England’s South West is one of the sunniest, warmest and, arguably, the prettiest parts of the UK. This is where you’ll find Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. And the Scilly Isles. And for a lot of folk from other parts of the country, and from further afield, those names mean holidays. The South West has two entire national parks: Dartmoor and Exmoor, plus some of the New Forest, plus Stonehenge, Jurassic Coast and the Eden Project. Then there’s that beautiful, long coastline sotted with fishing villages and wonderful rural hamlets in the interior, beside some exquisite stately homes. What better way to explore the area than to start by basing yourself in one of the best pubs with rooms in the South West?
Because the South West has so much to offer, we at the Hotel Guru think it’s ripe for exploring along the old highways and byways, and of course you’ll want to stay in some of its best taverns along the way. Not every region is as rich in old coaching inns and friendly roadside pubs with rooms as this one is, and our Guru’s collection of the best pubs with rooms in the South West includes some great foodie options, some prefect walkers' retreats and some wonderfully rural refuges from modern life.
Our recommendations for 20 of the best pubs with rooms in the South West of the UK are a collection of friendly properties, all offering a great meal, a comfortable night's rest and a friendly welcome. Staying in these kinds of properties leaves you open to local suggestions and the chance to meet new friends. Or of course to entirely escape from everything, if that’s your preference.
20 of The Best Pubs with Rooms in the South West
The Most Memorable Pubs with Rooms in the South West
- The Lamb at Hindon has been a great Wiltshire pub with rooms for 800 years! A few hundred miles south of Scotland, these days it’s the country outpost of Boisdale, the Scottish-themed Belgravia restaurant. Tartan is everywhere and rooms all have a bottle of whisky in them for a night cap in bed.
- Leased from Lord Bath's Longleat Estate, the rooms in The Bath Arms feature exotic throws, black marble bathrooms, enormous beds and quirky pieces of furniture. Indian inlaid furniture sits comfortably with hand-painted wallpaper depicting English eccentrics.
- The Acorn Inn claims to be Hardy's "Sow and Acorn" in Tess of the D'Urbevilles and it certainly has a long history - it dates back to the 16th century. Now however it offers individually decorated rooms in a traditional style and an award winning restaurant dishing up seasonal fare.
The Most Romantic Pubs with Rooms in the South West
- The Stapleton Arms in Buckthorn Weston is a reinvented English country pub with boutique-style decor which has retained many of the original features. There are four individually designed rooms and a gourmet, locally sourced pub menu. Don’t miss the breakfasts fit for a king or the Sunday Roasts.
- The Red Lion Inn is in pretty Babcary, around 45minutes from Bath and right in the heart of Somerset. The roof is thatched, the six rooms have been individually decorated and there’s smart linens and toiletries. There’s also an award-winning restaurant with a menu which changes daily.
- The Queen’s Arms in Corton Denham is a quintessentially English, Georgian inn with eight comfortable and elegant rooms and well priced gourmet food. There are some great walking trails nearby, plus several notable National Trust properties.
The Best Pubs with Rooms in the South West For Walkers
- The Cott Inn in Dartington, right between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline, is a picturesque building in a picturesque spot. It’s one of England’s oldest inns and the perfect country escape with a snug bar and an excellent restaurant.
- The Ragged Cot is a lovely, 17th century inn in a beautiful spot overlooking 600 acres of National Trust land around Stroud. There are nine comfortable rooms and a modern bar and restaurant specialising in seafood.
The Best Foodie Pubs with Rooms in the South West
- Wiltshire’s Red Lion Freehouse, which overlooks the river Avon is a great foodie getaway. Here you don't just get gastropub fayre - it's Michelin starred! Rooms are understated luxury with as much attention to detail here as there is in the kitchen, and all have decks with view of river or countryside.
- The Swan in Wedmore is a small gourmet pub-with-rooms in a charming village. The rooms are pretty luxurious with huge stand-alone bathtubs and every mod. con., and the menu is by Tom Black from the River Cottage.
- The Museum Inn is a picturesque country pub in the pretty village of Farnham, north Dorset, on the Cranborne Chase (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). There are eight individually designed rooms in the main house and converted stables building, plus a separate large cottage which sleeps up to 16. Plus there’s both gastro pub and fine dining options.
- The Stapleton Arms in Buckthorn Weston is a reinvented English country pub with boutique-style decor which has retained many of the original features. There are four individually designed rooms and a gourmet, locally sourced pub menu. Don’t miss the breakfasts fit for a king or the Sunday roasts.
The Best Family Friendly Pubs with Rooms in the South West
- Northleach’s The Wheatsheaf Inn is an old inn recently converted and imaginatively decorated. There are 14 comfortable rooms, great food, a pretty, enclosed garden, a rustic treatment rooms and a cask ale bar. There's a fabulous family room which sleeps 2 adults and 2 kids and delicious mini menu for your little ones.
- The White Hart in Somerton is a charming gastro-pub with six beautifully decorated rooms - and one suite - and great food. Expect lots of natural light, a lovely dining area and a big garden. Great for families or for couples, and rooms start from around £70 per night.
The Best Pubs with Rooms in the South West for a Country Escape
- Recently refurbished and redecorated, The Beckford Arms, on the edge of the Fonthill Estate in south Wiltshire, is cosy but modern with natural materials everywhere. Everything, from the Bramley toiletries to the DVD selection to the art has been carefully selected by the owners, and the food is excellent. The menu changes daily but might include whole suckling pig spit-roasted on the bar’s open fire, the kitchen's own hams and piccalilli, game pies with homemade pastry and aged Wiltshire steaks.
- The King John Inn in Tollard Royal, near the Dorset border, is owned by a wine merchant and an interior decorator, meaning that the King John has a wine shop as well as five luxurious en suite bedrooms. The public areas are sophisticated with country touches, and the menu is brief and to the point with local produce, well cooked.
The Best Value Pubs with Rooms in the South West
- Didmarton’s 17th Century King’s Arms coaching inn has a great position in the heart of the Cotswolds, and six, stylish rooms featuring Stubbs paintings and antique furniture. The food is great pub grub. Rooms start from around £90 per night.
- The Red Lion in Clovelly, Devon, overlooks the harbour, and has 17 neutral, but attractive rooms, some of them with sea views. The bar and restaurant are cosy and friendly and it’s got a very traditional seaside holiday feel to it. Rooms start from around £100 per night.
- The Talbot Inn in Frome is a charming village pub with eight country chic rooms and a friendly feel. Rooms start from around £90 per night.
- The Compasses Inn in Tisbury is a part-thatched 14th century inn with exposed timber frames, open fires, flagstone floors and locally sourced food. The four rooms are in the more modern part of the property and are simple, comfortable, and start from around £85 per night.
If you haven’t found your idea of the best pub wth rooms in the South West on our Guru’s list of 20 you could:
