About
Chartered by Edward IV in 1476 and continuously held on Maugersbury Road above Stow-on-the-Wold, the twice-yearly Stow Horse Fair is the largest and oldest gathering of the UK's Romani and Traveller communities. The spring fair takes place on the Thursday nearest 12 May — Thursday 13 May 2027 (dates derived from the annual pattern; confirm with the fair organisers).
Horses of all sizes — from mountain ponies to trotting cobs — change hands on the field, and the market spreads to stalls selling harness, art, china and vintage collectables. It's the town's biggest day of the year, but not one for everyone: the fair has its own atmosphere and code, and Stow's shops and pubs run reduced hours during the two days either side.
Free to attend; the town has extra park-and-ride options during fair days.
In Stow-on-the-Wold
A handsome wool town atop an 800-foot hill, ringed by antique shops, coaching inns and the famous yew-flanked church door.
Read the Stow-on-the-Wold guide →