Planning a romantic weekend out of London? Want to surprise your partner with a cosy but stylish night or two away that won't cost the earth? Then look no further — below we have curated a hotlist of great country pubs and historic inns ideal for a weekend stay, chosen for character, location, comfort, hospitality and FOOD! Since none of them have very many rooms, finding availability can sometimes feel like like gold dust, so do use this list to book well in advance, and if you can manage a break in the week, or take a Monday off and book Sunday to Tuesday, you will have more options and often a better price.
These country pubs and inns with rooms range from the old world traditional, with exposed beams, stone flagged floors, roaring fires and a bar snug (unhappily fast disappearing), to that breed of 21st century designer gastro pub in charming villages, more often than not a stylish conversion of a run of the mill village pub with the addition of an interior designer and a great chef.
So here goes. We have split the list into two parts — those within a two hour drive of London (measured from Charing Cross), and those between 2 and 3 hours drive away. Some you can reach more easily by train. Depending where you live, these timings can vary.
A 17th Century Georgian coaching inn in the Berkshire Downs close to the home of horse racing. This comfortable pub with rooms follows the racing theme. It's close to London and a great option for a good value stay, with bracing walks on the Downs nearby — and Newbury town on your doorstep.
East Sussex is a fabulous place to spend a weekend, with so many small villages and country towns to explore in beautiful rolling countryside. The Bell offers Individually styled rooms filled with antiques and artworks and free standing copper baths. The atmospheric bar is popular with locals, and serves the usual pub classics.
This historic rural pub with rooms offers comfortable, cosy interiors with a contemporary twist and an excellent restaurant. Some rooms boast a private hot tub and terrace, so ask in advance. There are great walks nearby or you can get help from the pub to arrange nearby country pursuits, from fishing to clay pigeon shooting. A perfect weekend getaway.
Sat on the edge of a village green, this charming and ancient coaching inn (14th century) offers a picture postcard experience of the classic country inn — exposed beams, flagstone tiles, roaring fires and four poster beds. However, they have layered on a thoughtful range of mod cons, from DAB radios to in-room DVDs, so you are guaranteed a comfortable 21st century stay.
Located in the charming Cotswold town of Woodstock, this 18th century inn is gorgeously decorated with boutique furnishings and modern en-suites. The restaurant pulls in the locals. It's a great weekend retreat, ideal for couples, and Blenheim Palace is nearby.
This grade II listed Georgian inn is set on the banks of the Kennet, in the picturesque village of Kintbury. Eight rooms are decorated in classic country house style, with luxurious bathrooms and designer wallpaper. The river rooms have private sit-out terraces. The restaurant caters for informal pub food as well as à la carte dishes.
This quirky and atmospheric coaching inn in Margate Old town is close to the sea and great value. Margate makes for an excellent getaway from London, with plenty to do and see, and the beach is within walking distance. Each of the 7 creaky bedrooms are individually styled, some funkier than others. There's a lively bar and restaurant, hugely popular with locals, serving great food and cocktails. A romantic boutique bolthole, overflowing with personality.
On the edge of the Petworth House estate, this is a wonderfully homely inn in a sleeping village in the South Downs national park; charming and warm in a tranquil part of the country. The food is top quality. An ideal stay for couples and families alike, with fantastic walking all around.
Just off the M4 amid the chalky North Wessex Downs, this boutique bolthole caters for locals and city folk alike. They cook with seasonal local produce and it's a popular dining destination. The rooms are beautifully renovated with soft fabrics and comfortable beds.
The famous 17th Century Trout at Tadpole Bridge backs on to a rural section of the Thames with its own private mooring. They offer six comfortable rooms, "classic country" in style, located around a pretty courtyard away from the bustle. The AA rosette restaurant steals the show, and in good weather you can sit out on the lovely riverside terrace. A wonderful country treat.
Charming and cosy, this ‘restaurant with rooms’ offers great food and contemporary B&B rooms with roll top copper baths and modern four-poster beds. Design care and detailing set this pub apart. Moments from the Goodwood Estate and in the middle of the South Downs, it's a great base for exporing or walking.
This famous hostelry is the ultimate foodie mecca on the banks of the river Thames. Run by top chef Alain Roux (son of the late Michel), the dining is 3 star Michelin and formal, while the suites and bedrooms are sumptuous. The garden is stunning.
A popular old inn with a 21st century makeover. The immaculate attention to detail will satisfy the most demanding townie. The food is excellent, bedrooms are chic and comfortable, and the overall ambience is super chilled. Outside is the lovely South Wiltshire countryside.
This country gastropub is in a picturesque Cotswolds village. Their individually styled rooms come with locally-sourced antiques, tasteful art of the walls, and some have in-room tubs for romantics. The restaurant is highly regarded and serves top British classics.
