There’s nothing quite like a trip to the Cotswolds; it’s a beautiful area of charming villages, scenic walks and stunning national parks. As well as being a well-known destination for a weekend away, the Area of Outstanding Beauty is a popular spot for foodies and beer advocates – and for good reason. Whether you’re in need of a Sunday roast and a post-walk pint, local ale or something locally sourced, here are the best pubs in the Cotswolds.
In a historic building in the heart of the pretty Cotswolds village of Burford, The Bay Tree Hotel makes for a charming countryside escape. Inside, its cosy bar with open fire is perfect for quiet pints of local ales and hearty Sunday roasts.
Outside, its private walled garden, stone patio and summerhouse are the ultimate back drop to chilled glasses of wine and sundowner cocktails.
A short drive from both Bristol and Bath, The Lock Keeper is one of our top Cotswold restaurants. Sink a few sunny pints in their huge beer garden while indulging in their juicy burgers, fish and chips or traditional Sunday roasts.
A beautiful Bath boozer in a Grade II listed building, The Huntsman is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Warm up by the fire while feasting on a heavenly Sunday roast or visit their terrace to delight in a light alfresco lunch.
Found over in Eastington Village, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, Old Badger is a gorgeous country pub with plenty of character. Whether you sit inside the cosy bolthole or a grab a table in the covered terrace, you'll be able to indulge in ales, local ciders and a whole range of elevated British classics.
Along the famous Cheltenham Montpellier walk, you'll stumble upon Harry Cook Free House - the perfect pit stop for some mid-ramble refreshment. The menu features pub classics with plenty of meat-free dishes available.
Nestled in the bustling town of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, The Blue Boar Chipping Norton is certainly well worth a visit. From the updated country pub aesthetic to the stunning menu of British gastro fare and tip-top drinks list, you'll be coming back for more time and time again.
A welcoming pub and hotel all in one, the King's Arms in Woodstock is the perfect place for a hearty meal in cosy surrounds. This boozer is older than the nearby Blenheim Palace, but you wouldn't know it from their innovative, modern dishes.
Choose from a selection of contemporary cask ales, paired with plates like beetroot bourguinon, pan-roasted bream fillet and pie of the day, with breakfast available here too.
Found near Cirencester but out in the glorious countryside, The Crown at Ampney Brook is a beautiful light-filled location with high ceilings and modern touches. But that's not all, as the gastro menu is sure to satisfy, while Wild Thyme and Honey upstairs is ideal for private dining.
A former Cotswolds coaching inn, The Swan in Bibury oozes traditional pub charm. Think rustic features, a crackling fire and the glow of antler chandeliers.
There's more to love behind the bar, with local ales, top tier spirits and a carefully curated wine list. Over on the menu, the focus is on local produce, with standout seasonal dishes like citrus cured salmon, confit leg of rabbit and blue cheese panna cotta.
Situated in the heart of Theale, The Fox & Hounds is a quintessential country pub that radiates warmth and character. Whether you're looking to enjoy a pint or indulge in a comforting meal, this inviting spot has you covered with a classic British menu.
Relax and unwind in the cosy interior, or take advantage of the beer garden for a laid-back experience. With friendly service and a well-stocked bar, it's the perfect place for a casual drink or a leisurely gathering with friends and family.
Make a night of it at The Trout, an idyllic pub with rooms in the Cotswolds. Not only does the inn boast an indulgent menu of fresh, British fare, but is also dog-friendly, so you can explore the beatific countryside with your pooch by your side.
You'll find The Falcon Inn nestled in the charming town of Painswick. This rustic local pub fronts a traditional bar, a spacious dining room and even boutique bedrooms if you fancy staying the night.
Sip on refreshing beers or award-winning wines from Balfour Winery while lounging in cosy leather seats, and be sure to try out their food menu too. Think locally sourced ingredients and hearty dishes, from butternut squash gnocchi to whole roasted plaice.
A stone's throw from the Wiltshire countryside, The Methuen Arms delivers a welcoming and stylish experience for all who visit. With its elegant yet comfortable décor, the former coaching inn is the ideal place to enjoy everything from a leisurely lunch to an indulgent evening meal.
The seasonal menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, and the drinks list has something for every palate. It also grows many of its vegetables on-site.
The Lion Inn is a charming boozer in Gloucestershire: a 15th-century coaching inn that features eight cosy bedrooms too. Expect rustic, old-fashioned interiors with wooden tables and fairy lights, where you can enjoy a selection of award-winning beers.
