10 Great UK Country Inns

As UK hotels become more expensive, visitors look for good value alternatives. Coaching inns are natural candidates. Our favourites are all surrounded by wonderful, unspoilt countryside, and most have been welcoming travellers since the days of horse-drawn carriages.


  • West Arms Hotel

    Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Denbighshire, North Wales

    Unspoilt traditional 16th century inn with superb food in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountain.

    15 rooms from $113
    Other Activities  -  Guided off road quad biking by arrangement.
    Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
    Kayaking  -  Available locally.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  • Felin Fach Griffin

    Powys, South and Mid Wales

    Great gastropub in the Brecon Beacons, not far from Hay on Wye.

    7 rooms from $185
    Exclusive offer  -  Sunday lunch special
    Fishing  -  Excellent fishing nearby.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  • Tower Bank Arms

    Ambleside, Cumbria

    Classic and atmospheric Lakeland village inn, next to Beatrix Potter's former home. Good local food and ales, just four rooms, fine walks from the door. A mile from Lake Windemere.

    4 rooms from $150
    Fishing  -  Top trout fishery on nearby Esthwaite Water
    Inn  -  Authentic village inn
    Great walks  -  Good walking from the door, as well as a good base for walks further afield
    Sights nearby  -  Beatrix Potter's house next door
  • Gurnard's Head Hotel

    Zennor, Cornwall

    A magnet for walkers looking for tranquillity, an informal coastal gastropub with simple accommodation, full of character.

    7 rooms from $161
    Exclusive offer  -  Sunday lunch special
    Great walks  -  Excellent coastal walks to St Ives
    Restaurant  -  Excellent locally sourced food
    Views  -  Sweeping coastal views
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  • Wasdale Head Inn

    near Gosforth, Cumbria

    Famous climbing inn at the head of Wasdale, spectacularly sited below Scafell Pike with magnificent views. Hearty food and simple but comfortable rooms. Self catering available.

    12 rooms from $190
    Views  -  All bedrooms have stunning views of Wasdale
    Climbing  -  At the foot of England's highest mountain
    Great walks  -  Top hill walking
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
  • White Swan Inn

    Pickering, Yorkshire

    Imaginatively updated 16th-century coaching inn with tasteful modern bedrooms, a chill out 'Bothy' for residents, and fine bistro fare.

    21 rooms from $224
    Exclusive offer  -  Step into Spring
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Castle Howard, Hovingham Hall, Duncombe Park or Helmsley Walled Garden
    Great walks  -  North Yorkshire Moors on the doorstep
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  • Star Inn

    North Yorkshire

    Relaxed pub, restaurant and lovely rooms in a lodge with bags of character, on the edge of the North Yorks Moors. Thatched, old beams and inspired cooking. Plenty to do. Stress busting.

    8 rooms from $242
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Great walks  -  Circular walks from the pub or longer hikes
    Full of character
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  • Yorke Arms

    near Harrogate, Yorkshire

    Michelin-starred food at this superb traditional village inn in the rolling Dales. Cosy, contemporary and traditional rooms, elegant public areas, and great walking outside.

    15 rooms from $467
    Restaurant  -  Has held one Michelin Star since 2003.
    Full of character
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
  • Kingham Plough

    Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

    Traditional village pub in rural countryside. Boutique en-suite bedrooms. Acclaimed restaurant. Garden and terrace.

    5 rooms from $145
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  • Lord Poulett Arms

    Hinton St George, Somerset

    Quirky country pub with rooms. Characterful and eclectic interior decor. Bistro-dining flare. Delightful rustic ambiance.

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

posted Monday, 22nd February 2010
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