The Kings Head Inn, Oxfordshire

Overview

With its honey-coloured stone, quaint village green and babbling brook, this quintessential 16th-century former cider house is the personification of rural Cotswold charm. Alongside its pretty exterior, its rustic interior boasts flagstone floors, low-hanging beams and roaring fires, making this the perfect bolthole for a reviving rural break.

Its fabulous restaurant means it's a sought-after foodie destination too, serving honest British food within historically authentic rooms. Pictures of country pursuits and a mounted antler or two reflect what the food is all about - unpretentious, British-inspired dishes with the focus on seasonality and traditional flavours. With flourishing borders, a handsome water feature, pergola and large round tables, the paved patio garden is the place to be in the summer months.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £100

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

A touch of culture
From the majestic Blenheim palace to Compton Verney and Hidcote Manor, there are plenty of country piles in the area to explore and inspire.

Quiet romance
The inn's quintessential Cotswold charm makes it the perfect destination for a quiet weekend getaway for two.

Outdoor adventures
The Cotswolds are a walkers paradise - the 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail takes in some of the best scenery the region has to offer.

No car needed
Kingham Railway Station is only a couple of miles away from Bledington, and with plenty of walking on the doorstep, it's easy to explore the local area by foot.

Rooms

Guests have two choices when it comes to bagging one of the twelve bedrooms - above the pub or in the adjacent Courtyard building. Wherever you choose to lay your head, expect a stylish space with patterned wallpaper, luxurious fabrics, scatter cushions and chic furniture adding thoughtful decorative touches. Rooms in the Courtyard are roomier, whilst those in the eaves of the pub boast low beams and views over the village green.

Bathrooms are contemporary and feature rain showers over the bathtubs. If you're in the mood for a bit of pampering, the staff are happy to oblige by arranging a trip to Witney Lakes Spa and Country Club just down the road. Take your time and plan your day over a sumptuous breakfast - perhaps Paddock Farm's award-winning sausage or scrambled Upton duck eggs and smoked salmon.

Restaurant & bar

The restaurant's main menu combines much-loved pub classics with more refined fare with the overrall focus on hearty and soulful cooking. A starter of potted shrimps might be followed by classic fish and chips or truffle macaroni cheese; or indulge in one of their delectable desserts. Sunday roasts are a classic affair - and the joints of beef, pork or lamb, served on a carving board and designed to be shared amongst friends, come highly recommended.

Eating outdoors is a great option in the summer months, either out front by the village green or on the smart paved terrace with its neat planting and pergola. At the bar, there's plenty of guest ales on the pumps, ranging from regional micro-breweries to local favourites. Why not start your evening with a passionfruit and Chambord Bellini - a very civilized way to get the ball rolling.

Things to do

Lovers of history and country houses can explore plenty of options in the local area. Nearby Compton Verney is a Grade I-listed residence which dates back 300 years, and was later remodelled with the interiors designed by Robert Adam, is a popular venue for international art exhibitions. There are many examples of British folk art and six permanent collections at the house.

Horticulturists can explore stunning Hidcote Manor Gardens, one of the country's greatest gardens full of rare shrubs, trees and unusual plants from all over the world. Potter around the beautiful herbaceous borders and enjoy superb views across the Vale of Evesham from the garden.

You're a thirty-minute drive from the magnificent Blenheim Palace here, one of the country's most impressive stately homes and birth-place of Winston Churchill was born. A new Winston Churchill Memorial Garden and Footsteps Trail opened in 2015, taking visitors on a journey through the key achievements in the great statesman's extraordinary life and his early years in this area.