How to find us

The Loft

Flat 2, France House, Digbeth Street

Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1BN

The Loft is located in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold, which is itself located in the centre of the North Cotswolds. A wider area and a detailed townmap view are shown below:

The Loft is located in a small courtyard, called Digbeth Court. This courtyard is on Digbeth Street, which is a narrow, one-way street, connectingthe Market Square with Sheep Street/Park Street.

Digbeth Street is in the south-east corner of the Market Square, close to the market cross.

Approaching from the Market Square, the entrance to Digbeth Court is on the left hand side of the road, approximately 100 yards down the street. The property is directly above the Cotswolds Chocolate shop and opposite to the Crock Shop.
Once in Digbeth Court, you will see the book shop straight ahead. The Loft is accessed via a black metal staircase, to the left of a shop called Rosie B’s. Once at the top of the metal staircase, there are two further sets of wooden stairs, which lead up to The Loft.

There is a white chain across the bottom steps. Please leave this chain in place, to deter people from going up the steps to look for shops above.

Alternative way to find The Loft.

Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/2kbfD6q2oMeCitFn6

What3words location is https://w3w.co/summaries.soups.hairstyle

what3words is a really quick and simple way to find, share and save exact locations. The system converts GPS coordinates into 3 word addresses. To use enter the words above into https://what3words.com/ or their app.

TAXIS

IF YOU ARE ARRIVING OR LEAVING BY TAXI (OR NEEDING A TAXI DURING YOUR STAY), PLEASE PRE-BOOK AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE (5 days before in high season). We advise pre-booking:

From Moreton-in-Marsh Station - https://www.moretoninmarshtaxiandminibus.com, 07895 028 448

Or http://www.cotswoldstaxis.co.uk, 07895 575 795

RM Cotwold Chauffer Services Stow +44 (0)7874 380510

Stow Cars Stow +44 (0)7946 525039

Cotwold Taxi Service Stow +44 (0)7554 424793

AR Cotswold Taxi & Tours Stow +44 (0)7391 766555

TA Taxis Stow +44 (0)7720 572420

EV Charging

Regrettably, our insurance will be invalidated for any EV charging into a three-pin plug socket or using an extension lead through windows/doors. Therefore, we are sorry but EV charging from plug sockets in this property is prohibited.

EV chargers locally can be found at:

1. Tesco Superstore Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BX is part of the Pod Point EV charging network. Two chargers and four connectors.

2. Midcounties Co-Operative - Station Road, Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2EP. Three chargers available

3. BP Pulse Charging Station, Hawkesbury Place, Fosse Way, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1FF. Two chargers available.

4. EB Charging Station, Station Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0JY, Three chargers available

5. Tesla Charging Station, Daylesford, Kingham, GL56 0YG. Four Chargers available

6. EB Charging Station, Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. Three Fast Chargers available

Parking

Cars may pull up outside The Loft in the courtyard to unload and load outside of normal business hours (if the courtyard gate is locked – please see below for more details). Please pull up inside the courtyard and keep to the left hand side to unload.

If you are arriving during the day, there is free unrestricted parking on Sheep street as you head away from the square down the road (after The Old Stocks Inn).

There is also free unrestricted parking if you turn right onto Lower Park Street and Back Walls. If you park on BackWalls, there are pedestrian paths through to Sheep Street.

The square has free 2 hour parking

If all these options are full you can also park for free at the Tesco car park on the outskirts of Stow and walk in or park at the pay and display car park next to it. In the evenings Stow empties out and then it is easy to find a space on Sheep street.

Please check the specific rules at the car park, as vehicles may need to be moved occasionally for stays of more than a few days duration.

Important access information for The Loft

There is a black metal gate at the entrance to Digbeth Court, which is locked between 5pm and 9am each night.

