Every Christmas, we leave the busy life of London and journey to the Cotswolds to visit family. Our annual tradition is spent enjoying chilled drinks by roaring fireplaces, surrounded by the region’s stunning scenery.
The ever-growing family makes it challenging for everyone to stay in the same house, so some of us find refuge at The Stag in Stow, a cosy pub with rooms in the heart of picturesque Stow-on-the-Wold.
Away from the family home, we had the opportunity to meet other guests, and it was during a bar conversation that I stumbled upon a delightful revelation. It turns out, Stow-on-the-Wold may have played muse to parts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’. A noticeable link is St. Edward’s Church, with its ancient yew trees embracing the north door which echoes the “Doors of Durin” from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’, reports the Mirror.
While there’s no conclusive proof of Tolkien visiting, the visual resemblance is uncanny. Tolkien’s love for the English countryside is well-documented, and it’s plausible that the timeless allure of the Cotswolds, with its sweeping landscapes and medieval flair, fed into his creation of Middle-earth, especially the Shire.
Historian and writer, Alice Loxton, took to TikTok to share a video of what she calls ‘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, bustling market square, and historical significance, exudes a timeless quality that fans believe aligns perfectly with the ambiance of Tolkien’s epic works.
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.
Immersing ourselves in the holiday spirit in this charming setting, we enjoyed wandering the streets and pausing for hot coffee in cosy cafes. I spent a delightful time browsing the town’s famous Scott’s of Stow store, yearning for my own country idyll filled with exquisite china and posh cushions, before joining the queue at The Cotswold Chocolate Company for some luxury sweets.
Being a short drive from another beautiful Cotswold town, we also made a quick trip to Bourton on the Water.