Written by Amy Beecham
Still got some annual leave left to take before the year is up? These are the country inns we think you should be booking for some R&R this autumn.
If you’re planning a staycation in the UK this autumn, you really can’t get much better than a classic country inn. Not only are they perfect to dial up the cosiness for those chillier autumn days, they’re super convenient too. Who doesn’t want to be able to drink, dine and sleep all within the same artful stone walls?
With more charm and character than your regular hotel or holiday rental, quaint country inns are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the community culture. You’ll find centuries-old architecture, locally sourced ingredients and home-from-home hospitality, plus the bar is sure to be packed with sociable characters with stories to tell.
Sold? We’ve rounded up some of the best country inns in the UK to staycation to right now.
Best country inns in the UK for your staycation
Wild Thyme & Honey, Gloucestershire
When you think of a Cotswolds staycation, you may be tempted by a certain Oxfordshire farmhouse…but Gloucestershire has plenty of hidden gems nestled away in its more picturesque villages.
Take boutique country inn Wild Thyme & Honey. The moment you step into the reception, you’re greeted with roaring fires, fresh honeycomb and welcome cocktails.
With quirky touches like wine vending machines and a beautiful outdoor terrace, your escape from the city can be tailored to your preferences.
The stunning rustic bedrooms and waterside suites provide the ultimate relaxation, complete with freestanding baths to help you soak the day away. For the outdoorsy types, the inn also offers free use of their bikes as well as Hunter wellies for those inclined to ramble around the local fields.
As for the food? Hearty dishes and wine pairings are served at neighbouring pub The Crown at Ampney Brook, as well as a generous breakfast (that comes included with your stay). We can’t think of a better place to explore the heart of the countryside.
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The Methuen Arms, Wiltshire
Best UK country inns: The Methuen Arms The Methuen is a cosy country pub with 19 rooms,set immediately beside the stately home and beautiful grounds of Corsham Court, just 10 miles from the city of Bath.
Their award-winning restaurant serves delicious seasonal food, and guests can enjoy the spacious garden and heated pergola terrace for al fresco drinking and dining in both the colder and warmer months.
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The Trout Inn, Farringdon, Oxfordshire
Best UK country inns: The Trout Inn The Trout at Tadpole Bridge offers country hospitality and riverside dining in the beautiful Vale of the White Horse, a stone’ s throw from the Cotswolds.
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Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Best UK country inns: Shibden Mill Inn If you’re looking for a more secluded staycation, the picture-postcard 17th century Shibden Mill Inn is perfectly nestled within a deep fold of Shibden Valley near Halifax. Not to mention that it’s been voted Yorkshire’s favourite pub twice.
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Tuddenham Mill, Suffolk
Best UK country inns: Tuddenham Mill You couldn’t ask for a more magical setting than this ancient watermill building in twelve acres of Suffolk countryside. Field-to-fork food and luxurious, characterful accommodation – you’ll never want to leave.
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The Old Inn Mullion, Cornwall
Best UK country inns: The Old Inn Mullion Cornwall is considered by most as the ultimate staycation. If you’re making the journey, where better to stay than The Old Inn, located in the spectacular Lizard Peninsula, which has provided food and respite to weary travellers since the 16th century.
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The Masons Arms, Somerset
Best UK country inns: The Masons Arms The Masons Arms is perfectly set in a pretty hamstone village and has all the charm of your favourite local. They even offer glamping in their bespoke shepherd’s hut, alongside another six bedrooms.
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Newbridge on Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales
Best UK country inns: Newbridge on Usk Staycations don’t have to forsake elements of luxury. The Newbridge on Usk Inn, part of the Celtic Manor spa group, offers laid-back luxury in the heart of the countryside on the bank of a bubbling river. You even get access to the manor included with your booking.
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The Fat Lamb, Cumbria
Best UK country inns: The Fat Lamb The Fat Lamb is situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just a short drive from the Lake District. This traditional four star inn makes a superb base for exploring these two popular holiday areas, or the lesser known North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Bourne Valley Inn, Hampshire
Best UK country inns: Bourne Valley Inn Less than two hours from London, this contemporary cottage-style inn serves local and seasonal dishes from the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
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The Applecross Inn, Applecross, Scotland
Best UK country inns: The Applecross Inn This Scottish inn offers sea views, locally-sourced seafood specials and activities ranging from gorge walking to kayaking.
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Saracen’s Head, Wolterton, Norfolk
Best UK country inns: Saracen’s Head A stunning Georgian Inn nestled in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside that prides itself on being true to the spirit of its 200-year history and the unique county that surrounds it. It’s a hard place to find, hidden away in the lanes of the wild countryside, but a little bit of searching will absolutely be worth it.
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The Royal Oak, Yattendon, Berkshire
Best UK country inns: The Royal Oak The Royal Oak truly covers all your bases, offering simple, unfussy, Michelin-rated food, 10 luxurious bedrooms, award winning real ales, roaring log fires and a quite beautiful walled beer garden.
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The Bridge Inn, Grinton, North Yorkshire
Best UK country inns: The Bridge Inn A traditional country inn situated in the heart of beautiful Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales.
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The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland
Best UK country inns: The Old Inn The Old Inn is the perfect rural retreat, located just 15 minutes from Belfast and 5 minutes from the seaside town of Bangor.The hotel is bursting with character – think cosy corners, log fires, mini spa, glorious grub and elegant interiors.
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Images: Courtesy of inns
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