About 20 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon and 30 miles north of Oxford sits Hook Norton, a quiet Oxfordshire village that locals simply call "Hooky." It's the kind of place where stone cottages date to the 1700s, the 15th-century church anchors the high street, and the biggest attraction is a working Victorian brewery that hasn't given up its steam engine.

The Hook Norton Brewery, family-run since 1849, is the main draw. Its 90-minute guided tours climb all five levels of the original Victorian tower brew house, where much of the 19th-century kit still does the job it was built for — including a steam engine you'll see in operation. The tour ends with a tasting in the brewery's cellar bar. Book ahead: slots fill up. Two practical notes if you're planning a visit — closed-toe shoes are required, and the stairs mean tours aren't suitable for anyone with mobility issues or children under 12. If that rules you out, the brewery runs a monthly seated audio-visual presentation covering its history without the climb, and there's a museum, gift shop and the Malthouse Kitchen café serving breakfast and lunch on site.

One detail sets Hook Norton apart from almost anywhere else: it's one of only two breweries in the country still delivering beer by horse-drawn dray. Shire horses live on the brewery's 18 acres and can often be seen around the grounds when they're not out making deliveries or appearing at events. Some tours include a stop at the stables.

The village itself rewards a slow wander. St. Peter's Church has stood at its heart for nearly a thousand years — the current building dates largely to the 1500s and weathered Henry VIII's break with Rome. It still holds regular services but doubles as a community venue, hosting a well-attended craft fair each autumn that draws makers from across the Cotswolds. Architecture buffs should keep an eye out for the hidden spiral staircases tucked into some of the older houses.

For an overnight stay, you won't need to go far. The Pear Tree Inn, pouring pints since 1869, sits just 300 yards from the brewery, while The Sun Inn next to St. Peter's puts you right in the village centre — both are traditional pubs with rooms and food.

Hook Norton works brilliantly as a stop between two bigger draws: Shakespeare's Stratford and Oxford's university city, with the less-visited side of the Cotswolds all around. Come for the beer, stay for the old England atmosphere — just remember to book that tour before you arrive.