CODE FOR COURTYARD GATES: The gates can be opened via a keypad – THE KEYPAD CODE IS IN THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE BEEN SENT PREVIOUSLY

To ENTER though gate from the street:

pull up right hand pole at back of RIGHT gate
secure on its hook, enter code
turn lock and PUSH the RIGHT hand gate hard to open

To LEAVE the courtyard:

pull up long metal pole on LEFT gate
secure on hook
enter code
turn handle all the way round and PULL the LEFT gate hard to open

There is a knack to it and the secret is to turn the handle right round and if the gate doesn’t open first time, press 'C' again to clear and then remainder of code

As it sounds a little complicated, below is a short video showing you how to open/close the courtyard gates:

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE THE CODE FOR THE MAIN GATE WITH YOU IF YOU ARE GOING OUT IN THE EVENING, AS THE GATE MAY BE LOCKED UPON YOUR RETURN

To access The Loft, there are three external flights of stairs. At the top level you will arrive at the roof terrace. The key safe for the Loft, positioned on the wall to the right of the front door around the corner by the washing line.

To open the key safe, slide down the cover and enter the code

Please note that the key is required to both lock and unlock the front door, ie. the door is not locked until you have used the key. The key needs to be horizontal to take it out.

In the unlikely event that you cannot access the cottage, please contact The Loft’s Housekeeper, Meghan, on 07854 879835.

Check in/Check out times

Check in: is currently at 3pm. (Please don't enter the property earlier unless you have had confirmation that it is ready from myself or your housekeeper)

Check out: Check out is by 11 am.

Pets

We welcome house-trained, adult dogs and want you and your furry friend to feel welcome. However, please can you follow these few doggy rules:

Please keep pets off the furniture unless on a doggy blanket
Please take away your dog waste
Please remove pet hairs from the carpets and furniture before you leave. We know it's natural for pets to lose fur, so we've provided a vacuum cleaner and mop in your property for your convenience.
Please do not leave pets unattended in the property
Please do not allow pets upstairs or in bedrooms

You won't be charged extra for cleaning if you bring your pet, but if they shed a lot, we may need to pass on the extra fees to cover the time it takes for additional cleaning.

Location

Located in the north Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the principal market towns in the region. The main feature of the charming town is the historic, large and lively market square which used to play host to the annual sheep fairs where, at the height of the Cotswold wool industry, up to 20,000 sheep were sold at one time. The market square now has a fine reputation for some of Britain's best antique shops. It's also home to some delightful Cotswold pubs and cafes.

The market square is steeped in history and has two features which date back to the medieval period. At one end of the square there is the medieval cross which was erected to urge traders to carry out fair business under the eyes of God, and at the far end stand the town stocks which are found in the shadows of the old elm tree.

Originally known as Edwardstow or Stow St Edward after the town's patron saint Edward, the town's church is also named after him. The church is just 100 yards from the town square and is a lovely place for locals and tourists alike to get some peace from the bustling market square. The north door is guarded by two yew trees and is a focal point of the town with many photographs of its unusual doors.

Stow has traditional narrow alleyways, or "tures" as they were once known, which wind their way through the centre of the town. It is these same alleyways that were once used to channel the sheep to the fair.

Another point of interest in the town is the well in Well Lane which is now a Grade II Listed Building. As a result of the rather unique geology of the area, water held in the higher layers of the limestone bursts out of various fissures on the slopes and two do still work as wells now.

Stow is a great place from which to explore some of the other beautiful Cotswolds towns and villages nearby including Bourton-on-the Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh. There are beautiful walks from the villages of Blockley, Winchcombe and Ebrington for a more off the beaten track experience.

Food & Drink

Stow has lots of places to eat and drink, with a range of cuisines and prices to suit all tastes and budgets. The list below is a small sample of those available, (booking is advisable, especially in high season and weekends):

Alexiou’s Restaurant (01242431021) Alexiou’s is a lovely greek restaurant in Talbot Square. It has great indoor and outdoor space. It opened in 2020 and has some great reviews. Tuesday - Saturday 5pm–11pm.

