PUBS
The Cosiest Pubs in the Cotswolds
As the winter chill descends upon us, what better way to seek solace than by stepping into the cosy embrace of a traditional Cotswold pub? Here, we present a curated list of the cosiest pubs in the Cotswolds - those hidden gems that invite weary travellers and locals alike to relax, bask in the soft glow of a crackling fire, and enjoy the company of friends, old and new. These establishments boast authenticity, character, and a commitment to providing an all-encompassing experience that perfectly complements the stunning surroundings.
BY ARCHIE CAWTHRA
9 October 2024
1/14
The Sherborne Arms, Northleach
The Sherborne Arms is a historic pub situated in the beautiful market town of Northleach in the heart of the Cotswolds run by Peter Creed & Tom Noest, focussing on good simple pub food with a straightforward wine list and spirits selection. There is a large, open bar area with lots of seating to have a quiet drink, cosy open fires, a separate restaurant, and an outside courtyard for the warmer seasons.
The Sherborne Arms, Market Square, Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3EE
2/14
Double Red Duke, Clanfield
The Double Red Duke is one of the Cotswolds most recognised pubs, and for good reason. It is a boutique pub in the Oxfordshire village of Clanfield. Set by a 13th-century church and opposite a 17th-century tavern, it's just a short drive from Cotswolds villages such as Bampton, the charming village famed for it’s use in Downton Abbey. The Double Red is a fantastic place for brisk evenings sat by the fire.
Bourton Rd, Clanfield, Bampton OX18 2RB
3/14
The Bell, Charlbury
The Bell is a 17th Century pub in a picturesque Cotswold market town of Charlbury at the heart of the community. From crackling log fires to craft beers, The Bell has everything you could want from a quintessential country pub and provides an escape from the bustle of everyday life.
1 Church St, Charlbury, Chipping Norton OX7 3PP
4/14
The Swan, Southrop
Just a short stroll from renowned Cotswold hotel, Thyme, The Swan sits at the heart of the village of Southrop adjacent to the green. The Swan is an ivy-covered 17th-century inn with classic-meets-modern decor, log fires and locally sourced dishes.
Its recorded history dates back as far as 1606 when it was known as the Bakehouse, serving bread and ale to the farm workers. The Swan is characterised by low-slung ceilings, roaring fires and a spacious garden room - now known as The Carousal. The higgledy-piggledy wooden furniture combined with bright stripes and Bertioli fabrics make the perfect setting for cosy feasting and simple merry-making.
Southrop, Lechlade GL7 3NU
5/14
The Falkland Arms, Great Tew
If a picture perfect traditional English pub on the edge of the Cotswolds is what you’re looking for, The Falkland Arms is certainly the right place for you. Situated in picturesque Great Tew in Oxfordshire, bring your walking shoes as there are plenty of local walks around the Great Tew estate and in easy reach to explore nearby Chipping Norton, Blenheim Palace and Oxford.
Come on inside and be captivated by the 16th century pub with its flagstone floors, cosy nooks and crannies and ceramic jugs hanging from oak beams. Relax in front of the inglenook fireplace or while away an afternoon enjoying the best Sunday roast or a few pints of Wadworth ale.
19-21 The Green, Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4DB
6/14
The Killingworth Castle, Wooton
Set in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Wootton, near Woodstock & Blenheim Palace, the historic pub has eight luxury en-suite rooms with 3 AA Rosette food that focuses on seasonal, wild & organic fare from the Cotswolds.
It’s rustic-sleek with exposed-stone arches, wood floors, crackling fires and a long bar that is a very much a haunt of locals. There are panelled bench seats and specially made settles, and with a snug and an additional dining room at the back there’s plenty of space for groups and individuals.
Glympton Road, Wootton, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1EJ
7/14
The Bull, Charlbury
The Bull, standing on the corner of Sheep Street since early 1500s, has been the cornerstone of Charlbury for centuries. It has seen many iterations over the years, however, its charm and character have remained.
Primarily a local pub serving good beer, they also have a restaurant centred around open fire cooking. At The Bull they wanted to cut out the middle man. They have daily conversations with their farmers and growers which means the menu is constantly changing.
