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The Best Pub Stays for Bank Holiday Weekends in the UK

Bank Holiday | Posted 2026.04.22

Bank Holiday weekends are made for a change of scene, a few extra days to explore somewhere new, settle into a slower pace, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, a comfortable room and a proper pub atmosphere.

To make planning easier, we’ve grouped some of our favourite pub stays by destination. Each one offers something a little different, but all promise that warm, familiar welcome that makes a stay in a pub feel special.

Golden grass a long beach with spectacular morning views at Bamburgh coastline on The Northumberland Coast, UK.

Northumberland: Big skies and coastal drama

If you’re craving space, Northumberland delivers. Wide beaches, historic castles and peaceful villages make it ideal for a restorative long weekend.

Where to stay:

  • The Bamburgh Castle Inn
    With views towards the iconic Bamburgh Castle and the North Sea beyond, this is a stay that feels properly connected to its surroundings. Expect comfortable rooms and a front-row seat to one of England’s most striking coastlines.
  • The Olde Ship Inn
    A traditional coastal pub with plenty of character, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring windswept beaches and rugged landscapes.

Edinburgh: A capital full of character

Edinburgh has a way of feeling both grand and intimate at the same time. From historic streets to lively neighbourhoods, it’s an excellent choice for a Bank Holiday city break.

Where to stay:

  • Black Ivy
    Set in the Bruntsfield area, Black Ivy offers a stylish yet relaxed base just outside the city centre. You’ll find thoughtfully designed rooms, a lively bar and easy access to both the Old Town and green open spaces.
  • St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town
    Right in the heart of the action, this is a brilliant choice if you want to step straight out into Edinburgh’s historic streets. Expect a sociable atmosphere and a location that puts the city’s main sights within easy reach.

The Cotswolds: Timeless villages and gentle countryside

Few places feel as quintessentially English as the Cotswolds. Rolling hills, honey-stone cottages and slower days make it a perennial Bank Holiday favourite.

Where to stay:

  • The Bay Tree, Burford
    A charming and elegant stay in one of the Cotswolds’ most loved towns, with beautifully kept gardens and individually styled rooms.
  • The Lion Inn, Winchcombe
    Full of character and history, this is a cosy base for exploring nearby walking routes and local heritage.
  • The Falkland Arms, Great Tew
    Often considered one of the prettiest pubs in the country, The Falkland Arms offers a truly authentic village pub experience.
Taynton village near Burford, Cotswolds, England

North Yorkshire: Moors, market towns and hearty hospitality

North Yorkshire offers a mix of dramatic landscapes and welcoming towns, perfect for those who want a bit of everything.

Where to stay:

  • The Fat Badger
    Set in the heart of Helmsley, this lively pub pairs a central location with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
  • Tan Hill Inn
    Britain’s highest pub, Tan Hill Inn is a destination in itself. Remote, characterful and wonderfully unique, ideal if you want a stay to remember.
  • The Woolly Sheep Inn
    A proper Yorkshire pub with a strong local following, known for its warmth, comfort and excellent ales.

The Peak District: Walks worth the reward

The Peak District is made for getting outdoors and for returning to somewhere cosy afterwards.

Where to stay:

  • The Millstone Country Inn
    Perched high above the Hope Valley, this pub offers sweeping views and a welcoming place to relax after a day’s walking.
  • Harpurs
    A stylish, family-friendly inn situated in the heart of the Georgian market town of Melbourne.
  • The Pilsley Inn
    Located on the Chatsworth Estate, this is a particularly scenic base with plenty to explore nearby.
  • The Beeley Inn
    Also part of the Chatsworth Estate, The Beeley Inn offers a slightly more refined feel while still retaining its pub charm.

The Lake District: Space to switch off

For many, the Lake District is the ultimate Bank Holiday escape. Lakes, fells and ever-changing skies create a setting that encourages you to slow down.

Where to stay:

  • The Pheasant Inn
    A relaxed and welcoming base with easy access to some of the area’s most beautiful scenery.
  • The Wateredge Inn
    Set right on the shores of Windermere, this is all about location, step outside and you’re immediately immersed in lakeside views.
  • Masons Arms
    A characterful stay with a strong sense of tradition, ideal for those who appreciate a classic Lakeland pub.
Beautiful aerial view of the Keswick, Derwentwater, Lake District National Park of England, autumn sunny day

London: A different kind of long weekend

A Bank Holiday in London offers a mix of culture, food and hidden pockets of calm, especially if you stay somewhere with character.

Where to stay:

  • The Sanctuary House Hotel
    Tucked away near Westminster, this is a comfortable base in the heart of the city.
  • The Spread Eagle
    A historic pub stay with plenty of charm, offering a welcome retreat after a day exploring.
  • The Mitre
    Set along the Thames, The Mitre combines riverside views with easy access to London’s highlights.

Make the most of your Bank Holiday

Wherever you choose to go, a stay in a pub keeps things refreshingly simple. Good food, a comfortable room and a welcoming atmosphere, all under one roof.

Bank Holidays are about making time for what matters, whether that’s exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying where you are. With the right pub as your base, you’re already halfway there.

If you’re ready to plan your next escape, explore our full collection of stays and find your perfect pub for the long weekend.