The Fleece, Oxfordshire

Overview

The Witney outpost of the small and independent Peach Pub Company is a handsome 10-bedroomed inn overlooking the beautiful Church Green in this classic market town.

Flanked by gorgeous Georgian houses and making the most of its swanky location with tables on the green for summer alfresco drinking, The Fleece has proved a hit among Witney residents for its chic décor, laid-back atmosphere and Continental-style opening time of 7.30am (8am weekends) for coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

Expect a unique and stylish atmosphere, think leather sofas around low tables, fresh flowers and fat candles, and mirrors and modern artwork on warm, earthy coloured walls; as well as a lively, buzzy atmosphere throughout. Arrive early to bag one of the sought-after pavement tables that overlook the attractive village green, the parish church and surrounding Georgian houses.

Rooms from

10 doubles: £95

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Parking available
No dogs overnight

Town and city
Enjoy exploring the historic market town of Whitney and the charming villages found in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

Family favourite
The relaxing and informal vibe extends to a warm welcome to families with half portions or simplified versions of the dishes available. Extra beds are available, too.

No car needed
A 15-minute taxi ride from Long Hanborough and in the centre of Cotswolds walking country, cars can be left at home when visiting The Fleece.

Rooms

Ten bedrooms are split between the inn and the adjoining cottage; all have been stylishly refurbished, so expect contemporary decor and newly tiled bathrooms with rain showers and posh Damana toiletries.

Rooms range from cosy to premium doubles and the spacious four-poster (the best in the house) - you'll find deep armchairs, classy throws on big, comfortable beds, quirky motif wall coverings, and modern lamps and mirrors. Front rooms overlook the attractive town green and the inn provides a peaceful base for both the business and leisure traveller, offering great value and proximity the charming villages and rolling landscape of the Cotswolds.

Restaurant & bar

Good modern food is served throughout the day, so you can pop in to peruse the papers, order a pint of Abbot Ale or one of 14 decent wines by the glass and tuck into a few delicious deli-plates.

Alternatively, go for Jimmy Butler's roast pork roll (best eaten with chips), beef scrumpet with wholegrain mustard mayonnaise, fish and chips or a dry-aged rib-eye steak (grass-fed beef from Aubrey Allen) with chunky chips and peppercorn sauce. Daily specials feature market fish, perhaps whole baked plaice, and you can expect fresh, seasonal produce, including free range and fully traceable meats. To finish, try the apple tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream or opt for selection of artisan cheeses.

Expect a mind-boggling choice of drinks from delicious cocktails, a raft of gins and wines, as well as interesting alcohol-free cocktails.

Things to do

This is an amazing cycling spot, with the Oxfordshire Cycle Way running near Witney. Follow one of the many enjoyable cycle rides along quiet lanes and off-road stretches through the region. For something a bit different, try a combination of bike and train, using the nearby Cotswold Line. A string of local stations enables you to use the service on a hop-on, hop-off basis. If you get the chance, call at Kingham, which is served by the Cotswold Line and was once judged 'England's Favourite Village' by Country Life.

You're not far from Blenheim Palace here - one of Britain's largest and most famous stately homes which offers a host of treasures to discover. There are guided tours of the staterooms and a chance to explore the estate's sumptuous parkland - not to be missed for art lovers and history buffs alike!

For those wanting some time on the water, Cotswold Water Park between Cirencester and Swindon offers windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. Or, spend the day horseriding at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre, which offers scenic rides around Bourton-on-the-Water and the picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, with good-natured horses and expert tuition.