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The College Arms - Lower Quinton

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Cosy Cotswolds Inn

In recent years, the British country pub has been subject to a bit of a revolution. Farrow & Ball paints have been splashed willy-nilly over the walls, Molton Brown toiletries have been shipped in by the bucket-load and pub grub menus have been turned into culinary masterpieces – all in the desire for that luxury weekend-in-the-country experience. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not complaining, but how refreshing to find an old-fashioned inn that offers a cosy, comfy stay, but with its local’s pub atmosphere intact.

The College Arms, in the quiet Warwickshire village of Lower Quinton, is a stone-walled, fire-lit village pub, with real ales on tap, a hearty menu and plenty of local buzz. It just happens to have four airy and luxurious en-suite bedrooms upstairs that make it the perfect rural retreat for weary urbanites. All the rooms have big beds with lots of cushions, shiny bathrooms, great views and lots of period features and original beams that remind you where you are (especially if you’re on the tall side…)

The pub is a brilliant place to relax and unwind after a long walk in the stunning Cotswolds countryside, when a bowl full of The College Arms’ Spotted Dick is extremely welcome.

Where is it?

The village of Lower Quinton might seem in the middle of nowhere, but is perfectly placed for a day in the world-famous town of Stratford-upon-Avon, or exploring the gorgeous North Cotswolds. Stratford (or ‘Willy’s World’ as it was re-named on one memorable school trip), really needs no introduction. The birthplace of William Shakespeare, the home of British theatre, the site of the biggest American invasion in Europe since… well, ever, the list goes on. But get past those school trip flashbacks and this pretty market town, with 800 years of history under its belt, is there to be rediscovered – perfect for that cultural weekend away.

Of course, you can’t, and shouldn’t, ignore the influence of Mr Shakespeare. His birthplace (www.shakespeare.org.uk Tel: 01789 204 016), a pretty, timbered house in the centre of town, and his resting place, Holy Trinity Church (www.stratford-upon-avon.org) on the banks of the River Avon, together with the chocolate-boxey, thatched Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and gardens (www.shakespeare.org.uk Tel: 01789 292 100), where the young William wooed the love of his life, really are fascinating places to visit and are, essentially, the English version of Graceland. After that, you can take the Shakespeare theme as far as you can handle – it’s all there: The Falstaffs Experience (www.falstaffsexperience.co.uk Tel: 0870 3502770), a haunted museum in the ancient inn supposedly the inspiration for one of Shakespeare’s most famous characters; countless walking tours (try www.stratfordtownwalk.co.uk Tel: 01789 292478 for some of the best) and open-top bus tours, and of course, Shakespearience (www.shakespearience.co.uk Tel: 01789 290111), an hourly show that cleverly recreates the lives of Mr S and some of his best-loved characters.

But the best way to appreciate the impact that Stratford and its most famous son has had on our history (and the phrase “it’s what he would have wanted” suddenly springs to mind), is to watch some of his greatest works performed by the best actors around. The world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company is based at Stratford, and while their Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres are undergoing a transformation until 2010, the new 1000-seater Courtyard Theatre is still a tremendous place to see Shakespeare performed where it belongs (not to mention a vibrant repertoire of more modern works). For a full guide to what’s going on and to book tickets, contact the RSC (www.rsc.org.uk Tel: 01789 403444).

In the middle of summer, Stratford can get a little too buzzy, and so the tranquil location of Lower Quinton and The College Arms may be infinitely preferable. Walkers and cyclists will think they’ve died and gone to heaven, with miles and miles of gentle, rolling hills, country lanes and picture-book villages to explore. The 103-mile Cotswold Way, which starts at nearby Chipping Campden, might be a little much for a weekend stroll, but there’s plenty of other trails, paths and walking routes right on The College Arms’ doorstep. A lovely 9-mile walk around Meon Hill, taking in the villages of Ilmington and Mickleton starts and ends at Lower Quinton, so you can kiss the car goodbyem, for a day at least. For adventures on two wheels, Cotswold Country Cycles (www.cotswoldcountrycycles.com Tel: 01386 438706), just outside Chipping Campden, hires bikes and advises on good bicycling routes in the area.

The beautiful market town of Chipping Campden, just 6 miles south of Lower Quinton, is a must-visit in itself, with its instantly recognisable stone and half-timbered buildings, specialist shops, delis and cafes. Perfect for whiling a lazy day away, it’s just one of many stunning Cotswold highlights. For a full guide to what to see, where to visit and the best places to eat in the area, read The Weekenders Guide to The Cotswolds.

Where can I eat?

The College Arms is perfect for a delicious pub grub fest, but if you fancy an alternative, there are plenty of other great eating options in the area. Stratford offers a plethora of restaurants, although the quality can vary. One town centre restaurant that guarantees a great meal is The One Elm (www.oneelmstratford.co.uk Tel: 01789 404919), a way-above-average gastro-pub that holds Raymond Blanc amongst its many fans. The menus are full of up-dated and vibrant versions of hearty pub grub, made with uber-fresh, local and seasonal produce. A brilliant deli-board (made up of cheeses, charcuterie, fish and Indian mini-dishes, all at £1.60 an item) makes for a fab platter to share for lunch, or the perfect starter.

If you’d rather stay in the countryside, however, the lovely Howard Arms (www.howardarms.com Tel: 01608 682226) in the pretty village of Ilmington, 4 miles from Lower Quinton, is a welcome breath of fresh air. Regularly changing menus offer exciting, fresh takes on British classics, plus truly amazing puddings, which have rightly earned The Howard Arms the moniker of UK Dining Pub of the Year. Chipping Campden also has some great restaurants. The Kings (www.kingscampden.co.uk Tel: 01386 840256) serves up vibrant and modern British dishes, including fantastic seafood shipped direct from Brixham Harbour, while the lovely Churchill Arms (www.thechurchillarms.com Tel: 01386 59400) in the nearby village of Paxford, offers a fresh, uncomplicated menu that has locals and foodie critics flocking.

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A stone-walled, fire-lit village pub, with real ales on tap, a hearty menu and plenty of local buzz. The College Arms just happens to have four airy and luxurious en-suite bedrooms upstairs that make it the perfect rural retreat for weary urbanites.