The Stag at Stow Review: Is This Cozy Cotswolds Inn Worth Staying?

So, you’ve figured out how to get to Stow-on-the-Wold. Now you’re thinking of staying the night or maybe even a couple of days. Wondering where to stay? There are a few lovely inns and hotels in town but we decided on The Stag at Stow.

It was honestly a close call between The Old Stocks Inn and this one. Both are in great locations! Since we were traveling by public transport (and with a six-year-old in tow), we didn’t want to drag our bags too far. In the end, the price helped us decide.

Short on time? Here’s a quick list of our travel resources:

The Stag at Stow is a cozy inn and pub right in the heart of town. It has a historic charm, comfy rooms, and a warm, welcoming vibe. A lot of travellers and countryside lovers choose to stay here. But does it really live up to the hype?

Here’s my honest review from a recent stay, covering everything from check-in to the food, the rooms and a few small hiccups to keep in mind.

1. Location 5/5

The location is truly a winner.

The Stag at Stow is perfectly situated in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold. You’re just steps away from tea rooms, independent shops and antiques stores and the iconic St. Edward’s Church.

Getting There:

• 🚗 By Car: Free parking is available, but spots are limited. Plan to arrive early.
  
• 🚌 By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Moreton-in-Marsh (about a 15-minute drive). Easy access via taxi or local bus service.
  

Getting to Stow-on-the-Wold is easy, whether you’re arriving by car or taking the train. It’s a smooth and stress-free trip, which is always a win in my book.

If you’re coming from the city, I shared all the details in my guide on how to get to Stow on the Wold from London without a car. It’s super helpful if you’re using public transport like we did.

2. Rooms 4/5

We booked two rooms for 3 adults and 1 child. Fallow was on the second floor, just above the pub, and Fawn was on the third. There are no elevators, so be ready for a bit of stair-climbing.

✅ Room Highlights:

• Comfortable beds with plush bedding
• Heating worked great for winter which was perfect for our February stay.
• Tea and coffee stations (with Lavazza coffee pods and Cadbury hot chocolate)
• Wardrobe spaces with provided fans
• TV and cozy seating nooks
  

Both rooms had rustic Cotswold charm: warm wood accents, comfortable beds, and modern amenities like tea/coffee stations (with Lavazza coffee pods and Cadbury hot chocolate!) and small wardrobes with fans.

✅ We didn’t hear any noise from the pub or the street, even though the inn was starting to get busy when we came back in the evening.

We had seen a few reviews mentioning pub noise, but honestly, it wasn’t an issue for us. Even my sister, who stayed right above the restaurant, slept soundly.

Just a little heads-up, we were there on a weekday night. It could be different on weekends, but I can’t say for sure.

💡Tip: If you’re traveling with luggage or have mobility concerns, consider booking a Lodge Room. These are in a separate Georgian townhouse and tend to be quieter and more spacious.

🚿 Bathroom & Cleanliness

The bathrooms were updated, with walk-in rain showers and modern fittings.

🧴 Minor Cons:

In the Fawn room, the toiletries were placed directly on the floor. A small shelf would have been nice to keep things tidy and within easy reach.

The bedroom window in the Fawn room looked out onto the street and let in a lovely amount of natural light. The window frame, though, showed some wear, with black marks and peeling paint likely from condensation over time. It didn’t affect the air quality or our stay, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re particular about room details.

Both options include continental breakfast with the room rate (hot dishes available at an extra charge).

There are two types of accommodations at The Stag:

• 🏡 Lodge Rooms: Larger, more spacious rooms in a Georgian townhouse which is perfect if you want extra space or a quieter setting.
• 🍺 Inn Rooms: Cozy rooms located above or near the pub, fully refurbished in 2023.
  

3. Amenities 4/5

The amenities at The Stag are simple but charming, which fits perfectly with the cozy Cotswold vibe.

🫖 Tea & Coffee Corner

Bonus points for the cute and cozy setup. There was Cadbury instant hot chocolate, Meredith and Drew biscuits and proper English tea. It felt like a warm welcome after a day out exploring.

🥐 Breakfast at The Stag

Breakfast was included in our booking.  Here’s what was available:

✔ Sliced ham & cheese
✔ Fresh muffins, croissants, toast, and assorted jams
✔ Yogurt, oats, and cereal
✔ Coffee and tea 

Breakfast was fine. When we were seated, they asked if we wanted to order a hot breakfast right away probably to help the kitchen manage timing but we decided to check out the continental spread first.

If you’re in the mood for something warm and filling, you can order a hot breakfast like a full English. I did, since I was craving something hearty to start the day.

Just a quick note: the prices shown in the menu photo were accurate at the time it was taken, in February 2025. They may have changed since then.

4. Staff and Service 5/5

Every staff member we met, from check-in to breakfast, was kind, helpful, and genuinely warm. They made us feel welcome throughout our stay.

🛎️ Check-in Experience & First Impressions

We arrived earlier in the day and, as expected, our rooms weren’t quite ready. No worries, we left our bags with the staff (very helpful!) and wandered off to explore.

Just a heads-up: when you walk into The Stag, you’ll enter the restaurant and lounge area. The check-in desk is actually toward the back near the bar. There are signs to guide you, so just keep an eye out.

The gentleman at the reception was kind and asked if we wanted to reserve a table for dinner since it was expected to be a busy night. We weren’t sure yet, so we politely declined but we really appreciated the thoughtfulness.

😴 Sleep Quality

Staying on a weekday, we experienced zero noise, no pub sounds, no street hustle. If you’re a light sleeper, I’d still suggest asking for a room on a higher floor or maybe one by the lodge, just to be safe.

5.  Value for Money 4/5

 Despite a couple of small quirks, The Stag at Stow offers comfort, genuinely friendly, cozy vibe service and a perfect Cotswold location. I’d happily stay here again and next time, I might even splurge for a room at the Lodge!

If you’re visiting the area, it’s well worth adding to your list.

⚖️ Pros & Cons Summary

Quick Overview: The Stag at Stow Ratings

FAQs

Are there elevators?
➡ No, all rooms are accessed by stairs.

Is The Stag at Stow pet-friendly?
➡ Check with the property directly, as some rooms may accommodate pets.

Nearby attractions?
➡ Bourton-on-the-Water – 4 mi / 6.5 km
➡ Bibury – 13 mi / 21 km
➡ Blenheim Palace – 19 mi / 30 km

🏡 Other nearby stays to consider:

If The Stag is fully booked or not quite your style, check out:

• The Sheep on Sheep Street – Stylish and modern
• The Porch House – More upscale, great location
• Old Stocks Inn – Great location and well reviewed

📍 Book your stay at The Stag at Stow here

Final Verdict: Would I Stay Here Again?

Yes, Absolutely!
Despite a couple of small quirks, The Stag at Stow offers comfort, character, and a perfect Cotswold location. I’d happily stay here again and next time, I might even splurge for a room at the Lodge!

If you’re visiting the area, it’s well worth adding to your list.

Would you stay at The Stag at Stow too?

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