THERE are some pretty unusual tourist attractions in the UK, most of which have ended up popular spots by pure accident – including a door in the Cotswolds.
Often thought to be the most photographed door in the UK, it can be found at the north porch of St. Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold.
The wooden door looks like it has been ripped directly from the pages of a fairytale and many believe that it inspired J.R.R Tolkein’s Doors of Durin, west gate of Moria.
It is made from a dark wood and has studded panels, with an old oil lamp hanging above.
The door is relatively small as well, and is bookended by two tree trunks.
Tolkien often visited the area during his time at Oxford University, but the claims that the door inspired him have never been verified.
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The porch where the door is found was built around 300 years ago, and thanks to the rumour it inspired Tolkien and its two yew trees that have essentially become part of the porch, it is one of the most photographed doors in the UK.
But the rest of Stow-on-the-Wold is definitely worth exploring as well, having been named one of the prettiest towns in the country by travel experts SnapTrip.
As you wander around the village, you will see many honey-coloured stone houses and shops that the Cotswolds is famous for.
In the heart of the village is Market Square, which has been hosting markets since 1107.
In fact, when Stow was popular for its wool trade, over 20,000 sheep changed hands here.
If you happen to visit on the second Thursday of the month, you will find the Stow Farmers’ Market here, with fresh produce including breads, meats and cheeses.
The Market Square is then surrounded by a number of independent shops.
For example, you could pick up some new paintbrushes and sketchpads in Cotswold Art Supplies or pick up something to read from Borzoi Bookshop, which has been in Stow for over 40 years.
From the village, visitors can head off on a number of walks into the Cotswolds countryside or to other villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water.
Another option is to head off on the Heart of England Way Stow Circular, which is a 3.7 mile circular walking route that takes around 90 minutes to walk.
Once you’re peckish, head to Lucy’s Tearoom for a Stow afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, cream and jam, cake, and either tea or coffee, costing £18.50 per person.
Or for a pint, head to The Queen‘s Head, which sits in the village square and serves a good range of ales.
There’s also The Porch House, which claims to be England‘s oldest inn and has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records.
It dates back to 947 AD and features stones with ‘witch marks’ to protect against evil.
Mains at the inn include mushroom and chestnut pie for £18.95 or wagyu burger for £19.95.
You can also stay in one of 13 bedrooms at The Porch House, costing from £110 per night.
Alternatively, you could head to The Old Stocks Inn, which is located inside a 17th century coaching inn next to the village green.
The inn is formed of three terraced houses which have been combined, and inside the interiors feature a Scandinavian style.
It costs from £150 per night to stay at.
It’s no surprise that this pretty village is also popular with celebrities.
In 2015, the Beckhams planned to buy a house in the area; however, they chose a different property in Great Tew, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Actress Kate Winslet is also believed to own a cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold.
For more Cotswolds travel inspiration, there is a stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.
Plus, the pretty English town called the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’ has 918-year-old castle and historic lido.