When you’re away on holiday, a trip (or two!) to the pub is practically a must.
How better to chat long evenings away with friendly patrons, sup refreshing local beer and beverages, and immerse yourselves in the area’s unique character?
But with limited holiday time and a likely wealth of pubs to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the options and find that sparkling local gem you’ve been looking for. Particularly if, like the very best places, it’s only those in the know who know about them!
Well, we’ve taken the liberty of asking some of our Host Unusual property owners to recommend their favourite local pubs. So alongside your out-of-the-ordinary stay, you’ll also have a well-loved, ready-made sanctuary to while away some of that precious holiday time in.
Some owners’ favourite pubs boast full dining menus, roaring fires and plenty of laughter; others fine wine lists, refined bar snacks and serene atmospheres that are ideal for relaxing in. Whatever your pub-preference you’ll no doubt find it here, so why not browse our list and take your pick?
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Hoe Grange Holidays recommend The Old Gate Inn, Brassington
(Matthew Owen Photography)
Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
An exquisite 16th century castle nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Thirlestane is the ultimate castle experience.
The Black Bull: Sarah and Edward always recommend this to the Castle guests and it is just a short 15/20 minute walk from the Castle. They have a wonderful menu which showcases the best Scottish produce, and it was recently renovated with a gorgeous, cosy interior complete with a log burning fire. Children are very welcome and it is great for families or a couples dinner.
Ticehurst, East Sussex, England
Retreat to Tinkers Treehouse, a luxuriously romantic treetop hideaway, privately nestled in the rustling East Sussex leaves.
The Bull Inn: Most if not all of our guests visit The Bull Inn which is a 15 minute walk to the end of Tinkers Lane (which Tinkers Treehouse was named after). The pub is a quintessentially British pub serving fab food and drink and has a huge garden even with a duck pond with ducks, fish and a duck house! The log fires make for cosy nights in winter - the perfect escape from reality.
Weston Longville, Norfolk, England
A unique and detail-rich off-grid retreat, lovingly crafted from natural materials and nestled amongst 20 soothing acres of Norfolk countryside.
The Parson Woodforde in Weston Longville: A 20 minute walk down quiet country lanes from our glampsite, this family friendly, welcoming pub is now run by the chef - which is always a good sign! The Parson Woodforde comes highly recommended - enjoy delicious local food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Raglan, Monmouthshire, Wales
A bespoke-crafted shepherd's hut, luxuriously nestled amongst the captivating Monmouthshire countryside.
The Clytha Arms: We always recommend The Clytha Arms to our guests which is two miles away. The Clytha Arms is a warm and friendly family run pub and restaurant. Indoors they have open log fires, and outdoors there are large gardens with lots of seating. They have local ales, and the food is amazing with a tapas menu, daily fish specials and a lunch and dinner menu available.
Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
Sportsmans Arms – Dittisham/The Ferry Boat Inn – Dittisham Waterfront: Sportsmans Arms is great local traditional pub with fantastic pub grub and an outdoor play area for the children. Dog Friendly too! The Ferry Boat Inn serves pizzas and an excellent Sunday Roast, we’d say offering the best view of the River Dart!
Pin Mill, Suffolk, England
A vintage Dutch barge, elegantly styled with authentic mid-century pieces and moored in a beautiful Suffolk coastal hamlet, with soothing views over the River Orwell.
The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill: Just 300 metres from The Adrianto, The Butt and Oyster is one of Suffolk’s most celebrated pubs, in a beautiful seventeenth century building. It’s a great spot to have an evening drink or a bite to eat, sitting outside and enjoying the views over the River Orwell. It’s dog friendly too!
Llanthony, Monmouthshire, Wales
A lovingly restored railway carriage for romantic couples, privately secluded amongst a deep, hidden valley in the Black Mountains for epic Dark Sky stargazing.
Cellar Bar, Llanthony Priory: Just a 7 minute walk across the fields from Castaway (2 min drive) is the amazing Llanthony Priory with the unique Cellar Bar where you can enjoy a locally brewed ale, lager or cider and wander the Priory grounds enjoying perhaps the most amazing beer garden in the UK. Obviously I’m biased by this is the BEST place to drink beer!
