The Cotswolds is Arcadian England. Centuries of interaction between man and nature are reflected in the landscape: carpets of fields; managed forests; beautiful churches that bear witness to a rich, sheepish past; 6,000 kilometers of dry stone walls that not only form borders, but also provide shelter for wrens, mice and more. Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, the area is a perfect area for a short (or even long) break.
In addition, there is a wonderful range of country old pubs offering pleasant accommodation; think of crackling fires in stone fireplaces, delicious dishes based on regional products and characterful bedrooms. From Kings Head in picturesque Bledington to The New Inn in hidden Coln St Aldwyns, here's our pick of the best pubs with rooms in Cotswold.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
Dating back to the 17th century, The Halfway House is an oasis of a pub, transformed from a rustic watering hole into a foodie venue by two experienced chefs who are also the hands-on landlords. It's in a sublime rural location - you have to go down narrow streets to get here - and there are beautiful walks from the door. All the better to work up an appetite, as dining at The Halfway is a reasonably priced treat; the menu features local delicacies such as melt-in-your-mouth braised lamb shoulder and ambrosial celeriac and mushroom pie. Cozy fireplaces, simple furnishings and comfortable bedrooms complete the picture.
* The best hotels in the Cotswolds
Located in a hidden honeystone village with plenty of charm, this 16th century pub combines the features of a relaxing local and a stylish retreat, with an old-fashioned bar, dining room and eight beautiful bedrooms, each decorated by a different designer. The country-chic inn is also an attractive foodie location, with an adventurous menu based on artisanal ingredients. Facilities range from a lovely private dining room to an extensive and beautifully planted terraced garden with a wisteria-covered pergola. Plus, there are several circular walks from the door where you can burn off a hearty meal.
* The best family-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds
This hidden gem in a beautiful unspoilt village is a modern take on a country tavern - complete with a fireplace, exposed beams and flagstones and wooden floors. It is at the same time a real pub that brews its own smooth beers, a beautiful restaurant with real local flavors and a charming hotel with five rustic-stylish bedrooms. There is a cheerful atmosphere from the mainly local staff. As this is an honest pub, facilities are limited, but there is a beautiful walled garden and dining terrace.
* The best Cotswolds hotels in and around Burford
This pub backs onto the vast greenery of picturesque, honey-stoned Bledington, with an old-fashioned seesaw just off the terrace; the village is located in beautiful walking and cycling country. The Kings Head is an attractive winding property that offers a generous sense of space and plenty of cozy corners. The oldest part dates from the mid-17th century and at the rear there is a modern accommodation wing. The furnishings are stylishly country, with tiled floors, carpets and old furniture, and with a fireplace in one room and a wood-burning stove in the other. Good honest brasserie dishes based on seasonal ingredients are presented with flair.
* The best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds
Today, this 18th-century inn is a haven of eco-elegance and gourmet cuisine. It is opposite the village green of beautiful Kingham and a few fields away from sister venture Daylesford, Carole Bamford's organic estate and farm shop. Service takes the property to a completely different level from other Cotswold pubs with rooms. In the restaurant, the staff enthusiastically tells you chapter and verse about ingredients (all organic) and cooking techniques.
* The best hotels for spa holidays in England
This attractively stylish old pub is located in a quiet lane on the edge of Ilmington, a Warwickshire village of pink and gold bricks. The pub dates back several centuries and was created from a collection of barns. There are snoozy leather armchairs in front of a large stone fireplace and hunting photos on the walls. All eight rooms have a seating area; one has a four-poster bed, the other a tartan four-poster bed. The food is a treat, from grilled quail with English corn to John Dory fillet with prawns, string beans and crab bisque.
* The best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds
The Lion is a 16th century coaching inn converted into a rustic-cool pub with rooms. Located in the heart of Winchcombe, considered the 'walking capital' of the Cotswolds, it's a great base for walking weekends and tours - and serves good brasserie food. A modern makeover has cleverly given the interior of this historic building a cozy yet light and bright appearance. It is a place of bleached wood, stone walls and carpets on tiled floors. The well-priced menu includes mains such as zucchini orzotto and charred corn, and tender pork belly with dauphinoise potatoes.
* The best spa hotels in the Cotswolds
In the heart of one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages, this comfortable country pub offers good food, a quirky-chic interior, a sunny terrace and a good (albeit small) bar. Previously called The Village Pub, it was acquired by furniture designer Timothy Oulton in 2021 as part of the company's expansion into hospitality. The stylish décor features antiques and curiosities from the owner's collection, the menu is largely based on excellent local produce (some grown at sister property Barnsley House hotel across the road) and the six bedrooms all have a contemporary-chic, paneled atmosphere and wallpaper. here and there soft plaids and pleasant headboards.
* The most romantic hotels in the Cotswolds
The Crown is very rural yet within easy reach of nearby Cirencester. It's a 17th-century inn with a beautiful location in the Golden Valley, so named for its spectacular fall foliage. The main house, complete with wobbly old beams, three fireplaces and lots of stonework, was originally built as a cider house. It has a great atmosphere and is really the real deal: a real pub and the meeting place for the locals. With twelve comfortable bedrooms in a quiet outbuilding, it is also a popular location for visitors from further afield. This is a great base for walks, with hearty comfort food on the menu for you to enjoy in the evening.
* The best pubs with rooms in Kent
This ivy-covered inn dates back to the 16th century and exudes a rustic, stylish feel. Step inside and open fireplaces, lots of old settlements, tiled and wooden floors and a bustling atmosphere. On one side of the main house there is an open kitchen and bar for those popping in for a pint; on the other side is a series of restaurant rooms, one of which has a special Negroni bar. The dishes range from gourmet burgers to small plates and hearty main courses such as venison leg. Arranged around an adjoining courtyard are 14 beautiful bedrooms, some with four-poster beds, some furnished with antique finds.
