Stow-on-the-Wold, ‘Holy Place on the Hill’ in Gloucestershire.
The highest of the Cotswolds towns, Stow-on-the-Wold is a picture-perfect place, ideal for a leisurely walk with your four-legged companion. Stow-on-the-Wold literally translates as ‘Holy Place on the Hill’, from the old English words ‘stow’ for holy place and ‘wold’ for hill. Charming market town, with traditional honey-coloured stone cottages, Stow is well-known for its large Market Square, great selection of antique shops, historical pubs and inns, and famous St Edward’s Church.
The large and impressive Market Square in the historic centre of Stow is used to be the Cotswold’s major sheep market. There are some old records saying that 20,000 sheep were sold during a single day. Narrow streets around the Market Square were intended to control and count those sheep.
Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold if you travel with a dog:
1. Have lunch in the Porch House.
Address: 1 Digbeth Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1BN.
Dating back to the 10th century and situated in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, the Porch House is considered to be the oldest inn in England. Originally, it was a hospice for pilgrims, then an inn, possibly with a dog fighting pit, and finally a hotel with a pub. The Porch House is brimming with character, charisma and lots of original features like beamed ceilings, thick stone walls and the witch’s marks above the 16th-century fireplace in the dining room!
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome with open paws. Our cockapoo Winnie was given a bowl of water and lots of attention from the staff.
Opening times
8:00 am – 10:30 pm Monday to Thursday
8:00 am – 11:00 pm Friday to Saturday
8:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday
Website
2. Buy doggy ice cream at Lucy’s Tearoom.
Address: The Square, Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB.
Pop into a dog-friendly Lucy’s Tearoom and buy Scoop’s Ice Cream for Dogs. It is also a beautiful place to stop for a drink or some snacks. The location is right in the historic heart of Stow, in a 300-year-old building.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are very welcome!
Opening times
10:00 am – 04:00 pm Monday to Friday
9:30 am – 4:00 pm Saturday to Sunday
Website
3. Take a picture of ‘the magical door’ at St Edward’s Church.
Address: 2 Crossways House the Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB.
The north entrance of the church is one of the most photographed spots in Stow-on-the-Wold. This is a thick wooden door flanked by ancient gnarled yew trees and a brass oil lamp hanging above. It really looks like a gateway to a fairy realm.
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