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The 25 Best Pubs with Rooms in the South East of the UK

The Old Swan and Minster Mill

The South East of England is green and pleasant. It’s got some of the UK’s headline cities and towns and headline attractions, plus a beautiful stretch of coastline and a rolling rural and part forested interior of bluebell woods, chalk hills and thatched-roofed villages. So rather than just dashing between places it’s nice to really see this region. And a good way to ensure you do that is to travel the old highways and byways and stay in the South East’s old coaching houses, inns and pubs. There’s plenty to choose from on our Guru’s list of the best pubs with rooms in the South East, and staying in this kind of historic accommodation is a great way to meet local people as well as see more of the countryside.

SussexTom Lee via Flickr

The recommendations on our list of the best pubs with rooms in the South East offer sustenance - some to a Michelin star standard - comfort, be it simple or luxurious, and a friendly welcome. Whether you’re travelling through Kent, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Sussex or Buckinghamshire we’ve found a great pub with rooms to try out.

For a romantic stay

The Crown Inn

  • The Crown Inn in Chiddingford, Surrey, sits, ivy clad, on the edge of the green of this picturesque English village. Inside the 14th century building there are plenty of beautiful original features, like exposed beams, flagstone floors, huge fireplaces and four-poster beds. The restaurant is AA rated.
  • The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a fantastically welcoming country inn with its own section of river and a private mooring for guests. There are six rooms around a pretty courtyard and a AA rosette restaurant. You’re also close to Blenheim Palace and William Morris’ Kelmscott Manor.
  • The Old Swan and Minster Mill is a converted mill with traditional charm, period features and 60 acres of woodlands and its own orchards. There’s a riverside garden and opportunities to fish from the grounds, plus a dining rooms and gastro pub.
  • The Angel in Midhurst is a beautiful, Georgian coaching inn, recently refurbished, but to highlight many of its wonderful original features. Some of the 15 rooms have spectacular views. The food is inventive and the bar is lively.

For Foodies

the waterside inn

  • The Waterside Inn in Bray is a fantastic choice for foodies, run by Michel and Alain Roux and with three Michelin stars, this is about as gourmet at the UK gets. The eleven rooms and suites are sumptuous and start from around £220 per night. It might seem a bit tenuous to include it in a list of the best pubs with rooms in Berkshire, but it would be churlish not to!
  • The Mermaid Inn is an historic, 13th century inn right in the centre of Rye. The whole place oozes period charm, from the black and white Tudor exterior to the carved four-poster beds, sloping, beamed ceilings and vast fireplaces. The food gets a 2 AA Rosette rating.
  • Chichester’s Royal Oak is a charming, 200 year old inn which has become a bit more of a restaurant with rooms - the award-wining food was so good it overshadowed the bar. But we’re including it anyway because it still has all the requisite features and is a great spot for couples looking for a country escape.

For Walkers

crab and lobster

  • The Crab and Lobster in Sidlesham is a 16th century inn on the edge of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, with smart contemporary interiors. The restaurant is very popular - and well stocked with local supplies, and the views over the salt marshes are very peaceful.
  • The Horse Guards Inn is a wonderfully homely inn on the outskirts of the 700 acre Petworth House Estate in the South Downs National Park. There are just three rooms and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming.
  • The Lamb Inn is a charming, 18th century Cotswolds inn with a beautiful rose-scented garden, large fireplaces which are roaring and lovely in the season, and 17 spacious rooms with antique furniture and original wood floors. There’s also an award-winning restaurant and great birdwatching opportunities.

The Lamb Inn

  • Newbury’s The Crab and Boar is an historic pub in a beautiful rural setting - this is the perfect pub with rooms for walkers. There are just 14 rooms, with cosy, contemporary decor - and some with outdoor hot tubs! There’s also a relaxed restaurant. Rooms start from around £130 per night.
  • The Bell is a charming pub/ restaurant/ nine room boutique hotel, with excellent access to the beautiful Cotswolds. You’re also close to Oxford and Blenheim Palace.
  • The Dundas Arms in Kintbury, in the North Downs, is a Grade II listed Georgian inn on the picturesque banks of the Kennet. The decor is classic country house hotel with feature wallpapers and luxurious bathrooms and there’s a formal dining room as well as the pub.

