As well as offering a warm welcome, lip-smacking ales and delicious local food, many rural pubs have great walking opportunities nearby. Whether planning to make a day of it or just stopping for a swift one, you can find a walk and watering hole to suit you.
Here are a few characterful and historic pubs and inns owned by the National Trust that are in great walking locations and offer superb hospitality.
South West
The George Inn, Lacock, Wiltshire
Dating back to 1361 and featuring a huge open fireplace, the George Inn encapsulates the spirit of old England. The National Trust looks after much of the historic village of Lacock, and there is a plenty explore on foot from the grounds of Lacock Abbey to village and riverside walks. After all that walking you’ll deserve a trip to Lacock’s second pub - the Red Lion.
Visit online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village/trails/lacock-riverside-walk
South East
The King's Head, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Set in the heart of this historic market town, the 15th century King's Head is one of England's best preserved coaching inns. Dating back to 1455, the building has many fascinating architectural features, including rare stained-glass windows, exposed wattle and daub and the original stabling for the inn. Take a walk in the nearby Chilterns countryside, and afterwards visit the pub for a refreshing drink.
Visit online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/the-best-of-coombe-hill-walk
The Tiger Inn, East Dean, East Sussex
Although the Tiger Inn in East Dean isn’t one of the pubs we care for it is the starting point for our circular South Downs walk to Birling Gap, part of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. You can pick up a beermat with the route on it from the pub and stop for a refreshing drink when you get back. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/trails/birling-gap-walk-from-the-tiger-inn
Midlands
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire
The Fleece Inn at Bretforton was first licensed in 1848 but was originally built as a farmhouse. It’s just a stone’s throw from the walking wonders of the Cotswold Way National Trail at Chipping Camden, or take a trip to Hidcote for a peaceful garden stroll.
Visit online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionsouthwest/cotswolds
East of England
The Bucks Arms, Blickling, Norfolk
Enjoy a refreshing walk around most of the Blickling Estate parkland, visiting points of local historical interest including the Tower, Brickyard and Mausoleum. Afterwards why not stop for a drink at National Trust tenanted Bucks Arms. The Bucks is a traditional 17th century pub and former coaching inn.
Visit online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate/trails/blickling-estate-walk
North
Gibside Pub, Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear
There’s not many pubs that are tucked away on an 18th-century estate and surrounded by over 600 acres of beautiful woodlands, gardens and historical buildings. At Gibside you can enjoy a walk and discover the history as you go then relax in the peaceful surroundings at Gibside Pub.
Visit online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/trails/gibside-parkland-walk
The Sticklebarn Tavern, Great Langdale, Cumbria
Nestled on the valley floor, Sticklebarn pub is the ideal gateway to walking in Great Langdale, home to the lofty Langdale Pikes. You’ll find plenty of low-level walking in the valley, with views as refreshing as Sticklebarn’s tasty local tipples.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/walks-at-sticklebarn-and-the-langdales
Wales
Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula
Porthdinllaen on the Llyn Peninsula is a spectacular spot to enjoy a walk on the coast with magnificent views, fine sandy beaches, a chance to watch the comings and goings of local fishermen. The National Trust tenanted, Ty Coch Inn, is on hand to provide refreshments.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/llyn-peninsula/trails/porthdinllaen-marine-walk-on-the-llyn-peninsula