Full English or eggs on toast? Fresh pastries or something lighter? However you like to start the morning, breakfast tastes that little bit better when it follows a night in a characterful pub with rooms.
After a good night’s sleep in a cosy pub bedroom, the morning can start at a gentler pace. Wander downstairs, find a comfortable spot for breakfast and take your time over that first coffee before deciding where the day will take you.
And there are some wonderful places to do exactly that. We’ve picked 10 characterful pubs with rooms where a good night’s sleep, a delicious breakfast and plenty to explore nearby make for a memorable stay.
So, what’s for breakfast?
The Duke’s Head, Wallington, Surrey
You don’t have to head deep into the countryside for a good pub stay. The Duke’s Head has 23 en-suite bedrooms in Wallington, with Hypnos beds, Bramley toiletries and Nespresso machines among the creature comforts.
There’s plenty to choose from at breakfast too, from a traditional Full English to avocado toast, porridge and egg dishes. A Continental selection offers fruit, yoghurt, pastries, cereals and toast if you prefer to start the morning on the lighter side.
With direct rail connections towards Central London and plenty of green space nearby, you can decide over breakfast whether the day calls for city streets or something a little quieter.
The Westleton Crown, Westleton, Suffolk
Set on the village green, the Westleton Crown is a relaxed country inn with 34 individually styled bedrooms and the Suffolk coast within easy reach.
Breakfast is served daily, with a choice of cooked and lighter options to start the morning. Afterwards, head for RSPB Minsmere, Dunwich Heath or the coast at Southwold. Dogs can stay in designated bedrooms too, making this a good choice when your four-legged companion is joining you.
The Highdown, Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex
Coast or countryside? At the Highdown, you can have a little of both. The pub sits between the South Downs and the Sussex coast, with 13 contemporary country-style bedrooms and Highdown Gardens next door.
The breakfast menu caters for all sorts of morning appetites. There’s a traditional Full English if you’re setting yourself up for the day, alongside choices such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict and buttermilk pancakes.
Afterwards, wander through the gardens, head for the South Downs or make your way towards the coast.
The Lion Inn, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
A restored 15th-century coaching inn in the heart of Winchcombe, the Lion Inn has nine individually styled bedrooms and plenty of Cotswold character.
Food here champions locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, so breakfast is a fitting start to a day in the Cotswolds. Once you’re ready to head out, Sudeley Castle, historic Winchcombe and miles of beautiful walking country are nearby.
The Crown, Chislehurst, Greater London
Dating back to 1832, the Crown in Chislehurst combines traditional pub character with contemporary interiors and seven boutique-style bedrooms.
Food is a big part of the experience, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and British pub cooking. Come morning, head downstairs for breakfast before exploring Chislehurst Common and Chislehurst Caves, or venturing into Central London.
The Bull, Ditchling, East Sussex
If breakfast is best followed by a good walk, the Bull puts you in just the right place. This 16th-century pub has six boutique bedrooms in Ditchling, in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
There’s plenty of choice at breakfast, whether you fancy a Full English, avocado on sourdough with poached eggs or something sweeter. Lighter choices are available too if you’re saving your appetite for later.
Once breakfast is finished, Ditchling Beacon and the South Downs Way are nearby, with Brighton and Sussex wine country also within easy reach.
The Vicarage, Cranage, Cheshire
Dating back to the 1700s, the Vicarage is a Grade II listed pub beside the River Dane, with 24 en-suite bedrooms and plenty of historic character.
Breakfast offers plenty of choice, whether you’re in the mood for a classic Full English or prefer a vegetarian or vegan alternative. There are lighter choices too, alongside favourites such as smashed avocado and egg dishes.
With the Cheshire countryside waiting beyond the pub, there’s every reason to linger over another coffee before setting off for the day.
Arrow Mill, Arrow, Warwickshire
Set beside the River Arrow overlooking the Ragley Hall estate, Arrow Mill is a historic former mill with nine individually designed bedrooms.
Overnight guests can choose between a traditional Full English or Continental breakfast, depending on how substantial a start the day calls for. From here, Alcester, Stratford-upon-Avon and the northern Cotswolds are within easy reach – although the peaceful riverside setting provides a good excuse not to rush anywhere.
The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Herefordshire
Local produce takes centre stage at the Riverside Inn, a historic inn beside the River Lugg on the edge of Mortimer Forest.
The pub has traditional bedrooms, spacious suites and garden rooms, while its kitchen garden and smallholding help shape its approach to food. At breakfast, expect freshly prepared cooked choices using high-quality local ingredients, with a Full English featuring locally sourced bacon, sausages, black pudding and eggs cooked to order. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are also available.
Once breakfast is finished, the Herefordshire countryside is right outside, with Ludlow around a 20-minute drive away.
The Richard Onslow, Cranleigh, Surrey
The Richard Onslow has all the ingredients of a classic village pub stay: an old bar and snug, a secluded courtyard and ten individually designed bedrooms in the heart of Cranleigh.
Its breakfast menu gives you plenty to ponder over that first coffee. Go all in with a Full English featuring Blythburgh sausage and bacon, black pudding and poached eggs, or choose smashed avocado and poached eggs, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs or shakshuka. Buttermilk pancakes and granola cover sweeter and lighter mornings too.
You’ll be well fuelled for a day walking or cycling through the Surrey Hills.
Why breakfast and a pub stay make such a good pairing
Breakfast can be one of the loveliest parts of a pub stay. There’s no need to search for somewhere to eat or rush to get on the road. You can simply wander downstairs, order your first coffee and decide how hungry you are.
For some, only a Full English will do. Others might prefer poached eggs, pancakes or a bowl of granola. And if you’re planning a long walk, a day beside the coast or several hours exploring a new town, a good breakfast provides useful fuel for whatever comes next.
Is breakfast included when you stay in a pub?
It depends on the pub and the rate you book. Some overnight stays include breakfast, while other pubs offer room-only and bed-and-breakfast options separately.
Menus and serving times can change too, so we always recommend checking the individual pub and your chosen rate when booking.
Find your next pub stay
Whether your ideal morning starts with a Full English, eggs and coffee or something light before heading out for a walk, staying in a pub means breakfast can be part of the break rather than simply another meal.
Sleep well, wander downstairs and take your time. The rest of the day can wait until after breakfast.