For a complete escape

the white horse inn

  • The White Horse Inn near Chichester is a cosy and charming inn offering 14 rustic, but elegant rooms and the option to have a private terrace with hot tub. The gardens boast panoramic views over the rolling Sussex countryside. The restaurant has a superb wine list, and the whole place is pet friendly.
  • Arundel’s Swan Hotel is a charming local inn in a great spot. There are 14 rooms, decorated with simple, neutral luxury. The pub is cosy and the restaurant specialises in seasonal fare.

the olde bell inn

  • The Olde Bell Inn in Hurley, is a hearty, traditional old inn - one of the oldest in England, hence the extra ‘e’ - with a gastropub restaurant, tennis courts and crisp bedrooms with lots of natural light. Great for riverbank strolling. Rooms start from around £125 per night.
  • The George in Rye is historic, but very newly refurbished, so now you can expect all the modern, stylish trims inside a charming Georgian building. Each room is individual, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The Best Value Pubs with Rooms in the South East

The Miller of Mansfield

  • The Miller of Mansfield in Goring on Thames is a traditional, ivy-clad village inn with an acclaimed restaurant and 15 individually designed rooms and suites. Many of them overlook the river. And they start from around £80 per night.
  • Amersham’s The Crown Inn is a modern coaching inn, converted from a more traditional coaching inn, on the end of the Metropolitan Line, around 40minutes from central London, with 23 rooms, good food and plenty of character. Room 12 is the only room which retains a traditional feel - and you might even recognise it from the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’… Romantic and affordable.
  • The Ship Inn in Rye, is a laid back pub with a Michelin recommendation and ten simple rooms. It’s a traditional pub with all the best kind of details: exposed beams, wooden floors and solid, but weathered, furniture. Rooms start from £110 per night including fabulous breakfast
  • The Five Arrows is another old coaching inn offering great food and great value. This time it's located near Aylesbury, on the borders of the Rothschild’s Waddesdon Manor estate. Some of the rooms have four poster beds.

The Five Arrows

If you haven’t found your idea of the best pubs with rooms in the South East on our Guru’s list you could:

  • Refine your search using our list of Buckinghamshire’s Best Pubs with Rooms,
  • or Oxfordshire’s Best Pubs with Rooms,
  • the Best Pubs with Rooms in Sussex,
  • great pubs with rooms in Hampshire,
  • or the best pubs with rooms in Berkshire,
  • or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
    • The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold Chiddingfold, Surrey 7 rooms from £110

      Great walks  -  The South Downs, Blackdown, Leith Hill and Winkworth Arboretum provide ample scenic walking routes.
      Sights nearby  -  Jane Austen's House Museum and the immortalised town of Loxwood are both a short drive away.
      Full of character
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      RestaurantGardenParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

      Sat on the edge of Chiddingfold Green this charming coaching inn is a picture of English village life. Inside the 14th century building it is all exposed beams, flagstone tiles, roaring fires and four poster beds, yet with DAB radios, in room DVDs and bathroom mod-cons. The restaurant is AA rated. See More

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    • The Waterside Inn Maidenhead 11 rooms from £220

      Restaurant  -  The Waterside Inn holds three Michelin stars.
      Restaurant with rooms
      Traditional
      Restaurant
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Relais & Chateaux

      Ultimate foodie venue with three Michelin stars, on the banks of the river Thames. Run by top chef Alain Roux (son of the late Michel Roux). Sumptuous suites and bedrooms, a destination treat. See More

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    • The Elephant at Pangbourne Pangbourne, Berkshire 22 rooms from £155

      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Quirky  -  An experience!
      Traditional
      RestaurantGardenPet friendly
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

      Rural, chic hotel in a bustling village. Handcrafted Indian furniture, oriental rugs, delicate fabrics. Elegant restaurant with local produce. See More

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    • The Dundas Arms Kintbury,, Berkshire 8 rooms from £130

