The best pubs with rooms in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is arcadian England. Centuries of interplay between man and nature are expressed in its landscape: tapestries of fields; managed woodlands; splendid churches standing testimony to a rich, sheep-shaped past; 4,000 miles of dry-stone walls that are not only boundaries but shelter wrens, mice and more. Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, the area is perfect short (or even long) break territory.

What’s more, there’s a glorious range of bucolic old pubs offering congenial accommodation; think crackling fires in stone fireplaces, delicious cuisine based on local produce and characterful bedrooms. From the Kings Head in picturesque Bledington to The New Inn at tucked-away Coln St Aldwyns, here is our pick of the best Cotswold pubs with rooms.

How we review

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.

Dating from the 17th century, The Halfway House is a haven of a pub, transformed from a rustic boozer into a foodie venue by two accomplished chefs who are also the hands-on landlords. It’s in a sublimely rural location – you twist down narrow lanes to get here – and offers wonderful walks from the doorstep. All the better to work up an appetite, for dining at The Halfway is a reasonably priced treat; the menu features such local delights as melt-in-the-mouth braised lamb shoulder, and ambrosial celeriac and mushroom pie. Cosy fires, unfussy décor and comfy bedrooms complete the picture.

• The best hotels in the Cotswolds

Set in a tucked-away honey-stone village of much charm, this 16th-century pub combines the attributes of a relaxing local and a stylish retreat, with an old-school bar, dining room and eleven gorgeous bedrooms (including one family room), each styled by a different designer. The rural-chic inn is an appealing foodie venue, too, with an adventurous menu based on artisanal ingredients. Facilities range from a good-looking private dining room to an expansive and beautifully planted terrace garden featuring a wisteria-clad pergola. Plus there are several circular hikes from the doorstep in which to burn off a hearty meal.

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This hidden treasure set in a gloriously unspoilt village is a modern day version of a country tavern – complete with an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and flagstone and wooden floors. It’s at once a genuine pub that brews its own very smooth ales, a lovely restaurant offering real local flavour, and a charming hotel with five rustic-stylish bedrooms. A happy spirit emanates from the mainly local staff. This being an honest-to-goodness pub, facilities are limited – but there’s a lovely walled garden and dining terrace.

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This pub spills onto the expansive green of picturesque, honey-stone Bledington, with an old-fashioned see-saw just off its terrace; the village is in glorious walking and cycling country. The Kings Head is an appealingly meandering property offering a generous sense of space and plenty of snug corners. The oldest part dates back to the mid 1600s and there's a modern accommodation wing at the back. Décor is stylishly rural, with flagstone floors, rugs and old settles, and with a fireplace in one room, a wood burner in another. Good honest brasserie-style dishes based on seasonal ingredients are presented with flair.

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This 18th-century inn is today a sanctuary of eco-elegance and gourmet cuisine. It sits opposite the village green of pretty Kingham and a few fields away from sister enterprise Daylesford, the organic estate and farm shop of Carole Bamford. Service takes the property to an altogether different level from other Cotswold pubs with rooms. In the restaurant, staff will give you enthusiastic chapter and verse on ingredients (all organic) and cooking techniques.

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This appealingly stylish old pub is set in a quiet lane on the outskirts of Ilmington, a pink-brick and golden-stone Warwickshire village. The pub dates back several centuries and has evolved from a collection of barns. There are snoozy leather armchairs in front of a big stone fireplace, and hunting pictures on the walls. All eight rooms have a sitting area; one has a four-poster, another a canopy bed decked in tartan. The food is a treat, from grilled quail with English corn, to fillet of John Dory with prawns, runner beans and crab bisque.

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The Lion is a 16th-century coaching inn turned rustic-cool pub with rooms. Set in the heart of Winchcombe, which is regarded as the ‘walking capital’ of the Cotswolds, it makes a fine base for hiking weekends and touring ‒ and serves good brasserie food. A modern makeover has cleverly given the interior of this historic property a cosy yet light and bright look. It's a place of bleached wood, exposed stone walls and rugs on flagstone floors. The well-priced menu includes mains such as courgette and charred corn orzotto, and tender pork belly with dauphinoise potatoes.

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In the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages, this comfy country pub offers good food, quirky-chic interiors, a sunny terrace and a proper (if small) bar area. Formerly called The Village Pub, it was acquired by furniture designer Timothy Oulton in 2021 as part of the company’s expansion into hospitality. The stylish décor features antiques and curios from the owner’s collection, the menu is largely based on excellent local produce (some grown at sister property Barnsley House hotel across the road) and the six bedrooms all have a contemporary-chic vibe with panelling, feature wallpaper here and there, soft throws, and pleasing headboards.

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Very rural yet easy to reach from nearby Cirencester, The Crown is a 17th-century inn with a wonderful setting in the Golden Valley, so-called for its spectacular autumn foliage. The main building, complete with wonky old beams, three fireplaces and much exposed stone, was originally constructed as a cider house. It creaks with atmosphere and is very much the real deal: a proper pub and the haunt of locals. With 12 comfy bedrooms in a peaceful annexe, it’s also a popular venue for visitors from further afield. This is an excellent base for walks, with hearty comfort food on the menu to enjoy in the evening.

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Dating from the 16th century, this ivy-clad inn exudes rustic-stylish appeal. Step inside to open fires, lots of old settles, flagstone and wood floors and a buzzing vibe. On one side of the main building there’s an open kitchen and a bar area for those popping in for a pint; on the other is a series of restaurant rooms, one of which has a dedicated Negroni bar. Dishes range from gourmet burgers to small plates and hearty mains such as venison haunch. Set around an adjacent courtyard are 14 beautiful bedrooms some sporting four poster beds, some furnished with antique finds.