The George Townhouse, Warwickshire

Overview

Positioned mid-way between the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, the charming small town of Shipston-on-Stour is home to this striking 18th-century pub with rooms - it's the ideal base for exploring Shakespeare's birthplace and the rolling Cotswolds landscape.

Featuring a modern, quirky style with contemporary bedrooms, the High Street's tallest building opens up to reveal a spacious bar and warren of snug dining rooms that beckon in locals and out-of-towners alike.

Expect oak flooring, bold painted panelled walls, upholstered wall benches and leather sofas, trendy light fittings and wall coverings, and an eclectic mix of stools and chairs at rustic tables. The décor is fun and the place has a casual, elegant feel, which extends upstairs to the bedrooms. With seasonal menus and a great bar, enjoy the packed music schedule that the pub offers or explore the local area knowing that you have the perfect home-away-from-home to return to.

Rooms from

Doubles: £100

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Alfresco & private dining
Parking available
Dog stay: £20

Outdoor adventures
Despite being in the heart of Shipston-on-Stour, you're just a short drive from the Cotswolds for excellent cycling and walking.

Family favourite
Expect a big welcome for families, with a kid's menu and plenty of options to facilitate a comfy overnight stay.

A touch of culture
Being so close to Stratford-upon-Avon, there's plenty nearby to keep Shakespeare fans occupied.

Rooms

A mix of Cosy, Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms, as well as a vast Suite, ramble across the three floors and make the most of the Georgian period features.

Stylishly refurbished, the rooms ooze home comforts and detailed touches, whether you're in a small, cosy room or you have splashed out on one of Deluxe Plus rooms. Two rooms have period bow windows that overlook the High Street. Expect soothing heritage hues on part-panelled walls, king-size Feather & Black beds topped with colourful throws and cushions, and smart tiled bathrooms. Extra touches include Nespresso machines, 26-inch Freeview televisions, homemade biscuits and Temple Spa toiletries.

For the wow factor, pick The Loft Suite with its vaulted ceiling, painted beams, a vast sleigh bed, a seating area with upholstered chairs and a big bathroom with roll-top tub. Wake up to a fantastic breakfast spread in the Garden Room - take your pick from a Full English, eggs Benedict or buttermilk pancakes.

Restaurant & bar

Passionate about sourcing local seasonal ingredients and cooking fresh fish, the modern British menu suits the informal atmosphere of the inn.

Tasty pub classics combine with more innovative dishes and specials - opt for the house special of pan-fried hake or indulge in the Townhouse burger. Roasts are a serious business here with Todenham Farm pork or Lighthorne lamb served with Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese.

Attention to detail extends to the bar and the excellent drinks offering for locals and guests. If gin is your tipple, then you have ten to choose from - Cotswold Gin is distilled four miles away using lavender botanicals, all perfect with Double Dutch Tonic. Look to the chalkboard for the list of pre-dinner cocktails or peruse the carefully curated global wine list includes some of the top Chateaux in Bordeaux.

Things to do

The birthplace of our most celebrated playwright, Stratford-upon-Avon is a wonderful town for Shakespeare fans to explore. Take in a production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or go on the Shakespeare Walking Trail, which explores his birthplace in the town: a wonderful half-timbered property, New Place/Nash's House in Chapel Street, Halls Croft in Old Town, Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Shottery, and Mary Arden's House in nearby Wilmcote.

There are plenty of National Trust properties in the local area, including Chastleton House and Garden near Moreton-in-Marsh. Built by a local wool merchant in the early 17th century, the house is a fine Jacobean mansion with a striking south front.

For those looking for something a little more active, why not have a go at archery? Deep in the Cotswolds, at the beautiful Batsford Arboretum, you'll find Cotswold Archery, a dedicated archery range. There is a wide choice of bows to use and expert tutors are always on hand. Or, take to the skies and enjoy a hot air balloon ride, starting at Stratford-upon-Avon's Racecourse. This is a great way to see the glorious landscape of Shakespeare Country, with Cotswold-stone villages and a vast patchwork of fields and hedgerows stretching to the distant horizon.