      Local markets  -  The nearby market town of Newbury has plenty of shops selling local produce.
      Fishing  -  Fly fishing on the River Kennet is popular in the summer months.
      Great walks  -  Traverse the Ridgeway National Trail.
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

      The Dundas Arms is a grade II listed Georgian inn on the banks of the Kennet, in picturesque Kintbury. Eight rooms are decorated in classic country house style, with feature wallpapers & luxurious bathrooms - river rooms with private terraces. Formal & pub style dining ensure something for all. See More

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    • The Crown Inn, Buckinghamshire Amersham, Buckinghamshire 23 rooms from £95

      Restaurant  -  Hawkyns Restaurant is run by Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar and serves fine dining Indian cuisine
      Cooking classes  -  Atul Kochhar runs several cookery masterclasses every year.
      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet, Sawdays

      A modern coaching inn on the end of the Metropolitan line, updated by Ilse Crawford design, understated with character, and good food. Traditional Room 12 featured in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Locals throng the small bar. See More

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    • The Five Arrows Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 16 rooms from £105

      Great walks  -  The Chilterns, with their never ending walking paths, are perfect for ramblers.
      Full of character
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Traditional
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

      A former coaching inn of the Rothschild's Waddesdon Manor, The Five Arrows provides a historic stay in Buckinghamshire with traditional and neutrally styled bedrooms some having exposed beams, four poster beds and traditional bathrooms. The swish restaurant offers some innovative dishes. See More

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    • The Crab and Boar Chieveley, Berkshire 14 rooms from £129

      Country Escape  -  With loads of country pursuits on the doorstep The Crab and Boar is perfect for a weekend getaway.
      Romantic Break  -  For a cheeky romantic break this is perfect. Book a hot tub room and enjoy!
      Restaurant  -  Great restaurant which prides itself on serving the best of British food from oysters to scotch eggs!
      Private Hot Tub  -  Several of the bedrooms have their own patios and outdoor hot tubs
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking
      Recommended by  -  Sawdays

      The Crab and Boar is an historic rural pub with rooms providing contemporary countryside accommodation with comfortable, cosy interiors and a relaxing restaurant. Some rooms have a private hot tub and terrace. Plenty of country pursuits and outdoor activities nearby. For perfect weekend getaways. See More

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    • The White Hart, West Sussex South Harting, West Sussex 7 rooms from £129

      Country Escape  -  Nothing completes a trip to the country like a stay in a quintessentially English village inn!
      Foodies  -  Hearty meals served elegantly - foodies will love
      Sights nearby  -  Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens in nearby Chichester is a must visit
      Local markets  -  The historic market towns of Petworth and Midhurst are simply charming
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

      Comfortable contemporary pitstop close to the South Downs for couples, families and cyclists. A charming and quirky village inn, popular amongst locals and travellers alike. Rooms feature colourful tartans, exposed beams and modern bathrooms. Roaring fires and hearty meals create a cosy feel. See More

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    • Royal Oak Chichester, West Sussex 8 rooms from £155

      Country Escape  -  Ideally placed for country pursuits such as rambling, fishing and shooting, with hearty food and cosy interiors to return to.
      Foodies  -  Feast at the award winning restaurant, serving fresh, local and totally seasonal produce- a fine example of British cooking.
      Great walks  -  Bring your wellies and a packed lunch from the hotel and head out to explore the stunning landscape of the South Downs.
      Sights nearby  -  Explore the nearby Kingley Vale, home to one of Europe's most impressive and oldest yew forests.
      RestaurantGardenParking
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

      Charming 200 year old village inn turned popular restaurant with rooms in a quiet village. Cosy rooms with delicate pretty wallpaper and beamed ceilings. Downstairs a small bar pulls a good pint but the restaurant is the real showstopper. A lovely country escape. See More

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    • The White Horse, West Sussex Chilgrove, West Sussex 15 rooms from £150

      Country Escape  -  Private cottage style rooms with lovely views of the green rolling hills at this country chic hotel.
      Local exploring  -  In the heart of the Sussex countryside, a good place to base yourselves to explore the area.
      Foodies  -  Known for its exquisite restaurant serving British cuisine, awarded 1 AA Rosette.
      Great walks  -  Ramble in the South Downs. There are miles of paths for walkers of all abilities
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide

