There’s Sunday lunch at your local, and then there’s Sunday lunch that’s worth getting in the car for.
We’re talking proper destination pubs. The kind where you’d happily spend a few hours over a generous roast, a good bottle of wine and a dessert menu that’s hard to resist. Where the roast potatoes are worth fighting over, the gravy keeps coming and nobody’s in any particular hurry to leave.
Some of Britain’s best pubs are tucked away in beautiful villages, surrounded by rolling countryside or sitting just a stone’s throw from somewhere you’ve been meaning to visit. A Sunday roast is as good an excuse as any to get out and explore.
We’ve picked nine pubs that are well worth the journey, from historic country inns to much-loved local favourites. Better still, they all have lovely rooms, so you can make a weekend of it. A Saturday spent exploring, a leisurely Sunday lunch and no need to worry about who’s driving home.
Now that’s a Sunday well spent.
1. The George Inn, Norton St Philip, Somerset
If you’re going to travel for a Sunday roast, you might as well make the setting memorable. Dating back to 1397, the George Inn is one of Britain’s oldest taverns, with centuries of history, exposed beams and plenty of cosy corners.
The kitchen serves traditional Sunday roasts alongside seasonal British dishes, with a good selection of Butcombe ales to wash it all down. It’s an excellent spot for a long Sunday lunch, particularly when there’s a fire crackling away.
Make a weekend of it: Just a short drive from Bath, the George is ideally placed for exploring the city’s Georgian streets, Roman Baths and independent shops. Or stay local and enjoy the pretty Somerset countryside. There are 13 characterful bedrooms waiting when you return.
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2. Winyard’s Gap Inn, Chedington, Dorset
With sweeping views across the Dorset countryside, Winyard’s Gap Inn is worth visiting for the location alone. Add a hearty Sunday roast and a welcoming country pub atmosphere, and you’ve got a very good reason to make the journey.
The kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, serving traditional favourites in a relaxed setting. On a clear day, the views from the pub are hard to beat.
Make a weekend of it: Spend the morning walking through the surrounding countryside, explore the nearby market town of Beaminster or venture towards the Jurassic Coast. The pub’s six boutique bedrooms mean you can take your time discovering this lovely corner of Dorset.
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3. The Feathers, Holt, Norfolk
Right in the centre of Holt, the Feathers is a handsome Georgian coaching inn with a reputation for good food and a warm welcome.
The kitchen champions seasonal ingredients and Norfolk produce, making it a lovely choice for a relaxed Sunday lunch. Afterwards, you can wander straight out into Holt’s charming streets for a browse around its independent shops and galleries.
Make a weekend of it: The North Norfolk coast is just a short drive away, with Blakeney, Cley-next-the-Sea and Wells-next-the-Sea all worth exploring. Back at the Feathers, you’ll find 24 individually styled bedrooms, so there’s no need to squeeze everything into one day.
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4. The Alma, Wandsworth, London
You don’t have to head into the countryside to find a Sunday roast worth travelling for. The Alma in Wandsworth has been a favourite with locals for years, and its Sunday lunches are a big part of the appeal.
Behind its distinctive green-tiled Victorian exterior, you’ll find a lively pub serving generous roasts and proper British comfort food. It’s the kind of place where Sunday lunch can easily turn into a whole afternoon.
Make a weekend of it: With Wandsworth Town Station just across the road, the Alma is a handy base for exploring south-west London. Take a walk along the Thames, visit Battersea or spend the afternoon discovering the area’s independent shops and cafés. There are 23 stylish bedrooms upstairs when you’re ready to call it a day.
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5. The Harcourt Arms, Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire
Tucked away in the Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt, the Harcourt Arms is a beautifully restored 17th-century pub that takes its food seriously.
Expect seasonal British cooking, carefully chosen wines and a relaxed atmosphere that makes lingering over lunch all too easy. With its traditional features and stylish interiors, it’s a lovely place to escape the Sunday crowds.
Make a weekend of it: Oxford is just a short drive away, with its historic colleges, museums and riverside walks. Blenheim Palace is also within easy reach. Back at the pub, ten individually designed bedrooms offer a comfortable place to spend the night.
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6. The Pheasant Inn, Shefford Woodlands, Berkshire
Surrounded by the rolling Berkshire Downs, the Pheasant Inn is a lovely choice for a Sunday lunch in the countryside.
Known for its seasonal British cooking and welcoming atmosphere, the pub serves hearty Sunday roasts that are just the thing after a morning outdoors. With lovely views across the Valley of the Racehorse, it’s a great place to settle in for a few hours.
Make a weekend of it: Explore the walking trails of the North Wessex Downs, browse the antique shops in Hungerford or visit nearby Highclere Castle. The Pheasant’s 14 comfortable bedrooms make staying over an easy decision.
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7. The Crown, Bildeston, Suffolk
Food lovers should have the Crown at Bildeston firmly on their radar. This 15th-century coaching inn is home to an award-winning, AA 3-Rosette restaurant, where seasonal British cooking takes centre stage.
Much of the produce comes from nearby Nedging Hall, giving the menu a strong local focus. Add timber beams, open fires and a good wine list, and you’ve got a pub that’s well worth travelling to for lunch.
Make a weekend of it: Explore the beautiful Suffolk villages of Lavenham and Long Melford, with their timber-framed buildings, independent shops and antique centres. The Crown has 12 individually designed bedrooms and offers a Sunday Dine & Stay package if you fancy making a proper occasion of it.
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8. The Ragged Robin, Godalming, Surrey
Set beside the River Wey in the pretty market town of Godalming, the Ragged Robin is a stylish pub that combines good food with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The kitchen serves seasonal British dishes and traditional Sunday roasts, while the comfortable dining spaces make it an easy place to lose track of time. And with the river and historic High Street just a short stroll away, there’s plenty to explore before or after lunch.
Make a weekend of it: Take a walk along the River Wey, explore Godalming’s independent shops or head into the Surrey Hills for some fresh air. The pub’s 19 individually styled bedrooms make a lovely base for a weekend away, with some featuring freestanding roll-top baths.
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9. The King’s Head, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Right in the heart of Cirencester, the King’s Head is a grand old coaching inn with plenty of character and a stylish brasserie that’s well worth a visit. Overlooking the historic Market Place, it’s a lovely spot to settle in for Sunday lunch, with seasonal British cooking, locally sourced ingredients and a good selection of wines and local ales.
With its mix of historic features and contemporary interiors, the King’s Head feels a little more special than your average town-centre pub. There’s even a rooftop terrace for a drink when the weather’s on your side.
Make a weekend of it: Cirencester is a brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds, with independent shops, cafés and historic sights right on the doorstep. Take a stroll through Cirencester Park, discover the town’s Roman history or venture out to nearby Cotswold villages. With 66 individually styled bedrooms, there’s plenty of reason to stay a little longer.
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A Sunday well spent
A good Sunday roast doesn’t need much dressing up. Great food, good company and a pub you don’t want to leave are usually enough.
But add a beautiful village, a countryside walk or somewhere new to explore, and you’ve got the makings of a rather good weekend.
So next time you’re deciding where to go for Sunday lunch, why not venture a little further? Pick a pub, book a table and a room upstairs too.
After all, Mondays can wait.
Explore more gastro pubs with rooms across Britain
Sunday menus and serving times can vary, so it’s always worth checking with the pub and booking your table in advance.
