The Crown Inn

If I had to create the perfect English country inn it would manifest as the Crown Inn in Bishops Waltham England.   Our home away from home during our stay in Hampshire England was  located at the head of the High St. in Bishops Waltham.  The location was convenient to all the shops lining High St. which included, an upscale coffee shop for morning lattes and locals watching, to a grocer selling produce and products from the nearby farms.   Also directly behind the inn were the ruins to the famous Bishops Waltham Palace, a medieval monastery that was, pre Henry VIII, one of the largest in Europe.

The Crown Inn was comfortable in every possible way, the bed was heaven and the bathroom facilities were excellent including the standard British towel warmer.

We enjoyed a full breakfast each morning in the wonderful pub on the main floor, antiques abound in each and every room.  The tables were set with the most wonderful Staffordshire calico plates in every single color !

Each day, after traveling about the county we would return to the pub at the Crown to a lively crowd of locals.  Great conversations, very friendly folks who were always suggesting something nearby that we mustn't miss.

Brian and I have always been fans of pub food, and we ate our fill during this trip to England.  The kitchen at the Crown serves traditional pub fare and the occasional gourmand dishes as well.  The best part of the dining experience for me is the ability to see dogs walking about in the dining room.  There was even a sign near the door DOGS WELCOME.  What a great country !!!

 

This small and lovely inn is on our list of places to return to, the comfort and convenience cannot be matched.  This is most certainly a place to put on your list when you are ever in Hampshire England.