      Charming and cosy, AA 5 star silver ‘restaurant with rooms’ offering delicious food and contemporary B&B rooms with roll top copper baths and four-poster kingsize beds. Extra details set this apart from other B&B pubs. Suitable for walkers, families and couples. See More

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    • The Trout at Tadpole Bridge Faringdon, Oxfordshire 6 rooms from £130

      Great walks  -  For an afternoon stroll there is Buscot Park and Gardens; for serious ramblers the Thames Path is on your doorstep.
      Sights nearby  -  The famous Blenheim Palace and William Morris' Kelmscott Manor are both nearby.
      Sailing  -  The hotel has its own river and private mooring for guests.
      Views  -  Some of the rooms have lovely river views
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide

      The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a welcoming Inn, backing on to a rural section of the Thames with its own private mooring. Six comfortable rooms, "classic country" in style, located around a pretty courtyard away from the bustle. The AA rosette restaurant steals the show. A wonderful country treat. See More

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    • The Lamb Inn, Burford Burford 17 rooms from £125

      Foodies  -  Don't miss the 2AA Rosette restaurant which serves fantastic seasonal British cuisine
      Great walks  -  Combine a walk through this typical Cotswolds town with a traditional cream tea.
      Sights nearby  -  The university town of Oxford is 20 miles away and well worth a visit.
      Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.
      RestaurantGardenPet friendly
      Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

      This 18th century inn is more than just another Cotswolds B&B. Curl up with a book next to an open fire or explore the rose scented gardens. Rooms are spacious with antique oak furniture and colourful fabric. Bathrooms have original wood floors. An award winning restaurant serves seasonal cuisine. See More

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    • The Bell, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire 9 rooms from £130

      Great walks  -  Walking in the Cotswolds provides a wealth of choices with gentle strolls, hilly hikes and a variety of circular walks
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic UNESCO world heritage Blenheim Palace
      Full of character
      Traditional
      RestaurantGardenParking
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

      Set in the pretty Oxfordshire village of Hampton Poyle, this is a charming small hotel and pub, with an excellent restaurant and comfortable rooms with egyptian cotton bed linen, large beds, luxury toiletries and bathrooms with monsoon showers or roll-top baths. A great country escape. See More

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    • Miller of Mansfield Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire 15 rooms from £90

      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Traditional
      Restaurant with rooms
      RestaurantGarden
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays

      Traditional ivy-covered inn in village setting. Acclaimed restaurant, bar, individually designed suites, Overlooking the river. See More

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    • The Mermaid Inn Rye 31 rooms from £150

      Historic  -  The cellars date from 1156 and the building was rebuilt in 1420. It's a genuine piece of Tudor architecture
      Restaurant  -  2 AA Rosette dining featuring local produce, such as Winchelses Beef, Rye Bay Cod and Romney Marsh Lamb.
      Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
      Traditional
      Restaurant

      Historic inn in the centre of Rye which dates back to the 13th Century. Rooms ooze period charm with carved four poster beds, sloping beamed ceilings and gorgeous original features including a vast fireplace in the bar. Delicious 2 AA Rosette dining. A perfect weekend getaway. See More

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    • The George in Rye Rye (Rye) 34 rooms from £150

      Boutique  -  A 16th-century inn with a twist — expect cool vintage finds, a gastro pub, and added luxuries like copper bathtubs
      Chic  -  A favourite of Clooney, Costner and other Hollywood movie stars — this is an undeniably chic British inn
      Short break  -  Trains to London take around an hour, making this an ideal choice for a quick weekend getaway
      Romantic Break  -  For a romantic getaway pick one of the rooms with an in-room bathtub
      RestaurantNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays

      A 16th-century inn turned into a chic gastropub & hotel in historic Rye. Designer owners have given the place a truly individual touch. Expect vintage finds, patterned wallpapers, copper bathtubs & plenty of character. The bar is popular locally and the pub offers good British fare. A stylish stay. See More

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    • The Halfway Bridge Petworth (West Sussex) 6 rooms from £140

