Ascot Ladies Day Thursday 24th June at The Old Farm Inn
History and outstanding natural beauty
Historic building
The Old Farm Inn was mentioned in the Doomsday book and parts of the present building date back to the 14th century. Although the half timbers you see outside are a more recent addition, inside you will find original oak-beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and quarry-tiled flooring.
In the restaurant, the wooden floors and panelled walls add to the atmosphere. Indeed, due to its historic interior, the pub merited a mention in CAMRA's 2022 guide to the 'East of England Real Heritage Pubs.'
Area of outstanding natural beauty
The Old Farm Inn is located in the village of Totternhoe, in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nearby, Totternhoe Knolls is an important nature reserve which plays host to a variety of wildflowers, birds and rare butterflies, and which attracts both dog-walkers and ramblers alike.
During the 11th century there was a castle in Totternhoe and Castle Hill, on which the remaining earthworks stand, gives a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day you can see as far as the white lion of Whipsnade Zoo, Ivinghoe Beacon and Dunstable Downs.
Further information
Just up the road from us is the lovely church of St Giles in Provence. St Giles is the patron saint of people with disabilities and it's said that he is the patron saint of the church in recognition of the many people injured during the years of dangerous quarrying for Totternhoe clunch, a particular kind of hard chalk used in construction.
For more information on our pub and other local history, click on the link: https://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityHistories/Totternhoe/TheOldFarmPublicHouseTotternhoe.aspx