The Wishful Thinker near Maidstone is a beautifully refurbished foodie pub. Re-opened in the summer of 2023, there are 17 boutique bedrooms to choose from including rooms perfect for family friendly and business stays. The pub sits in the picturesque village of Lenham on the southern edge of the North Downs, nine miles east of Maidstone. Ashford Eurostar International is within proximity.
Pub Activity: Country Escapes
The Curious Pig in the Parlour
The Curious Pig in the Parlour is situated in the village of Copthorne, just seven miles from Gatwick Airport. The pub has nine beautifully designed bedrooms and is a brilliant stop-over for guests travelling in and out of the UK’s second busiest airport. Their popular restaurant is renowned for its pub classics, stone baked pizzas, and delicious chargrilled steaks.
The George Inn
The George Inn is an award-winning 17th century thatched pub situated in the tranquil village of Barford St Michael, on the south bank of the River Swere, five miles south of Banbury. The pub has nine charming bedrooms, each with delightfully comfy beds and en-suite bathrooms with underfloor heating. Their Garden rooms are also dog friendly. The village is on the very edge of the Cotswolds.
The Black Horse Inn
The Black Horse Inn is a relaxed and unpretentious, family run pub situated in Thurnham, a village at the foot of the North Downs, three miles north east of Maidstone. The pub has 27 comfortable bedrooms, including good options for guests requiring a twin, triple, or family room. Their accommodation is housed in a series of separate Kentish barn style buildings close to pub.
The Bell
The Bell sits in the heart of the picturesque village of Tanworth-in-Arden, about 14 miles south east of Birmingham, close to the Worcestershire border. The pub has nine comfortable double and twin bedrooms and is a good option for overnight business guests travelling into the city. The NEC and Birmingham International Airport are about half-an-hour or so away by car on the M42.
The Stork Hotel
The Stork is a delightful pub situated in the pretty hamlet of Conder Green, a short stroll from the Lancaster Canal. They have nine beautifully refurbished en-suite bedrooms, including good options for family friendly stays, and for guests requiring twin occupancy. They are located about four miles from Lancaster city centre, and the local area is a haven for ramblers, walkers, and cyclists.
The Old Swan
The Old Swan is a beautifully refurbished country pub situated in the pretty village of Gargrave, four miles north west of Skipton on the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales. They have five comfortable double bedrooms each named after local mountains and rivers. The local area is extremely popular with walkers and cyclists, with Malham, Grassington, and the Three Yorkshire Peaks nearby.
The Station Inn
The Station Inn sits right next door to the harbour, just a short stroll from the local train station and beach. They have five comfortable bedrooms, BT, and Sky Sports in the bar, and are renowned locally for their eclectic range of real ales. Whitby is a historic seaport with some of the very best fish & chips in the UK and two glorious beaches.
West Port Hotel
The West Port Hotel sits in the town of Linlithgow, right between junctions 3 and 4 of the M9. They have nine affordably priced bedrooms, including good options for guests requiring a single, double, twin, or triple room. They serve a cracking Scottish breakfast, and sports fans can enjoy BT or Sky Sports at the bar. Linlithgow is in the north east of West Lothian, 20 miles west of Edinburgh.