THe Buttercross at Hallaton, with the Bewicke Arms in the background

Medbourne and Hallaton have "an ancient grudge" and the two villages indulge in the "ancient custom of bottle kicking. This is essentially rugby without rules using a wooden barrel (the bottle) with the aim of crossing a boundary line - the team's own village stream. It takes place on Easter Monday following the presentation of a hare pie to the Rector for distribution. The winners have celebratory beers at the Buttercross.

More info about Hallaton, its bottle kicking and its museum here.

We found the Bewicke Arms a pleasant place for lunch, though if you're economy minded you might choose the café / gift shop rather than the restaurant for soup and a baguette.

In summer there is space for eating outside and for children to play.

And then there is the village to stroll through, with attractive church, interesting nooks and corners of the village and riverside walks.