10 cosy UK pubs – and the nearest cosy cottage

With winter fast-approaching, there’s no better time to find somewhere to warm the cockles of your soul and while away the time over a beverage of choice. May we suggest a snug little British bar?

From the Scottish Highlands all the way down to the Cornish coast; we’ve found 10 cosy UK pubs for you to visit this year – and have gone the extra mile and found somewhere you can lay your head, too.

New Forest - Lyndhurst:

Pub – The Oak Inn:

This idyllic, dog-friendly pub offers a wide range of draft beers and ciders, and has an extensive wine list; perfect for putting your feet up by the fire after a walk around the woods! It has a range of menus – including a sandwich menu, a Sunday menu and a children’s menu – and uses local produce wherever possible.

Cottage – Clare’s Cottage:

This classy cottage in Emery Down is just a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk along the nearest main road. With its own woodburner to ensure you stay as cosy as possible during your stay, it’s the perfect match for The Oak Inn.

Dorset – Wareham:

Pub – The Old Granary:

This beautiful pub is situated right on the banks of the River Frome, allowing fantastic views over the nearby Purbeck Hills. Inside, there’s an apt rustic interior which adds to the pub’s charm. The Grade II listed building’s location is wonderful for children to feed the ducks and swans in the river.

Cottage – Barney’s Cottage:

This dog-friendly cottage, which dates all the way back to 1750, is just a short stroll from The Old Granary. Farmers and street markets take place regularly in Wareham, meaning you’ll have plenty to occupy yourself with during your stay.

Wiltshire – Malmesbury:

Pub – Horse Guards:

As soon as you walk through the doors of this gorgeous thatched pub you’ll feel a buzz. It both embodies the finest English country pub traditions and has a modern edge – something which gives it a rather unique feel, considering it dates back to the 1750s!

Cottage – Eagle’s Cottage:

This light and airy property is in a perfect location. Not only is it within walking distance of the Horse Guards, but it’s also a stone’s throw from many other picturesque Cotswolds villages and a short trip from Bath. You’ll have access to your own garden here, perfect for combining some fresh autumn air with your morning coffee.

Sussex- Rye:

Pub – The Mermaid Inn:

You’ll find this lovely, half-timbered 15th century pub on a cobbled street in historic Rye. A glorious fireplace, home-cooked food and warming ales await you in the Grade II listed building, one of the best-known inns in the UK. There’s also an AA Rosette-winning restaurant serving British and French food, and medieval artwork – there aren’t many pubs as unique as the Mermaid!

Cottage – 12A West Street:

Just a one-minute walk from the Mermaid Inn, and looking equally as classic, is 12A West Street. Here, you’ll have a feature fireplace to keep you toasty, with a comfortable sofa and armchair to get cosy in. As well as being right in the heart of the historic town, you’re also not far from Camber Sands or other seaside locations, such as Dungeness and Winchelsea, meaning you get the best of both worlds!

Cornwall - St Agnes:

Pub – The Miners Arms:

Another historic building, this 16th century pub clings on to its classic features, with wooden beams and low ceilings catching the eye upon entry. It’s steeped in history, and was once a courthouse, a place where inquests took place and, most fascinatingly, a smuggler’s lair! The Sunday lunch here is recommended.

Cottage – Newdown’s Cottage:

Newdowns is accessed by a farm track, and has utterly spectacular coastal views over the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be just a short walk from The Miners Arms, but there will also be the opportunity to enjoy the nearby beaches along the World Heritage coast, including Trevaunance Cove and Trevellas-Porth Beach.

Devon – Winkleigh:

Pub – The New Inn:

This quaint village pub can be found just down the road from Winkleigh in nearby Roborough, boasting an impressive number of local ales, beers and ciders, and an extensive gin menu. There is an onus on using local produce here, and the pub’s kitchen uses only ingredients sourced from nearby farms and suppliers to create its delicious home-cooked food. There’s also a lovely log fire, ensuring that cosiness reaches a peak.

Cottage – Devon’s Traphouse Cottage:

This colourful chocolate box cottage is in a lovely location. The thatched property has a woodburner, ensuring you keep those autumn chills well at arm’s length. If you want to get out and stretch your legs before an evening at the pub/beside the fire, Dartmoor and Exmoor are both a matter of miles away, while the Tarka Trail walk/cycle path is also close by.

Cotswolds – Blockley:

Pub – Great Western Arms:

Smack bang in the heart of the North Cotswold Hills you’ll find the Great Western Arms, with the promise of fantastic food, local ales and a relaxed atmosphere awaiting you. Walkers, dogs and cyclists are all welcome to pop in to refuel – be that a bite to eat from the pub’s extensive menu or a thirst-quenching tipple from the well-stocked bar.

Cottage – Number 1:

Right in the heart of the charming village you’ll find Number 1 – a charming character cottage with a modern twist. Bring your walking boots, as you’ll have dozens of walking routes right on your doorstep, while the warming woodburner and inglenook fireplace will certainly warm you back up on your return home.

Peak District – Buxton:

Pub – The Swan:

This three-roomed pub in the centre of the historic spa town has a very inviting atmosphere, with friendly, knowledgeable staff waiting to invite you in and pour you a drink. They have some fantastic local ales on offer, while Tuesday is music night. It’s a “proper pub”, with guests at the forefront of its mindset.

Cottage – Chapter House:

Just 230 feet from The Swan you’ll find Chapter House – a stylish period property with a lovely courtyard garden. It’s got an amazing four-poster bed, perfect for romantic retreats to the Peak District, while it’s also within walking distance of the Opera House and Buxton Museum, should you wish to immerse yourself in Buxton culture.

Wales – Nefyn:

Pub – Ty Coch Inn:

What’s cosier than enjoying an autumnal stroll on the beach, before walking feet from sand to stone to take your seat and enjoy a hot or cold drink next to a lovely pub fireplace? The dog-friendly Ty Coch Inn offers just this, with its location right on the seafront of the beautiful fishing village of Porthdinllaen – a short walk from your cottage in Nefyn.

Credit: Olympusjohn CC2.0

Cottage – Cordyline Cottage:

This 19th century cottage is beautifully furnished, and comes with a delightful little woodburner to ensure warmth remains throughout your visit to Wales. Dogs are also welcome here, and it’s in the perfect position not only to enjoy the beach walks, but to take on the myriad of footpaths around the locale.

Scotland – Fort Augustus:

Pub – The Lock Inn:

Tartan interior, two fireplaces and “good crack” await you at The Lock Inn, feet from the locks of the Caledonian Canal – which is where you’ll find the famous Loch Ness. On warmer days, there is outdoor seating on the locks, allowing stunning views out onto the gorgeous green hillsides. And, if it’s a filling meal you’re after, fear not; The Lock Inn is known for its excellent portion sizes!

Credit: Peter Broster CC2.0

Cottage – Cawdor Cottage:

A warm and welcoming cottage, Cawdor is set in a quiet part of Fort Augustus but acts as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands. The listed property has maintained its character, and comes with a multi-fuel stove to ensure a cosy warmth throughout your stay. With Loch Ness only half a mile away, it’s a lovely location to spend some time away.