It's not a very well known fact that the source of the River Thames is in the Cotswolds. As the river slowly flows on to London, it leads through some of the most beautiful and historic countryside in England.
One such wonderfully peaceful setting is Tadpole Bridge, a River Thames crossing point near the Oxfordshire village of Bampton, 20 minutes from the centre of Oxford.
Here, you'll find the Trout, an unusual, historic Inn, located by the Thames Path. A Free House with just six bedrooms, the Trout is a destination in its own right, with riverside walks and berthing for up to six boats – a real 'escape from it all' location. It's handy for the nearby Vale of the White Horse and Cotswold gems such as William Morris's Kelmscott Manor.
Features such as log fires, superior bedrooms, cask ales and careful use of the best local ingredients have won The Trout at Tadpole Bridge; AA Pub of the Year, Good pub guide Oxfordshire dining pub of the year and voted one of the top 20 gourmet inns by The Observer. The Trout Inn is also listed in Alistair Sawdays Specials Places to Stay, The Good Hotel Guide, The Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide.