The Howard Arms

About

The Howard Arms nestles in the peaceful village of Ilmington, just 8 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon. Built about the same time as Shakespeare wrote King Lear, little has changed since. A lovely country inn with original fixtures and fittings, flagstones, heavy beams, mellow stone walls and a huge crackling fire. Roses ramble outside, and in summer the pretty garden is open for eating.

An elegant dining room floods with light courtesy of fine arched windows that overlook the Green. The bar is lively and stocked with fine ales and good wine. Award-winning head chef Gareth creates exciting surprises alongside classic favourites such as fish and chips and liver and bacon. Puddings are irresistible.

8 newly refurbished bedrooms in the main house have a charming old-world feel, some with four-poster beds, antique furniture and specially chosen paintings. Garden rooms are extra large and more contemporary. All are different but each exudes comfort and luxury  with excellent en-suite bathrooms.

If you enjoy sightseeing, there are plenty of beautiful Cotswolds villages and towns to choose from, the famous gardens of Hidcote and Kiftsgate, Batsford’s Falconry Centre, Warwick Castle (brilliant for children), as well as miles of countryside to walk in, cycle through and explore.

Plan an evening at Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Company. And if you don’t fancy any of that you can just eat, drink and relax at the Howard Arms.

Dogs are welcome in the bar area.