A tip to two excellent pubs just north of Castle Cary, the Alhampton Inn, in Alhampton, and, just a few minutes away, the Manor House Inn in Ditcheat.

The Alhampton Inn is a traditional country pub, known to locals as 'the Ally', with cosy open fires and a beer garden. A snug bar with inglenook and a single table is on the left, while to the right is a larger seating area with four or five tables. Upstairs there is a large dining room providing more space. Two to three ales on, Butcombe is the regular, with one or two guest ales.

The Manor House is a characterful 17th century inn, built with impressive Ditcheat red brick, and featuring flagstone floors, exposed beams and roaring log fires. Featuring (up to) three ales from local and regional brewers; usually Rude Giant and St Austell.

It was originally owned by the Lord of the Manor, Edmund Dawe, and was called The White Heart, but by 1861 had become known as The Manor House Inn.