The Old Stocks Inn (01451 830 666) The Old Stocks is great for a drink. It has a nice bar, delightful garden and lovely cocktails. It is beautifully decorated with relaxing furniture. It also has a decent restaurant. Dog friendly in the bar, garden and library. The restaurant is open evenings from 6-9.30pm and for lunch on Saturdays & Sundays from 12.30-2.30pm.

The Old Butchers (01451 831700 The Old butchers is open for lunch and dinner. It’s a busy restaurant offering seafood and British menu and European menu. It has an outdoor area at the front so you can watch the world go by. It is at the top end price wise. They currently open for indoor & terrace dining Tuesday to Saturday lunch 12-2pm and dinner 6-9pm. They only allow small dogs due to the size of the restaurant, please let them know when you book.

The Queens Head Inn (01451 830563) The Queens Head is a traditional town pub, owned by the local Donnington brewery. Here locals mix with tourists who are unsurprisingly attracted into this lovely old pub. Good traditional pub food and ale, in a great atmosphere. It also has a beer garden and does traditional Sunday lunches. Open daily 12-11pm. Dog friendly.

The Sheep (01451 830344) A seasonal menu with pizzas being a major focus. There is a wood-fired oven in the restaurant, where you can watch your freshly made pizza cook. The Sheep gets very booked up. Breakfast served daily 8-11.30am, lunch served Monday to Friday 12–3pm and Saturday 12–4pm, dinner served Monday to Saturday 5–9pm, Sunday food served all day from 12–8pm. Dog friendly.

The Talbot (01451 870934) is a traditional English pub. Large portions, sofas, original paintings, rickety old tables and chairs, and friendly staff. Laid back drinking, eating (including breakfasts and Sunday lunch) and coffees in a traditional meeting place for the town slap bang in the Square. Serving food Monday - Tuesday 12-2.30pm, Thursday 12-2.30, 6-7.45pm, Friday 12-2.30pm, Saturday 12-2:30, 6-7:45pm and Sunday 12-2.30pm. Dog friendly.

The Stag @ Stow (formerly The White Hart) (01451 830 674) A 'boutique' style Inn, which has been refurbished throughout. The Inn has two cosy bars, open fires and an atmospheric dining room. Hearty food is served during the day, with finer dining in the evening. All food is sourced locally and prepared on site. Food served Monday - Thursday 12-2.30pm, dinner 6-9pm, Friday lunch 12-2.30pm, dinner 6-9.30pm, Saturday food served all day 12-9.30pm, Sunday 12-9pm. Dogs welcome in the bar.

The Bell (01451 870916) The Bell at Stow is a traditional, country pub in an old stone building on the edge of the village. A favourite with the locals, The Bell is open all day every day offering everything from a pint of well-kept cask ale through to a three-course supper. Friday evenings are legendary for the Champagne Happy Hour at 5pm. Breakfast served Monday to Sunday 8-10am, lunch Monday to Sunday 12-5pm, dinner Sunday - Wednesday 5-9pm and Thursday - Saturday 5-9.30pm. Dog friendly.

Off the Square 07852181718 is your one stop shop for not only the finest Craft Beers, award-winning English Wines and Spirits. As well as browsing our retail space there are tables where customers can sit and sample a selection of our beers from draught or enjoy a sausage roll or sandwich from our menu prepared daily by a local chef. They also offer great coffee!

Local Breakfast Options

You may notice that we don't have a coffee machine, and I just wanted to explain why. We appreciate that coffee preferences vary greatly, so we want to give you the opportunity to explore and find your perfect cup, as well as to support our local coffee shops and eateries. Thank you for your understanding. Below is a list of local places for a coffee/breakfast:

The Hive café is just along Digbeth street a few steps from The Loft. It has a small outdoor terrace and is licensed. Its open for breakfast/brunch, light lunches and afternoon teas. Serving food Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9-3pm (last orders for lunch 2.30pm) and Sunday 9.30-3pm (last orders for brunch 2.30pm). Dogs are welcome in the front part of the restaurant.

