When the temperatures drop, we want two things… a pub we can walk to in under five minutes and a cosy cottage to curl up in when we return – there’s no better combination for a wonderfully warming stay!
This magical mixture of cosy cottages and close-by pubs ensures wintery walks and seasonal sightseeing always end with a crackling pub fire and a mug or glass of something warming – whether hot chocolates or sherry are your drink of choice.
From oceanside cottages in Pembrokeshire that are big enough for the whole family (plus the dog) to relax in or a two-person bolthole in the heart of Exmoor National Park, this list of snug escapes is sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Ready to welcome winter with open arms? Here are just some of our favourite cosy holiday cottages near a pub for you to sink into, cuddly blankets and all…
Castlemans Coach House
Battle, Sussex | Sleeps 8
Best for: History and pub stops
Tucked away in the heart of 1066 Country in East Sussex, this red-bricked cottage is charming inside and out and perfect for relaxed evenings by the beautiful ornamental fireplace (hot toddies optional but definitely recommended). Spend your days exploring the fascinating local history around Battle, getting your steps up with some bracing walks, or simply watching the world go by in one of the many cosy pubs and inns, one of which is under a mile from this very cottage – perfect! The Queens Head boasts all the creature comforts you could want from your local including open fire, exposed beams and a mouth-watering menu that pairs perfectly with the well-stocked bar and features everything from antipasti to pork belly.
Leeway House
Cowes, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: Island exploration
Home of the largest sailing regatta in the world, Cowes is a stunning place to settle down for your stay – especially at Leeway House, where a wood burner and sea views combine to make an epic holiday. Just down the road from your toasty sanctuary lies an equally welcoming space, The Duke of York inn, which serves real ales and soul-warming Sunday lunches. There are some beautiful walks and beaches in the area for those wanting to freshen up before they cosy down as well as an incredible array of historical buildings and castles, which are perfect for rainy-day explorations.
Peveril
Morfa Nefyn, North Wales | Sleeps 6
Best for: Clifftop exploring from a historic retreat
When it comes to staggering views peppered with hearty pubs that have welcomed many a traveller in their time, you can’t quite beat North Wales. This historic fisherman’s cottage is full of oodles of charm, from the fabulous beams right down to the cobblestones. A wood burner will keep you nice and toasty in the evenings while the courtyard garden provides a lovely space for those wanting some fresh air. In fact, if it’s fresh air you want, you couldn’t be in a better spot as Peveril is surrounded by the stunning wilds of the Llyn Peninsula. After your days exploring this incredible Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, head down the road to the wonderfully close Ship Edern, a fab gastro pub with buckets of character (and a seriously moreish menu that features sensational salads and plenty of nibbles).
Greystones
Bovey Tracey, Devon | Sleeps 8
Best for: Dog-friendly adventures on Dartmoor
We’re a little bit in love with this cosy combo, which sees an enchanting, leaf-laden cottage sitting happily just 300 yards away from the thatched delights of The Cleave pub – both of which welcome dogs! There is plenty of space inside and out at Greystones, with the living room enjoying the flickering glow of the fire. You’ll find just as much space outside as the wild expanse of Dartmoor lies on the doorstep, providing endless opportunities for a stomp before sinking into an oh-so-comfy chair in The Cleave, where crisp real ales and roaring fires await. Oh, and you'll want to check out Devon's impressive Christmas calendar... There are lots of merry things to keep the whole family entertained.
Bokelly Cottage
Port Isaac, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: Cornish romps and coastal scenes
With the dramatic coast of North Cornwall at your fingertips, alongside the undulating and untamed Bodmin Moor in the distance, if it’s big views and walks you’re after then Bokelly Cottage is the perfect choice. Slate floors, feature fireplaces, and countryside views create a rather idyllic setting where you can relax and unwind during your holiday. Just a mile down the road lies the Red Lion Inn where home-cooked meals (their steaks have to be tried to be believed) and live music offer a delicious retreat from everyday life. If you want to combine your cosy pub stop with an epic walk, then head to Tintagel where you’ll find one of the best pub walks in Cornwall.
Visiting in the festive season? Check out our complete guide to Christmas in Cornwall for some Yuletide inspiration.
Pound Farm Cottage
Sherborne, Dorset | Sleeps 2
Best for: Countryside escapes with oodles of charm
Charming thatched roof? Check. Inglenook fireplace? Of course! Original rolltop bathtub for long and oh-so luxurious soaks? Absolutely! Pound Farm Cottage really does tick all the boxes for a wonderfully cosy couple’s retreat. Oh, and to make this dreamy barn conversion even more enticing, the award-winning Chetnole Inn is a quick stroll down the road. The snug bar is great for a refreshing drink - with bar snacks, of course - after a day spent exploring the surrounding Dorset countryside (by foot or by bike) while the restaurant provides a welcoming spot to enjoy a taste of Dorset that’s been lovingly prepared by the inn’s talented chefs.
