St Edward's Church

Church is beautiful from inside. Its famous for its north door, its just like out of a fairy tale! So pretty. You will need to find a parking spot on street nearby and then walk to the church. Enter through the main entrance and walk towards the north gate.

During my visit to Stow-on-the-Wold, I had the pleasure of experiencing the serene beauty of St Edward's Church. What caught my fascination the most was the almost mythical hidden door at the back of the church, a true gem for tourists and photography enthusiasts alike. It's beautifully framed by ancient trees and has this enchanting quality that makes you feel like you've stepped straight into a fairy tale.

A superb historical church , combination of the old church and the new. Dates back to the 6th century. In that historical town Stow on the Wold. It's definitely worth visiting, something for everyone. Lovely shops, history, the oldest inn in UK , delicious meals in the King's Arms (and lots of other places to eat, it's just that was where we went, especially as they accept dogs).

Church doors that inspired tolkiens Doors of Durin
Speak friend and enter

Middle earth, a place I've never visited, but a place I'm homesick for

We checked out St. Edwards due to the side door being wonderful with the trees growing up along side of it. We also wanted to see the grounds and the beautiful stained glass. One word of caution, getting pictures from the door can be a challenge if there are a number of people there. Be respectful of the cemetery which is directly outside of the door.

Ancient church, very well maintained. The best part is the door between the two trees at the back of the church.

There is plenty of parking space around the church. We visited on a Sunday evening and it was all free. Like the surrounding area, the parish church of St Edward is of medieval origins and there is evidence to suggest that there has been a holy temple on this site since 708 AD.

There have been quite a few debates as to which Edward the church was built for.

Some say it was a local hermit of Stow hill called Edward whilst others say it was the Saxon King Edward, son of Alfred the Great. However, most have settled on it being built in honour of Edward the Confessor.

Although not much remains of the original Norman building, the stone church dates back to the 13th century with the tower being built in the 14th.

St Edwards Church Gloucestershire
During the Battle of Stow in the early years of the English Civil War, Parliamentarians sacked the town and held many Royalist prisoners inside the church!

This is due to the monks of Evesham who used to own the land at that time. But, a church has been historically recorded here since around 986 AD. The chapel was built from the riches of Stow’s prosperous wool trade from their Cotswolds ‘lion’ sheep.

Look out for the magic door with the oil lantern hanging on top of it!

A lovely church in a gorgeous little town. We visited as part of a trip searching for sights that are said to have inspired JRR Tolkien whilst writing Lord of the Rings, st Edwards door is said to be in inspiration for the Door of Durin at Moria entrance to the city of Khazad-dum. We looked around the grounds then went on into the town. We had a lovely time here lots of lovely shops and places to grab a drink or ice cream.

Great little church, beautiful and unique gate with large trees grown right in front of it.

Unfortunately it is closed until April 2023 for renovations so I couldn't walk in.

The grounds are very well kept and serene.

IF YOU ARE A TOLKIEN FAN THIS IS A MUST-SEE PLACE! absolutely stunning church in the quaint village of Stowe. I would love to get married here!

A legend-like entrance to the church in the town with the buildings dated in 986 AD

This church is well worth the visit. And do take the time to read the information about the church inside. The chief draw for us this visit was to see the ancient yew trees surrounding the entryway. These are reputed to be the inspiration for the west-gate of Moria.

Great little church in the middle of stow-on-the-world. There is a door outside with two yew trees growing up that is very popular for photo shoots and you’ll see a constant stream of instagrammers coming to have their photo taken there. Inside looks quite ancient with interesting inscriptions everywhere and stained glass windows. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Come for the Yew trees and linger for the history and a prayer. Unfortunately, no services this month to attend but at least the church is open to visitors. Not to be missed if you find yourself in Stow-on-the-Wold.

If you love Lord of the rings and JRR Tolkien, then you should stop here and see the door that inspired the entrance into moria. Lovely church ground and town as well, plenty of good places to eat.

Typically not busy at all. Should be able to walk up and ponder the creative mind of Tolkien :)

Wonderful day ,sunny. The Church from outside locked magical.

worth a visit if you're in the area.

There are rumors that this church may have been an inspiration for Tolkien when writing the Lord of the Rings books series and many of the locals will agree with the lore. I'm not sure about that but regardless, it is a very beautiful old church and the door is quite distinctive.

It’s a very cute door .

Visited on Easter time wasn't good choice because lots of people crowd to have picture next to famous door
Church looks nice inside and outside