The UK’s best pubs with rooms for a gourmet getaway

As the first promising signs of Spring are just around the corner and the winter chill lifts, why not escape the city at the weekend and explore the British countryside.

And it’s no secret that Britain has the best pubs out in the country. Here are just some of our favourite historic inns that come with character, comfy rooms and cozy beds and seriously good local food.

The Bull Inn, Charlbury

This charming 16^th century inn is located in the heart of Charlbury, Oxfordshire. A true home away from home, the inn oozes historic charm with its original beams and exposed stone walls, offering cozy corners with roaring fires and comfortable armchairs. Enjoy classic British cuisine in the restaurant serving traditional dishes, such as Pan Fired Pheasant and Root Vegetable Cassoulet, perfect for warming up after a long day exploring the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside or nearby Blenheim Palace. Retire to one of the eight stylish and bedrooms, each individually designed with modern furnishings and artwork.

Nightly rates start from £99 for a double room, visit www.bullinn-charlbury.com

The Noel Arms, Chipping Campden

One of the oldest Cotswold inns, the 14^th century Noel Arms is steeped in history; it is said that Charles II stayed here during the English Civil War. Exuding a sense of tradition throughout its 28 rooms, the inn is located in the honey-stoned heart of Chipping Campden, often referred to as England’s most picturesque high street. This peaceful corner of the English countryside is home to an array of lovely boutiques, shops and cafes and marks the start of the Cotswold Way footpath, offering over 100 miles of scenic countryside strolls. Back at the inn, put feet up in front of the log fire in the bar and indulge in the array of homemade cakes and pastries from their very own coffee shop. For a contemporary twist on traditional pub fayre, enjoy Chef Indunil’s famous curries in the restaurant, so good that he has been named Best Pub Curry Chef at the Great British Pub Food Awards on three occasions.

Nightly rates start from £99 for a double room. Visit www.bespokehotels.com/noelarmshotel

The White Horse, Dorking

Stylish modern interiors are combined with rustic country charm at this 18^th century coaching inn, located in Dorking, Surrey. Each room pays tribute to the unique role in the town’s history, having once played host to Charles Dickens, who took up residence at the White Horse while writing his first novel, The Pickwick Papers. Recently enjoying a £4 million refurbishment, the White Horse offers a modern boutique experience, with extensive dining facilities, delicatessen and bar, affording the best of seasonal produce from a range of beloved local partners and making this a must-visit foodie destination. All-day dining space ‘The Dozen’ serves a menu of traditional British and modern European cuisine alongside regional wines and ales, while the Dozen Deli is stocked with produce, from local Surrey chutney to regionally-roasted coffee beans and freshly-baked sourdough bread.

Nightly rates star from £90 for a double room. Visit www.whitehorsedorking.com

Hunter’s Inn, Exmoor

Located in the rolling hills of the beautiful Exmoor National Park, Hunter’s Inn is owned by the National Trust, meaning that every stay helps to preserve the local wildlife and ecology. The inn lies at the heart of the Heddon Valley, set within beautifully landscaped gardens and surrounded by 2,000 acres of picturesque countryside. Bringing a distinctly Alpine style to this quintessentially British setting, the property was originally built as a thatched cottage before being reconstructed in the ‘Swiss Style’ as was common at the height of the Victorian Era, and has been designated ‘Historically Significant’ by the National Trust. Stay in one of the 10 cozy bedrooms and enjoy the seasonal menu, featuring pub classics such as Handmade Steak & Ale Pie, safe in the knowledge that your visit is contributing to the preservation of this idyllic setting.

Nightly
rates start from £80 for a double room. Visit www.bespokehotels.com/thehuntersinn