The Green House
Frome, Somerset | Sleeps 4
Best for: A supremely dog-friendly stay
Sit back and enjoy the gentle soundtrack of the stream outside as you soak up the historic charms of this dog-friendly, Grade II Listed cottage in Somerset before settling into an evening by the fire. A mere 200 yards down the road sits the beautifully renovated George Inn, which boasts just as much charm as its neighbouring cottage. Roaring fires and the aromas of comforting pub grub welcome you as you pull up a pew and totally unwind amidst the nostalgic atmosphere. Seriously, the Camembert to share (or not to share) is to die for! Somerset is home to some magical Christmas markets and stunning walks, from countryside rambles to woodland wanders, so why not pack your walking boots and a cosy scarf for a hearty mix of fresh air and cosy evenings.
Week Cottage
Dulverton, Somerset | Sleeps 2
Best for: Wild wanders around Exmoor National Park
One of the UK’s best-loved National Parks, Exmoor has long been a destination of choice for cosy cottages and pubs where you can kick off the walking boots before feasting on cheerful pub grub. Week Cottage is the epitome of a welcoming countryside bolthole (it could easily feature in festive classic The Holiday) with its delicate brick exterior and toasty living room, complete with exposed beams and a beckoning wood-burner. It’s also dog-friendly, which means the pooch can join you for your moorland escape. After you’ve thoroughly explored the beautiful surrounding landscape, you can head into the local dog-friendly pub, The Badger’s Holt, where further countryside charm awaits… and deliciously crisp ciders!
Little Maunditts Cottage
Malmesbury, Wiltshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: A peaceful countryside escape
With such a bountiful natural larder, it’s of little surprise that Wiltshire is home to some of the best pubs in the UK, combining local fare with welcoming atmospheres to perfect effect. One of these hunger-quelling pubs is the quirkily named Rattlebone Inn, which lies just around the corner from the rural wiles of Little Maunditts Cottage and plies hungry guests with homemade burgers and warming pies. Both the pub and the cottage boast deliciously warming fires and a friendly feel, ideal for a bit of respite after exploring the many wonderful things to do in Wiltshire. Get lost in the gently rolling hills and dappled woodlands as you discover the surrounding area on foot, it’s a true rural paradise made for a quiet weekend stay.
Stonewell Cottage
Stow-on-the-Wold, the Cotswolds | Sleeps 4
Best for: A storybook setting with a twist
Ready for something a little different? Stonewell Cottage might seem like a honey-hued home no different to the other idyllic stays in the Cotswolds, but within its honeypot exterior lies a fabulous and seriously ogle-worthy feature – a well! That’s right, in the heart of the cosy living area lies an ancient well that reveals the cottage’s fascinating history. The cottage itself lies on the doorstep of many of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages and enchanting Christmas markets, making it the perfect base from which to explore the pretty sights and scenes of the Cotswolds at Christmas. One chocolate-box sight you won’t want to miss is the gloriously dog-friendly pub, The Bell, which is a pleasant 400-yard stroll away and serves seasonal food that hits all the right notes, from venison to trout.
Yachtsmans Cottage
Lymington, Hampshire | Sleeps 4
Best for: Waterside wanders
Nestled in the Georgian market town of Lymington and a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, Yachtsmans Cottage offers guests the chance to cuddle up in a wonderfully stylish cottage full of all the cosy necessities you’d need for a wintery break, including a wood-burner in the cosy lounge. New Forest National Park is on your doorstep and provides endless beauty and rambling opportunities throughout the year. Round off your bountiful stay in Hampshire with a trip to The Ferryman Inn, which lies an easily strollable 200 yards away. Here you can bask in the riverside atmosphere as you sip on some Mermaid Gin, which is made just over the water on the Isle of Wight, and dine on the likes of scallops, sea bass, and sticky tofu.
Sea View
Fishguard, Pembrokeshire | Sleeps 10
Best for: Dog walks on the beach
Enjoying reaching views across the bay, Sea View in Fishguard is very well named and quite possibly one of the best places to bunker down in Pembrokeshire. From the living room, you can bask in the warmth of the wood-burner as you gaze out across the harbour, which will often spark the desire to head out and experience everything the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales has to offer. The beach at Goodwick is great for dog-walks as most of the beach is dog-friendly throughout the year, and the nearby Royal Oak inn (which boasts real ales and a wonderfully classic menu) welcomes dogs too, making this ocean-side retreat a great one for the whole family, dogs included!
Middle Deck
Sandgate, Kent | Sleeps 2
Best for: Unbeatable sea views
Perched on the seafront in Sandgate, Middle Deck enjoys uninterrupted views across the English Channel, a view that’s just as captivating in the depths of winter as it is in the height of summer. Watch the waves roll in from the living room or stroll along the seafront to the nearby Famous Ship Inn, which is a marvellously walkable 50 yards away! Also boasting sea views, this much-loved pub offers live entertainment and a menu full of tasty treats and very drinkable cocktails - not to mention a Sunday lunch that’s sure to end your week on the highest of notes.
Ready to spend your holiday merrily sinking drinks in the local pub? Explore our fabulously cosy holiday cottages near a pub and discover the perfect pairing.
