Nothing epitomises the soul of a community in Britain more than a local pub, whether that’s a characterful seaside inn in Cornwall, a charming thatched beauty set on a village green in Somerset or a fire-warmed local that’s just the place after a busy week at work.
Oh yes, there’s nothing that brings us together more than a welcoming pub offering carefully curated drinks, hearty food, and a good place to sit and natter, from a sun-filled beer garden to a roaring fire on a chilly winter’s night.
With at least one pub per village, hamlet, and town, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to choose from, and in typical British eccentric style, there’s definitely some fascinating spots to visit. Feeling thirsty? Here are our top choices of the most unique, quirky pubs to visit in the UK.
The Rose & Crown, Somerset
Huish Episcopi, Langport TA10 9QT
Crowned Britain’s quirkiest pub in 2025, this little beauty near Taunton in Somerset dates back to 1640 and has been owned and cared for by the same family since at least 1871. Lovingly maintained to keep tradition alive, the Rose & Crown (known affectionately by locals as Eli’s Inn) boasts a gorgeous thatched roof and a Grade II listed building status.
What makes it unique, however, is its counterless flagstone taproom, which patrons can walk into to choose from a great selection of real ales, craft beers, and local ciders. For seating, there are four snug parlours to hunker down in (quaintly called the Piano Room, West Room, Fire Room and Men’s Kitchen), and there’s a 19th-century skittle alley if you fancy challenging friends and family to a game. Paired with extraordinary events such as beer yoga and the annual Steam Rally, the Rose & Crown is definitely a quirky family affair!
The Admiral Benbow, Cornwall
46 Chapel Street, Penzance TR18 4AF
Serving rum to sailors, vagabonds and smugglers since 1695, a visit to the fantastical Admiral Benbow nestled on the historic Chapel Street in Penzance is a must. Full to the brim with maritime memorabilia and artefacts rescued from the countless wrecks washed up on Cornish shores over the centuries, as soon as you walk through the door you’re met with intriguing sights such as the Captain’s Cabin, which is a recreation of the deck of a Portuguese Man O’ War with original stern plate, as well as numerous ship figureheads, an impressive cannon and even a ship’s wheel.
To add to the nautical feel, there are fabulous views towards St Michael’s Mount from the upstairs bar, while it’s said that Robert Louis Stevenson visited here in 1880 on his return from America and, inspired, based the beginning of Treasure Island here. Not only is it a fascinating ancient drinking hole, but here, ‘the grub be tasty’, with a menu full of fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
The Ancient Ram Inn, the Cotswolds
8 Potters Pond, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7HF
This ancient inn might not serve food and drink, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in spirits… Oh yes, a visit to England’s most haunted building is a spooky must for any paranormal seekers out there. Over 800 years old, The Ancient Ram Inn is a mysterious marvel that’s sure to delight. Visit one of the spooktacular afternoon ghost hunts, stop by to make your very own voodoo doll, or visit after dark for a truly memorable experience.
Olde worlde architecture, a rich history, and eerie atmospheres await here, with a terrific group of guides ready to shed some light on the occult occurrences at this most beloved of inns. And if you can’t shake memories of moving prams and creaking floorboards, the inn hosts regular live streams so you can keep up-to-date with all the ghostly goings on.
The Highwayman Inn, Devon
Sourton, Nr Okehampton EX20 4HN
Nothing can quite prepare you for this rather extraordinary pub in Devon. Nestled on the edges of the wilds of Dartmoor, The Highwayman Inn was built in 1282, and as you approach it, you’ll notice that it’s shaped like a shoe! Conjuring up images of old Mother Hubbard, the fairytale feel of this establishment continues as you step inside. Under the low beams, you’ll find an 18th-century Gothic door taken from a ship, the head of Diana, the Roman goddess of hunting, a sea dragon made of bog oak, a minotaur called Asterion and a host of nooks and crannies to squirrel yourself away in.
Of course, a pub this age also has its fair share of ghosts, with a lovelorn cavalier called Samuel, a gruff sea captain, and a serving girl in a mop cap all part of the furniture. It’s not surprising then that the Highwayman is known as the most unusual pub in Britain. This is definitely one to put on your bucket list, with lots of great drinks on tap (including their award-winning local cider) and tasty pub grub, with a real focus on veggie and vegan dishes.
The Old Forge, Scottish Highlands
Inverie, Mallaig PH41 4PL
Winning the title of the most remote pub in Britain, The Old Forge in the tiny village of Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula earned its title as there are no roads in or out of the village. The pub is only accessible by sea ferry from Mallaig or via an 18-mile walk through the spectacular yet rugged Highlands of Scotland – so definitely one for the adventurers!
Overlooking Loch Nevis, it was built in the 1770s as a blacksmith’s cottage (hence the name). It’s definitely well worth a visit if you fancy a 7-mile boat trip or a breathtaking hike. Famed and loved for its beer brewed from local Knoydart Brewery, malt whiskey, traditional Scottish pub grub (think wild venison and fresh seafood) and excellent live music, this is a community-owned pub that reinvests profits back into the 130-resident-strong community, making that well-earned drink all the sweeter.
The Nutshell, Suffolk
17 The Traverse, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1BJ
Officially one of the smallest pubs in the world, The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds is just 14.5 feet long and six and a half feet wide, meaning no more than a dozen folk can frequent at any one time (although in 1984 a record number of 102 people managed to squeeze in through its doors). Despite its pocket size, this Suffolk pub is a lively, bustling spot that’s jam-packed with character and locals who love to share a tale or two about the history of this fascinating place.
Look up, and you’ll find international bank notes plastering the ceiling, while old pictures and photos line the wall amongst other fascinating relics, such as a 400-year-old mummified black cat, found in the pub’s wall during renovation work back in 1935. Trading as a pub since 1867, it’s definitely worth taking a look at when you're out and about exploring Suffolk.
Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS
Conjuring tales of smuggling, murder, and nefarious deeds, the infamous Jamaica Inn, a Grade II-listed coaching inn dating from the 1750s, gained worldwide fame through the novel of the same name by writer Daphne du Maurier. Snugly set on the edge of Bodmin Moor, tales abound of over a hundred hidden routes to move smuggled and looted goods from the coast north via this safe spot, avoiding capture and arrest.
Today, it may come across as a warm, welcoming hostelry, but surrounded by ancient sites including a graveyard, the ruins of a Templar church, and, of course, the moor itself, it certainly has kept its mystical vibe. Pop yourself into the atmospheric Smuggler’s Bar for a pint or two and imagine the likes of Du Maurier’s villain Joss Merlyn haunting the bar, or heroine Mary Yellan running through the corridors trying to make her escape. This fascinating pub remains a spooky spot that boasts an irresistible pull to all who visit the area.
The Signal Box Inn, Lincolnshire
Lakeside King’s Road, Cleethorpes DN35 0AG
The newest pub on our list, this tiny gem opened in 2006 in Lincolnshire and is a definite contender for the smallest pub in Britain, if not the world. Tucked away in a former signal box, originally from Scunthorpe steelworks, The Signal Box Inn is a free house and measures just eight foot long by eight foot wide and offers a lip-smacking selection of real ales, craft lagers, and ciders to try, whether that’s snugly stood in the pub, or across the way in the Luggage Shed Lounge or in the sunny beer garden.
This oh-so-popular pub offers regular music nights, and you can pair your visit with a ride on the light railway, one of Britain’s oldest seaside miniature trains, while little ones might enjoy a game of crazy golf on the 9-hole course. A lovely and unique stop-off, whether you’re exploring on foot or by bicycle.
The Skirrid Inn, Monmouthshire
Llanvihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny NP7 8DH
Said to be Wales’s oldest pub at over 900 years old, The Skirrid Inn near Abergavenny is probably the most infamous too. At one time, the Skirrid was also said to be a courtroom, where the notorious Judge George Jefferies, aka ‘The Hanging Judge’, dispensed so-called justice. Cruel to the core, Judge Jefferies terrorised the locals with an iron fist and sentenced over 180 people to death from within the Skirrid, and horrifically, the hangings supposedly took place within the building itself, hung from a beam found at the top of the stairs.
Maybe it’s no surprise then that the pub is flooded with hauntings and supernatural occurrences, such as disembodied footsteps, a cold presence, and the sound of a gavel banging. Nevertheless, the Skirrid is a fantastic pub jam-packed with character, serving real ales and hearty pub grub and roasts on a Sunday. Outside, there’s a lovely beer garden while fires inside ensure cosy evenings in winter. Feeling brave? Why not take part in one of the pub’s fabulously frightening ghost hunts?
House of the Trembling Madness, Yorkshire
48 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
The name alone is quirky enough to be a contender for this list, but this Grade II* listed pub, dating from around 1600, sits above a bottle shop and is a hidden gem in the heart of York. The ‘trembling madness’ (perhaps better known as the delirium tremens, or the DTs) may not be pleasant, but this fab drinking establishment certainly is, with its open roof, huge welcoming fireplace and charming snug.
Famed for its collection of stuffed animal heads, the House of Trembling Madness has certainly lived through adversity, surviving fire, poverty, and even the widening of the road outside. There are eight kegs and four casks of craft beer always on tap, as well as a fantastic, tucked-away spirits cellar. The food is good, hearty, and generous in size, as is the Yorkshire spirit. It gets busy, and they don’t take bookings, which is part of the charm – you may end up sharing a table with strangers but leaving as friends.
If reading this has worked up a thirst for a pub-themed getaway, take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in the UK and start planning your getaway today.
