east sussexPetras Gagilas via Flickr

East Sussex is a major destination for Londoners escaping to the coast, with colourful Brighton, genteel Eastbourne and historic Hastings just a few of the options. Battle and Rye don’t have the sea views, but there are plenty of beautiful sights to see, and then there’s the coastal walking and the South Downs Way to be getting on with. And all of these destinations are home to some of our pick of the best pubs with rooms in Sussex - lovely, atmospheric inns with great food and comfortable rooms.

east sussexPengannel via Flickr

West Sussex, as a county, is probably a little bit more peaceful, with a less dramatic coastline and the beautiful, cultured market towns of Chichester and Arundel. And of course more of the hills and dales of the South Downs. But when putting together a list of the best pubs with rooms in Sussex, our Gurus found just as many great pubs in West as East Sussex. And we happen to think that staying in a pub, with the camaraderie, the peace, the food and not having to worry about getting home at night, is a great way to experience Sussex. So here are out Guru’s recommendations for the best pubs with rooms in Sussex.

The White Hart

15 of The Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex

The Best Sussex Pubs with Rooms with a View

the white horse

  • 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.
  • 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.

The Most Romantic Pubs with Rooms in Sussex

royal oak

  • 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.
  • 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.

The Ginger Pig

  • Don't let the 'pub with rooms' categorisation put you off, The Ginger Pig in Brighton is a seriously chic spot. Smart rooms mix traditional and modern styles with steel green walls contrasting against the light parquet floors. The bathrooms are uber luxurious and the restaurant and bar serve exemplary food and cocktails.
  • 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 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 Pubs with Rooms in Sussex For Walkers

crab and lobster

  • 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 Bull

  • The Bull is a smart 16th century pub with rooms, and has long been a firm favourite for locals and travellers alike. Lively and vibrant, it has six chic bedrooms, an excellent restaurant - and they serve beer from their own brewery.
  • Also close to the South Downs, and Wakehurst Place, and Gatwick Airport, the Old House Inn has been converted from a farmhouse, and has six spacious, quirky rooms. The dining has an AA Rosette award and a full English breakfast is included in the room rate.
  • The Halfway Bridge in Petworth is a cosy inn with six comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere and good food. You’re surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside, but close to the cafes and antique shops of Petworth and there are walking trails leading off to the South Downs right from the door.

The Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex for Families

the white hart

  • The White Hart in South Harting is a quintessential rural village inn, but with a few nice quirky touches. There are the wonderful old features you’d hope to find, like vast fireplaces, exposed beams and colourful tartans, but there’s modern bathrooms and hearty, but modern meals, served elegantly. Great for cyclists as well as walkers and families.

The Best Value Pubs with Rooms in Sussex

griffin inn

  • The Griffin Inn in Fletching is a very popular village gastropub with 12 comfortable rooms offering expansive views over the peaceful Ouse Valley. Rooms start from £85 and are very family friendly.
  • 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. Rooms start from £110 per night including fabulous breakfast.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best pubs with rooms in Sussex on our Guru’s list of 15 of the best pubs with rooms in Sussex you could:

15 of the Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex

15 of the Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex

Crab and Lobster

West Sussex (West Sussex)

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.

  • 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.
from AU$312 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Royal Oak

West Sussex (East Lavant)

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.

  • 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.
from AU$303 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The George in Rye

Rye (Rye)

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.

  • 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
from AU$293 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Griffin Inn

East Sussex

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.

  • Restaurant
  • Views - Lovely garden views over Sheffield Park
  • Full of character
from AU$176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Ship Inn, Rye

Rye

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.

  • 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
from AU$166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Halfway Bridge

Petworth (West Sussex)

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.

  • 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.
from AU$273 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Mermaid Inn

Rye

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.

  • 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
  • Traditional
from AU$293 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Horse Guards Inn

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.

  • 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
from AU$166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The White Hart, West Sussex

West Sussex

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.

  • 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
from AU$252 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Old House Inn

West Sussex

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.

  • 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
from AU$215 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Swan Hotel, Arundel

Arundel (Sussex)

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.

  • 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
from AU$238 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Ginger Pig

Brighton (East Sussex )

Don't let the 'pub with rooms' title put you off, this is a seriously chic spot. Smart rooms mix traditional and modern styles with steel grey walls contrasting against the light parquet floors. The bathrooms are uber luxurious and the restaurant and bar serve exemplary food and cocktails.

  • Foodies - Hosting a highly acclaimed restaurant serving top-notch gastropub grub.
  • Sights nearby - Take a tour of the unusual Royal Pavillion in Brighton.
  • Great walks - Take long walks along the coastal promenade.
  • Restaurant
from AU$195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Bull, East Sussex

East Sussex (Ditchling)

A smart 16th century pub with rooms, The Bull has long been a firm favourite for locals and travellers alike. Lively and vibrant, it features six chic bedrooms, an excellent restaurant and beer from their own brewery. The Bull is a great option for people looking to explore East Sussex.

  • Local exploring - A great launchpad from which to explore East Sussex including nearby Brighton.
  • Great walks - Drive to the nearby coastline and go for lovely walks along the beaches and headlands.
  • Sights nearby - Go into Brighton for the day and explore Britain's most famous seaside town.
  • Restaurant
from AU$234 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

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