Twelve stays of Christmas
The Bull, Ditchling
Boy oh boy. This olde-worlde pub in the heart of Sussex really comes alive at Christmas.
If you’re a fan of roaring fires, wonky wooden beams, and cosy-corners by the barrel-full (where you’ll likely find a board game waiting for you) then this is just the ticket. The only thing warmer than a seat by the fire is the hospitality.
As if that wasn’t enough to tickle your tinsel, perched atop the pub are six cosy bedrooms too. They’re gorgeously in keeping with the country pubs vibes – only briefly breaking character by sporting some marvellously modern (and rather posh) coffee machines. What a spot-on pub to hunker down for a great seasonal getaway.
The Park, Teddington
Off to South West London for our next getaway to a rather good-looking, grand Victorian pub.
Nothing quite says Christmas like brisk winter walks through ice-kissed Bushy Park (with a side order of deer-spotting) to nearby Hampton Court Palace. There you can fall fully into the festive swing of things with outdoor ice skating – then back to the pub to defrost your toes with a glass of something lovely.
Make a meal from those keep-em-coming sides – smoky pigs in blankets, mountains of crisp roasties (dipped in gallons of gravy) and a cheeky cauli cheese. Plonk them in the middle of the table and you’ve got yourself a festive feast.
With bottles of cockle-warming wine, good company and plates jam-packed with your favourite comfort foods, you’re in for a merry Christmas indeed.
Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach
This next pub on our journey is in a picture-postcard (and quintessentially English) market town, tucked away in the centre of the Cotswolds.
The smell of mulled wine, candlelight and open fires make this pub the cosiest place on earth (perhaps even the universe) to visit this Christmas time.
With its traditional bar bustling with welly-and-wax-coat wearers and mistletoe-wielding merrymakers, it’s the sort of place where you join an instant community. Stepping over blood hounds, happy hub-bub all around, chin-wagging with the friendly locals, and team bustling about – this pub feels like a living and breathing entity.
Until the last bell rings. Then everyone scurries off to get to hang their stockings and get to bed before Santa comes – then it’s oh-so quiet. Spend a moment star-gazing from the empty streets and then off to bed with you too.
The Seagate, Appledore
Next let’s head to dreamy Devon – for a seasonal seaside stay.
If you’re the type to swerve the seasonal shindigs in favour of slipping on your rambling boots (and maybe a bobble hat) and spending your downtime coddiwompling in the great outdoors, then this is one for you. Brave the dramatic coastline – stunning at any time of day – and be sure to stop and grab yourself some of that restorative sea air.
After a beautiful-but-blustery day, scurry back to the pub to warm up with a few local ales. Or if you’re simply looking to cuddle up in a cocoon of pillows, The Seagate’s stunning seascapes are just as satisfying (perhaps even more so) when spied from bed with a nightcap and a dip into those Christmas chocs. Delicious.
Fox & Anchor, Farringdon
How do you fancy visiting a London pub that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a proper Dickensian Christmas story?
This historic pub with rooms is Grade-II listed, with plenty of original features that hark back to its hey-day. Polished wood, a spot of brass, and you’ll discover a handful of cosy snugs and cubby-holes that are made for exchanging Secret Santa gifts, or stealing a moment of peace for a Christmas cocktail. You can practically smell the mystery and history (not to mention the ghosts of Christmas past) in the very woodwork.
Six surprisingly modern bedrooms hide away atop the pub. Stylish with generously stuffed honesty bars, a handful of freestanding roll-top tubs and even a private terrace await you up the curling staircase and along the higgledy-piggledy walkways.
Bull’s Head, Chislehurst
This iconic pub in Kent has everything your heart desires for a festive getaway – all under one roof. From nibbling macarons and sipping Earl Grey (lemon in ours, thanks) in the quaint Tearoom, to huddling up for a festive nibble in the lounge, to having a mulled wine (with your furry bestie) by the Christmas tree in the bar.
There’s really no need to venture out-and-about . And with a belly full of your brownies, brandy butter and bread sauce – why would you want to? Linger late in the bar and give in to those cosy-and-comfy vibes.
After a day of feasting, finish off your festive visit with a nightcap (after a brief rummage in the honesty bar) and a long soak in the bath – you deserve an early night.
Griffin Inn, Fletching
This pub in deepest darkest Sussex really is one of a kind.
Good old-fashioned bar (think ancient wine bottles, old brass, and a beautifully threadbare carpet) alongside a wonderfully modern food, secret cellar wines, and proper pub hospitality.
It’s even got a piano – which is perfect for the annual Christmas Eve sing-a-long (bring your own instrument, or just a good pair of lungs) and for belting out a tipsy rendition of Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve.
The bedrooms – when you can bring yourself to leave the joyousness of the pub – are dotted about the first floor above the pub, Griffin House and the Coach House (equally quaint-and-quirky) gifting you a quiet and comfortable night’s kip.
Carpenter’s Arms, Tonbridge
Now this is a pub that takes silly season seriously.