Sheep St, Charlbury, Chipping Norton OX7 3RR
8/14
The Fox, Broadwell
The Fox is a historic Cotswolds pub situated in the beautiful village of Broadwell near Stow-on-the-Wold in the heart of the Cotswolds run by Peter Creed & Tom Noest, focussing on good simple pub food with a straightforward wine list and spirits selection. The Fox is owned by The Donnington brewery just two miles away, they brew traditional English ales that complement the character of this simple pub. There is a cosy bar area with lots of seating to have a quiet drink, a restaurant, and a large beer garden.
Broadwell, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0UF
9/14
The Fox, Oddington
The Fox is a village pub at the heart of the community with crackling log fires and a welcoming bar specialising in local beers and cocktails. The menu celebrates local producers including our sister farms at Daylesford Organic and Wootton. Bedroom interiors are inspired by the surrounding countryside with a spacious Coachman’s House opposite for longer stays.
High St, Lower Oddington, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0UR
10/14
The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington
Ebrington is a very special Cotswold village that gently breathes a pace and style of life that is seldom found but avidly sought. The Ebrington Arms captures this very essence, a village pub, homely and welcoming, fun and friendly, cosy, and snug with a landscaped ‘alfresco’ terrace and garden.
May Ln, Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH
11/14
The Potting Shed, Crudwell
Just over the road from The Rectory Hotels lays The Potting Shed, championing outstanding pub food and fine Ales. Made from the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The North Wiltshire locals are lucky to have this picture perfect country pub, but it’s too good to let them keep it to themselves. Ideal for a day-trip – or longer, their gorgeous sister hotel The Rectory is a stone’s throw away – both Tetbury and Malmesbury nearby could certainly keep you entertained between meals.
Ancient stone fireplaces and gnarled beams make for a space that is at once cosy and airy, in a style that achieves that subtle balance between traditional and “done”. Likewise the menu is gastro-pub favourites produced simply but beautifully, with the lightness of a modern touch.
The St, Crudwell, Malmesbury SN16 9EW
12/14
The Village Pub, Barnsley
Just 4 miles from the market town of Cirencester, and in perfect striking distance of Bibury, Burford and Bourton-on-the-water, The Village Pub is a classic English country inn, with oak-beamed ceilings, dimly lit corners and roaring open fireplaces. Whether you’re stopping for supper, pulling up a stool for a pint or would like to rest up in one of their 6 gorgeous bedrooms, there’ll always be a warm welcome from behind the bar! Over the road, just a few paces away, is the newly opened The PIG-in-the-Cotswolds.
The pub started life as 3 cottages which were converted in the early 18th century into The Greyhound Inn, until the 1920s when the pub changed its name to The Village Inn. Ownership passed to the Cirencester Brewery on the 6th September 1935, and in 1952 it became Grade II listed. About half a century later The Village Inn swapped “inn” for “pub”, and after a brief 2-year stint as The Boot, it reopened in the Summer of 2024 as The Village Pub.
Barnsley, Cirencester GL7 5EF
13/14
The New Inn, Coln
Renovated and re-opened by local food duo Baz & Fred in 2020. The New Inn is a 16th-century coaching inn set in a beautiful sleepy corner of the Cotswolds with 15 luxurious ensuite bedrooms.
Don’t let the beautiful 18th Century façade fool you; The New Inn is a buzzing and vibrant pub nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. The talented kitchen team is constantly rotating the menu with Spanish style small plates and juicy burgers, and the locals bar always ensures the vibe is right with cosy corners, wood-burners lit and classic blues on the stereo.
Main Street, Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester GL7 5AN
14/14
The Feathered Nest Inn, Nether Westcote
The Feathered Nest is a cosy country inn who strive to deliver a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, where everybody’s welcome to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds, while savouring relaxed culinary excellence.
Bold, yet unpretentious cooking, served in style by a professional, yet approachable front-of-house team. They strive to deliver a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, where everybody’s welcome to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds, while savouring relaxed culinary excellence.
Nether Westcote OX7 6SD