BEAR OF RODBOROUGH
Handsome former coaching inn set in National Trust country
IF YOU FANCY RUNNING AWAY for some fun and excitement then you’ll need a sense of adventure, a toothbrush and, ideally, a keen idea of where to find an old coaching inn in around 300 acres of wild countryside. The Bear of Rodborough should fit the bill nicely.
The stone archway of the original tavern – you'll even see the old bell for summoning a groom – gives this hideaway next to Rodborough Common just the right vibe for welcoming the windswept in search of creature comforts. The grand old grandfather clock, country fabrics and essential good taste add extra appeal for those who like their luxury unsmothered, and the windows offer great views out over Woodchester Valley.
Bedrooms have queen-sized beds, half-testers for those who like just a hint of the Gothic with their William Morris-style decor, and wi-fi for those who can’t wait to tell the outside world they’ve run away.
Hit the Spot
High above Stroud on Rodborough Common.
Bedtime
Draw the drapes right around the huge four-poster in Room 26.
Be Savvy
Pick a room in the old inn rather than the newer wing.
Be Smitten
One-time coaching inn with up-to-the-minute appeal.
Snifters at the Grizzly Bear bar
The Box Tree restaurant, with its beamed ceiling and windows looking out onto the valley, is a great spot for lingering over lunch and dinner and savouring excellent roasts and fish dishes. Join the regulars for a drink afterwards at the Grizzly Bear bar (you'll soon see why it's called that) and sample the best beers for miles around.
From here you can tramp across the famous common, hit the wide open spaces or trawl for antiques in Cotswold villages.
The Bear at Rodborough was reviewed for Room for Romance by Laurence Phillips
The stone archway of the original tavern – you'll even see the old bell for summoning a groom – gives this hideaway next to Rodborough Common just the right vibe for welcoming the windswept in search of creature comforts. The grand old grandfather clock, country fabrics and essential good taste add extra appeal for those who like their luxury unsmothered, and the windows offer great views out over Woodchester Valley.
Bedrooms have queen-sized beds, half-testers for those who like just a hint of the Gothic with their William Morris-style decor, and wi-fi for those who can’t wait to tell the outside world they’ve run away.
Hit the Spot
High above Stroud on Rodborough Common.
Bedtime
Draw the drapes right around the huge four-poster in Room 26.
Be Savvy
Pick a room in the old inn rather than the newer wing.
Be Smitten
One-time coaching inn with up-to-the-minute appeal.
Snifters at the Grizzly Bear bar
The Box Tree restaurant, with its beamed ceiling and windows looking out onto the valley, is a great spot for lingering over lunch and dinner and savouring excellent roasts and fish dishes. Join the regulars for a drink afterwards at the Grizzly Bear bar (you'll soon see why it's called that) and sample the best beers for miles around.
From here you can tramp across the famous common, hit the wide open spaces or trawl for antiques in Cotswold villages.
The Bear at Rodborough was reviewed for Room for Romance by Laurence Phillips
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Dining in
The Bear of Rodborough's stone-arched dining room reflects its historic surroundings, with luxurious drapes, flagstones and paintings. Matched by an extensive wine list, the imaginative menu includes dishes such as pumpkin and parmesan risotto, though the rump of Cotswold lamb is definitely worth trying.
Dining out
For a change, you could try the Swan at Bibury or the Lamb Inn at Burford.
Where?
The Box Tree Restaurant
What’s cooking?
Favourites include caramelised loin of pork wrapped in Parma ham and seared loin of tuna with nicoise potatoes.
Dress the part
Smart casual – leave your jeans and trainers behind
Top table?
We loved the table overlooking Rodborough Common
See & Do
Amble across Rodborough Common – it's right on your doorstep and the wide-open views are worth taking in. Visit famous Westonbirt Arboretum – a blaze of colour in autumn – or check out stately Woodchester Mansion. Broadway Tower – an 18th century Gothic folly above the village of Broadway – offers views of a dozen counties from the top.
Shop
Pick up some local edible specialities at the Stroud Farmer’s Market held every Saturday morning
After dark
When the sun goes down it's a good excuse to snuggle up by the open fires. The sun terrace beckons for a late-night chaser in summer.
Dates
March
Fancy a flutter on the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
August
There's toe-tapping music at Didmarton Bluegrass festival at Kemble Airfield.
The Bear of Rodborough's stone-arched dining room reflects its historic surroundings, with luxurious drapes, flagstones and paintings. Matched by an extensive wine list, the imaginative menu includes dishes such as pumpkin and parmesan risotto, though the rump of Cotswold lamb is definitely worth trying.
Dining out
For a change, you could try the Swan at Bibury or the Lamb Inn at Burford.
Where?
The Box Tree Restaurant
What’s cooking?
Favourites include caramelised loin of pork wrapped in Parma ham and seared loin of tuna with nicoise potatoes.
Dress the part
Smart casual – leave your jeans and trainers behind
Top table?
We loved the table overlooking Rodborough Common
See & Do
Amble across Rodborough Common – it's right on your doorstep and the wide-open views are worth taking in. Visit famous Westonbirt Arboretum – a blaze of colour in autumn – or check out stately Woodchester Mansion. Broadway Tower – an 18th century Gothic folly above the village of Broadway – offers views of a dozen counties from the top.
Shop
Pick up some local edible specialities at the Stroud Farmer’s Market held every Saturday morning
After dark
When the sun goes down it's a good excuse to snuggle up by the open fires. The sun terrace beckons for a late-night chaser in summer.
Dates
March
Fancy a flutter on the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
August
There's toe-tapping music at Didmarton Bluegrass festival at Kemble Airfield.
GETTING THERE
Location
Rodborough Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 5DE
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Stroud station – half a mile
Taxis
Less than GBP 5 from the station
Airport
Bristol – 43 miles
Rooms and suites
46 rooms and suites
Special features
All rooms offer wi-fi and luxury toiletries.
Also…
Rooms in the original 17th century inn are individual and elegant. We rated the four poster rooms.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 120 - 240
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2:30pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Full breakfast, using locally sourced ingredients, is served until 9:30am
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are allowed in certain rooms
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, Spanish and French
Wedding license?
Yes. Parties of up to 100 can be catered for.
Your contact
Tony Kitchen – general manager
Location
Rodborough Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 5DE
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Stroud station – half a mile
Taxis
Less than GBP 5 from the station
Airport
Bristol – 43 miles
Rooms and suites
46 rooms and suites
Special features
All rooms offer wi-fi and luxury toiletries.
Also…
Rooms in the original 17th century inn are individual and elegant. We rated the four poster rooms.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 120 - 240
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2:30pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Full breakfast, using locally sourced ingredients, is served until 9:30am
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are allowed in certain rooms
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, Spanish and French
Wedding license?
Yes. Parties of up to 100 can be catered for.
Your contact
Tony Kitchen – general manager
