Our Store's Recommend: A local's guide to Stow-on-the-Wold
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FOR FOOD & DRINK:
There’s an abundance of great places to visit for a spot of something to eat of drink when visiting Stow-on-the-Wold, and our store manager, Imi, recommends his favourites. The Porch House is the oldest historic inn in England, offering a menu rich in fresh, local produce to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make yourself comfortable in their rustic restaurant or beautiful garden terrace. The 5-star inn is a venue that caters to every occasion!
The Sheep is another highly rated local spot, offering traditional pub grub from burgers, pizzas, pies and steak dishes. While you’re there, why not try their seasonal cocktails, or if beer is more your thing, then a pint of Brakspear ale – don’t mind if we do!
A must-stop for anyone travelling to Stow-on-the-Wold, however, is The Old Butchers. The former Butcher’s shop is now a warm and inviting restaurant designed with the ethos that any part of the animal and plant that can be used, will be, aimed at minimising wastage. A perfect place for meat and seafood lovers.
Image credits: Trip Advisor (The Porch House), Berkeley Square Barbarian (The Sheep) & Gloucestershire Live (The Old Butchers)
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THINGS TO DO:
Situated just a 15-minute drive away is the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its idyllic houses and River Windrush. Little ones will love spending the day with TV’s, Brum, journeying through the 20th century in the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Or perhaps spend a family day out with flamingos, owls, penguins, and other rare species inhabiting the gardens and woodland of Birdland.
For an interactive experience of the village, take a visit to the Dragonfly Maze, or head to The Model Village where you can see the grade II listed scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water. Also popular is TV’s Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Brewery that offers a tour and tasting opportunity – perfect for those who are fans of his show.
Image credits: Cotswold Motoring Museum (Motoring Museum) & Cotswolds Concierge (Hawkstone Brewery)
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THINGS TO SEE:
The Cotswolds has played host to the filming of many TV shows and films over the years. From Harry Potter to Bridget Jones’ Diary, Pride & Prejudice and James Bond, there are countless spots to add to your list of places to visit in and around Stow-on-the-Wold.
Just 9 miles from our store is Broadway Tower. Nicknamed as the highest castle in the Cotswolds, the tower was featured as a location in the rom-com Crush (2001), as well as The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), and makes the perfect idyllic spot for a family picnic or a peaceful walk. A little bit closer to home, however, is the rumoured inspiration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin, situated in St. Edward’s Church just down the road from our store. The North Porch is home to a small wooden door that looks like something from a fairytale. While the claims have never been authenticated, the door, yew tree, and stained-glass windows are well worth visiting – Tolkien fan or no.
Image credits: Broadway Cotswolds (Broadway Tower) & Cotswolds.org (Tolkin’s Door)