Crackling fires, hearty food and a decent drop – Britain’s pubs are the perfect cosy hideaways while we’re still cloaked in winter.
And after the bell has rung for last orders, what could be more pleasant than simply padding upstairs to a stylish, comfortable room?
So here’s our pick of traditional inns that are perfect for a weekend break.
Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Cumbria
This is the kind of Lake District idyll that actually makes you wish for leaden skies, just so you can cancel all plans and order another half of Brathay Gold ale, or graze on the house sourdough with Marmite butter. There are ten rooms and two suites, simply furnished but big on comfort. The pub’s creative menus woo foodies from far and wide.
Don’t miss: A walk to nearby Windermere.
Book it: B&B doubles from £135 (drunkenduckinn.co.uk).
The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead, Norfolk
This white-washed 17th century coaching inn in the village of Ringstead once hosted smugglers, but now entertains farmers, fishermen and visitors enjoying north Norfolk’s spectacular coast. The forest-green walls adorned with oil painting portraits offer a regal backdrop to a G&T, and the kitchen boasts three AA rosettes. There’s a baker’s dozen of characterful rooms and cottages.
Don’t miss: 100-plus bottles of gin.
Book it: B&B doubles from £135 (thegintrapinn.co.uk).
Chain Locker, Falmouth, Cornwall
Four of the six boutique rooms above this 16th century inn overlook the water – so ask for ‘harbour-side’ then hunker down and enjoy a seagull’s-eye view of the quayside. The bar is soul-warming – all handsome wood, toasty fires and tasty plates. Try the fish and chips with local Gem Ale batter.
Don’t miss: Maritime curios on the ceiling from lifebuoy rings to US flags.
Book it: Doubles from £114 (chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk).
The Sportsman’s Arms, Harrogate
Drop a weekend bag in one of the 11 elegant rooms and then head down to enjoy this character-filled ramblers’ favourite, where banquette seating and a crackling fire awaits. For fresh air before a Nidderdale beef Sunday roast, God’s Own Country awaits close by.
Don’t miss: Striking station clocks on the walls.
Book it: Doubles from £140 (sportsmans-arms.co.uk).
The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire
Mobile phone reception is gloriously patchy, so check in to one of its 11 rooms and you’ll feel a step removed from the rest of the world. Sink into the yielding sofas in the bar or dine from chef Joseph Colman’s highly praised food.
Don’t miss: Trying one of six recommended circular walks.
Book it: Doubles from £175 (thebellatskenfrith.co.uk).
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
A pint of St Austell Brewery’s Proper Job ale is a fine introduction to this friendly 17th century tavern. Once the last coaching inn before Cornwall – with Dartmoor on its doorstep – its seven bedrooms are individually styled, all featuring luxury bedding, playful interiors and rain showers.
Don’t miss: Top-notch cooking – it came second in the 2024 UK Gastro Pub Awards.
Book it: Doubles from £140 (thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk).
The Bull, Charlbury, Cotswolds
Cosy doesn’t mean chintzy. Master-class minimalism lets The Bull’s 16th century beamed ceilings and fireplaces sing, with sink-in leather chairs and candlelight creating a seductive ambience. Ten accommodation options, including two-bedroom Loaf Cottage, promise earthy decor and rolltop baths.
Don’t miss: A pint of Steady Rolling Man pale ale.
Book it: Doubles from £200 (thebullcharlbury.com).
Northumberland Arms, Felton, Northumberland
Rough-hewn stone walls, antler chandeliers and sturdy oak tables create rustic vibes at this sand-coloured coaching inn – it’s hard to believe you’re just a mile from the A1. There are six five-star ensuites, some bold and some more traditional in decor. Downstairs, tuck into the bubble-and-squeak pie – peak comfort food.
Don’t miss: River Coquet walks.
Book it: B&B doubles from £155 (northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk).
The High Corner Inn, Linwood, New Forest
Weave your way to this woodland country inn down a gravel track near Linwood by car – or canter in on horseback. This is a pub that welcomes four-legged arrivals. Run by Butcombe Brewery, there are seven charming ensuites, all with interesting pieces of furniture, while the bar boasts low-slung beams, green leather Chesterfield armchairs and a cracking Sunday roast.
Don’t miss: Bramley toiletries and local coffee in rooms.
Book it: B&B doubles from £89.10 (butcombe.com).
The Ram Inn, Firle, East Sussex
The best way to work off the delicious breakfast sausages? Stride up nearby 712ft Firle Beacon, which offers stirring coast and country panoramics. This old brick-and-flint pub – the beating heart of Firle village, near Lewes – has eight carefully designed guest rooms and a bar brimming with locals.
Don’t miss: The coveted corner table by the open fire.
Book it: Doubles from £160 (raminn.co.uk).
