8 Quintessential Cotswold pubs within striking distance of Badminton Horse Trials

PUBLISHED: 15:40 07 May 2015 | UPDATED: 16:42 07 May 2015

Cross Hands Hotel

Archant

The White Hart

The White Hart
Ford, Chippenham SN14 8RP
For those staying near Chippenham this traditional pub offers premium lagers, real ales and delicious cider and serves simple, wholesome, flavoursome, homely food. If the weather is good there is a large beer garden in which to relax after a day on your feet.

The Old House at Home

Burton, Castle Combe SN14 7LT

Possibly the nearest pub to the Trials at just 2 miles away, this charming 17th century ivy-clad inn is full of historic character, furnished with oak panelling, en fires and flagstone floors. It has been given five stars by the AA which says “Dinner here should not be missed, with a varied selection of carefully prepared ingredients used in the dishes, including the daily specials.”

The Old House at Home

Bodkin House Hotel

Petty France, Badminton, GL9 1AF

Just three miles from Badminton, The Bodkin is definitely worth a visit, particularly if the sun is shining as there are extensive gardens, a sun deck and children’s play area. Inside the Bodkin bar is full of character with an inglenook fireplace, flag stone floors and period oak panelling. They serve real ales, locally produced cider and a wide range of single malts.

Bodkin House Hotel

The Holford Arms

Knockdown, Tetbury,GL8 8QY

To celebrate Badminton Horse Trials the Holford Arms, are holding their annual Badminton Rocks Party on the Friday night. New band The Atacama Roses will be playing and there is a DJ until 2am in the marquee, along with a delicious hog roast, fire pit and shots bar. On the Saturday it’s the turn of the The Casablancan’s Rock + Roll Party. Tickets are £15 for the whole weekend.

The Kings Arms

The Street, Didmarton, Badminton, GL9 1DT

Situated almost five miles away from Badminton Horse Trials, The Kings Arms is a beautifully restored Grade I listed 17th century coaching inn that sits on the edge of the Badminton Estate and used to be owned by the Beaufort family. And you don’t need to leave the dog in the car as dogs are allowed in.

Their seasonal menu is made up locally sourced produce, including game which comes direct from the neighbouring country,– including Badminton venison.

The Bell at Old Sodbury

Badminton Road, Old Sodbury BS37 6LL

Situated 5½ miles away from Badminton Horse Trials on the edge of Chipping Sodbury this 18th century pub is full of character and charm with roaring fires in the winter. There is a good selection of real ales, wines and ciders, and you can either eat in the restaurant or the bar.

Crown Inn at Tolldown

Tolldown, Dyrham SN14 8HZ

A quintessential character-filled traditional pub, just 6 miles from Badminton. If the weather is good visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink/meal outside on the patio seating and small garden, while if the weather turns there are two fires to warm and dry you after a day at the Trials.

Cross Hands Hotel

Tetbury Road, Old Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6RJ

Another one near to the Trials is the 14th century former posting house Cross Hands Hotel at just 3 miles away. The charming, oak-beamed aptly named Beaufort Bar has traditional ales, tasty bar food and an open fireplace. And if you do pop in you are in good company as The Queen once sheltered here during a blizzard in 1981..