This thatched 17th Century smugglers' pub is in a picturesque Somerset village, well positioned for local exploring by car. The dining and the bar are popular with locals, with its great selection of ales, flagstone floors and roaring fires. They offer just six rooms, all cosy with roll top baths, and one with bunk beds for kids.
This beautifully restored country pub of character and charm is just off the A303, so very easy to get to from London. Each of the six rooms is stylishly decorated in calming shades, with lovely fabrics. There's an elegant dining room and a cosy bar, with log fires in winter. A gem of a place.
This traditional village pub with rooms has been done up with matchless taste, with well chosen modern art on the walls, good antiques, and a cool cosy vibe curated by a Soho House designer. They offer fine dining, very popular for miles around, and a lovely garden for sitting out in summer. Longleat is on its doorstep. A perfect weekend getaway in beautiful countryside.
A former hunting lodge, the Devonshire Arms overlooks the village green, is a great base for foodies and nature lovers. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, but the treat here is the restaurant, serving the finest local produce and a creative menu.
This uber fashionable pub renovation provides crackling fires, stone-flagged floors, a wood fired oven and a welcoming bar. As a Carole Bamford creation and part of the Daylesford empire, every detail is thought through, and the food is top notch and organic. Bedrooms are spacious, chic and super stylish, with fine linens and roll top baths.
This award-winning traditional Cotswolds pub sits on the lovely Kingham village green. The rooms are done up in soft colours and manage to be spacious and cosy at the same time. The restaurant is well known locally and the place is permanently busy. It's in great area for walking and local exploring.
Another quintessential English village Inn, full of charm and history stretching back 800 years. Bedrooms have had a modern makeover and are cosy and plush. Check in here for roaring fires, hearty meals, and beautiful surroundings, either for a country weekend escape or as a stopover en route further West.
The 18th century Lamb is a cut above your average Cotswolds B&B. In summer their rose scented gardens are charming, and inside you'll find antique oak furniture and colourful fabrics, with original wood floors in the bathrooms. The restaurant is award winning and always popular.
This quaint traditional pub with a handful of beautifully done up bedrooms is in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Classic pub food is served in the firelit restaurant. The rooms are in the eaves with sloping beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, and antiques. Full of character.
The Wheatsheaf Inn caters to the moneyed folk of Gloucestershire, so everything is top notch and done to a high standard. There's a pretty enclosed garden — perfect for children — a rustic treatment room and an informal Game Bar for coffee and light lunches. Bedrooms are tastefully decorated with deep baths and Hypnos beds. Food, as you would expect, is excellent.
Another picture postcard Cotswolds inn, this one done up with chic boutique interiors, and with a stand-out restaurant. Rustic-chic is the vibe in the bedrooms, with beams, stylish furniture, and indulgent rainforest showers or free-standing tubs. Ideal for both couples and families.
Wiltshire (Wiltshire)
Intimate English village Inn full of charm and history - an institution for 800 years. Renovated, elegant rooms are cosy and plush. Guests are welcomed by roaring fires, hearty meals, and beautiful surroundings. A country escape or a stopover en route further West.
Somerset (Somerset)
This former hunting lodge, overlooking the village green, is an intimate stay for food and nature lovers. Rooms are contemporary and light offering en suite bathrooms. The restaurant prides itself on using only the finest produce and a menu revolving around this, matched with a well-stocked bar.
Wiltshire (Fonthill Gifford)
Great new look for a favourite old inn – immaculate attention to detail will satisfy the most demanding townie. Excellent food, chic bedrooms & relaxed ambience all amid the lovely South Wiltshire countryside.
The Cotswolds
Historic coaching inn turned popular pub with rooms in Northleach. Imaginatively designed rooms are super comfortable — the best with feature wallpaper and in-room rolltop tub. The food is exceptional with dishes created from top notch seasonal, local produce. Children and dogs are welcome too!
Burford
This 18th century inn is more than just another Cotswolds B&B. Curl up with a book next to an open fire or explore the rose scented gardens. Rooms are spacious with antique oak furniture and colourful fabric. Bathrooms have original wood floors. An award winning restaurant serves seasonal cuisine.
Maidenhead
Ultimate foodie venue with three Michelin stars, on the banks of the river Thames. Run by top chef Alain Roux (son of the late Michel Roux). Sumptuous suites and bedrooms, a destination treat.
West Sussex (West Sussex)
Charming and cosy, AA 5 star silver ‘restaurant with rooms’ offering delicious food and contemporary B&B rooms with roll top copper baths and four-poster kingsize beds. Extra details set this apart from other B&B pubs. Suitable for walkers, families and couples.
