Fancy a cosy Cotswold Pub for a good lunch?
As a Cheltenham-based cashmere brand, nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, Arkell & Wills draws inspiration from the region's natural beauty. We understand the allure of a refreshing country walk followed by a well-deserved pub lunch after a busy week. The Cotswolds boasts some of the country's most picturesque landscapes, breath-taking views, and beautiful walks. Each area of the Cotswolds offers its own unique character, but we believe that to really see the changing beauty of this region throughout the seasons, it is best explored on the numerous walks and trails.
Find a wonderful Cotswold walk and here we have chosen some of our favourite lunch spots to share with you.
The Wheatsheaf Inn - Northleach
This beautiful historic coaching inn has been the heart of the village since the 17th century. There are 14 stylish boutique bedrooms, in calming neutral tones with a mix of funky wall papers giving each room a contempt twist. Ingredients are locally sourced, and menus change seasonally, and there is a fantastic selection of ales and wines. It is both dog- and family-friendly which makes it the perfect place to start, finish or drop in mid-walk. There are many walks from here which have stunning views of the countryside, including The Diamond Way, and there is also the National Trust's Lodge Park close by, where you can immerse yourself in history exploring its fabulous grandstand, historic collections, and deer park.
The White Heart Inn - Winchcombe
This charming hotel, restaurant and bar is located in the centre of the historic town of Winchcombe. Serving delicious lunches and dinners the food is locally sourced, alongside some wonderful drink options. Winchcombe is the perfect base for avid walkers with local attractions nearby including the wonderful Winchcombe Abbey and Sudeley Castle and Gardens. Winchcombe Abbey was originally built by Kenuf, King of Mercia, at the beginning of the 9th Century with accommodation for 300 people including monks and servants. In its heyday, Winchcombe abbey owned more than 25,000 acres of land.
There are several long walking trails, including parts of The Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way, giving plenty of walk options.
Perfectly located on the Cotswold Way, the Swan Inn is a great location to start or finish your walk. Situated on the green in the popular and picturesque tourist town of Broadway, the Swan offers a wonderful menu of seasonal food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a good selection of local ales. The outdoor terrace area ids the perfect place to take in the atmosphere of the summer festivals and concert nights that are held regularly through the Summer.
The Cotswold Way is a long-distance walk that runs for 102 miles in total, following the western Cotswold hills. You will drink in stunning scenery and pass through some of the quaintest Cotswold towns and villages, even if you just explore part of it.
The Mousetrap Inn - Bourton-on-the-Water
This 19th Century Inn is charming, characterful, and traditional, and is situated in the beautiful location of Bourton-on-the-Water, a very popular and quintessentially scenic Cotswold town. The Mouse trap has a warm friendly relaxing atmosphere and offers some cosy rooms for the night. Surrounded by many walking options including The Oxford Way, you are perfectly located to really take in the gorgeous countryside. The restaurant offers a good selection of home cooked food with something for everyone.
The Plough Inn - Ford
Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Plough offers a selection of pub classics and seasonal food and is also known for the excellent selection of real ales on offer. There are many countryside walks from this location, with wonderful scenic views. The pub also has strong connections to the local horse racing community; just across the road is the home of Jonjo O’Neil's racing stables. Both dog- and family-friendly, the Plough Inn is a perfect spot for a long lunch after a walk.
This 16th century pub/hotel has 28 boutique rooms along with a wonderful bar and restaurant, renowned for serving fresh seasonal dishes prepared with a mix of locally sourced ingredients. There is a fabulous large outdoor terrace which is just perfect for lazing with long drinks on those warmer days. There are several circular walks from here which take in the Colyn Valley and Withington, with some of the prettiest Cotswold villages along the way.