The South East of England is green and pleasant. It’s got some of the UK’s headline cities and towns and top attractions, plus a beautiful stretch of coastline and a rolling rural and part forested interior of bluebell woods, chalk hills and thatched-roofed villages. A good way to ensure that you see the region properly is to travel the old highways and byways and stay in the South East’s old coaching houses, inns and pubs. There’s plenty to choose from on our Guru’s list, and staying in this kind of historic accommodation is a great way to meet local people as well as see more of the countryside. The recommendations on our list of the best pubs with rooms in the South East offer sustenance — some to a Michelin star standard — comfort, be it simple or luxurious, and a friendly welcome. Whether you’re travelling through Kent, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Sussex or Buckinghamshire we’ve found a great pub with rooms to try out.

For a romantic stay

• The Crown Inn in Chiddingford, Surrey, sits, ivy clad, on the edge of the green of this picturesque English village. Inside the 14th century building there are plenty of beautiful original features, like exposed beams, flagstone floors, huge fireplaces and four-poster beds. The restaurant is AA rated.
• The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a fantastically welcoming country inn with its own section of river and a private mooring for guests. There are six rooms around a pretty courtyard and a AA rosette restaurant. You’re also close to Blenheim Palace and William Morris’ Kelmscott Manor.
• The Old Swan and Minster Mill is a converted mill with traditional charm, period features and 60 acres of woodlands and its own orchards. There’s a riverside garden and opportunities to fish from the grounds, plus a dining rooms and gastro pub.
• The Angel in Midhurst is a beautiful, Georgian coaching inn, recently refurbished, but to highlight many of its wonderful original features. Some of the 15 rooms have spectacular views. The food is inventive and the bar is lively.

For Foodies

• The Waterside Inn in Bray is a fantastic choice for foodies, run by Michel and Alain Roux and with three Michelin stars, this is about as gourmet at the UK gets. The eleven rooms and suites are sumptuous and start from around £220 per night. It might seem a bit tenuous to include it in a list of the best pubs with rooms in Berkshire, but it would be churlish not to!
• The Mermaid Inn is an historic, 13th century inn right in the centre of Rye. The whole place oozes period charm, from the black and white Tudor exterior to the carved four-poster beds, sloping, beamed ceilings and vast fireplaces. The food gets a 2 AA Rosette rating.
• Chichester’s Royal Oak is a charming, 200 year old inn which has become a bit more of a restaurant with rooms - the award-wining food was so good it overshadowed the bar. But we’re including it anyway because it still has all the requisite features and is a great spot for couples looking for a country escape.

For Walkers

• The Crab and Lobster in Sidlesham is a 16th century inn on the edge of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, with smart contemporary interiors. The restaurant is very popular - and well stocked with local supplies, and the views over the salt marshes are very peaceful.
• The Horse Guards Inn is a wonderfully homely inn on the outskirts of the 700 acre Petworth House Estate in the South Downs National Park. There are just three rooms and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming.
• The Lamb Inn is a charming, 18th century Cotswolds inn with a beautiful rose-scented garden, large fireplaces which are roaring and lovely in the season, and 17 spacious rooms with antique furniture and original wood floors. There’s also an award-winning restaurant and great birdwatching opportunities.

• Newbury’s The Crab and Boar is an historic pub in a beautiful rural setting - this is the perfect pub with rooms for walkers. There are just 14 rooms, with cosy, contemporary decor - and some with outdoor hot tubs! There’s also a relaxed restaurant. Rooms start from around £130 per night.
• The Bell is a charming pub/ restaurant/ nine room boutique hotel, with excellent access to the beautiful Cotswolds. You’re also close to Oxford and Blenheim Palace.
• The Dundas Arms in Kintbury, in the North Downs, is a Grade II listed Georgian inn on the picturesque banks of the Kennet. The decor is classic country house hotel with feature wallpapers and luxurious bathrooms and there’s a formal dining room as well as the pub.

For a complete escape

• The White Horse Inn near Chichester is a cosy and charming inn offering 14 rustic, but elegant rooms and the option to have a private terrace with hot tub. The gardens boast panoramic views over the rolling Sussex countryside. The restaurant has a superb wine list, and the whole place is pet friendly.
• Arundel’s Swan Hotel is a charming local inn in a great spot. There are 14 rooms, decorated with simple, neutral luxury. The pub is cosy and the restaurant specialises in seasonal fare.

