English Country Pubs: 14 Of the Finest Rural Pubs In England

English country pubs are an institution.

We’ve put together a gallery of some of the finest, from all over the country. Each photo is accompanied by a quote about the pub from the owners.

1. Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch, Herefordshire

english country pubs

The Bridge Inn is a 16th century riverside inn, farmhouse with rooms, self catering farmhouse and campsite with romantic yurts idyllically located in the small village of Michaelchurch Escley. Source


2. Noah’s Ark Inn, Petworth, Sussex

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Located just a stone’s throw from Blackdown Hill on the borders of Surrey and West Sussex, The Noah’s Ark is a beautiful 16th century pub situated in the picturesque village of Lurgashall.Source


3. Packhorse Inn, New Mills, Derbyshire

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A warm welcome awaits everyone at the Pack Horse Inn, nestled in the hills above New Mills on the edge of the Peak District and offering 12 quality 4-star accredited en-suite bedrooms.Source


4. Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough, Dorset

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The Royal Oak Inn Luxborough has been at the heart of the pretty village for over 600 years and still to this day retains some of the building’s original features. Inside you’ll find the original flagstone and cobblestone flooring, coupled with rugged stone walls and open beams – giving the inn unrivalled character and charm.Source


5. The Nut Tree Inn, Murcott, Oxfordshire

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The Nut Tree is a traditional village pub which serves great modern British food in the restaurant but is still somewhere you can stop and have a pint or relaxing drink at the end of a hard day’s work. Source


6. Pilgrim Inn, Marchwood, New Forest

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The Pilgrim Inn has outside seating and a relaxing garden, making it a great pub for summer. Coming in winter? Our roaring log fire makes it one of the cosiest pubs in Marchwood! Start the day the right way with a hearty, freshly cooked breakfast from our award-winning kitchen.Source


7. The Anchor, Pyrford Lock, Surrey

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Situated on the banks of the river Wey a short distance from West Byfleet and the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society at Wisley, the Anchor is a perfect example of the traditional English country pub we all know and love. With a beautiful terrace that runs along the riverside, roaring log fires and oak beams, it’s cosy in the winter and glorious in the summer.Source


8. Lord Crewe Arms, Consett, Durham

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Swept up in the wilds of the North Pennine moors, holding court over the honey stone village of Blanchland and crafted by plucky Twelfth Century monks who headed for the Northumbrian hilltops in search of celestial isolation, ours is just the spot for the perfect country hideaway.Source


9. Coach and Horses, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

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At the Coach & Horses we serve a seasonal menu bursting with freshly prepared dishes. Only using locally sourced fresh ingredients, complemented with award winning wines, real ales and all at affordable prices.
Source


10. Gunton Arms, Norfolk

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Opened October 2011, The Gunton Arms is a traditional pub with 12 bedrooms in an extensive historic park near Cromer in North Norfolk. The chef Stuart Tattersall (ex head chef at Mark Hix) cooks from local ingredients including venison from the surrounding deer park.Source


11. Finch’s Arms, Rutland

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The Finch’s Arms is a 17th Century English country Inn tucked away in the heart of the Hambleton Peninsula on Rutland Water. With its beamed ceilings, cask ales, small bustling bar and elegant restaurants and terrace with magnificent views over the water, it the perfect place to relax.Source


12. Turf Hotel, Devon

Turf Hotel, Exminster, Exeter, on the Exeter Ship Canal - geograph.org.uk - 1744658.jpg

By canalandriversidepubs co uk, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Overlooking the Exe Estuary and situated in an area of outstanding and protected natural beauty at the end of the historic Exeter Canal. The Turf provides a wonderful setting where you can relax and enjoy great food and drinks and friendly service from a family run pub.Source


13. The Square and Compass, Dorset

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A friendly, family welcome from the staff, locals and customers of the pub is extended to all
who visit The Square and Compass. Undoubtedly a true gem in the heart of Dorset.Award winning beers and ciders including home pressed traditional cider made by the owner,are the perfect accompaniment to a traditional hot pasty or pie.Source


14. The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite, Cumbria

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The Punch Bowl Inn is situated in the heart of the delightfully unspoilt Lyth Valley at Crosthwaite in Cumbria, alongside the Parish Church of St Mary’s. We offer a classic, contemporary style, formal restaurant and a traditional pub atmosphere in our bar with the same menu served throughout.Source