Family friendly pubs for summer breaks
Family | Featured | Staycation | Posted 2021.03.02
When you think of family-friendly breaks, pubs are not always the first thing that comes to mind. In fact it is probably far more common to think of cottages, self-catering apartments or hotels.
In the past, traditional Inns and B&Bs were seen as old fashioned and perhaps a rather cheap and cheerful means of accommodation. Now, many pubs and country inns are dispelling old stereotypes with their beautifully decorated bedrooms and cosy interiors to appeal to families and new travellers. They are fast becoming the new home-away-from-home for families looking to get away for a few days in the city or countryside.
Out with the old and in with the new…
Goodbye antiquated décor and spartan amenities, hello lavish beds, roll-top baths, cosy interiors and charming bedrooms! Not only are they gloriously decorated, but you can also guarantee quality home-cooked meals within a friendly and welcoming setting. Whether you are looking to get away for a few days or even a week or so, family friendly pubs with rooms are giving hotel chains and Airbnbs a run for their money! We have handpicked some of our favourite family friendly pubs and country inns that make great family friendly staycations.
The Westleton Crown, Southwold, Suffolk
The Crown sits on the edge of a quintessential Suffolk village green. This fabulous, dog friendly pub has 34 en-suite bedrooms, a stylish bar, restaurant and garden room, with the interior of the pub inspired by the local wildlife and landscape.
Their en-suite bedrooms have recently been refurbished and include Standard, Cosy and King doubles. For those hoping to whisk the family away to the seaside for a few days, The Westleton Crown has two-story Family rooms, perfect for children.
Brimming with coastal charm The Cary Arms combines all the character of a classic English Inn with the style and comfort of a luxury hotel and spa.
With 10 elegant sea-facing rooms and suites at the inn, 3 restored fisherman’s cottages and 8 newly launched, brilliantly quirky deluxe beach huts and beach suites, Cary Arms is the perfect place to unwind and relax with the whole family.
The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses, Northumberland
Overlooking the harbour with spectacular seaside views, The Bamburgh Castle Inn is a charming Northumberland pub with 46 spacious and contemporary bedrooms.
The pub has a collection of double, twin, single, family and fully accessible bedrooms with sea and garden views. They also have several dog-friendly bedrooms – so your pooch doesn’t have to miss out either.
Guests at The Bamburgh also get access to the award winning Seafield Ocean Club, just a few minutes’ walk from the inn. Relax and unwind in the club’s thermal spa rooms, whirlpool tub and pristine 20m pool, while a state of the art fitness suite means there’s no need to miss a workout while you’re away.
Devonshire Arms, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Situated on the stunning Chatsworth Estate, The Devonshire Arms at Beeley is a charming 18th century village inn, known for their fine cuisine and idyllic setting. Perfect for a family getaway, the pub is lucky to have one of those rare locations on the Chatsworth Estate, meaning there is a lot of exploring to do in and around the area. It is only a short picturesque walk from Chatsworth House itself and set against the stunning Derbyshire countryside, guests experience mile after mile of unspoilt tranquillity.
The pub has 18 elegantly-styled bedrooms, including king, double, twin and luxury suites. Four of the bedrooms are located inside the Inn, with a further four a stone’s throw away along the garden path at Brookside House, where dogs are also welcome.
Royal Oak Ramsden, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Situated in the heart of Oxfordshire, The Royal Oak Ramsden is a Grade II listed building that has been recently restored throughout whilst retaining the essence of a traditional local village pub.
They have five luxurious bedrooms, including ‘The Attic’ a dog friendly room in the eaves of the old pub, a secluded romantic treat with super king sized bed and roll top bath and ‘The Cottage’, perfect for all the family with lots of space and huge wooden bunk beds for children.
The Royal Oak is perfectly positioned to explore the Cotswold, (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), as well as local market town Witney and university city, Oxford.
The Ambleside Inn has been welcoming visitors to Ambleside for over 300 years and remains one of the most popular family friendly pubs in the area. The pub is a great base for families looking to explore the beautiful Lake District.
The traditional pub has 40 superior bedrooms, including king size doubles, twin, family and single rooms. All the bedrooms have freeview TV and WiFi and all come with breakfast included. For those that have been out exploring the Lake District, each bedroom has a plastic tray for muddy boots, and the helpful staff will do their best to help dry soggy clothes and store equipment. They also have several dog-friendly bedrooms, all you need to do is give the pub a bell and upgrade your booking for a small fee.
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, Faringdon, Oxfordshire
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a stunning country pub and the perfect destination for a Cotswolds staycation. Located just a 25 minute drive west of Oxford in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, Buckland Marsh boasts lovely riverside walking trails.
The Trout has beautifully decorated bedrooms, consisting of Large Doubles, Family, Twin and dog-friendly bedrooms.
The Royal Ship Hotel, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Situated in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park, The Royal Ship is an old stone 19th century coaching inn.
The pub has 23 wonderful bedrooms with some rooms looking out to the surrounding forest and mountains. The Royal Ship has a combination of double, twin, triple, family and dog-friendly bedrooms to choose from.
Due to the pub’s location, there are lots of cycling and walking routes to explore, making it an ideal place to take the whole family.
Alexander Pope, Twickenham, London
For families looking for a city break, the Alexander Pope in London is a great base if you’re looking to attend a rugby match at Twickenham stadium. Set on the banks of the River Thames in Strawberry Hill, just moments away from the train station, The Alexander Pope boasts 32 boutique bedrooms, many with stunning river views.
All their rooms (Boutique, Superior and Twin rooms) are immaculately decorated and come with modern furnishings.
With Twickenham town centre close by, Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Park just three miles down the road, the Alexander Pope is perfectly placed from which to explore London.
The Riverside, Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Nestled alongside the picturesque River Thames at Lechlade, The Riverside is ideally located within easy reach of Swindon, Cirencester and the wider Cotswolds.
The Riverside offers spacious accommodation with lots of choice. They have single, twin, double, triple or family bedrooms available and some come with the option of their own lounge and kitchen. Breakfast is included and they also have a designated dog-friendly bedroom.
Without doubt the best thing about The Riverside is its location – visitors can enjoy a delicious pub meal and drinks in the outdoor seating area, which overlooks the river. There are also boats to hire locally, which is perfect if you fancy a casual cruise down the river on a warm sunny day.