• The Olde Bell Inn in Hurley, is a hearty, traditional old inn - one of the oldest in England, hence the extra ‘e’ - with a gastropub restaurant, tennis courts and crisp bedrooms with lots of natural light. Great for riverbank strolling. Rooms start from around £125 per night.
• The George in Rye is historic, but very newly refurbished, so now you can expect all the modern, stylish trims inside a charming Georgian building. Each room is individual, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The Best Value Pubs with Rooms in the South East

• Not only affordable, but also family friendly, The Bedford Arms on the Herfordshire/Buckinghamshire border offers beautifully styled rooms with a country chic feel and plenty of character throughout. The restaurant serves classic pub grub and there are loads of attractions close by.
• The Miller of Mansfield in Goring on Thames is a traditional, ivy-clad village inn with an acclaimed restaurant and 15 individually designed rooms and suites. Many of them overlook the river.
• Amersham’s The Crown Inn is a modern coaching inn, converted from a more traditional coaching inn, on the end of the Metropolitan Line, around 40minutes from central London, with 23 rooms, good food and plenty of character. Room 12 is the only room which retains a traditional feel - and you might even recognise it from the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’… Romantic and affordable.
• The Ship Inn in Rye, is a laid back pub with a Michelin recommendation and ten simple rooms. It’s a traditional pub with all the best kind of details: exposed beams, wooden floors and solid, but weathered, furniture.
• The Five Arrows is another old coaching inn offering great food and great value. This time it's located near Aylesbury, on the borders of the Rothschild’s Waddesdon Manor estate. Some of the rooms have four poster beds.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best pubs with rooms in the South East on our Guru’s list you could:

• Refine your search using our list of Buckinghamshire’s Best Pubs with Rooms,
• or Oxfordshire’s Best Pubs with Rooms,
• the Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex,
• great pubs with rooms in Hampshire,
• or the best pubs with rooms in Berkshire,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Bedford Arms Hertfordshire 15 rooms from AU$235

    
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    Families  -  A friendly atmosphere, family friendly rooms with sofa beds/extra beds and kids' menus, plus under 2s stay for free!

    Local exploring  -  Get out and about in the Chess Valley, or travel further afield — a day trip to London is easily do-able too

    Great walks  -  The Chess Valley offers great walking country with paths and routes for all fitness levels

    Restaurant  -  Seasonal menu serving traditional British cuisine and pub classics

    

    An old coaching inn turned smart family friendly pub with rooms on the Bucks/Herts border. The accommodation is beautifully styled with a country chic feel and plenty of character throughout. The restaurant serves crowd-pleasing pub classics. A great base for local exploring. See More

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  • The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold Chiddingfold, Surrey 7 rooms from AU$207

    
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    Great walks  -  The South Downs, Blackdown, Leith Hill and Winkworth Arboretum provide ample scenic walking routes.

    Sights nearby  -  Jane Austen's House Museum and the immortalised town of Loxwood are both a short drive away.

    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    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. See More

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  • The Waterside Inn Maidenhead 11 rooms from AU$413

    
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    Restaurant  -  The Waterside Inn holds three Michelin stars.

    Restaurant with rooms

    Traditional

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Relais & Chateaux

    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. See More

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  • The Elephant at Pangbourne Pangbourne, Berkshire 22 rooms from AU$291

    
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    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Quirky  -  An experience!

    Traditional

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Rural, chic hotel in a bustling village. Handcrafted Indian furniture, oriental rugs, delicate fabrics. Elegant restaurant with local produce. See More

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  • The Dundas Arms Kintbury,, Berkshire 8 rooms from AU$244

    
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    Local markets  -  The nearby market town of Newbury has plenty of shops selling local produce.

    Fishing  -  Fly fishing on the River Kennet is popular in the summer months.

    Great walks  -  Traverse the Ridgeway National Trail.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    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. See More

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  • The Crown Inn, Buckinghamshire Amersham, Buckinghamshire 23 rooms from AU$178

    
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    Restaurant  -  Hawkyns Restaurant is run by Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar and serves fine dining Indian cuisine

    Cooking classes  -  Atul Kochhar runs several cookery masterclasses every year.

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Sawdays

    A modern coaching inn on the end of the Metropolitan line, updated by Ilse Crawford design, understated with character, and good food. Traditional Room 12 featured in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Locals throng the small bar. See More

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  • The Five Arrows Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 16 rooms from AU$197

    
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    Great walks  -  The Chilterns, with their never ending walking paths, are perfect for ramblers.

    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Traditional

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A former coaching inn of the Rothschild's Waddesdon Manor, The Five Arrows provides a historic stay in Buckinghamshire with traditional and neutrally styled bedrooms some having exposed beams, four poster beds and traditional bathrooms. The swish restaurant offers some innovative dishes. See More

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  • The Crab and Boar Chieveley, Berkshire 14 rooms from AU$242

    
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    Country Escape  -  With loads of country pursuits on the doorstep The Crab and Boar is perfect for a weekend getaway.