      Local markets  -  The old market town of Petworth with its independant boutiques, cafes and antique shops is great for local exploring.
      Sailing  -  The seaside towns of Bogner Regis and Worthing are great for maritime activities.
      Great walks  -  The walking trails of the South Downs are accessible directly from the property.
      Sights nearby  -  The impressive Petworth House is just five minutes away and well worth a visit.
      RestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Sawdays

      Cosy inn with comfortable rooms serving superior pub grub and a warm atmosphere Ideal for couples exploring the Sussex countryside and groups wanting a good spot for a gathering. See More

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    • Crab and Lobster Sidlesham, West Sussex 4 rooms from £160

      Foodies  -  Wonderfully falvoursome cuisine, with seafood from the local fisherman, meat from the local farms and honey from the neighbours!
      Country Escape  -  An ideal country escape, with plush rooms, mouthwatering cuisine, roaring fires in the cosy bar and plenty of local walking.
      Great walks  -  Burn off some calories between lunch and dinner with an afternoon stroll on West Wittering's pebbly beach.
      Birdwatching  -  Binoculars and a telescope are provided for spotting local birds and animals.
      RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

      Contemporary waterside 16th Century Inn on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. Chic rooms ooze elegance and simple country charm. Enjoy a menu centred around locally landed fish and locally reared meats. A truly romantic escape with views over the salt marshes. See More

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    • The Swan Hotel, Arundel Arundel (Sussex) 14 rooms from £122

      Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of Arundel you are walking distance from the Castle, Cathedral and river
      Great walks  -  Along the banks of the river to the local favourite, The Black Rabbit
      Sights nearby  -  Arundel Castle and Cathedral are must visits
      Sailing  -  A boat trip along the river Arun
      RestaurantPet friendlyParking

      Charming local inn boasting a prime location within the charming market town of Arundel. Rooms are decorated in palettes of cream with thick woollen throws, period sash windows and large roll top baths. Downstairs there is a cosy pub with restaurant serving seasonal dishes. A charming stay. See More

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    • Old House Inn Copthorne, West Sussex 6 rooms from £110

      Foodies  -  AA Rosette awarded and a fine wine list
      Sights nearby  -  The 16th century Wakehurst Place is just a short drive away
      Great walks  -  The South Downs has plenty of walking paths
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

      A former farm house turned gourmet pub this delightful property is just a short drive from Gatwick airport. Spacious rooms feature design quirks and modern bathrooms with a retro twist. Dining is beautifully presented - plus a Full English is included in the room rate. See More

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    • The Horse Guards Inn Petworth (West Sussex) 3 rooms from £85

      Country Escape  -  Located within the picturesque grounds of Petworth Estate this is a true country getaway
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the charming National Trust property of Petworth House
      Great walks  -  The South Downs boasts plenty of walking paths
      Full of character
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking
      Recommended by  -  Sawdays

      On the outskirts of a 700-acre Petworth House, this wonderful homely inn is worth a detour just to experience its charm. Friendly staff, delicious food and a cosy atmosphere make for a thoroughly enjoyable stay - for families, couples and lone escapees. See More

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    • Griffin Inn Fletching, East Sussex 13 rooms from £90

      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Views  -  Lovely garden views over Sheffield Park
      Full of character
      RestaurantGardenViews

      Very popular village gastropub with excellent food and 13 comfortable rooms, many with 4 posters, in picturesque Fletching, with fabulous views over the Ouse valley. Ideal for families. See More

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    • The Ship Inn, Rye Rye 10 rooms from £85

      Beach Life  -  Spend the day on Camber Sands, with over 2 miles of stretch of beach to explore
      Local exploring  -  The B&B is the perfect spot for discovering the wonders of Rye and beyond
      Sights nearby  -  Visit Rye Castle, less than 10 minutes away from the B&B
      Restaurant  -  The restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal food
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking
      Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

      A charming and historic pub with rooms, nestled in the centre of the idyllic town of Rye. Rooms are chic, comfortable and filled with lots of natural light. The traditional pub prides itself in its love for English wine. Enjoy deliciously simple yet artisan locally sourced food at the restaurant. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 9th November 2020