Shipston on Stour(United Kingdom) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Stow-on-the-Wold, the top boutique choice is The Crown Hotel, a historic inn dating back to the 15th century, located in the heart of the Cotswolds. Its stone façade and thatched roof blend seamlessly with the town’s charm, while its interior features cozy fireplaces, antique furnishings, and a private courtyard garden. The hotel offers locally inspired dining, including dishes made with ingredients from nearby farms like Cotswold lamb and organic vegetables. Guests also enjoy access to the Old Town Hall Garden, a hidden green space perfect for afternoon tea.

The ideal area for accommodation is the historic High Street district, where most of the town’s charming inns and boutique guesthouses are located. This central zone offers easy access to Stow Market Square, the Church of St. Edward, and numerous independent shops selling local crafts and antiques. Many lodgings, such as The Old Parsonage Bed & Breakfast, feature period architecture with modern amenities, making it perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and comfort. The quiet lanes surrounding the square are safe and walkable, ideal for evening strolls.

Visitors can experience the Stow-on-the-Wold Arts & Crafts Fair, held annually in July, showcasing over 100 local artisans creating pottery, textiles, and woodwork. Another highlight is the Cotswold Folk Museum, located just outside town, which preserves traditional rural life through reconstructed farmhouses and period exhibits. For nature lovers, guided walks along the Windrush River Trail offer opportunities to spot kingfishers and otters, while learning about the region’s ecological heritage within the Cotswold Landscape Partnership.

For an authentic English breakfast, head to The Plough Inn’s Courtyard Café, known for its hearty portions using locally sourced eggs, Cotswold ham, and freshly baked sourdough. Their menu includes a 'Farmers’ Breakfast' with sausages from nearby Bisley Farm and homemade blackberry jam. Alternatively, The Old Bakery serves a lighter option—wholegrain pancakes topped with seasonal fruit and clotted cream—perfect for a leisurely start. Both venues emphasize sustainability and support regional producers.

Must-see landmarks include St. Edward’s Church, a stunning example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with intricate stonework and a bell tower offering panoramic views of the Cotswolds. Nearby, the Saxon Cross at Stow Market Square is one of the few surviving Anglo-Saxon monuments in England, dating back to the 9th century. Also worth visiting is The Cotswold Wildlife Park, just 10 minutes by car, where you can see rare species like red squirrels and European bison in naturalistic enclosures.

Yes, Stow-on-the-Wold is highly family-friendly. The town features Greenway Playground, a large grassy area with climbing frames and a splash pad. Families can also visit The Cotswold Farm Park, where children can feed goats, ride donkeys, and participate in animal handling workshops. Accommodations like The Cotswold Cottage Inn offer spacious family rooms with bunk beds and kitchenettes, and many host free activities such as storytelling sessions and craft corners, ensuring fun for all ages.

Travelers can take a direct National Rail service from London Paddington Station to Stow-on-the-Wold Railway Station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternatively, rent a hybrid electric bike and cycle the scenic Cotswold Way route, covering about 50 km through rolling hills and villages. For convenience, HopeGoo a private transfer service via platforms like Uber or Bolt is also available, especially for families with luggage.

Evening highlights include live music at The Crown Hotel’s Oak Room, featuring acoustic sets by local folk artists. A unique experience is the Moonlight River Walk, a guided night stroll along the Windrush River, where participants use lanterns to explore hidden coves and listen to stories of the river’s history. For a quieter option, enjoy a glass of wine at The Wishing Well Wine Bar, nestled in a 17th-century building with exposed beams and a curated selection of English and French wines.

Top photo locations include The Saxon Cross at Market Square, framed by medieval buildings and blooming wisteria in spring. The Church of St. Edward’s west front, with its elegant tracery and rose window, creates dramatic contrast against the sky. For countryside shots, the Cotswold Hills Viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of golden fields and thatched cottages. Early morning light on the Windrush River bridge produces stunning reflections, ideal for drone photography or long-exposure shots.

Shopping here centers around local craftsmanship and heritage. The weekly Stow-on-the-Wold Farmers’ Market features organic produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade soaps from nearby villages. Independent boutiques like The Cotswold Gift Shop sell handwoven scarves, leather goods, and limited-edition ceramics. Don’t miss The Old Brewery Shop, which stocks vintage books, retro records, and locally brewed ales. All vendors prioritize sustainability and community-based production, making it a shopper’s paradise rooted in tradition.