locals. 3. English Afternoon Tea 🍰 How can you miss afternoon tea when you come to England? Exquisite three-tiered pastry stands are filled with sandwiches, scones, and various small cakes, paired with rich English afternoon tea. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in an elegant setting. Many towns have tea rooms that offer traditional English afternoon tea, so be sure to experience it. 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. Chartered Customized Tour 🚐 Since the towns in the Cotswolds are relatively scattered and public transportation is infrequent, with possible shutdowns on weekends, chartering a car is a convenient and labor-saving option. You can freely arrange your itinerary, not miss any beautiful scenery, and listen to the driver-guide tell you about the local history, culture, and interesting stories. 2. Self-Driving 🚘 If you like to explore freely, self-driving is also a great choice. Driving along country roads, you can stop at any time to admire the scenery along the way, and it's convenient to go to some niche towns that are not easily accessible by transportation. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with British traffic rules and road conditions in advance. 3. Public Transportation 🚌🚂 If you choose public transportation, you can first take a train to large towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Kemble, or Cheltenham, and then transfer to a bus to various towns. However, be sure to check the bus operating hours and routes in advance to avoid delaying your trip. The Cotswolds is like a shining pearl hidden in the English countryside, exuding a unique and charming charm ✨ Whether you're strolling through the ancient streets, admiring the beautiful architecture, or tasting the local cuisine and experiencing the leisurely pace of life, you can gain an unforgettable travel memory. Everyone, be sure to come here to experience it if you have the opportunity 💕

#getgoing2025 Market Square The vibrant Market Square (Kauppatori) is a bustling hub located by the harbor in Helsinki. It’s a lively place where locals and tourists alike come to experience Finnish culture. The square is filled with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Finnish delicacies like salmon soup and rye bread. Visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfront views and watch ferries coming and going to nearby islands. The square also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its lively atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the Havis Amanda statue and the historic Old Market Hall, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting Helsinki.

Saint Edwards Church in Stowe on the world in the Cotswolds is a church dating from the 11th century that contains beautiful stained glass windows. Yew trees stand each side of the north doorway, it is believed this doorway may have inspired JRR Tolkien for some of the doorways to the different kingdoms in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. #getgoing2025 #cotswolds #cotswolds #lordoftherings #england

The small village of Bourton-on-the-Water in southwest England is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. The shallow and narrow Windrush River winds around the town, and the clear green water is home to many fish. The river slowly flows through the ancient stone bridges in the center of the town, which are over 200 years old. The lush trees on both sides of the river bring a strong sense of greenery, and the hundred-year-old stone houses are decorated with colorful flowers. When you come here, it feels like you've entered a paradise. Here is a travel guide to Bourton that I have summarized. If it helps you, remember to like and favorite it❗ - Attractions: - The Model Village: This is a 1:9 scale replica of the buildings in Bourton-on-the-Water. It's very interesting and great for taking photos. It is open all year round (except Christmas), from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter. Ticket prices are £4.25 for adults, £3.25 for children (3 to 13 years old), £3.75 for those over 60, and free for children under 3. - Rivers and Bridges: The clear river runs through the entire village, with trees lining both sides of the riverbank and several bridges of different styles. You can stroll along the river, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and experience the tranquility and comfort of the British countryside. This is a free attraction. - Food: - The Old Bakery Tearoom: This is a traditional British teahouse and restaurant that offers a variety of snacks and light meals. The signature scones with jam and cream are soft and delicious. A scone set meal costs about £5 to £8. The sandwiches, cakes, and other snacks here are also popular, with prices ranging from £3 to £6. - The Swan Inn: This is a country-style pub and restaurant that offers authentic British food, such as fish and chips and roast meat. Fish and chips cost about £12 to £15, and a roast meat set meal costs about £15 to £20. The restaurant also offers a variety of beers and wines, making it a great place to experience the local food culture. - Notes: - Bourton is a small rural town with inconvenient public transportation. It is recommended to plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. If you are driving, be aware of local traffic rules and parking regulations. ⚠️ - The weather in the UK is changeable, so even in summer, it is best to carry rain gear and clothes suitable for different weather conditions. ⚠️

#LondonAttractions St. Edward's Church is a religious site with a long history and architectural charm. This church can be traced back to the 11th century and is a typical English Romanesque architectural style. The towering bell tower, pointed roof and thick stone walls all reflect the calm and solemnity of medieval architecture. Once you step into the church, you will find that the interior decoration is equally exquisite. The elegantly shaped arches, exquisite stone carvings and colorful stained glass windows are all fascinating. The towering altar in the center of the church is even more awe-inspiring. It is worth mentioning that the church also retains a large number of medieval relics and crafts, such as exquisite altar decorations, beautiful tombstones, etc., which brings visitors a unique experience of traveling through time. Even after thousands of years, St. Edward's Church still retains its original solemn and sacred atmosphere. Whether you want to appreciate its outstanding architectural art or recall the footprints of history, this is a cultural treasure worthy of careful appreciation.

The highest of the Cotswolds towns, hilltop Stow-on-the-Wold lies in the north of the region, surrounded by pretty villages and rolling countryside. In Stow-on-the-Wold, we visited one of the oldest and most famous churches called the Church of St. Edward. It was built between the 11th and the 15th Centuries. Hidden away on the grounds of the historic church is a mystical doorway that looks like a portal that could transport you to another realm, also known as the “Hobbit door”. #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #cotswolds #church #uk #england