Find Historic Pubs With Rooms
When a pub is older than the Magna Carta, I can’t help but imagine how many souls have passed through their door, warmed themselves beside the big fireplaces and shared laughs with friends.
People just like us, but with a completely different understanding of the world.
While many of our pubs have been lost over the centuries, here are nine of the oldest pubs where you can still stay today.
To most, they just seem like pubs, but really, these are rare, living pieces of history.
Also, this list only contains pubs worth staying in. They all have great reviews, beautifully comfy rooms and modern amenities, but still well maintain their historic features.
9 Of The Oldest English Pubs You Can Stay In
(which are worth staying in!)
1 . The George Inn – Somerset
(1430-1432)
The George Inn in Somerset was recently recognised as Britain’s Oldest continually run Tavern.
With over 600 years of history, this pub is beautifully preserved tavern, with a maze of low-beamed rooms, original stone flagstones, a stunning spiral stone staircase.
| Located in Norton St Philip, a peaceful village surrounded by countryside. |
2. The New Inn – Gloucestershire
(1432)
The New Inn in Gloucestershire is the best surviving example of a medieval galleried courtyard.
This is one of Gloucester’s most remarkable historic spaces with William Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men performing here on several occasions.
🍻 Love Staying in Pubs?
If you’re planning a stay in pub accommodation, you’ll probably love staying in other historic pubs across the UK.
Join the Free Pub Rooms Travel Club for handpicked pubs with rooms, plus occasional member perks and last-minute availability.
3. White Hart Inn – Hampshire
(1419-1451)
The White Hart Inn in Hook, Hampshire was once a key part of the Southampton to London stage coaching route. It still has the large wooden doors horses would trot through!
This historic pub is one of the oldest surviving inns in Hampshire and is full of rustic charm, with grand staircases, crackling fireplaces, and exposed beams.
4. The George Hotel – Oxfordshire
(1495)
Facing the ancient Dorchester Abbey, this former coaching inn once served as a vital stop on the road between London and Oxford,
At the George Hotel in Oxfordshire, you can sit beside its original inglenook fireplaces, where countless souls have warmed themselves for hundreds of years.
| Located in the quiet, attractive village of Dorchester on Thames. |
5. The George Hotel – Hampshire
(1486 – 1487)
The George Hotel in Odiham, Hampshire offers a warm, welcoming village stay.
Until Odiham got a court in 1882, petty sessions were held here. With a French naval officer on parole in 1807 escaping through one of the George’s windows.
6. George and Pilgrims Inn – Glastonbury (1461 – 1483)
Located right on Glastonbury High Street, The George and Pilgrims was built as a grand stop for pilgrims visiting the Abbey.
The Inn wears its history with pride with stone mullioned windows, oak beams, and whispers of monks’ past.
7. The Saracen’s Head – Nottinghamshire
(1460)
The Saracen’s Head in Southwell, Nottinghamshire has accommodated many famous visitors over the years, including Charles Dickens and King Charles I.
The building is a beautifully preserved example of medieval craftsmanship.
8. The Lamb Inn – Eastbourne
(16th Century)
The Lamb Inn in Eastbourne has been in operation since 1180 as proved by its ancient cellars.
The Inn is cosy, spacious and features a 60-foot-deep well built inside.
9. The Mermaid Inn – Rye
(1420)
The Mermaid Inn in Rye, East Sussex has cellars dating back to 1156, but was rebuilt in 1420.
Used by the 1740s, the infamous Hawkhurst Gang as a smuggling base, the building features hidden passageway, secret cellars and the Giant’s Fireplace.
