Cosy Nights & Country Ales: 10 Best British Pubs with Rooms
The Great British pub has come a long way.
The Great British pub has come a long way. While traditional ‘boozers’ still dot the countryside and city streets, a remarkable transformation has swept across the nation’s pub scene. Today, a new wave of establishments offer exceptional cuisine in wonderfully laid-back surroundings, elevating the pub experience to new heights.
Many of these reinvented pubs now feature stylish accommodation, allowing weary travelers to slip away to a comfortable room after savoring a delicious meal and perhaps one final nightcap.
At Absolute Escapes, we’ve spent nearly two decades exploring these hidden gems as part of our award-winning self-drive tours in the UK & Ireland, carefully selecting venues that capture the authentic charm of British hospitality.
Join us as we explore our top picks for Britain’s finest pubs with rooms, each offering its own distinctive character.
Ship Inn, Elie, Fife
The charming East Neuk of Fife was once a well-kept secret, with only a handful of in-the-know visitors privy to its glorious coastline and tasty food. Recently, however, this spectacular coastal region has been gaining the recognition it deserves.
And if you’re looking to explore this delightful corner of eastern Scotland, there are few better bases than the Ship Inn. The view of Elie’s sandy beach from the beer garden must be one of the finest in the country.
If the weather doesn’t permit al fresco dining, the cosy bar inside is the perfect spot to ‘coorie up’ with a local ale or malt whisky.
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The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor, Cornwall
The legendary Gurnard’s Head is a haven of tranquillity on Cornwall’s wild and windswept Atlantic coast. The author D.H. Lawrence lived nearby and described the area as being “the most beautiful place, lovelier even than the Mediterranean”.
After a day of exploring the magnificent Cornish coast, the bright yellow exterior of the Gurnard’s Head is a welcome sight. The food is delicious and locally sourced, and the bedrooms feature local art and wonderfully comfy beds.
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The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon, Powys
Sitting proudly amidst the picturesque landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) National Park, this chic country inn is the ideal retreat for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a touch of luxury after a day in the hills.
The acclaimed kitchen serves up inventive dishes that showcase local produce, from succulent Welsh lamb to artisanal cheeses. The Felin Fach Griffin is also a proper pub, with all that implies, serving up local ales and Monmouthshire cider.
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The Taybank, Dunkeld, Perthshire
With a magical location on the bonnie banks of the River Tay, the eclectic Taybank is home to Perthshire‘s largest beer garden, an elegant restaurant, and five beautifully decorated bedrooms with a distinct Scandinavian influence.
The buzzy bar hosts midweek trad folk and bluegrass sessions drawing musicians from across the country and offers real-ale and rotating guest beers.
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Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
While you may not have heard of Sedbergh, you really should have. This little market town is a hidden gem, nestling in the Howgill Fells between two national parks; the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
The 17th-century Black Bull sits on the characterful Main Street flanked by bookshops (Sedbergh is England’s ‘Book Town’).
The food is elevated beyond typical pub fare, with subtle Asian influences reflecting co-owner Nina’s Japanese background. The lovely bedrooms are a mix of rustic style with a hint of Japanese Zen.
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Applecross Inn, Applecross Peninsula, Scottish Highlands
Sitting at the end of a remote peninsula along the legendary North Coast 500 driving route, this modest, whitewashed inn is known for its warm Scottish hospitality and world-class seafood. The views from here are quite simply sensational – stretching across to the Isle of Skye, Knoydart and the Small Isles.
This popular spot has won a multitude of food and drink awards and serves local craft beers (including Applecross Brewing Co.) and excellent food focused on local seafood. Don’t miss the langoustines!
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Inn at Loch Tummel, Strathtummel, Perthshire
A short hop from one of Scotland’s most famous beauty spots – Queen’s View – this quirky old inn is a superb base to explore Perthshire’s big tree country. Hands-on owners Jade and Alice Calliva rescued the building from disrepair in 2016 and have worked their magic to create a special atmosphere, blending contemporary style with traditional Highland charm.
The restaurant serves appealing and unpretentious dishes such as herb-crusted cod. The bedrooms are a delight, featuring woollen throws, local artwork, and decanters of whisky.
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Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, Northumberland
Nestled in a rural corner of Northumberland, the Lord Crewe Arms exudes atmosphere around every corner. Originally the abbot’s lodging from a 12th-century priory, the inn is located in the pretty village of Blanchland which was built with stone from the abbey’s ruins.
Inside you’ll find ancient flagstones, inglenook fireplaces, and tasteful country decor. The space somehow feels both spacious and cosy, with unexpected flights of stairs leading to dining areas and quirky nooks to explore.
The atmospheric bar is housed in a vaulted crypt and serves a range of local ales, including the in-house Crewe Brew.
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Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston, Lancashire
Unless you’re looking for a lively evening in a glitzy seaside town, it’s easy to bypass Lancashire’s Fylde peninsula as you head north or south on the M6. However, in doing so, you’ll be passing up on one of England’s most exceptional inns. The Cartford Inn would be the talk of the town if it was just north in the popular Lake District.
This 17th-century coaching inn sits in tranquil countryside by the meandering River Wyre, and the bright lights of nearby Blackpool feel a world away. The kitchen serves up modern British-French food, reflecting the owners’ respective Lancastrian and French backgrounds.
For a truly memorable experience, book one of the two luxury treehouse-style cabins. They both have heated balconies overlooking the river and Sonos sound systems.
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Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
A blog about Britain’s best pubs wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the only pub in the country with two Michelin stars. You’ll find the Hand & Flowers in the pretty riverside town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire – right on the Thames Path.
With celebrity chef Tom Kerridge at the helm, the restaurant serves pub-style dishes elevated just enough without sacrificing their rustic charm. The phenomenal food and the cosy cottage-like atmosphere make for an unforgettable overnight stay.
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Fancy a pint?
British pubs stand as living monuments to the nation’s heritage, offering fascinating glimpses into local history and traditions that have evolved over centuries.
Absolute Escapes self-drive holidays are thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of our diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Our expert team of Travel Specialists takes pride in creating bespoke tailor-made itineraries built entirely around your preferences and interests – so if you’d like to include stays at several of Britain’s finest inns during your journey, simply mention this when you get in touch.
Scott Smyth