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England
Watch red squirrels play in the trees, from lovingly-created havens set amongst three magical acres of ancient woodland in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2
The Green Dragon, Hardraw: Just 2 miles from our site, The Green Dragon is a traditional Dales Inn dating from the 13th century with open fires, stone flagged floors and beamed ceilings. Directly behind the pub is Hardraw Force, the longest single drop waterfall in the country and the location for the filming of 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves' in 1991.
Cullompton, Devon, England
A retro, TV-featured showman's living van, vibrantly restored with authentic 1970s style, and secluded on peaceful a Devon farm that's surrounded by wildflower meadows.
The Butterleigh Inn: This dog-friendly pub is less than 3 miles from The Big Hoot, and has outside seating and a new play area. They also hold live music events and Paella and Tapas evenings!
Exeter, Devon, England
An oak-clad, sumptuously furnished retreat with an al fresco bathtub and rolling Exe Valley views, privately secluded by a stream-fed wildlife pond on a 23-acre Devon farm.
The Ring of Bells at Cheriton Fitzpaine: This beautifully restored thatched roof pub is 4.6 miles away from Perry Pond Cabin, but worth it for the food and the really friendly hosts.
Drymen, Stirling, Scotland
Two sumptuous, sustainably crafted cabins, packed with romantic luxuries and nestled amongst magical woodland near Loch Lomond.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2 per cabin
The Clachan Inn, Drymen: Licenced in 1734, the Clachan Inn, Drymen is Scotland's oldest licenced pub and as if that weren't enough, the first licensee of the Clachan Inn was Mistress Gow, sister to the famous outlaw turned Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. History, fine food and great service all within walking distance of Arcadia Glamping.
Braunton, Devon, England
A sublime and secluded off-grid Devon retreat, dog-friendly and with a dreamy private deck to bring you blissfully back to nature, batteries fully recharged.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2 (+2)
The Crown at West Down: This traditional 17th century freehouse is a 1.5 mile walk from the Linhay along quiet country lanes, or by footpath with stunning views along the way. All our guests comment on how welcoming the Crown is! That rare gem - a proper village pub at the centre of the community serving delicious food, local ales and very dog friendly with a beautiful garden too.
Buckland Abbey, Devon, England
Experience a luxury shepherd's hut break in the great outdoors, with opulent al-fresco accommodation in the Tamar Valley's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the National Trust Buckland Abbey Estate.
Bedrooms: 1 per hut
Sleeps: 2 per hut
The Who’d Have Thought It at Milton Coombe/The Drake Manor Inn in Buckland Monachorum: We have not one but 2 lovely local pubs each within a 20min walk from the Hideaways - The Who’d Have Thought It at Milton Coombe, very dog friendly run by Matthew, Hayleigh and team and they do a fabulous Sunday roast! The Drake Manor Inn in Buckland Monachorum has an equally thriving local community, cider festivals and indoor and outdoor dining.
Husthwaite, Yorkshire, England
Chill out, unwind and savour sensational glamping and camping at The Hideaway - a wonderfully relaxed, totally friendly and perfectly placed eco-friendly campsite in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Bedrooms: Studio
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
The Plum and Partridge: Local inn the Plum and Partridge is a ten to fifteen minute walk from the site. The food is delicious and they have many local ales and gins on offer too (Barney’s tipple is Gin!).
Matlock, Derbyshire, England
Eco-friendly, accessible, self-catering log cabins, camping pods and a gypsy caravan on a working farm in the Peak District.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
The Gate Inn, Brassington/The Sycamore Inn, Parwich: We absolutely love the Gate Inn - it's a beautiful 1.5 mile walk over the hill to the village, where you can enjoy local beers and the best food in the area in this charming dog-friendly pub. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere - roaring fires in traditional ranges, low wooden beams, and friendly welcoming locals! 2.5 miles away, The Sycamore Inn in nearby Parwich has installed "horse parking" (aka a bar to tie your horse up to) especially for our guests (you can bring your own horse on holiday to Hoe Grange - and there's no better place to ride to than the pub!). They serve great beer and even better food too, so it's the perfect stop off on for refreshments on a hack.
