The hidden market town in the Cotswolds with 'magical golden trees' in autumn

The UK is home to many stunning market towns. Some sit along rivers, while others are surrounded by hills. And for anyone who loves a hilly landscape, there's probably no better place to go than the Cotswolds. The area is famous for its incredible views and some of the prettiest market towns in England.

However, many of them get bombarded with tourists all year round. Luckily, there's one hidden gem that many people often miss. It's especially worth visiting it in autumn, when the trees turn golden and the air feels fresh.

The town is called Stow-on-the-Wold, and it's one of the highest towns in the Cotswolds.

At 800 feet above sea level, it has everything from peaceful countryside views and cosy pubs to quiet streets filled with falling leaves.

Travel experts at Ski Vertigo describe it as the perfect place to slow down before winter.

A spokesperson said: "There's something special about visiting Stow in autumn. The air is crisp, the hills glow with amber light, and the town feels timeless. It's a place where you can stop for tea, watch the leaves fall, and forget about the rush of everyday life."

The town centres around a large Market Square, which is now home to antique shops, tearooms, art galleries and boutiques. It was once a busy wool trading hub, but now offers a much slower pace.

Plenty of TripAdvisor reviews say the town is particularly beautiful in autumn. One visitor wrote: "There are golden trees everywhere and they are magical. It felt like walking through a painting."

Another added: "We came in October and the colours were incredible. Every street looked like a postcard."

When it comes to highlights, a must-see is St Edward's Church, which has a unique doorway framed by two ancient yew trees. It's widely believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

Other local highlights include the Cotswold Cricket Museum, nearby Chastleton House, and scenic walks to Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter.

After exploring, many visitors stop at The Porch House, believed to be England's oldest inn, for a Sunday roast or local ale. The Bell at Stow is another popular spot that serves hearty pub meals in a relaxed setting.

Top things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold:

• Browse antique shops and cafés around Market Square
• Visit St Edward's Church and its yew-framed doorway
• Walk to nearby villages through the countryside
• Explore the local museums and historic houses
• Enjoy tea, roast dinners or drinks by the fire in a local inn

Autumn is also when the Stow Horse Fair takes place, with traders and travellers gathering in October. The town also hosts craft markets, Christmas events and a summer music festival.

It's easy to reach from London in about two hours by car, or by train to Moreton-in-Marsh followed by a short taxi ride. Return train tickets start from around £35 to £40, and meals cost between £15 and £25 per person.

Hotels and B&Bs typically range from £90 to £150 per night, depending on the season.