Lucy's Tearoom - The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AB Tuesday - Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday - Monday 9.30am to 4pm. (Dog Friendly)

If you fancy a light lunch on you terrace or a pack lunch, I would recommend

Cotswolds baguettes on Church Street, 01451 831362. Their food is fresh and delicious, and the service is delightfully friendly.

Special Occasions

If you would like to treat someone for a special occasion, these are your local options:

The Stow Flower Shop

8 Talbot Sq, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BQ

info@stowonthewoldflowershop.co.uk or 01451 870580

Tues-Fri 0930-1630, Sat 0900-1200

Flowers, gifts and workshops. Will deliver.

Allium

The Old Post Office, Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1HQ

01451 830188

Tues-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300

Flowers and gifts. Will deliver.

Groceries

Stow has a Tesco and a Co-op as well as a traditional butcher's shop and a number of delicatessens specialising in local produce.

The Tesco Superstore is just outside the village at Fosse Way, Stow-On-The-Wold, Cheltenham, GL54 1BX. It is open Mon-Sat 6am to 11pm and Sun 10am to 4pm.

The co-op is in the square just around the corner from the cottage. It is ideal if you just need to pop in for the odd thing.

Lambournes Butchers A family owned, multi-award winning traditional butchers, renowned for locally-produced meat, poultry and game, sourced from hand-picked suppliers.

Pet sitting services

If for any reason you need to arrange for some dog care while you are staying with us, please take a look at our suggestions below. These will need to be pre-booked.

Happy Hounds at Winchcombe: Otters Fld, Winchcombe, Greet, Cheltenham GL54 5PN

happyhoundswinchcombe@gmail.com or 07867 978696

Cotswold Pet Visits: Cirencester GL7

lushandvintage@icloud.com or 07917192243

Activities

Our favourite thing to do is to wander around the market square and lanes, taking in the history and relaxing in the cafes, restaurants and bars. The same goes for the other local towns and villages that are all a short drive away. Other activities that we can suggest are:

Cycling

The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling. Bikes can be pre-booked for hire from:

· Hartwell's Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water (http://hartwellscotswoldcyclehire.uk/ Tel: 01451 820405

· TY CycleCycling

The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling.

Bikes can be pre-booked for hire from:

· Hartwell's Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water, Tel: 01451 820405

· TY Cycles, Chipping Norton will deliver bikes (and e-bikes) to your cottage if hire is for two days or more, 01608 238150

Cotswold Driving Experience

Located in the heart of the stunning Cotswold Water Park on the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border, Cotswold Driving Experiences gives you the opportunity to have a go at the thrill of Rally Driving and/or the challenge of 4×4 Off Road Driving in a safe, controlled environment.

In-cottage Spa Treatments

For something special, we are delighted to announce we are now able to offer guests in-cottage Spa treatments from Solace Asia Therapy, which specialises in deep tissue massage, reflexology, Thai stretch massage and much more.

Your lovely therapist Irene, has worked at some top local establishments, including Spas at Daylesford’s Farm and Soho Farmhouse. For prices and to book your treatment, contact Irene on 07745 928985 or email info@solace-asia.co.uk.

Solace Asia Therapy is based in Stow-on-the-Wold, so you can book a visit there or arrange a treatment for you or as a couple in your cottage. Unique Cotswold Cottages guests will receive a FREE gift with their treatment, so do let them know when you book.

Walking

There are many lovely walks available from the Cottage. A personalised map is provided in the guest book for your use while you stay at the cottage. Please return it to the Guest Information folder when you leave so it is available for other guests to use.

Cotswold Lavender

Cotswold Lavender. Please check opening times on their website as usually only open during the months of June & July. It is now closed through the winter.. They are open all year round for mail order and trade customers.

Guided Tours

Go Cotswolds, (07786 920166). is an award winning tour company offering small group guided day tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh and Stratford Upon Avon.