Ballingham, Herefordshire, England
A luxurious collection of family and dog-friendly canvas cottages with private hot tubs, beautifully nestled amongst rolling Herefordshire countryside with soothing views of the River Wye.
Bedrooms: 3 per tent
Sleeps:
The Cottage of Content, Carey: Just under 1 mile and less than 25 min walk, the Cottage of Content is the most picturesque and quaint pub I know. Winning many awards, its food is a delight to the eyes and the taste buds. Serving the best of Herefordshire Ciders and Ales too. Dog friendly, kids menus and very welcoming, it's a must when visiting Nature's Nest.
Doncaster, Nottinghamshire, England
Two stylish and romantic couples' cabins, each with their own private hot tub, soothingly secluded on a magical Nottinghamshire woodland site that features a wood-burning sauna and a barbecue cabin.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2 per cabin
The Mucky Duck, Drakeholes: 4 miles from Hawthorn Hideaway (6 minutes by car, or 2.5 hours by narrowboat.), this Grade II listed, late 18th century inn has amazing views and great food and service.
Chew Stoke, Somerset, England
A laid-back camp filled with creative retreats, hot tubs, and warm communal spirit, deliciously secluded amongst 35 acres of illuminated woodland in the lakeside hills, just 15 minutes from Bristol.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 16
The Queens Arms, Chew Magna: We have some gorgeous pubs in the local village, Chew Magna (5 min drive). The Queens Arms in particular is recommended highly!
Bideford, Devon, England
Two lovingly hand-crafted cabins, each with a private outdoor hot water bathtub, sanctuary-like decking, and idyllic stream-and-woodland views on a family-run Devon farm.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
The Coach & Horses Inn, Buckland Brewer: We always recommend and personally love this local, keeping traditional village culture alive in the historic 13th century thatched pub serving delicious homemade cooked fare and local ales. The pub oozes character with low wooden beams, fireplaces, is dog-friendly and best still it's less than a mile from our cabins.
Halse, Somerset, England
An award-winning, awe-inspiring conversion with a hot tub and a private indoor pool, nestled on the edge of a soothing Somerset village.
New Inn, Halse: We have a wonderful local community owned pub a five min stroll from Lavender Barn, The Treehouse, The Apple Treehouse and Cornflower Cottage. It's a wonderful pub serving great food , very family and dog friendly and with lots of events including a mini farmers market/ local produce sale.
Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales
A cwtch-infused cabin with an indulgent bathtub, nestled in its very own four-acre, river-fronted wildflower meadow and beautifully secluded in the “garden of Wales”.
The Cwmdu Inn: Nestled in the quaint village of Cwmdu, the capital of Cwtch, this inn is just a mile or 15 minute stroll from Erwain Escapes. This cherished community-run pub, complete with a convenient shop and post office, brims with character and charm, and voted 9th Best Pub in Wales. A warm, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with monthly pub quizzes and folk nights, inviting everyone to join in and enjoy the lively jams. On Saturday evenings, the pub serves delicious home-cooked meals, featuring a rotating menu served by different community chef each week, including the popular Pizza Night. Throughout the year, the Cwmdu Inn hosts a variety of events, from the lively Beer Festival and Apple Day to Halloween festivities and commemorative evenings for St. David’s Day and Burns Night. Each event not only provides entertainment but also helps raise vital funds for the community.
Bideford, Devon, England
A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Varies
The Kings Arms, Hartland: We are very fortunate to have three great pubs in our local village of Hartland. They are worth a visit, but the firm favourite with our guests is The Kings Arms. A popular family friendly spot with excellent pizzas and a lovely garden and play area. There’s a great selection of local ales and ciders along with 30 different gins to try! Just over a mile from our cabins it’s a convenient spot for dinner or drinks.