Their menu focuses on hearty pub classics, with delicious Sunday roasts up for grabs. There's also a spacious courtyard for the summer months, and dogs are welcome too.
If you're in search of pretty Cotswolds pubs, The Crystal Palace in Bath is a lovely little haven for dining out. As well as traditional British cuisine and charcuterie boards, the pub pours delectable cask ales, seasonal ciders, craft lagers and wines.
14th century, historical pub The Bear Inn is a gorgeous location in the heart of Cirencester, the market town right on the edge of the Cotswolds. Featuring a traditional, timber-framed frontage and exposed stone, roaring fires and cosy library nooks inside, it's hard to miss this pub's charms.
Relax in the sung or another area with your friends, family and dog while drinking Butcombe Brewery ales and tucking into British grub ranging from pheasant schnitzel to pie of the week.
The Bower Inn is a charming countryside pub that brings together the best of both worlds - traditional warmth and modern touches. Located in the heart of Somerset, this pub offers a perfect mix of rustic décor, delicious pub food, and refreshing drinks.
The menu features a selection of hearty British classics, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while the drinks list offers everything from refreshing ales to fine wines. With its welcoming vibe, friendly service, and scenic surroundings, this boozer is an ideal spot for a relaxed meal, a pint with friends, or a cosy afternoon getaway.
In the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, The Bear of Rodborough is the epitome of a country pub. Expect cosy armchairs, an open fire and a sprawling garden complete with deckchairs, fairy lights and an alfresco bar.
There's everything you want behind the bar too, from local ales and craft beer to worldly wines and hot drinks like indulgent hot chocolates and English tea. This place is ready to welcome all, with games for the kids and treats for your furry friends.
On the outskirts of Bath and ideally located for the historic towns of Corsham and Lacock, as well as the Cotswolds, The Quarrymans Arms is a country pub with rooms, views of Bybrook Valley and plenty of charm to match. Dig into the gastro grub on their menu while sipping something from the diverse wine list or diving into the range of Butcombe ales and craft beers, alongside local cider.
With a beer garden and a dog-friendly policy to top it all off, this cosy spot ticks every box.
In the beautiful market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, The Manor House Hotel is the perfect spot to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether you're sinking into a cosy armchair or taking a seat at the bar, you can take your pick of amazingly mixed cocktails, house-infused spirits, fine wines, and a solid selection of local ales and ciders.
There's somewhere special to eat here too, whether you're after relaxed or refined. Between the elegant Mulberry Restaurant and more informal Beagle Brasserie, you can tuck into everything from Cotswold gin cured salmon to treacle cured venison loin.
On a beautiful street in the historic market town of Burford, The Lamb Inn is the ultimate Cotswolds escape. With two AA Rosettes to its name, you can expect all kinds of elegance, whether you're here for a quick pint, a long lunch or an overnight stay.
The bar area is drenched in character, from its exposed beams to its flagstone floors. Pull up a pew to tuck into sensational seasonal dishes, fine wines and a hearty selection of well-kept ales.
Tucked away in the Tetbury, the Hare & Hounds is a dream countryside escape. In Jack Hare's Bar, you can settle into an armchair beside the fire or enjoy an alfresco pint or two in the courtyard garden and sun terrace.
As well as local ales and refreshing ciders, there's a gem of a wine list and perfectly poured gin and tonics up for grabs. The menu is equally eye-catching, packing in everything from jam-packed sandwiches to prime cuts of meat and indulgent desserts.
If you think the Cotswolds are all beige stone, The Old Bell Hotel is here to prove you wrong. This Grade I-listed landmark is a cinematic collision of eras. One moment you're staring at a medieval hearth, the next you're surrounded by global curios and neon-bright textiles. It's English eccentricity turned up to eleven, offering a playful, sophisticated gateway to the South Cotswolds.
Inside, you'll find Abbey Row restaurant, where you can dine on inventive British fare. For those who prefer their cocktails with a dash of whimsy, the Tyger Bar offers an indoor-outdoor botanical retreat.
Bull Burford is a stunning Cotwolds hotel with multiple restaurants to boot, meaning you can tuck into everything from 10-course Japanese omakase menus to outdoor kitchen and grill-cooked grub. Think rump steak with chimichurri, snow crab tacosu, black miso cod and more across these mouthwatering menus.
The Royal George is a lovely place to relax, with a suntrap garden ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. The Thornbury haunt champions classic pub food, with home comforts, deli sandwiches and roasts on the menu.
