Stow-on-the-Wold - Classic Cotswold Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around the classic Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with Adventurers helping the London Museum of Music follow Iva Bocksful's musical mystery around town to find his treasured collection of musical scores.

The quest covers 1.4 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Fosseway long stay car park near the Tesco superstore, explore the town's streets, High Street and Market Square, investigate Digbeth Street and Fleece Alley, then continue through the churchyard and cemetery sections before the route loops back to Market Square and returns to the old fountain near the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes roads to cross carefully, the right-hand side of Digbeth Street, no pavement as you emerge at the end of Fleece Alley, steps up to a wine bar, and the churchyard and cemetery sections.

Take great care when crossing roads in town, especially during busy periods. Be mindful of traffic in the bustling area around Digbeth Street, and keep Mini Explorers close wherever the pavements narrow or disappear.

Getting There

By car: Start your treasure hunt at Fosseway long stay car park near the Tesco superstore, off the A429 to the north of the town (GL54 1BX).

By public transport: Make your way to Fosseway long stay car park near the Tesco superstore, off the A429 to the north of the town, to begin the quest. The route loops back to Market Square and then returns to the old fountain near the start.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort-stop intel, Explorers: toilets are available in the High Street, just before Clue 03.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the adventure 🐾

The route includes town roads, the bustling area around Digbeth Street, a short section with no pavement as you emerge at the end of Fleece Alley, steps and churchyard and cemetery sections, so keep canine companions close and under control throughout the quest.

Food & Drink Stops

Musical treasure-hunting is hungry work, so there are handy chances to refuel along the way.

You'll find great places to get refreshments between Clues 04 and 10, around Clue 16 and again from Clues 21 to the end. There are great pub stops too, and if it's a nice day, think about taking a picnic.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold lies on the Roman Fosse Way and, at about 800 ft, is the highest town in the Cotswolds. It has been a centre for market trading for over 1,000 years, and many current buildings date back to the 17th century when Stow was an important Cotswold wool town. Once Iva Bocksful's trail of musical clues is complete, it's well worth slowing down and enjoying the town without having to interrogate every detail.

The Market Cross

The Market Cross dates back to the 15th century and was erected as a symbolic reminder to the traders of medieval times to deal honestly and fairly. Take a closer look at the side panels, which depict the Crucifixion, Edward the Confessor, the Civil War and the Wool Trade.

St Edwards Hall

St Edwards Hall stands in the centre of the market square and houses the library. It's a natural place to pause during your Market Square wander, especially once your Adventurers have stopped scanning every stone for signs of Iva's missing scores.

Church Street churchyard and cemetery

The Trail goes into the churchyard through the main gate and around the church, with a lychgate and memorial boards to read. The porch gates may be closed, but the next image can still be spotted, and there are headstones and dates to look for around the cemetery.