    Romantic Break  -  For a cheeky romantic break this is perfect. Book a hot tub room and enjoy!

    Restaurant  -  Great restaurant which prides itself on serving the best of British food from oysters to scotch eggs!

    Private Hot Tub  -  Several of the bedrooms have their own patios and outdoor hot tubs

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    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. See More

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  • The White Hart, West Sussex South Harting, West Sussex 7 rooms from AU$242

    
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    Country Escape  -  Nothing completes a trip to the country like a stay in a quintessentially English village inn!

    Foodies  -  Hearty meals served elegantly - foodies will love

    Sights nearby  -  Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens in nearby Chichester is a must visit

    Local markets  -  The historic market towns of Petworth and Midhurst are simply charming

    

    Comfortable contemporary pitstop close to the South Downs for couples, families and cyclists. A charming and quirky village inn, popular amongst locals and travellers alike. Rooms feature colourful tartans, exposed beams and modern bathrooms. Roaring fires and hearty meals create a cosy feel. See More

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  • Royal Oak Chichester, West Sussex 8 rooms from AU$291

    
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    Country Escape  -  Ideally placed for country pursuits such as rambling, fishing and shooting, with hearty food and cosy interiors to return to.

    Foodies  -  Feast at the award winning restaurant, serving fresh, local and totally seasonal produce- a fine example of British cooking.

    Great walks  -  Bring your wellies and a packed lunch from the hotel and head out to explore the stunning landscape of the South Downs.

    Sights nearby  -  Explore the nearby Kingley Vale, home to one of Europe's most impressive and oldest yew forests.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Charming 200 year old village inn turned popular restaurant with rooms in a quiet village. Cosy rooms with delicate pretty wallpaper and beamed ceilings. Downstairs a small bar pulls a good pint but the restaurant is the real showstopper. A lovely country escape. See More

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  • The White Horse, West Sussex Chilgrove, West Sussex 15 rooms from AU$282

    
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    Country Escape  -  Private cottage style rooms with lovely views of the green rolling hills at this country chic hotel.

    Local exploring  -  In the heart of the Sussex countryside, a good place to base yourselves to explore the area.

    Foodies  -  Known for its exquisite restaurant serving British cuisine, awarded 1 AA Rosette.

    Great walks  -  Ramble in the South Downs. There are miles of paths for walkers of all abilities

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide

    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. See More

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  • The Trout at Tadpole Bridge Faringdon, Oxfordshire 6 rooms from AU$244

    
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    Great walks  -  For an afternoon stroll there is Buscot Park and Gardens; for serious ramblers the Thames Path is on your doorstep.

    Sights nearby  -  The famous Blenheim Palace and William Morris' Kelmscott Manor are both nearby.

    Sailing  -  The hotel has its own river and private mooring for guests.

    Views  -  Some of the rooms have lovely river views

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide

    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. See More

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  • The Lamb Inn, Burford Burford 17 rooms from AU$235

    
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    Foodies  -  Don't miss the 2AA Rosette restaurant which serves fantastic seasonal British cuisine

    Great walks  -  Combine a walk through this typical Cotswolds town with a traditional cream tea.

    Sights nearby  -  The university town of Oxford is 20 miles away and well worth a visit.

    Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

    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. See More

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  • The Bell, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire 9 rooms from AU$244

    
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    Great walks  -  Walking in the Cotswolds provides a wealth of choices with gentle strolls, hilly hikes and a variety of circular walks

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic UNESCO world heritage Blenheim Palace

    Full of character

    Traditional

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    Set in the pretty Oxfordshire village of Hampton Poyle, this is a charming small hotel and pub, with an excellent restaurant and comfortable rooms with egyptian cotton bed linen, large beds, luxury toiletries and bathrooms with monsoon showers or roll-top baths. A great country escape. See More

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  • Miller of Mansfield Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire 15 rooms from AU$169

    
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    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Traditional

    Restaurant with rooms

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays

    Traditional ivy-covered inn in village setting. Acclaimed restaurant, bar, individually designed suites, Overlooking the river. See More

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  • The Mermaid Inn Rye 31 rooms from AU$282

    
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    Historic  -  The cellars date from 1156 and the building was rebuilt in 1420. It's a genuine piece of Tudor architecture

    Restaurant  -  2 AA Rosette dining featuring local produce, such as Winchelses Beef, Rye Bay Cod and Romney Marsh Lamb.

