The Great British summer has certainly turned up the heat this year. Sunny days and long evenings are very welcome, but when the high temperatures continue long into the night, a cool bedroom starts to look like one of the most important features of a summer staycation.
Staying in a historic pub doesn’t always mean you’re in for a hot night’s sleep. We’ve rounded up pub stays with air-conditioned rooms across the UK, from city breaks to countryside inns, where you can make the most of the sunshine by day and keep cool at night.
London pub stays with air conditioning
There’s plenty to enjoy about London in the sunshine, from picnics in its parks to drinks beside the Thames. And after a warm day exploring the capital, these pub stays offer the added comfort of air conditioning.
The Windmill, Clapham
Overlooking Clapham Common, the Windmill gives you the best of both worlds: plenty of green space on the doorstep and central London within easy reach.
Spend the day exploring the capital or simply find a sunny spot on the Common before heading back to the pub for dinner and a drink. Upstairs, the air-conditioned bedrooms provide a cool retreat when you’re ready to call it a night.
The Pride of Paddington, Paddington
If you want to make the most of every minute in the capital, the Pride of Paddington is brilliantly placed.
Paddington Station is moments away, while Hyde Park and Little Venice are close enough for a leisurely summer wander. After a day of sightseeing, head back to the pub for something to eat and the comfort of an air-conditioned room.
The Royal Forest, Chingford
For a greener side of London, the Royal Forest sits beside Epping Forest.
Miles of woodland trails make this a lovely choice if your ideal summer break involves walking or cycling rather than navigating busy city streets. Central London is still accessible, giving you the freedom to combine a day in the capital with a more peaceful base.
Back at the pub, you can settle in for dinner before heading upstairs to your air-conditioned room.
The Counting House, Bank
Right in the heart of the City, the Counting House offers something rather different from your average London hotel.
Set within an impressive former banking hall, the pub is within walking distance of the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Its air-conditioned accommodation means you can explore the capital on even the warmest days knowing there’s somewhere cool waiting when you return.
Looking for more places to stay in the capital? Explore our pubs with rooms in London.
South East England
From historic towns to rolling countryside, the South East has plenty of options for an easy summer escape. Stay within reach of London while discovering the likes of Farnham, Newbury and Radlett, with the added comfort of air conditioning when the day is done.
The Red Lion, Radlett, Hertfordshire
The Red Lion in Radlett makes an easy base for exploring Hertfordshire, with St Albans nearby and excellent rail connections into London.
It’s also well positioned for a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. After a busy day out, return for dinner and drinks before enjoying a cooler night in one of the pub’s air-conditioned bedrooms.
Tellers Arms, Farnham, Surrey
Set in the pretty market town of Farnham, Tellers Arms is a good choice for a relaxed summer weekend in Surrey.
Browse the town’s shops, visit Farnham Castle or head out into the surrounding countryside during the day. Back at the pub, the rooftop terrace makes a particularly inviting spot for a summer drink, with an air-conditioned bedroom waiting afterwards.
The Coat & Bear, Newbury, Berkshire
Housed in a restored Georgian building in the heart of Newbury, the Coat & Bear combines plenty of character with stylish accommodation.
The North Wessex Downs are within reach if you fancy escaping into the countryside, while Newbury itself gives you plenty to discover closer to the pub. When the temperature rises, its air-conditioned rooms offer a welcome retreat.
Market House, Reading, Berkshire
For something a little livelier, Market House puts you right in the centre of Reading.
The pub makes a convenient base for discovering Reading and the wider Thames Valley, with excellent rail connections if you fancy venturing further afield. Its contemporary accommodation and air conditioning make it particularly well suited to a warm-weather city break.
Discover more places for a summer escape with our pubs with rooms in South East England.
The Midlands & Peak District
City break or countryside escape? This part of the country offers a bit of both. Spend a summer weekend discovering Birmingham or head into Derbyshire for Peak District walks, historic houses and pretty villages, knowing you can retreat to a cooler pub room at the end of the day.
The High Field, Edgbaston
The High Field offers a relaxed base in leafy Edgbaston, within easy reach of central Birmingham.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston Stadium and the city’s many attractions are all nearby. After exploring, the pub’s terrace is a lovely spot for a drink before heading to your air-conditioned accommodation for the night.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
If summer means walking boots and countryside, the Peacock at Rowsley puts the Peak District within easy reach.
Set between Bakewell and Matlock, this historic pub is well placed for visiting Chatsworth and exploring the surrounding countryside. Selected bedrooms are air-conditioned, giving you somewhere cool to return to after a day spent walking in the sunshine.
The Bubble Inn, Stenson, Derbyshire
The Bubble Inn offers another option for a relaxed Derbyshire escape.
Its location makes it a useful base for exploring the surrounding countryside and attractions, before returning to the pub for good food, a drink and an air-conditioned room at the end of the day.
Planning to spend more time outdoors? Browse our pubs with rooms in the Peak District.
Cheshire & the Shropshire Hills
Head to the west for two rather different takes on a summer pub stay. Explore historic Chester from the banks of the River Dee or slow things down among the rolling countryside of the Shropshire Hills – with air-conditioned rooms available when those warm days turn into hot nights.
Boathouse, Chester
With a waterside setting beside the River Dee, the Boathouse feels made for sunny days.
You’re well placed for exploring Chester’s Roman walls, cathedral and historic centre, before returning to the riverside for a drink.
Air conditioning is available in the pub’s Superior rooms, so choose one of these when booking if keeping cool is a priority.
The White Horse Inn, Clun, Shropshire
For a slower-paced summer escape, the White Horse Inn sits in the small town of Clun, surrounded by the beautiful Shropshire Hills.
Days here are made for walking, exploring quiet country lanes and discovering one of England’s less crowded rural corners.
Four of the pub’s eight bedrooms have air conditioning, so be sure to check your room choice when booking if you’re visiting during a spell of hot weather.
South West England
The South West comes into its own in summer, whether you’re walking through the Mendip Hills or heading towards Cornwall’s beaches and fishing villages. Make the most of long days outdoors before returning to the pub for dinner, a drink and, importantly, a cooler night’s sleep.
The Sidcot Arms, Winscombe, Somerset
The Sidcot Arms in Winscombe puts the Somerset countryside within easy reach.
The Mendip Hills and Cheddar area provide plenty of inspiration for days out, whether you’re planning a walk, a drive through the countryside or a day discovering local attractions. Afterwards, head back to the pub for dinner and an air-conditioned room.
The County Arms, Truro, Cornwall
Cornwall may benefit from a coastal breeze, but on the hottest summer nights, air conditioning can still be very welcome.
The County Arms sits above Truro, making it a practical base for exploring the city as well as both Cornwall’s north and south coasts.
Spend the day at the beach, discover a fishing village or explore Truro before heading back for a drink and a cool night’s sleep.
Find more inspiration for your next trip with our pubs with rooms in South West England.
Keep cool on your next pub stay
Air conditioning might not once have been at the top of the list when planning a British staycation, but warmer summer days – and nights – can make it a very welcome extra.
Whether you’re spending the day sightseeing in London, walking through the Peak District, exploring Cornwall or simply enjoying a long afternoon in the beer garden, knowing there’s a cool bedroom waiting upstairs can make all the difference.
Just remember that facilities can vary between individual bedrooms, so it’s always worth checking the details of your chosen room before booking.
Then all that’s left to do is enjoy the sunshine, order something cold and make the most of those long summer evenings.