Nearby Gardens

There are several famous gardens which are worth visiting, all less than half an hour away. Hidcote Manor, Bourton House and Snowshill Manor all make the perfect afternoon out for those who enjoy strolling through garden grounds.

Archery, Clay and Target shooting

Old Downs Pursuits A fun activity that you could book to do before check in or after check out, is some shooting and archery. Old downs pursuits is around 30 mins drive from the Cottage towards delightful Cirencester (which is often known as the capital of the Cotswolds). They offer archery, clay pigeon shooting and target shooting. Contact Sean 07597 093 708 or email olddownpursuits@live.co.uk.

Sudeley castle - Winchcombe

Sudely Castle With its Royal History and beautiful gardens, Sudeley Castle, just 25 minutes away from the cottage offers an enjoyable day out. There is also a range of events throughout the year which can be found on their website. Winchcombe is the home of our dog friendly holiday cottage, The Bolt Hole with its log burner, king-sized bed and large kitchen and lounge. More info can be found at https://www.uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk/the-bolt-hole

Golf at Naunton Downs

Naunton Downs offers a fantastic 18-hole 71 par golf course, which is open to visitors as well as members. Located in the stunning countryside between Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water, Naunton Downs Golf Club will be a scenic retreat for avid golfers. Weekly passes are available for visitors.

St Edwards Church

This church is famed for its tree-framed doorway; it's a beautiful architectural gem and a great place for those who take an interest in history or stained-glass designs.

Stow Town Walks

Guided walks are usually every Sunday morning at 10:30am from the beginning of April through to the end of September. Starting at the stocks in the Square. 90-minute guided walk around central Stow. Places are limited so booking is advised via the Visitor Information Centre. £5 per person.

Other walk suggestions are provided at The Loft as well as a personalised OS walking map for guests.

Local Tea Rooms

Stow on the Wold is a fantastic place to eat out, especially if you are looking for a light bite during the late afternoon. Tea rooms are abundant in this market town and some of the finest tea rooms include Lucy's Tearoom, Huffkins, Cotswold Garden Tearoom and The Old Bakery for jam and cream scones.

Cotswold Cricket Museum

Cricket fans will love the Cotswold Cricket Museum located on Sheep Street. It houses a large collection of artefacts from around the world which tell the story of the sport's most successful cricket personalities.

Nearby Gardens

There are several famous gardens which are worth visiting, all less than half an hour away from Stow on the Wold centre. Hidcote Manor, Bourton House and Snowshill Manor all make the perfect afternoon out for those who enjoy strolling through garden grounds.

Film Location Tour

The areas surrounding Stow on the Wold have played host to some of the most spectacular TV and film locations of our time. Less than 50 minutes away in Gloucester is Gloucester Cathedral (location for Harry Potter), just 16 minutes up the road is Snowshill (location for Bridget Jones' Diary), or just half an hour's drive away is Cheltenham Town Hall (location for Pride and Prejudice)

Courses

Floristry and craft courses at The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers - Chipping Campden

Covent Garden Academy of Flowers For over 10 years mother and daughter team, Gillian and Fleur Wheeler trained thousands of students at their renowned Central London design school, but now concentrate on their Cotswolds school. They run a whole range of floristry and craft courses available for all levels throughout the year, from their Signature Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop to the Three Day Flower Design Course and everything in between! If this is something you are interested in then do check their website academyofflowers.com as they are constantly updating and have a range of courses to suit everyone.

Creative and crafty workshops at Larkswold

At Larkswold you’ll find beautiful countryside views, freshly baked cakes, and bottomless teas and coffees. Your creative experience will leave you relaxed and ready for more. They offer a huge variety of workshops from glass infusing to pottery to natural paintmaking - see their website for the full range.