The Crown, Southwold, Suffolk
On the high street in Southwold, this Georgian-era drinking den with great food describes its 14 bedrooms as ‘contemporary coastal’. The bar matches antique oak tables with heritage artwork, and Adnams, the famous brewery, is just a three-minute stroll away and takes care of the wet stuff.
Don’t miss: The binnacle – casing for a ship’s compass – on display.
Book it: B&B doubles from £134 (thecrownsouthwold.co.uk).
The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton, East Riding
This foodie retreat, set in the sprawling Dalton Estate, has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a welcoming bar with a log fire and, when you’re full of fine fare and feeling dozy, a quintet of distinctive boutique rooms with super-kingsize beds surrounding the pretty garden.
Don’t miss: The (at least) 400-year-old yew tree in the grounds.
Book it: B&B doubles from £230 (pipeandglass.co.uk).
The Taybank, Dunkeld, Perthshire
Can toasty and cool sit in the same sentence? They perfectly describe the interiors at The Taybank, where mid-century furniture, calming tones and Laura Thomas bathroom products are in the bedrooms and apartments. The bar is modern art deco and the food a love letter to Scottish produce.
Don’t miss: A breakfast hamper delivered to your room.
Book it: Doubles from £220 (thetaybank.co.uk).
The Lamb Inn, Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire
Owners Peter Creed and Tom Noest have re-energised this historic building since revamping it in 2021. There’s punchy green wood panelling and eye-catching art. The pub grub nods to nostalgia – prod at half a pint of prawns or devour devilled kidneys and roast partridge. Ten beautiful rooms.
Don’t miss: An array of country pursuits.
Book it: B&B doubles from £99 (thelambshipton.com).
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co Durham
When night draws in, the amber glow of The Rose & Crown’s windows is postcard pretty. Push through the door to stone-flagged floors, hand-pulled IPAs and log fires. Beside the village green, this 18th century pub with 14 rooms is where the North Yorkshire dales and Durham merge, with Barnard Castle close by.
Don’t miss: 15 malt whiskies from the Isle of Islay.
Book it: Half-board doubles from £150 (rose-and-crown.co.uk).
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
Close to Hay-on-Wye, this former drovers inn has four new hillside cabins in its grounds, each with an outdoor decked area. The pub’s own regenerative farm, Wild By Nature, provides produce for the menu. Order a pint of one of the great on-tap Herefordshire ales or ciders.
Don’t miss: The Black Hill circular walk.
Book it: B&B cabins from £210 (wildbynaturellp.com).
The Farmers Arms, Woolsery, Devon
Plot-to-plate dining rules the menu at this 17th century former blacksmiths that’s now part of ‘The Collective at Woolsery’, alongside a fish and chip shop, corner shop and post office. Stay in one of the three cottages, or four ‘shop rooms’, and bask in ‘vintage vibes’ interiors. The pub serves its own crisps.
Don’t miss: Giant cattle heads adorning the walls.
Book it: Doubles from £275 (woolsery.com).
The Lion at Malpas, Cheshire
Three centuries in, but looking swish thanks to a recent renovation, this inn on the border of Cheshire, Shropshire and Wales has 16 smart rooms. The interiors are country in style, with reclaimed timber, warm neutrals and fine fabrics. Wholesome food reigns supreme here, with autumnal dishes such as cheese and onion pie and winter berry crumble.
Don’t miss: Peckforton and Beeston castles are a 20-minute drive away.
Book it: Doubles from £99 (thelionatmalpas.co.uk).
The Black Bull Inn, Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway
A haven for hillwalkers, this white-painted hostelry is independently owned and one of the oldest pubs in the region, dating from 1568. There are 15 rooms across the main building and a garden annexe, all with fluffy dressing gowns and Molton Brown goodies. If the weather bites, stage a personal lock-in and enjoy contemporary and classic dishes for dinner, plus a wee dram to warm you up.
Don’t miss: Asking about Rabbie Burns, once a regular visitor.
Book it: Doubles from £105 (theblackbullmoffat.co.uk).
The Bell, Ticehurst, East Sussex
A warm hug of a pub that dates from the 1560s but delights in eccentric modernity – ‘I think I’m falling in bed with you’ is writ large above the headboard in one of the seven rooms. The surrounding East Sussex / Kent border countryside is pretty, but possibly not as enticing as the seasonal food available at this destination pub.
Don’t miss: Bateman’s House, the former home of writer Rudyard Kipling, is nearby.
Book it: Doubles from £99 (thebellinticehurst.com).
Brown’s Hotel, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
A pint of bitter might never feel quite so poetic as it does in Dylan Thomas’s old drinking haunt – he would give out its phone number as his own. The pub has been here since 1752 and, while its wonky beams are still intact, the decor and rooms have been updated with inky blue paintwork, trendy panelling and book nooks. The dining is glam too, with Dexters Steak House & Grill overseeing the bar and restaurant nosh.
Don’t miss: An early night – the mattresses are made with premium Welsh wool.
Book it: B&B doubles from £80 (browns.wales).
