December Delights: Our Top 12 Pub Stays

Amidst the chaos of holiday prep – the gift hunting, Christmas feast planning, and the seemingly never-ending gift-wrapping frenzy – December might not scream “chill time.” But surprise, surprise! It’s actually the perfect season to cosy up at your local pub. Picture this: country inns and hip city pubs transforming into festive boltholes, oozing warmth and that unmistakable holiday cheer. If you’re all about crackling fires, the enticing scent of mulled wine, decked-out decorations, and tables bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, well then, the pub is your festive sanctuary this December!

With this in mind, we have picked out some of our top pubs with rooms to while away your day (or weekend), during this festive period.

The Farmers Arms, Devon

Step inside this traditional 17th century Grade II-listed former coaching inn, and you will find ancients doorways, cosy nooks, roaring log fires, lenticular artwork, and a light-filled formal dining room. Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Devon village of Woolsery, just a short 15-minute drive from Bideford, The Farmers Arms stands proudly as an award-winning dining pub. Picture this: a picturesque gastropub so charming that it sparked the entire vision for “The Collective at Woolsery.”

Find out more and book The Farmers Arms.

The Black Ivy, Edinburgh

Overlooking leafy Bruntsfield Links Park, The Black Ivy is a super stylish city pub with rooms, situated in the heart of Edinburgh. This beautiful city pub has been elegantly styled both inside and out. Greeting you from outside is a wonderfully tall Christmas tree decked out with glittery baubles, whilst the pub itself has been adorned with thousands of pretty lights. The sparkle continues inside, as visitors are greeted with elegantly styled trees, vintage chandeliers and candlelit tables.

The Black Ivy is a popular hotspot for locals and tourists and has a buzzing atmosphere all year round. With 22 luxurious ensuite bedrooms, the pub hotel is the perfect bohemian escape from which to explore the delights of Scotland’s capital city.

Find out more and book The Black Ivy.

The Frogmill, Gloucestershire

Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Frogmill is an award-winning dog-friendly pub that oozes charm from the moment you step through its doors. Inside the Grade II listed Cotswold stone building, you’ll find low beam ceilings, roaring log fires, cosy nooks, and beautifully decorated tables. The Cotswolds pub has 28 elegantly designed bedrooms, all of which have been individually styled.

Find out more and book The Frogmill.

The Red Lion, North Yorkshire

Soak up the inviting ambience in this wonderful countryside gem, The Red Lion. As soon as you step inside you are greeted by welcoming staff, the smell of delicious food and log burning fires. The pub overlooks the village green and surrounding fells, which make for a dramatic landscape. There is a cosy bar and dining area, as well as a restaurant and snug – which is a perfect place to retire for a nightcap! There is a choice of accommodation comprising of their pub rooms, most with views over the village green, five holiday cottages perched on the banks of the river, and rooms in the Manor House which is around the corner from the pub.

Find out more and book The Red Lion.

The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex

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Bell is an award-winning olde worlde pub, dating back to 1560 – although you wouldn’t know it! Each room within the pub has been individually designed, using a palette of warm and cosy colours and unique furnishings. With seven bedrooms above the pub and four garden lodges set around a fabulous firepit, this East Sussex gem is a truly wonderful place to visit during the festive period.

Find out more and book The Bell in Ticehurst.

The Stump, Gloucestershire

Recently named as ‘One of the Top 80 British Hotels’ by The Times, The Stump is a vibrant pub near Cirencester in the Cotswolds. If you like rustic interiors and open fires, you’ll love this country gem. Step inside and you will find flagstone floors, a pool table, a bustling bar, and lots of cosy corners to enjoy their delicious food and drink. Previously an ancient roadside Inn called The Hare & Hounds, The Stump is now a multi award-winning country pub and restaurant reopened by local food duo Baz & Fred after a stunning refurbishment.

Find out more and book The Stump.

The Cow, Derbyshire

Situated on the fringes of the Peak District National Park, The Cow is a 19^th century, award-winning inn. Step inside this characterful pub, and you will find wooden beams, quarry tiles, bar stools made from milk churns, log burners, a copper topped bar and antique paintings.

The Cow has 12 beautifully designed boutique bedrooms, all of which have been individually styled to perfection. Several of their rooms can be set up as twins and an additional Z bed can be requested to create occupancy for an additional child under 12 years old.

Find out more and book The Cow.

The Griffin, East Sussex

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Ouse Valley is The Griffin Inn, a true haven for both award-winning hospitality and furry friends. This dog-friendly gem not only boasts a charming ambiance but also offers 13 meticulously styled ensuite bedrooms that transport you to a classic country house retreat. And the accolades? Well, in 2022, they clinched the esteemed “Good Food Award” for Great Britain, solidifying their status as a culinary standout.

Find out more and book The Griffin.

The Park, Greater London

The Park is a Grade II listed Victorian pub situated in Teddington in South West London. The boutique London pub with rooms is close to Bushy Park and popular tourist attraction, Hampton Court Palace – which was once the home of King Henry VIII. The Park has been elegantly styled throughout and features quirky artwork, a stylish bar and restaurant and cosy seating areas with log burning fires. Upstairs, you’ll find 44 ensuite bedrooms comprising of five exquisite Feature bedrooms, nine beautifully styled Boutique bedrooms and 30 simple, Classic rooms.

Find out more and book The Park.

The Falkland Arms, Oxfordshire

Now if you are looking for a traditional, picture-postcard pub, The Falkland Arms is just the ticket. Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, this country gem has a traditional thatched roof and looks instantly inviting from the outside. Step inside and you will be greeted by flagstone floors, ceramic jugs hanging from oak beams, an inglenook fireplace and five beautifully decorated bedrooms upstairs.

Great Tew overlooks the Worton Valley and is recognised as being one of the most picturesque villages in England. The local area is a haven for walkers, ramblers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.

Find out more and book The Falkland Arms.

The Masons Arms, Cumbria

Set amid the dramatic landscapes of the southern Lake District, The Masons Arms beckons as a haven of charm and character. Step into this idyllic, dog-friendly pub, where the ambiance is set by crackling open fires and the rustic touch of wooden beams.

Beyond the cosy pub setting, The Masons Arms offers more than just a sip and a bite. Discover five exquisitely decorated suites, each a retreat in its own right. For those seeking a bit more space and independence, two recently refurbished holiday cottages await – perfect for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in style.

Find out more and book The Masons Arms.

The Crown, Suffolk

The Crown has a warm and inviting ambience all year round, but the pub’s atmosphere feels even more special during the festive season. Situated in the pretty village of Stoke by Nayland and in the heart of Dedham Vale, The Crown is an award-winning pub with 11 boutique bedrooms. The pub is ornately styled throughout, with an elegant dining area, cosy bar and restaurant. Outside, you’ll find their festive Winter Garden tipi, which is decked out with candlelit tables, chairs draped in faux fur and cosy blankets. Whilst there are heaters inside, you may want to wrap up in an extra layer or two when wining and dining outside!

Find out more and book The Crown.

Written by Melanie Phipps

PR & Marketing Manager

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December Delights: Our Top 12 Pub Stays