Lydbury North, Shropshire, England
Imaginative accommodation, set amongst 30 acres of picture-perfect grounds in the Shropshire Hills.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
The Powis Arms: The estate runs the Powis Arms and is within walking distance of all our accommodation. It serves great food and is dog-friendly.
Laxfield, Suffolk, England
Savour rural Suffolk at its most beautiful, from the comfort of a nature-steeped, adults-only retreat that's home to lakeside lodges, cosy Igluhuts, and two luxurious woodland saunas.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
The Laxfield Low House: Within ten mins walk we have The Laxfield Low House, a very unique 16th century thatched Suffolk pub - it doesn't have a bar, but a tap room at the back, along with several cosy rooms and warm open fire in the winter.
King's Lynn, Norfolk, England
Mosey on down to a welcoming and irresistibly quirky retreat that’s expertly themed around America’s Old Wild West, surrounded by wild ‘n’ wonderful West Norfolk countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
The Blue Bell, Stoke Ferry: A charming, traditional pub owned and run by the local community, making it a true hub of village life. Just a mile's scenic walk from Hank's Ranch, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a countryside ramble. The pub is dog-friendly, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both two- and four-legged visitors. With classic pub food, local ales, and a cozy setting, it's a wonderful example of how community spirit keeps local traditions alive.
Cranbrook, Kent, England
Rediscover your zest for life in the heart of the Wealden countryside, from the vibrant comfort of an off-grid wellness retreat with a private sauna, hot tub and cold plunge pool.
The Old Dairy Tap Room, Tenderden: 4.7 miles (10 min in the car) from the Red Cabin, the Old Dairy Taproom is a father-daughter run business trading from a WWII Nissen hut next to Kent & East Sussex Railway with spectacular country-side views. The tapwall in the brewhouse space hosts 14 beers and 3 cask beers, a large stage, a tented cosy area and loads of additional seating. Its own Old Dairy beers are still being brewed off-site by The Old Dairy's former brewers. Day to day there's lots on offer, including lots of live music and events as well as different food trucks every week. For children there's a large TV and sofa, console/games nights and a great space for running around in. Plus the steam train is right next door!
Ashington, West Sussex, England
An iconic American school bus, creatively transformed into an off-grid haven with loving attention to detail, nestled beneath the South Downs National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 & bunks
Sleeps: 4
The White Lion, Thakeham: Leaving the Skoolie Stays bus, an easy wander up the bridle path that is Strawberry Lane, past the network of Badger setts (keep your eyes and ears peeled!) takes you to the haven of The White Lion Inn at Thakeham. It's in a perfect little Sussex village by a picture-postcard church. It's a 16th Century Coaching Inn with wonderful gardens, fireside seating and friendly hosts, but it is the next-level food that brings up back time and again. It's a true gem.
Halland, East Sussex, England
A dreamy off-grid eco-haven, packed with style and secluded in its very own East Sussex meadow, for a carbon-neutral stay with plenty of added luxury.
The Blackboys Inn, Blackboys: A handsome village pub, with great food, plenty of outside seating, and a good cross-country tramp to get there. This recommendation is as much about the journey as the destination. The pub is a classic. Large, friendly, old, and generous with it's hospitality and food and drink options. To get there from our cabin, we have worked out our own route. It's less than three miles, takes you by streams, through fields with cattle and deer common, and past country houses to make you drool. You'll earn your pint and lunch getting here, but a 5 minute taxi back means you can save your legs if they are a bit wobbly after your visit.
Husthwaite, Yorkshire, England
A luxurious family treehouse, privately secluded in medieval woodland with incredible views of the North Yorkshire Moors.
The Fauconberg Arms in Coxwold: The Fauconberg Arms in Coxwold is approximately 2 miles away, either by car or there is a direct public footpath taking you down the disused railway line straight from the campsite at Baxby Manor! A traditional stone floor & open fires Yorkshire pub with great local ales and locally sourced produce.
