The best pubs to stay in this Christmas
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach (Cotswolds)
If the Cotswolds were a Christmas carol, this coaching inn (with its honey-stone walls and 14 boutique rooms) would be the chorus.
It’s a marvellous place to visit 365 days of the year, but nowhere quite like it at Christmas time.
Mistletoe’s been pinned up (ready for those Christmas kisses), and the regulars are always in fine festive form. The bar’s always full to the brim – with wax coats slung over chairs, wellies kicked off by the fire, and a steady stream of mulled wine (and community spirit) keeping the place toasty.
You’ll likely have to step over a snoozing hound (or two) to get to the bar, but no matter – there’s a happy-holiday hubbub all around. The team are dashing about with that usual mix of calm-and-chaos and somehow, everything feels just right.
Alive, a little eccentric, and full of heart – just as a pub should be at Christmas.
The Bedford Arms, Chenies
A 15th-century, locally-loved darling set in the village of Chenies (straddling Bucks and Herts), this recently renovated pub-with-rooms is steeped in history, hijinks, and – most importantly – holiday spirit.
With 18 boutique bedrooms ready for pack-your-mittens winter stays (and plenty to do nearby), it’s a Christmas dream come true.
Nearby Waddesdon Manor’s twinkly Christmas light trails are just up the road (always worth a visit), and Bletchley Park’s Vintage Christmas Grotto is spot on for families. Father-Christmas-filled times of comfort and joy are around every corner.
Nothing says Christmas like a brisk winter adventure – followed by a dash back to the pub (to defrost your toes) for a glass of something lovely.
The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market
This iconic North Norfolk pub is tucked right in the heart of Burnham Market and is just a 10-min sleigh ride to the coast. It’s blessed with 47 (yep – that’s a lot, isn’t it?) uniquely designed bedrooms that are as inviting as it gets, so it’s one of our more big-and-beautiful places to stay. The pub is beautiful, yes, but get this. It’s got a secret cinema squirrelled away under the pub – so you can expect fabulously festive films gracing the big screen.
Not only that, but the icing on the Christmas cake is the onsite spa The Treatment Cabin (a bit fancier than a simple stocking stuffer, we’d say). If a spot of stress-free, seasonal R&R is at the top of your Christmas wish list – you’re in for a treat. Sign yourself up for a massage to help you unwind, de-stress, and feel refreshed – ready for another stay of Christmas celebrations. Christmas bliss indeed.
The Lamb Inn, Hindon
Nestled in sweet-as-pie Hindon, Wiltshire, this historic inn is pure seasonal magic. The 18 country-style bedrooms are made for post-carol-singing snoozes (and afternoon kips following that fill-you-up festive lunch too).
Yes, this pub is renowned locally – and in far-flung places – as a bit of a foodie haven. And Christmas is no different. The clever chefs are cooking up all your festive faves (not just candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup) all throughout December. With plates jam-packed with crisp roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and endless jugs of gravy, you’re in for a merry Christmas indeed.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a food-centric festive getaway (with all the trimmings), this one’s your perfect match.
The Griffin Inn, Fletching (East Sussex)
Deep in chocolate-box Sussex lies this olde-worlde gem. Totally traditional – think polished brass, reclaimed wood, and time-worn charm by the tankard-full – with 13 comfy and cosy rooms tucked above and beside. You can feel the history (not to mention the ghosts of Christmas past) in the very woodwork of this oldie-but-goodie country pub.
This pub embraces Christmas harder than even Buddy the Elf (the original festive influencer). It’s all twinkling lights, Christmas Eve singalongs around the piano, secret-cellar wines galore, and tipsy renditions of Auld Lang Syne you’ll remember forever.
With festive events to truly tickle your tinsel, this cosy pub is absolutely overflowing with Christmas character and that over-the-top festive joy.