    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

    Traditional

    

    Historic inn in the centre of Rye which dates back to the 13th Century. Rooms ooze period charm with carved four poster beds, sloping beamed ceilings and gorgeous original features including a vast fireplace in the bar. Delicious 2 AA Rosette dining. A perfect weekend getaway. See More

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  • The George in Rye Rye (Rye) 34 rooms from AU$282

    
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    Boutique  -  A 16th-century inn with a twist — expect cool vintage finds, a gastro pub, and added luxuries like copper bathtubs

    Chic  -  A favourite of Clooney, Costner and other Hollywood movie stars — this is an undeniably chic British inn

    Short break  -  Trains to London take around an hour, making this an ideal choice for a quick weekend getaway

    Romantic Break  -  For a romantic getaway pick one of the rooms with an in-room bathtub

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays

    A 16th-century inn turned into a chic gastropub & hotel in historic Rye. Designer owners have given the place a truly individual touch. Expect vintage finds, patterned wallpapers, copper bathtubs & plenty of character. The bar is popular locally and the pub offers good British fare. A stylish stay. See More

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  • The Halfway Bridge Petworth (West Sussex) 6 rooms from AU$263

    
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    Local markets  -  The old market town of Petworth with its independant boutiques, cafes and antique shops is great for local exploring.

    Sailing  -  The seaside towns of Bogner Regis and Worthing are great for maritime activities.

    Great walks  -  The walking trails of the South Downs are accessible directly from the property.

    Sights nearby  -  The impressive Petworth House is just five minutes away and well worth a visit.

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Cosy inn with comfortable rooms serving superior pub grub and a warm atmosphere Ideal for couples exploring the Sussex countryside and groups wanting a good spot for a gathering. See More

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  • Crab and Lobster Sidlesham, West Sussex 4 rooms from AU$301

    
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    Foodies  -  Wonderfully falvoursome cuisine, with seafood from the local fisherman, meat from the local farms and honey from the neighbours!

    Country Escape  -  An ideal country escape, with plush rooms, mouthwatering cuisine, roaring fires in the cosy bar and plenty of local walking.

    Great walks  -  Burn off some calories between lunch and dinner with an afternoon stroll on West Wittering's pebbly beach.

    Birdwatching  -  Binoculars and a telescope are provided for spotting local birds and animals.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Contemporary waterside 16th Century Inn on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. Chic rooms ooze elegance and simple country charm. Enjoy a menu centred around locally landed fish and locally reared meats. A truly romantic escape with views over the salt marshes. See More

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  • The Swan Hotel, Arundel Arundel (Sussex) 14 rooms from AU$229

    
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    Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of Arundel you are walking distance from the Castle, Cathedral and river

    Great walks  -  Along the banks of the river to the local favourite, The Black Rabbit

    Sights nearby  -  Arundel Castle and Cathedral are must visits

    Sailing  -  A boat trip along the river Arun

    

    Charming local inn boasting a prime location within the charming market town of Arundel. Rooms are decorated in palettes of cream with thick woollen throws, period sash windows and large roll top baths. Downstairs there is a cosy pub with restaurant serving seasonal dishes. A charming stay. See More

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  • Old House Inn Copthorne, West Sussex 6 rooms from AU$207

    
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    Foodies  -  AA Rosette awarded and a fine wine list

    Sights nearby  -  The 16th century Wakehurst Place is just a short drive away

    Great walks  -  The South Downs has plenty of walking paths

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A former farm house turned gourmet pub this delightful property is just a short drive from Gatwick airport. Spacious rooms feature design quirks and modern bathrooms with a retro twist. Dining is beautifully presented - plus a Full English is included in the room rate. See More

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  • The Horse Guards Inn Petworth (West Sussex) 3 rooms from AU$160

    
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    Country Escape  -  Located within the picturesque grounds of Petworth Estate this is a true country getaway

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the charming National Trust property of Petworth House

    Great walks  -  The South Downs boasts plenty of walking paths

    Full of character

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    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. See More

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  • Griffin Inn Fletching, East Sussex 13 rooms from AU$169

    
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    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Views  -  Lovely garden views over Sheffield Park

    Full of character

    

    Very popular village gastropub with excellent food and 13 comfortable rooms, many with 4 posters, in picturesque Fletching, with fabulous views over the Ouse valley. Ideal for families. See More

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  • The Ship Inn, Rye Rye 10 rooms from AU$160

    
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    Beach Life  -  Spend the day on Camber Sands, with over 2 miles of stretch of beach to explore

    Local exploring  -  The B&B is the perfect spot for discovering the wonders of Rye and beyond

    Sights nearby  -  Visit Rye Castle, less than 10 minutes away from the B&B

    Restaurant  -  The restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal food

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A charming and historic pub with rooms, nestled in the centre of the idyllic town of Rye. Rooms are chic, comfortable and filled with lots of natural light. The traditional pub prides itself in its love for English wine. Enjoy deliciously simple yet artisan locally sourced food at the restaurant. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 3rd July 2024