Surrey (Surrey)
Sat on the edge of Chiddingfold Green this charming coaching inn is a picture of English village life. Inside the 14th century building it is all exposed beams, flagstone tiles, roaring fires and four poster beds, yet with DAB radios, in room DVDs and bathroom mod-cons. The restaurant is AA rated.
Oxfordshire (Oxfordshire)
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a welcoming Inn, backing on to a rural section of the Thames with its own private mooring. Six comfortable rooms, "classic country" in style, located around a pretty courtyard away from the bustle. The AA rosette restaurant steals the show. A wonderful country treat.
Berkshire (Berkshire)
The Crab and Boar is an historic rural pub with rooms providing contemporary countryside accommodation with comfortable, cosy interiors and a relaxing restaurant. Some rooms have a private hot tub and terrace. Plenty of country pursuits and outdoor activities nearby. For perfect weekend getaways.
Berkshire (Hungerford, West Berkshire)
The Dundas Arms is a grade II listed Georgian inn on the banks of the Kennet, in picturesque Kintbury. Eight rooms are decorated in classic country house style, with feature wallpapers & luxurious bathrooms - river rooms with private terraces. Formal & pub style dining ensure something for all.
Petworth (West Sussex)
On the outskirts of a 700-acre Petworth House, this wonderful homely inn is worth a detour just to experience its charm. Friendly staff, delicious food and a cosy atmosphere make for a thoroughly enjoyable stay - for families, couples and lone escapees.
Berkshire
Just off the M4 in the North Wessex Downs, Pheasant Inn successfully serves both metropolitans and locals alike. Seasonal local produce and roaring fires make this a popular dining destination, and a stylish makeover in soft fabrics and comfy beds offers supreme comfort for overnighters.
East Sussex (Ticehurst)
A characterful Inn set in a beautiful area of East Sussex. Individually styled rooms are filled with antiques, artworks and playful slogans. The best feature a free standing copper bath. The atmospheric bar, very popular with locals, serves fabulous pub classics.
Oxfordshire (Kingham)
An award-winning traditional Cotswold pub beside the green in the beautiful village of Kingham. Spacious yet cosy rooms in soft colours with plenty of fascinating books and contemporary comforts. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and a daily changing excellent menu.
Oxfordshire
A country gastropub set in a picturesque Cotswolds village. Individually styled rooms come in three sizes; each offers carefully placed, locally-sourced antiques and some boast in-room tubs. The restaurant is the real lure with superb British classics. An exceptional Cotswolds escape.
East Sussex
A quaint traditional pub with a handful of comfortable rooms in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Modern British food is served in the firelit restaurant. Characterful rooms, located in the eves, have sloped beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, and antiques. An ideal spot for a rural break.
Cirencester
A picture-perfect Cotswolds inn with chic boutique interiors and stand-out seasonal cuisine. Luxurious rooms are the epitome of rustic-chic with exposed stone and beams, stylish modern furniture, and indulgent wet rooms or free-standing baths. A charming rural spot suited to couples or families.
Somerset
Thatched 1680 smugglers pub in the picturesque Somerset village of Hinton Saint George. Excellent food, popular with locals, with flagstone floors and roaring fires. Just six rooms, cosy with roll top baths, and one with bunk beds for families.
Berkshire (Speen)
Racing themed 17th century Georgian coaching inn close to the Berkshire Downs, on the edge of Newbury. A good selection of comfortable rooms in the converted stables and coach house, the best with in-room copper tubs. Excellent food and cosy bar. A good value and relaxing stay close to London.
Margate
Atmospheric and historic 18th century coaching inn in Margate Old town. Featuring seven cute (if creaky!) bedrooms, each uniquely designed, and a lively bar and restaurant. A romantic boutique haven by the seaside, overflowing with personality and excellent value for money.
Wiltshire (Zeals)
Beautifully restored country pub just off the A303 with six rooms, simply and stylishly decorated in calming, neutral palettes. The pub oozes character and charm, with an elegant dining room and a cosy bar, with log fires in winter. A gem of a place.
Wiltshire (Maiden Bradley)
Set within the historic grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, this traditional village pub with rooms boasts art and antiques and a cool cosy vibe curated by a Soho House designer. Fine dining, roaring fires and a lovely summer garden make it a perfect weekend getaway in beautiful countryside.
Gloucestershire (Lower Oddington)
Fashionable pub renovation in a charming village with crackling fires, stone-flagged floors, a wood fired oven and a welcoming bar, part of the Daylesford empire. Bursting with style and character, its bedrooms are spacious, chic and super stylish, with fine linens and roll top baths.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.