Both landlady Ruthie and head chef Connor are huge fans of the festive season, and this shines through in everything they do throughout December. From decking their halls with boughs of holly (and much more) to running lots of lovely community events (yes, you can bet your Christmas hat there’s carol singing) plus an abundance of good seasonal eats on the menus.
A bob-on base to have yourself a very merry little Christmas.
The Lamb, Hindon
This characterful 12th-century coaching inn is nestled in a wee village in the pretty county of Wiltshire.
It’d be easy to spend your weekend getaway simply soaking up the historic gorgeousness of the pub, but there’s plenty of winter wonderland-esque beauty spots to tempt you out of those cute-and-quirky bedrooms.
Top of our winter bucket-list is to get up at the crack of dawn (slip on your warmest Christmas jumper) and visit just-a-bit-famous Stonehenge at sunrise. It’s truly soul affirming. Almost magical in fact.
And then, it’s back to the pub for a hearty brekkie (best with some festive fizz) to truly kick-start your trip.
The Windmill, Clapham
By far the largest pub on our list, this 42-bedroom pub is great whether you’re travelling with the proverbial nine-ladies-dancing, or just as two-turtle-doves.
A haven for the hungry, the parched, and weary traveller alike, The Windmill shines like a star on Clapham Common, inviting passers-by to pop inside for a glass of Christmas champers.
Perhaps you’re planning to stay in London and head to West End for your annual trip to the theatre, or you’re looking to hit Harrods for a Christmas shopping spree? Whatever your reason to visit the Big Smoke, this popular pub is a beacon of beautiful-ness and the perfect base for your Christmas trip away.
White Lion, Tenterden
This high-street honey of a pub looks, feels, sounds (thank you Mariah) and even smells of Christmas.
There’s a huge tree out the front (bejewelled and decked with a galaxy of twinkly lights) classic-but-cheese-y Christmas music on the speakers, totally toast-able seasonal cocktails, and an all-round holly-jolly Christmas vibe – does it get any better than that?
Complete your easy-breezy overnight stop-over by simply climbing the stairs. You’ll be chuffed to see that there’s plenty of space for you in the room for you to unpack your pile of presents, to sleep any family (or dogs) that may accompany you – oh, and a desk to write your Christmas cards too.
The Bear, Esher
This pub with dog-friendly bedrooms has everything you need to keep tails wagging this Christmas.
The picturesque town of Esher teeters on the border of London and Surrey. With the River Mole and Esher Commons, it’s perfect for a winter-y pooch mooch. There’s a bustling High Street too – packed full of places to pick up the perfect Christmas gift – so you can spend a chilled afternoon amongst nature, or take a walk through the town.
With so much to do in this pretty town within walking distance of this lovely pub, you won’t be short of Christmassy activities during your time away.
Bull's Head
Barnes, London SW13 9PY
Newly refurbished with an illustrious musical heritage, this riverside pub sits at the top of Barnes High Street serving seasonal food and an array of drinks.
Carpenter's Arms
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0AD
This gorgeous countryside pub with nine bedrooms (plus a pretty flower-filled garden) sits in the heart of Tonbridge, Kent.
Fox & Anchor
Farringdon, London EC1M 6AA
Sat on the edge of Smithfield Market (the centuries-old meat mainstay of London) is this lovely pub with six beautiful bedrooms.
The Bear
Esher, Surrey KT10 9RQ
This pub with rooms stand proudly (and prettily) at the top of Esher High Street and has welcomed travellers and locals alike for over 300 years.
The Bull
Streatham, London SW16 3QB
A traditional family pub with a large beer garden in Streatham Common
Griffin Inn
Fletching, East Sussex TN22 3SS
This olde-worlde pub with rooms is nestled in the heart of East Sussex overlooking the beautiful Ouse Valley (or Sussex Serengeti as the locals call it) in the chocolate-box village of Fletching.
The Lamb
Westminster, London WC1N 3LZ
One of London's most historic pubs, complete with its original snob screens, a visit to the Grade II listed pub in Conduit Street is like stepping back in time.
The Park
Teddington, London TW11 0AB
This grand, nothing-short-of-iconic Grade-II listed Victorian pub boasts 44 bedrooms in the heart of Teddington.
The Seagate
Appledore, North Devon EX39 1QS
Location in the heart of the ever-so pretty village of Appledore, this pub is the perfect spot to explore the coastline of the South West Coastal Path and breathe in the fresh Atlantic sea air, pint in hand.
The Windmill
Clapham, London SW4 9DE
An iconic pub proudly perched on the edge of Clapham Common, a handy 5-minute stroll from Clapham Common and Clapham South tube stations, with bar, restaurant and 42 bedrooms.
Wheatsheaf Inn
Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3EZ
This historic coaching inn, nestled in the heart of Northleach, is just a hop, skip, and a wee jump away from some of the Cotswolds’ top spots like Cheltenham Racecourse and Bourton-on-the-Water.
White Lion
Tenderten, Kent TN30 6BD
This beautiful proudly Grade-II listed pub in the heart of Tenterden has been feeding and watering locals and housing weary travellers for almost 500 years.