Tell us a bit about you?

We are The Volunteer Inn based at the start of the Cotswold Way in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and have been running this business since 2005, enduring a flood in 2007 and Covid in 2020.

What makes your business unique?

The Volunteer Inn is a typical 17th century building, standing at the lower end of Chipping Campden's historic High Street. It was named "The Volunteer" in the mid 1800's because local men used it, to 'sign on' to serve their country in campaigns abroad. We are popular with locals and visitors alike. We have a bar area with open fires in the winter, a large outdoor space and a very popular Indian Restaurant.

How has 2020 been for you?

The spring came this year, as it does each year, showing the Cotswolds at it’s finest however our usual buzz of excited walkers gathering to explore this wonderful area were severely curtailed this year due to the global pandemic. The enforced 3-month lockdown gave us an opportunity to carry out remedial works on the premises including refurbishment of our 9 bedrooms, Indian Restaurant and Bar. We were able to continue with our Indian Takeaway and Delivery service to the surrounding areas and also operated ‘The Volunteer Inn Beer Bus’ which visited our locals at their homes to dispense pints of lager, bitter and cider.

Whilst we are still under restrictions and the season has now drawn to an end, we have been fortunate enough to welcome walkers from the British Isles who have been able to enjoy what we have to offer. We have adapted very easily to the ‘new normal’ thanks to our fantastic, long-standing staff who really deserve a round of applause for all they bring to The Volunteer.

What would you recommend people see or do in your local area?

When visiting Chipping Campden we would recommend a trip to Hidcote Gardens which is 2 miles away. Well worth a visit at any time of the year. We are also fortunate to have many independent shops, a museum and a plethora of eating places not to mention the wonderful Cotswold stone architecture.

The first 18 miles of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Winchcombe capture the essence of the Cotswolds. The stunning towns of Chipping Campden and Broadway, the picture postcard villages of Stanton and Stanway and the historical fascination that surrounds Hailes Abbey, which was destroyed by Thomas Cromwell in 1539 under Henry VIII’s command as part of the dissolution of the monasteries, and Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, the resting place of Henry VIII’s 6th wife, Catherine Parr.

We are so looking forward to welcoming Macs Adventures walkers next year and continuing the fantastic working relationship with Caroline Black and the team.

Find out more about our Cotswold Way walking holidays here.