Bagni di Lucca and Beyond

Stow on the Wold sits on top of a hill in Gloucestershire, England. It is yet another charming Cotswolds town. It was founded by Norman lords to absorb trade from the roads converging there. Fairs have been held by Royal charter since 1330. It was originally called Stow St Edward after the town’s patron Saint Edward.

I have had 2 short visits to Stow on the Wold. Both visits were far too short. It is a beautiful town with much to see. There are some excellent shops, including an enormous kitchen shop that needs further exploration.

Come for a walk around Stow on the Wold.

The Porch House Inn is thought to be the oldest inn in England. It was originally built in 975 AD. Many original features remain inside the Porch House. It was refurbished in 2013 and it is possible to stay in one of the 13 rooms. It has a cosy bar and a lovely restaurant. We were too late for lunch and too early for dinner, but had an excellent cup of tea and cake.

This looks like a great place to stay on a future visit.

The town has a poem.

Stow-on-the-Wold, Where the wind blows cold.

Where horses young and old are sold,

Where farmers come to spend their gold,

Where men are fools and women are bold,

And mang a wicked tale is told.

High on the freezing Cotswold.

Stowon the Wold needs much more explanation. I was disappointed that we were there too late in the day to visit many of the shops. There is also an excellent bakery that is calling me back.