For short weekends away this year, why not opt for quaint and cosy pub stays in the UK countryside?
Taking a slow and idyllic route could offer a more scenic journey and is often better suited to your four-legged friends, too.
If you’re searching for a great pub where you can stay and enjoy the warm atmosphere, food, and comfort, here are seven of the cosiest countryside pubs to try.
1. The Punch Bowl Inn, Lake District
Housed in a building dating back to 1829 and nestled in the quiet village of Crosthwaite in the Lythe Valley, the Punch Bowl Inn was originally a blacksmith’s shop.
Now offering five-star accommodation, the pub overlooks the natural beauty of Windemere and serves award-winning, locally sourced food.
The comfortable country pub boasts both a warming fireplace and outdoor terrace – delivering comfort whatever the weather.
Tucked away in a quiet area of the Lake District, it’s surrounded by a variety of lovely walks you can take to meander your days away.
2. The Pheasant Inn, Berkshire
In the Berkshire village of Shefford Woodlands lies the quaint Pheasant Inn.
Located in the “Valley of the Racehorse”, this cosy countryside pub offers a luxury stay; each of its 14 stylish rooms feature flatscreen TVs, fine Egyptian cotton bedding, and free Wi-Fi.
With the nearby town of Marlborough offering for explorations and shopping, there is plenty to keep you occupied beyond the pub. Plus, the real Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) is within easy driving distance.
3. The Brisley Bell, Norfolk
The Brisley Bell – in Dereham, Norfolk – is a top pick for beautiful surrounding countryside.
Nestled on the edge of a conservation area, this award-winning pub sits in two acres of its own grounds that circle the pub and offer easy walks.
Inside, the pub’s boutique yet cosy décor features a charming fireplace to keep you warm during the colder months.
Children and dogs are both welcome; there are two dog-friendly rooms you can book for a stay, a snug downstairs in the pub that welcomes dogs, and a large garden with plenty of space for all.
All six rooms come kitted out with Wi-Fi, a television, and refreshments for your arrival.
4. The Bear Inn, Shropshire
The Bear Inn, once a 16th century coaching inn, has some great fireside stories to share, including an actual bear pit that was used in the 1970 when the publican installed two grizzly bears – Madge and Bib – who were later donated to Newquay Zoo.
Today, the warm country pub offers 12 rooms for staying guests, two of which also accept dogs. Each room has its own tree-themed décor and comes with complementary cosmetics, courtesy of natural skincare company Hæckels. Full of luxurious comforts, enjoy woollen blankets to keep you snug on cool nights, and the Nespresso coffee machine for your morning caffeine fix before heading down for a wholesome breakfast.
Food is taken seriously. Expect a fine-dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, many coming from the pub’s 200-year-old, walled garden.
5. The Bell & Crown, Wiltshire
Following a major makeover in 2019, The Bell & Crown has ditched its past for a modern take on the country pub.
This Wiltshire pub used to be a coaching inn and now has a modest, contemporary interior featuring neutral colours creating a tranquil, relaxing environment for guests.
Listed as one of the UK’s top 100 places to stay in 2023 by the Times, its luxurious decor boasts Moroccan Berber rugs, an eclectic collection of fine art, and handmade fabric lampshades.
Meanwhile, its food options are creative and abundant, with its menu featuring modern takes on classic pub food.
6. The Alice Hawthorn Inn, North Yorkshire
Found in the village of Nun Monkton between York and Harrogate, The Alice Hawthorn is a 250-year-old pub whose restaurant draws food-lovers from across the country.
Following a renovation in 2017, there are now 12 rooms to choose from and features in the Times top 100 places to stay in 2023
Above the Grade-II Listed pub, you’ll find four rooms, all featuring exposed beams. For a more modern stay, opt for one of eight garden rooms.
Meanwhile, the restaurant serves fresh, seasonal food.
7. The Taybank, Perthshire
A pub rich with musical history within Perthshire’s quaint Dunkeld Village in Scotland, The Taybank, positioned above the River Tay, provides a brilliant view of its namesake.
A hot spot for traditional Scottish music, it holds weekly live music events and an annual fiddle festival. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was once owned by Dougie Maclean, writer of the famous Scottish folk song “Caledonia”.
Its cosy rooms, decorated with a modern, Scandinavian twist, are all dog-friendly.
Outside, the pub boasts Britain’s largest riverside beer garden, where you can enjoy the warmth from the large fire pit as you eat fresh wood-fired pizza from the pizza oven, and a large fire pit.
Further afield, you can find a selection of small, independent shops along with a notable bakery made famous by its owner – Flora Shedden – making it to the semi-finals of The Great British Bake-Off.
