No road trip through England is complete without pulling into the car park of a proper country pub for a pint and a hot meal by the fire.
Beyond the individual pubs, the joy of a pub-focused road trip lies in the journey itself. The network of country lanes, B-roads, and A-roads that connect England’s villages and market towns offers some of the most pleasant driving in Europe, with hedgerows, rolling fields, and medieval churches providing a constantly changing backdrop as you make your way from one welcoming establishment to the next.
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The Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales
Situated at 528 meters above sea level, the Tan Hill Inn holds the title of the highest pub in England. Located in the remote Yorkshire Dales, this 17th-century inn is a welcome sight for travelers crossing the Pennines. The pub is known for its roaring fire, which is kept burning year-round, and its selection of real ales from local Yorkshire breweries. The food menu features hearty classics like steak and ale pie, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. The Tan Hill Inn is also a popular stop on the Coast to Coast walking route and the Pennine Way, making it a true traveler’s pub.
Beyond the individual pubs, the joy of a pub-focused road trip lies in the journey itself. The network of country lanes, B-roads, and A-roads that connect England’s villages and market towns offers some of the most pleasant driving in Europe, with hedgerows, rolling fields, and medieval churches providing a constantly changing backdrop as you make your way from one welcoming establishment to the next.
The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, London
Tucked away on the edge of Hampstead Heath, the Spaniards Inn is one of London’s oldest and most atmospheric pubs, dating back to 1585. The pub has a rich literary history: it is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and was a favorite haunt of the poet John Keats and the painter Joshua Reynolds. The beer garden overlooks the heath, and the interior features low ceilings, wooden beams, and open fireplaces. The menu offers modern British cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Its location on the edge of London makes it an ideal stop for those driving into or out of the capital.
Beyond the individual pubs, the joy of a pub-focused road trip lies in the journey itself. The network of country lanes, B-roads, and A-roads that connect England’s villages and market towns offers some of the most pleasant driving in Europe, with hedgerows, rolling fields, and medieval churches providing a constantly changing backdrop as you make your way from one welcoming establishment to the next.
The George Inn in Norton St. Philip, Somerset
The English pub is one of the country’s most cherished institutions, a place where travellers have found refreshment, companionship, and shelter for centuries. A well-planned road trip through England that takes in three exceptional pubs offers not just good beer and food but a genuine connection to local culture, history, and the rhythms of rural life that have sustained these establishments through wars, economic upheavals, and changing social habits. The George Inn in Norton St. Philip claims to be England’s oldest tavern, with a history dating back to the 13th century. The building has served as a coaching inn, a courthouse, and even a prison. During the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, the Duke of Monmouth is said to have stayed here before the Battle of Sedgemoor. The pub retains its medieval character with flagstone floors, oak beams, and a cobbled courtyard. The menu focuses on Somerset produce, including local cheddar, cider, and pasture-raised meats. It sits conveniently near the A36, making it a perfect stop on a road trip through the West Country.
Which of England’s historic pubs would you most like to visit on your next road trip?
Planning Your Pub Road Trip Itinerary
Mapping out a pub-focused road trip across England requires more than just a list of addresses. The best approach is to plan your route around regions rather than trying to cover the entire country in one trip. A three-day loop through Yorkshire, for instance, could include the Tan Hill Inn alongside the Bolton Arms in the Yorkshire Dales and the Birch Hall Inn in Beck Hole, one of the smallest pubs in England. Alternatively, a south-west itinerary from Bristol to Cornwall offers a rich concentration of historic inns such as the George and Pilgrims in Glastonbury and the Old Success Inn in Sennen Cove. Allow at least two hours of driving between major stops so you have time to enjoy a proper meal and explore the surrounding village. Designated drivers should plan for soft drinks and excellent locally sourced food, which many country pubs now prioritise as highly as their ale selection.
What to Expect at a Traditional English Country Pub
Walking into a proper English country pub is an experience unchanged in centuries. Low ceilings, blackened oak beams, and stone flagstones worn smooth by generations of boots create an atmosphere no modern bar can replicate. Most country pubs keep a fireplace burning year-round, and the smell of wood smoke mixed with roasting meat is one of the great sensory pleasures of rural England. Real ale is served from hand pumps and arrives cellar-cool, allowing the full flavour of malt and hops to develop. A pint of bitter or golden ale from a local microbrewery costs between GBP 4 and GBP 6. Ask the landlord for a recommendation; the knowledge behind the bar is deep and freely given.
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