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Fleece

There's always something going on at this medieval pub, from the yearly asparagus festival to folk sessions, morris dancing and vintage car gatherings. Bequeathed to the National Trust in 1977, it draws curious visitors and loyal locals. The fine country rooms include a great oak dresser holding a priceless 48-piece set of Stuart pewter, two grandfather clocks, ancient kitchen chairs, curved high-backed settles, a rocking chair and a rack of heavy pointed iron shafts, probably for spit roasting in one of the huge inglenook fireplaces; two other log fires. Once a farm, it belonged to same family for 500 years and many of these furnishings are original heirlooms. As well as massive beams and exposed timbers, there are worn and crazed flagstones (scored with marks to keep out demons) and plenty of oddities such as a great cheese press and set of cheese moulds and a rare dough-proving table; a leaflet details the more bizarre items. Purity Mad Goose, Uley Pigs Ear and Wye Valley Bitter with guests such as North Cotswold Moreton Mild and Wychwood Hobgoblin on handpump, nine wines by the glass, a similar number of malt whiskies and four farm ciders ' including Ark cider made with their own orchard's apples; board games. The lawn, with fruit trees around a beautifully restored thatched and timbered barn, is a lovely place to sit, and there are more picnic-sets and a stone pump-trough in the front courtyard. Accommodation includes one room in the inn, a bow-topped caravan and a self-catering cottage.