by The Cotswolds is arcadian England. Hundreds of years of interaction between man and nature are expressed in his landscape: tapestries of fields; managed woodlands; magnificent churches as evidence of a rich past in the shape of a sheep; 4,000 miles of dry stone walls that not only serve as borders but shelter wrens, mice and more. Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, the area is the perfect short (or even long) break destination.
In addition, there is a glorious array of bucolic old pubs offering casual accommodation; think of the snack fires in the stone fireplaces, delicious cuisine based on local produce and characterful bedrooms. From the Kings Head in picturesque Bledington to The New Inn at tucked-away Coln St Aldwyns, here’s our pick of the best Cotswold pubs with rooms.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
Since the 17th century, The Halfway House has been a haven for pubs, transformed from country dockyard to dining venue by two talented chefs and hands-on landlords. It’s in a very rural setting – you wind down narrow lanes to get here – and offers great walks from the doorstep. Best of all to work with an appetite, for food at The Halfway is a reasonably priced treat; On the menu are local delights such as melt-in-the-mouth braised lamb shoulder, and ambrosial celeriac and mushroom pie. Cozy fires, unpretentious decor and comfy bedrooms complete the picture.
• The best hotels in the Cotswolds
Set in a charming honey-stone village, this 16th-century pub combines the characteristics of a relaxed and stylish local retreat, with an old-school bar, dining room and eight gorgeous bedrooms, each styled different. designer. The rustic-chic inn is also an inviting venue, with an adventurous menu based on artisanal ingredients. Facilities include a fine-looking private dining room and a spacious and beautifully planted terraced garden with a wisteria-covered pergola. There are also some circular hikes from the doorstep where you can burn off a big meal.
• The best family-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds
This hidden treasure is a modern version of the country pub set in a gloriously unspoilt village – featuring an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and flagstones and wooden floors. It is at the same time a real pub that brews its own very smooth ale, a beautiful restaurant that offers real local flavor, and a great hotel with five stylish country bedrooms. A happy spirit stems mainly from the local staff. As this is an honest pub, facilities are limited – but there is a lovely walled garden and dining terrace.
• The best Cotswolds hotels in and around Burford
This pub overlooks the extensive green of Bledington’s picturesque honeycomb, with an old-fashioned view just outside the terrace; The village is in great walking and cycling country. The Kings Head is an attractive and inviting place that offers a generous feeling of space and plenty of snug corners. The oldest part dates back to the mid 1600s and there is a modern wing of accommodation to the rear. The decor is rustic in style, with flagstone floors, rugs and antiques, and a fireplace in one room, a wood burner in another. Honest, good brasserie-style 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-tourism and gourmet art. It is situated opposite the beautiful Kingham village green and a few fields away from the Daylesford joint venture, Carole Bamford’s organic estate and farm shop. The service takes the property to a whole different level from other Cotswold pubs with rooms. In the restaurant, the staff will give you an enthusiastic chapter and verse on ingredients (all organic) and cooking techniques.
• The best hotels for spa breaks in England
This attractive and stylish old pub is situated in a quiet lane on the edge of Ilmington, a Warwickshire village of pink brick and golden stone. The pub dates back several centuries and grew from a collection of barns. There are snoozy leather armchairs in front of a large stone fireplace, and hunting pictures on the walls. There is a sitting area in the eight rooms; one has a four poster, and another tartan canopy bed. The food is goodness, from grilled cutlets with English corn, to John Dory fillet with prawns, kidney beans and crab bisque.
• The best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds
The Lion is a 16th century coaching inn turned rustic-cool with rooms. Located in the heart of Winchcombe, considered the ‘walking capital’ of the Cotswolds, it makes a great base for a weekend of walking and touring ‒ and serves good brasserie food. A modern makeover has given the interior of this historic property a cosy, yet light and bright look. It’s a place of bleached wood, exposed stone walls and rugs on tiled floors. The well-priced menu includes mains such as courgette and charred corn orzotto, 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 comfy country pub offers good food, a chic interior, a sunny terrace and a proper (if small) bar area. The Village Pub formerly known as The Village Pub, was purchased by furniture designer Timothy Oulton in 2021 as part of the company’s expansion into hospitality. The stylish décor features antiques and curios from the owner’s collection, the menu is largely based on excellent local produce (some of which is grown at the sister house Barnsley House hotel across the road) and the six bedrooms have a contemporary-chic vibe. with panels, feature wallpaper. here and there, soft throws, and pleasant headboards.
• The most romantic hotels in the Cotswolds
Very rural yet easy to reach from nearby Cirencester, The Crown is a 17th century inn with a stunning location in the Golden Valley, so called for its spectacular autumn foliage. The main building was originally built as a cider house, complete with old lofts, three fireplaces and lots of exposed stone. The atmosphere thrives and it’s the real deal: a proper pub with laid-back locals. With 12 comfortable bedrooms in a peaceful annexe, it is also popular with visitors from further afield. This is a great base for walks, with comfort food on the menu to enjoy an evening.
• The best pubs with rooms in Kent
Dating from the 16th century, this ivy-covered inn is very attractive and rustic in style. Enter to open fires, lots of old places, flagstone and wooden floors and a buzzing vibe. On one side of the main building is an open kitchen and bar for those who come in for a pint; on the other side is a series of restaurant rooms, one of which has a dedicated Negroni bar. Dishes range from garden burgers to small plates and large mains such as venison truck. Set around a nearby courtyard are 14 beautiful bedrooms, some with four poster beds, some furnished with ancient finds.