Other nearby towns and villages

There are so many beautiful villages around the Cotswolds. Here is a small selection of our favourites with a little info about them:

Bourton-on-the-water - known as The Venice of the Cotswolds - it is a charming Cotswolds village with the delightfully names River Windrush running through it with small stone walking bridges to get you from one side to the other. On either side of the river are shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also a number of attractions including a maze, and a charming model village. You can take a stroll from here to Lower Slaughter and further on to Stow. It gets very busy in the high season when parking becomes very difficult. Home to Little Gem Cottage

Broadway - a charming village with lovely wide treelined high-street and pavements. A good selection of pubs and eateries. Enjoy a walk to the Broadway Tower and museum or dine at the famous Lygon Arms. The Cotswolds way runs through Broadway. Home of an arts festival, food festival and lots of other events throughout the year

Lower Slaughter - a lovely stroll from either Bourton or Stow will take you to stunning Lower Slaughter which is handy as in the summer months it is almost impossible to get parked there. There a picturesque village with it honey-coloured stone cottages either side , a pub and a delightful water mill. Booking is strongly advised at the pub.

Chipping Campden - is a lovely market town in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire. It is known for its unusual and attractive High Street and is said to be ‘the most beautiful village street now left on the island’ by G.M Trevelyan (English Historian). The high street is long and broad and is flanked on either side by an almost unbroken single terrace, made up of many different architectural styles. Again there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. Home to Honey Pot.

Markets

There are a wealth of local markets around the area. Below is a list of some of them, (these are subject to change around bank holidays and Christmas so do check times).

The farmers market in Bourton-on-the-Water is on the fourth Sunday in the month - 9:30am to 1:00pm. Royal British Legion car park.
Stow-on-the-Wold farmers Market runs once a month in the square on the second Thursday of the month - 9am until 1:30pm
The Winchcombe farmers market is on the second Saturday in the month – 9am to midday in the Guide Hall.
Stratford-upon-Avon farmers market is the first and 3rd Saturday of each month - 9am-2pm
Fairford Market - Held in the Market Place Wednesdays 9am-1pm. Traders include bakers, cheese makers, card sellers and fruit & veg sellers.
Moreton-in-Marsh Market Every Tuesday, (Nov-Mar) 9am to 3pm, (Apr-Oct) 9am to 3.30pm
An extremely popular market in the Cotswolds with many coach parties visiting from far and wide.
Northleach Market Wednesday 8:30am to 3:30pm
Stroud Market - Friday and Saturday (Shambles Fruit and Veg Market)
Cheltenham Craft Market Every third Saturday of the month on the Promenade - 9am to 5pm
Cheltenham farmers market is on the second and last Friday of each month, on the pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House - 9am to 2pm
Chipping Norton Market Takes place in Chipping Norton Market Place on Wednesday
Tetbury Market - Tetbury market is held on a Wednesday under the Market House at the top of Long Street. The market usually starts at around 9am and goes on until about 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market Monday 10am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market is held in the Market Place. The closest car parks are located at Abbey Grounds, Old Station car park, and Brewery car park.

For more details visit the Cirencester market page.

For further ideas, we recommend looking at https://www.stowonthewold.info

Unique Cotswolds Cottages Sustainable credentials

At Unique Cotswold Cottages, we aim to use local suppliers and trades and UK made products where possible. Here are some of the companies we have used for property refurbishment and supply of ongoing guest sundries.

We use locally recommended chimney sweeps, window cleaners, electricians, builders and plumbers.

Logs are sourced from local tree surgeons who are selling it as a bi-product of their trade rather than cutting trees down purely for the supply of logs.

Whilst renovating the last property, we donated numerous household items and furniture to Ukrainian Refugees.

Some of the Cotswold based companies we use:

Cotswold Gold BROADWAY - Rapeseed Oil

https://cotswoldgold.co.uk/

The Craft Drink Company BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER – Cotswolds Cloudy G&T

https://craftdrink.dearportal.com

Petala soaps BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

https://petalasoaps.com/

Cotswold Lamps & Interiors CHELTENHAM

https://cotswold-lamps-interiors.com/

David Hunt lighting SHIPSTON ON STOUR

https://www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk/