The 16 Best Cotswolds Pubs (2026) – Gastropubs, Country Inns & Dog-Friendly Gems
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS? WE’VE GOT YOU SORTED!
It might be famous for its honey-stone villages and rolling hills, but let’s be honest – what really makes the Cotswolds shine is its pubs. I’ve explored every winding country lane and hidden hamlet and made it my mission to find the absolute best spots for a pint, a roast, or a cosy overnight stay.
What we’ve learned is that the best Cotswolds pubs aren’t just about good beer (though that helps). They’re about raw character – the kind you can’t fake. The oldest inn in England. The gastropub serving venison pie so good you’ll publish an Instagram post about it.
If I were to list my top three right now off the top of my head, they are:
★ The Fox Inn, Broadwell – Where seasonal feasts meet proper pub soul (and the sticky toffee pudding should come with a health warning)
★ The Bull, Charlbury – Michelin Bib Gourmand magic in a 16th-century coaching inn
★ The Fleece Inn, Bretforton – National Trust-owned, witch-marked, and home to the rowdiest asparagus festival in England
From dog-friendly gardens with pup menus to historic inns where the beams are older than America, here’s where to drink, dine, and pretend you’re in a period drama – one pint at a time.
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BEST GASTROPUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS
The Fox Inn, Broadwell
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Cosy, foodie haven with a proper pub soul
Finding a pub that gets everything right is rarer than you think, but The Fox Inn in Broadwell absolutely nails it. Part of the same group as The Bell and The Lamb Inns, this humble drinking spot has mastered that tricky balance: it feels authentically old-school, with low beams and wooden benches, but the food is properly exciting.
The menu is a straightforward tribute to what’s good around here – guinea fowl coq au vin with creamy mash, venison toad in the hole, and Sunday roasts that don’t hold back on the portions. It’s clever without being complicated – that’s what makes it special!
Visited with my family and they welcome us in a very calm way we were very happy to visit that place we order many dishes and they have plenty of options and everything was delicious
kevin, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.3 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5
Opening times: daily 12-11pm
→ Related post: Cotswolds Maps: Walking Trails, Tourist Guides, Hidden Gems (Free PDFs)
★ Fancy a guided tour of the Cotswolds?
The best way to experience all the highlights of the Cotswolds is by going on a guided tour led by alocal expert, especially when you’re short on time. We recommend this customised, private full-day Cotswolds tour that gives you full control over the itinerary and route.
The Bull, Charlbury
**Michelin Bib Gourmand winner 2025**
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Rustic-chic, foodie hotspot
If you like your pubs with a side of glam, The Bull in Charlbury is your spot. Opened by the team behind Notting Hill’s The Pelican, this 16th-century beauty has quickly become a magnet for well-heeled countryphiles.
The mahogany booths, candlelit tables, and wood-fired meats (we recommend the whole-grilled cuts) make it feel more like a London hotspot than a village local. Their Michelin Bib Gourmand win in 2025 cemented its reputation – don’t sleep on the pie of the day or the hispi cabbage dish.
From the moment we arrived the service and attention was first class. We sat in the garden under vines which was delightful. The food was absolutely fantastic and the pork chop with salad very tasty. All in all a great night out.
clive, chipping norton, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★3.9 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6
Opening times: daily 12-11pm
→ You may also like: The 12 Best Spots for Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds
The Beaufort Arms, Cheltenham
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, with a nod to history
A Georgian gem dating back to the late 1700s, The Beaufort Arms is Cheltenham’s oldest pub. Freshly refurbished yet retaining its original charm, this spot is a hit for its infamous Thursday Steak Nights and “best Sunday roast in town” (their words, but we agree).
The menu leans into hearty pub classics with a Cotswolds twist, like Billy’s favourite slow-cooked beef brisket and honey-glazed pork belly, all served in a cosy, dog-friendly space with a mix of vintage and contemporary decor.
We come here every month or so on a Sunday and it always delivers. Quality produce, generous portions, always enough gravy as well as friendly service. Never disappoints!
richard, cheltenham, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★5.0 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6
Opening times: Mon-Wed 12-10pm, Thur-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm
→ Related: 17 Charming Must-Visit Villages in the Cotswolds
✨ How to Explore the Villages, hassle-free
Connect the dots between picturesque but spread-out villages without the hassle of driving and parking. A guided walking tour lets you soak in the details you’d miss from a car. We recommend Macs Adventure for their highly-rated, detailed, customisable tours.
The Swan Hotel, Bibury
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Quintessential Cotswolds charm, ideal for couples
This picturesque, ivy-clad pub overlooks the River Coln in Bibury, which was dubbed “the most beautiful village in England” by William Morris. The Swan is a 17th-century coaching inn with landscaped gardens, all about riverside romance.
The brasserie serves elevated British fare – such as the Cotswold lamb rump with wild garlic pesto – paired with a magnificent wine wall. Opt for a fireside table in winter or the sun-dappled terrace in summer.
Pro tip: Book one of their garden cottage suites (some with private hot tubs) for the full experience.
Very comfortable and clean hotel, perfectly set in the context. Friendly staff, great food. Pets welcomed with courtesy. A special thanks to Maria, waitress of the restaurant really very affable. Highly recommended
germana, milan, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.1 | Google Map Rating: ★4.4
Opening times: daily 12-11pm
➡️ Book your stay at The Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is one of our recommended places to stay in the Cotswolds with a Fabulous, 8.6 rating (*Book here*) and is conveniently situated in Bibury beside the River Coln and the popular Bibury Trout Farm.
BEST HISTORIC & QUINTESSENTIAL PUBS
The Porch House
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Historic ale house with exceptional cask beer selection and locally-sourced food
Dating all the way back to 947 AD, The Porch House holds the title of England’s Oldest Inn. With its wonky beams, open fires, and flagstone floors, it’s a time capsule of Cotswolds history – what more reason could you need to step into this famed medieval inn for a pint and a meal?
The food is hearty with beer-battered fish and chips or slow-cooked lamb shank, and the atmosphere is the real draw here. We advise booking ahead at peak times as this place is no secret.
Alex behind the bar deserves five stars… extremely polite, very efficient, multi-tasking to a phenomenal degree — all very impressive given the demands upon him at the time we visited.
milvus, gloucestershire, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.0 | Google Map Rating: ★4.3
Opening times: Mon-Thur 8am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-9pm
➡️ Book Your Stay at The Porch House – England’s Oldest Inn
Why not book a stay at The Porch House for a unique experience? With an 8.5 rating and rave reviews, We think its the perfect base to unwind, recover, refuel and rest after your Cotswolds walks.
→ Related post: The Ultimate Cotswolds 3-Day Itinerary (Hidden Gems & Efficient Routes)
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton (National Trust)
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Rustic, storybook England with a lively community spirit
Owned by the National Trust, this 15th-century timber-framed longhouse is a time capsule of Cotswolds lore. Look for witch circles chalked on the floor (a medieval tradition to ward off spirits) and Oliver Cromwell’s rumoured pewter dinner service.
The Fleece is a CAMRA Pub of the Year regular (2025 included) and hosts quirky events like the annual asparagus festival. Don’t miss their heated horse-box seating in the orchard (yes, really!)
Such a wonderful place – so much history and lovely staff and delicious food – what more could you want. Asparagus cooked so well, hake, ham and the fettuccine mains were amazing and the desserts delicious. We will be back!
jackie g, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.1 | Google Map Rating: ★4.7
Opening times: daily 11am-11pm
➡️ Book a room at The Fleece Inn
Not only does The Fleece Inn regularly win CAMRA awards, it also offers a traditional Cotswold experience with affordable rooms, perfect for budget travellers. Book your stay here:
→ You may also like: National Trust OR English Heritage? (The Complete Guide)
Friar Tucks Inn
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Unpretentious, sporty, great for groups
Established in 1870, this Gloucester-area pub wears its history proudly: think oak beams, log fires, and a sprawling beer garden with wooden huts for summer BBQs.
It’s a family-run favourite for Sunday roasts (beef with Yorkshire puds the size of your head) and sports screenings.
Bonus: They have seven dog-friendly rooms upstairs, all en-suite!
Stayed for 1 night as attending party in area, Chris very friendly and helpul and sophie behind bar. Room was good and clean, bed comfy, breakfast shower was good. AMAZING
debbie, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★3.7 | Google Map Rating: ★4.3
Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 8am-12am, Sun 8am-10pm
➡️ Book your Stay at Friar Tucks Inn
This cosy guesthouse is ideal for backpackers, dog-owners and solo travellers looking for a place to kip on a budget. Book your stay here:
→ Further reading: National Trust or English Heritage – Which is Best?
The Falkland Arms
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Whisky-and-wool-jumper cosiness, perfect for walkers
A 16th-century thatched beauty in the postcard-perfect village of Great Tew, this pub is pure Cotswolds fantasy.
Here you can sip Wadworth ales by the inglenook fireplace or in the heated garden. The rooms upstairs (all en-suite) are tiny but charming, you can expect creaky floors and cotton-lined beds.
Fun fact: The Falkland Arms recently featured in the hit gangster show Mobland (starring Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan), causing an influx of visitors from around the world!
Everything about this quant little gem is superb. Food, service, rooms, location. Very dog friendly with beautiful walks
kerrie crosbee, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.2 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5
Opening times: daily 12-11:30pm
➡️ Driving around the Cotswolds?
The best way to get around this region is by car, since its quite rural. If you don’t have your own, we recommend renting a car. Our go to site is DiscoverCars – we’ve used them at home and abroad for years, and we like their transparency, great reviews, and easy-to-use site.
Read our complete guide on Driving in the Cotswolds (Essential Tips) here:
→ More West Midlands Pub Reviews:
Best Pubs in Stoke: 14 Award-winning, Real Ale Public Houses
11 Historic Must-Visit Pubs in Leek, Staffordshire
BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS
The Three Horseshoes Inn
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Rustic, community-focused, and effortlessly charming
This 18th-century pub in the Windrush Valley is the kind of place where dogs are greeted with the same warmth as their owners – complete with complimentary water bowls and homemade dog treats.
The large garden offers sweeping views of the Cotswold hills, and pups can lounge under the shade of ancient trees while you tuck into wood-fired pizzas or a pint of local ale.
The do a monthly “Paws & Pints” event, where four-legged guests get their own social hour with dog-friendly snacks. The pub dates back to 1726 and was once a farrier’s stop for travellers—today, it’s a haven for walkers and their muddy-pawed companions.
Country pub in a quiet village surrounded by countryside, with a great outside garden, really good food, staff and service.
chris j, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.5 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6
Opening times: Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat-Sun 12-10pm
➡️ Book your stay: The Three Horseshoes Inn
With a 9.0 Superb rating and rave reviews, The Three Horseshoes is one of the top places to stay in the Cotswolds, with dog-friendly rooms Book your stay here:
→ Read more: Best Time to Visit the West Midlands (Our Insider Guide)
The Star Inn & Hotel
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Walkers’ haven with a Mediterranean twist
Perched on the Cotswold Way, this Whiteshill pub is a magnet for hikers and their four-legged companions, and better still, all their hotel rooms are dog-friendly.
Dogs get complimentary treats and a “snuffle mat” (a puzzle feeder to keep them busy), while owners refuel with Greek-inspired dishes like slow-cooked lamb kleftiko. The renovated garden has panoramic views that are perfect for sunset drinks.
Fantastic Greek food, lovely atmosphere, great service. Lovely draught IPA. Great views from the garden. Definitely recommend.
karen l, stroud, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.4 | Google Map Rating: ★4.1
Opening times: Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat-Sun 12-11pm
➡️ Book a stay at The Star Inn
With a Very Good 8.2 rating, customers rave about the bar, attentive staff and cosy rooms at the historic the Star Inn. Book your stay here:
→ You may also like: 13 Incredible Outdoor Mazes in the West Midlands
The Woolpack Inn
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Timeless, bookish, and gloriously unfussy
This women-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly establishment is the former local of the poet and novelist Laurie Lee – steeped in literary history – making it a great spot for bookworms. Check out the tiny bookshop by the loo.
Dogs are welcomed with a “Woolpack Woof Burger” (beef patty with sweet potato). While it’s an excellent “wet” pub (good quality selection of drinks), the food isn’t quite at the level of the ales, so we recommend stopping by after walks for a pint.
The vine-covered terrace overlooks the stunning Slad Valley. Bringing a lead and a copy of Laurie Lee’s bestseller Cider With Rosie is a great idea here.
To sum up in one word … wonderful!!! The food is excellent … always exciting dishes to choose from, the service spot on and, of course the beautiful Cotswolds location with the Laurie Lee link just adds to the special feel of the place.
Dr h, cheltenham, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★3.9 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6
Opening times: Sun-Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
You may also like: Warwickshire and Warwick Maps [Free PDFs]
The Old Neighbourhood Inn
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Community-minded, with a side of spaniel charm
Freshly revamped under new ownership, this Stroud gem combines 17th-century bones (exposed beams, open fires) with modern dog-loving touches: a “pup-up” snack bar with homemade liver biscuits and a terrace with valley views.
We visited for the first time last night and had a wonderful evening. The renovation of the public areas and garden has been completed to a high standard—it’s clear a lot of care and thought went into it. The place was full of locals enjoying the atmosphere, which made it feel warm, welcoming and fun!
rachel m, amberley, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★5.0 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5
Opening times: Mon-Fri 3-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
→ Read also: Staffordshire’s Must-Visit Royal Market Towns
BEST PUBS WITH ROOMS IN THE COTSWOLDS
The Bell, Charlbury
*Michelin Guide restaurant*
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Chic yet unpretentious, with a lively local heartbeat
Above one of the Cotswolds’ liveliest gastropubs are boutique rooms blending 17th-century character with modern luxury: organic cotton linens, reclaimed oak furniture, and – in the dog-friendly Barn rooms – private terraces overlooking the orchard.
Downstairs, the pub buzzes with folk music nights and in its Michelin Guide kitchen – a wood-fired grill serving Daylesford Farm’s organic produce.
Pro tip: Book a “Cosy Room” for romantic stays or a “Spacious Room” in the original eaves for beams and valley views.
Enjoyed a Father’s Day drink and food in beautifully relaxing garden area. So reasonably priced for Wood Fired Sourdough pizza. Worth a visit – very relaxing
pippa n, charlbury, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★3.7 | Google Map Rating: ★4.1
Opening times: daily 10am-12:30am
This pub is rated 8.8 Excellent and offers free breakfast and log burner rooms. ➡️ Book your stay at The Bell, Charlbury here:
Struggling to choose where to stay? Check out our Best Hotels in the Cotswolds (+ Strategic Maps Guide)
The Five Alls
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Enchanting, romantic, with a whisper of old-world charm
The Five Alls in Filkins doesn’t shout about itself – it’s one of those 18th-century coaching inns that feels preserved in the best way.
Out the back, you’ll find a courtyard that most people walk right past, which is a shame because it’s an absolute sun-trap in the afternoon and turns magical by night, when fairy lights and fire pits take over.
There’s an old well right in the middle, now stuffed with flowers instead of water. Grab a bench, order a local cider, and don’t overthink the food – go for the slow-roasted lamb or the black pudding scotch egg.
After perusing the menu, we decided upon the “beige” meze platter to share, it dud not disappoint! A perfect balance of meat and vegetable based tasty bites. Highly recommended!
rachel P, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.4 | Google Map Rating: ★4.5
Opening times: Mon-Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-10:30pm
This pub is rated 9.2 Superb, is in a great location and comes with an excellent breakfast. ➡️ Book your stay at The Five Alls, Lechlade here:
Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
Here are our top budget and luxury accommodation recommendations in the Cotswolds:
◉ Luxury: The Fish Hotel (Broadway) – Featuring spa facilities, this family-friendly accommodation offers unique treehouse stays amidst the hills – Exceptional 9.5☆
◉ Budget: The Barrel Store (Cirencester) – very affordable prices, ideal for walkers tackling the Cotswold Way – Very Good 8.2☆
Our Best Hotels in the Cotswolds (+ Strategic Maps Guide) has you covered on where to stay and in which part of the Cotswolds.
BEST PUBS WITH SCENIC GARDENS
The Double Red Duke
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Timeless, bookish, and gloriously unfussy
A 17th-century coaching inn turned design hotel, this Oxfordshire gem is all about indulgence: roll-top baths, velvet headboards, and open-fire cooking.
The 19 rooms mix botanical prints with antiques, and the garden’s striped parasols are pure Cotswolds glam. Named one of the UK’s “best gastropubs with rooms” by The Telegraph, it’s ideal for couples or foodies craving a flame-grilled feast.
Visited this place for the 1st time during a mini break to the Cotswolds and just WOW. We’ve eaten in quite a lot of steak places and this is up there
kimberley, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.2 | Google Map Rating: ★4.6
Opening times: Sun-Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
The Red Lion Inn
Location: (Google Maps) | Vibe: Timeless, tranquil, with a whisper of old-world whimsy
This 17th-century gem in Little Compton is Warwickshire’s southernmost pub and a masterclass in Cotswolds charm. The mature garden is a sun-dappled retreat with ancient trees, rustic benches, and an Aunt Sally pitch (a traditional Cotswolds skittles game) for post-pint competitions.
By winter, the inglenook fireplace inside beckons with crackling logs, but summer is when the garden shines: wood-fired pizzas come out under fairy lights with local ciders served in tankards.
The two cosy en-suite rooms overlooking the garden are perfect for converting a day visit into a moonlit escape.
We visited here whilst staying at the CAMC site in Moreton and ,plsd we did. What a charming place the food was amazing and competitively priced with generous portions.
gary j, nottinghamshire, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor Rating: ★4.6 | Google Map Rating: ★4.7
Opening times: Sun-Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
What is the best village to visit in the Cotswolds?
For sheer postcard perfection, Bibury takes the crown with its iconic Arlington Row cottages and tranquil River Coln. But if you prefer lively charm, Bourton-on-the-Water (the “Venice of the Cotswolds”) offers riverside pubs and quirky attractions like the Model Village. For history buffs, Castle Combe—a filming location for War Horse and Stardust—is a must.
What pub does Jeremy Clarkson go to in the Cotswolds?
Clarkson owns The Farmer’s Dog near Burford, a revamped 15th-century pub with Hawkstone Lager on tap, a tractor suspended from the ceiling, and a tented beer garden. It’s all about British-sourced fare (try the lamb shawarma) and a no-frills, locals-friendly vibe. Just don’t expect him behind the bar—he’s busy farming.
Can you walk from village to village in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswold Way (102 miles) links villages like Chipping Campden to Bath, but shorter routes abound. Try Broadway to Snowshill (6 miles) or Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water (1.5 miles). Pack sturdy boots—paths can get muddy—and reward yourself with a pint at trailside pubs like The Lion Inn in Winchcombe.
Map of the Cotswolds Best Pubs
Plan Your Perfect Cotswolds Trip
Your maps are sorted! Now, use our detailed guides to build the rest of your itinerary:
➡️ Your Complete Itinerary: Follow our step-by-step guide for the perfect Cotswolds 3-Day Itinerary, designed to show you the very best of the region.
➡️ What to See: Discover the picture-perfect locations you’ll be visiting with our guide to 17 Charming Cotswolds Villages.
➡️ Where to Stay: Dive deep into our curated list of the 8 Best Hotels in the Cotswolds for every budget.
➡️ Find Your Cabin: Ready to book your escape? Explore our curated guide to the Best Log Cabins with Hot Tubs in the Cotswolds.
➡️ Free Cotswolds Maps: To help you visualise your journey and locate all these spots, be sure to bookmark our central Cotswolds Maps page.
➡️ How to Get Around: Everything you need to know about Driving in the Cotswolds, including tips for narrow lanes and parking.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Cotswolds Pub Guide
After months of ‘research’ (read: happily sacrificing my liver for the cause), here’s the definitive list of Cotswolds pubs you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
Gastropub Glory
The Fox Inn, Broadwell – Seasonal magic on a plate
The Bull, Charlbury – Bib Gourmand brilliance
The Beaufort Arms, Cheltenham – Georgian elegance meets hearty portions
The Swan Hotel, Bibury – Riverside dining at its finest
History You Can Taste
The Porch House, Stow – England’s oldest inn (since 947 AD!)
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton – Witch marks and asparagus festivals
Friar Tuck’s Inn – Oak beams and proper Sunday roasts
The Falkland Arms – Thatched perfection in Great Tew
Doggy Heaven
The Three Horseshoes, Asthall – Paws & Pints events
The Star Inn – Walkers’ paradise with ‘snuffle mats’
The Old Neighbourhood Inn – Pup-up snack bar
The Woolpack Inn, Slad – Literary walks and woof burgers
Stay the Night
The Bell, Charlbury – Boutique rooms above a buzzing pub
The Double Red Duke – Roll-top baths and fire pits
Garden Goals
The Five Alls, Filkins – Fairy-lit courtyard charm
The Red Lion, Little Compton – Aunt Sally and orchard views
What makes these pubs special isn’t just the cider (though the local brews are fantastic) – it’s the stories in their walls, the warmth of their welcomes, and their uncanny ability to make you feel like a local after one pint.
Download your FREE Cotswolds PDF Packing List Here
This list features our recommendations on what to pack for the Cotswolds in each season, with only the most trusted travel gear that we’ve used for years (plus some things that most tourists forget too!)
