Brilliant Bookshops: Borzoi Bookshop

Ask anyone to name a place in the Cotswolds and Stow-on-the-Wold is sure to be high on the list. Jane Austen visited twice and between 1923 and 1932 J M Barrie, author of ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ used to spend his summers at Stanway House. ‘The Kings Arms’ on the market square hosted King Charles I before the Battle of Naseby in 1645 and just one mile north of the town, the last battle of the English Civil War took place in the early morning of 21st March 1646. It is also home to the rather wonderful Cotswold Sweet Company whose fudge is delicious!

The Borzoi Bookshop has been a feature of the town since the 1970s, the name coming from the original owners’ two Borzoi dogs. Taken over by a new owner in 2021, dogs seem to be an integral part of the shop as we were greeted by this gorgeous fluff-bundle on our visit a couple of months ago.

The shop is a lovely calm space, cleverly divided into different areas, but managing to retain an uncluttered feeling. There is a fantastic range of books on offer, including a joyous children’s section bursting with firm favourites. An interesting selection of cards, wrapping paper and stationary is also available, with something for everyone and every occasion.

This is definitely a bookshop- and a town - worth visiting again and again. With its warm (and woofy!) welcome and excellent stock, Borzoi Books is a real gem!

1 Digbeth St,

Stow-on-the-Wold

GL54 1BN