Every Christmas, my family and I escape the clamour of outer London to embrace family traditions in the Cotswolds. All gathered together, it’s a time for festive drinks by crackling fires, creating memories surrounded by the region’s stunning scenery.
As our family grows, accommodating everyone under one roof has become a challenge. So this year, some of us found refuge at The Stag in Stow, a traditional country pub with cosy rooms, located in the heart of the idyllic town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Staying away from the family home allowed us to mingle with our fellow travellers in the hotel bar. During a casual conversation with a seasonal tipple in hand, I learnt an interest fact that I had never before been aware of.
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An intriguing local secret, it transpires that Stow-on-the-Wold may have been a muse for J.R.R.Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The most quoted example can be found at St. Edward’s Church, with its door framed by ancient yew trees, reminiscent of the “Doors of Durin” from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring.’
The Tolkien Door of St Edwards Church in Stow on the Wold
(Image: Getty Images)
While there’s no concrete proof that Tolkien visited this church, the scene is strikingly similar to his fantastical descriptions. The author’s affection for the English landscape is well-known, and the Cotswolds’ undulating hills, medieval allure, and timeless nature could well have shaped his depiction of Middle-earth, reports the Mirror.
Historian and writer, Alice Loxton, took to TikTok to share a video of what she dubbed “one of the most famous doors in Britain.”
She also delved into the history of the renowned yew trees believed to be over 300 years old. The entire town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its medieval allure, vibrant market square, and historical significance, exudes a timeless quality that fans believe aligns perfectly with the ambiance of Tolkien’s epic works.
The Stag sits at the heart of the historic Cotswold town
(Image: Getty Images)
Despite my numerous visits to the Cotswolds in recent years, I was unaware of its magical connection to Middle Earth.
We visited just days before Christmas, finding the town transformed into a festive wonderland complete with Christmas markets, lights, and decorations.
The quaint streets of Stow on the Wold
(Image: Laura McKenna)
Immersing ourselves in the holiday spirit of this charming setting, we relished our walks through the streets, pausing for piping hot coffee in cosy cafes.
I contentedly meandered around the town’s famed Scott’s of Stow store, yearning for my own country idyll filled with exquisite china and posh-looking cushions, before joining the queue at The Cotswold Chocolate Company for some luxurious confectionery.
The famous floating tree in the nearby town of Bourton on the Water
(Image: Laura McKenna)
Being a short drive from another beautiful Cotswold town, we also made a quick trip to Bourton on the Water to see the famous floating Christmas tree and indulge in some last-minute shopping.
Laurie Lee’s Cider With Rosie is also thought to encapsulate the idyllic countryside spirit, despite being set in nearby Gloucestershire.