Stay in a Pubs Guide to April

Bike rides, the Bard and bluebell walks: the Stay In A Pub guide to enjoying the UK in April

Although spring officially starts in March, it’s generally April before we notice longer days and warmer temperatures. So it’s a good time to venture back into the great outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Or if you’d rather stay indoors, read on for some of the food, drink and literary events taking place during April.

Whatever you do, think about turning your trip into a mini-break with a night at a great British inn from Stay In A Pub, www.stayinapub.co.uk the website that lists more than 1,500 pubs, from charming country inns to historic town centre pubs and cool city drinking spots. Many are family-friendly and dog-friendly, and all are people-friendly, with the Great British pub offering a warmer welcome and more personal experience than budget hotels.

SHAKESPEARE CELEBRATIONS
April 23rd will be the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. If you’re a fan of the Bard, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of his birth and death, for a programme of celebrations including a new immersive theatrical experience at the RSC; a reimagining of Shakespeare’s final home, New Place and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom. http://shakespeares-england.co.uk/shakespeare-2016

Suggested pubs

The White Swan, Stratford (above). A luxury pub hotel, dating back to the 15th century, with 41 stylish rooms offering four-star accommodation within walking distance of all the town’s Shakespearean attractions. Rooms from £143.

The Stag Inn, Alcester Just a 10-minute drive from Stratford, this historic coaching inn has nine rooms, including family rooms. Rooms from £50.

A MARATHON EFFORT
The annual 26-mile run through London takes place on Sunday 24 April. If you’re not running, you can still soak up the atmosphere by lining the streets to cheer the competitors, while enjoying the food, drink and live music along the route. https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/

Suggested pubs

The Pilot Inn, Greenwich
: Close to the starting line, this pub blends contemporary comfort with rich history. From £70.

The One Tun, Clerkenwell (above): Characterful pub, reopened last year with eight boutique bedrooms. A 15-minute stroll takes you the River Thames with its Marathon vantage points. Rooms from £125.

CULTURE IN CAMBRIDGE
Novelist Tracy Chevalier, food scholar Bee Wilson, comedian Ben Miller and playwright David Hare are among the stellar line up for this year’s festival, running from 5-14 April in venues in the city’s historic centre. http://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com/

Suggested pub: The White Horse Inn, Barton (below). Charming pub with two ground floor bedrooms in village just outside Cambridge. Rooms from £80.]

PEDAL PEMBROKESHIRE
Starting and finishing at St Davids – the UK’s smallest city – on 23 April, this tour encapsulates what it is to cycle in Pembrokeshire; quiet country roads, coastal views and daunting climbs. With 50-mile, 75-mile and 100-mile routes to choose from, the tour is a test for riders of almost any ability. http://www.tourofpembrokeshire.co.uk/index.html


Suggested pub: The Grove, St Davids (above). Beautiful pub-hotel close to city centre with bar, restaurant offering seasonal Welsh produce and 11 bedrooms with contemporary design. From £105.

A SPRING IN YOUR STEP
There’s nothing like a stroll in the spring sunshine to lift the spirits, and if you join one of the ‘Walk for Parkinsons’ events during April, you can also support a worthy cause. Choose from eight walks offering a variety of distances and terrain to suit the pace of every walker: http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/event-categories/walking

Suggested pubs
Calke Abbey Walk, Derbyshire: Queen’s Head, Belton. Former coaching inn around 15 minutes from Calke Abbey with six rooms including a family room. Rooms from £64.

Isle of Wight: Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth. Charming historic inn with flagstone flooring, open fires and snugs. Seven bedrooms including a family room. From £50.

Alternatively, step through the sea of blue at the Arlington Bluebell Walk in East Sussex, which opens to the public on 2 April. http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/index.htm

Suggested pub: Tiger Inn, East Dean (above) Quintessentially English pub with open fire, real ale and hearty food. Five bedrooms, from £110.

SAVOUR THE SOUTH WEST
This year’s festival runs from 22-24 April in and around Exeter Castle. Enjoy more than 100 stalls offering the best of food and drink from the south west, cookery demos by acclaimed chefs and, on the two Festival After Dark evenings, live music.

Suggested pub: The Globe, Topsham: boutique style rooms in the pub or courtyard, and a locally-sourced menu. From £95-110.