Whether you’re on a coastal break in Cornwall or hiking the hills of Cumbria, there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a brilliant British pub. From proper pints and hearty meals to sunny beer gardens and roaring fires, a good pub is often the heart of a great UK holiday.
It turns out, Brits are constantly on the hunt for their next favourite local, with searches for “best pub near me” hitting 33,100 last month alone. And with the sun finally making an appearance, interest in “beer gardens” has soared too – searched 60,500 times between April and May 2025, with a 170% spike during the recent heatwave.
To help you find your next perfect pint, regional teams at holidaycottages.co.uk have analysed and combined ratings from TripAdvisor and Untappd with the number of sunlight hours each area received to uncover the best-loved pubs around the country. Here are the top spots worth travelling for…
The top 10 best pubs in Britain
1. Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, St Austell, Cornwall
Hicks Bar, found within St Austell Brewery’s visitor centre and boasting a perfect 5/5 score on TripAdvisor, is situated in an enviable location that averages 4.2 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year. Besides serving up classic English pub fare, the menu at the pub sprinkles in American crowd-pleasers like pancakes and stacked nachos.
The Brewing Experience tour will delight even the most discerning beer connoisseur, clear by its high Untappd rating of 3.55. Featuring seasonal brews made with international hops, guests can quench their thirst with an array of St Austell Brewery beers ranging from its new Proper Job 0.5% IPA, thirst-quenching Korev lager, to limited edition specials brewed on site as well as their rotation of Cask Club beers only found in a selection of pubs across the South West.
2. The Boathouse, Falmouth, Cornwall
Perched above the harbour with sweeping views of the Fal Estuary, The Boathouse is a popular local spot offering rotating cask ales, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere. With guest beers from Cornwall and beyond, expect a mix of hoppy pale ales, smooth bitters, and the occasional bold stout on tap, leading to it boasting the sixth highest Untappd rating of all the UK pubs ranked.
The food menu is seasonal and proudly local: think crab-loaded fries, beer-battered fish, and hearty Sunday roasts. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and service runs from lunch through to late evening.
Set on a steep street, The Boathouse is about a 0.25-mile uphill walk from Falmouth Town Station, with nearby cottages and seafront apartments making it an ideal stop for coastal pub-hoppers.
3. Rigg and Furrow at Farmhouse Brewery, Acklington, Northumberland
Tucked away on a working farm in the Northumberland countryside, Rigg and Furrow is a hidden gem that’s earned cult status among craft beer lovers, with an unbelievable rating of 4.9 on TripAdvisor, the second highest in the rankings.
The taproom, set in a converted milking parlour, pours the brewery’s ever-evolving lineup of small-batch beers, ranging from crisp lagers and hazy pale ales to complex saisons and farmhouse-style brews. It is open twice a week on Fridays (4pm – 9pm) and Saturdays (1pm – 7pm).
There’s no formal kitchen, but a rotation of street food vans and pop-ups keeps things fresh, offering everything from wood-fired pizza to gourmet burgers on weekends. The vibe is relaxed, family-friendly, and dog-welcoming, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a pint surrounded by fields.
Though off-the-beaten-track, it’s worth the detour, just a short drive from Alnmouth or Warkworth, with local taxi services familiar with the spot. There are plenty of places to stay near Acklington, too.
4. The Joiners Arms, Bishopston, South Wales
A village gem, this pub is a true local favourite with a fantastic range of drinks, evidenced by it holding the highest Untappd rating out of all pubs ranked, including fruity ciders, crisp lagers and real ales from local breweries.
In the colder months, it’s all about cosying up by one of the crackling fires with a pint in hand and a plate of homemade comfort food – expertly cooked by Ian, the owner, who regulars say has never missed the mark in over 30 years.
In summer, the sun-drenched beer garden is the perfect spot to sip a chilled cider and soak up the atmosphere and don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with one of the friendly regulars. With dogs and kids both warmly welcomed, it’s the kind of independent pub that feels like home, whether you’re local or just passing through.
You’ll find a selection of places to stay within a short walk or drive, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
5. Bayards Cove Inn, Dartmouth, Devon
Just steps from the waterfront in historic Dartmouth, Bayards Cove Inn blends centuries of character with award-winning hospitality. Housed in a 14th-century building, the pub and restaurant has earned itself an impressive reputation, with an impressive ranking of 4.6 on TripAdvisor and recently taking home Best Pub at the 2024 Food and Drink Devon Awards. Inside, its low beams, flickering candlelight, and warm welcome create instant familiarity.
On the menu are local, seasonal ingredients turned into generous portions – from fresh Brixham seafood to rich West Country pies. There is also a good choice of vegan and gluten-free dishes for guests to tuck into. Behind the bar, there’s a solid selection of regional ales, craft beers, and a carefully curated wine list to match.
With a host of guesthouses and apartments nearby, it’s perfectly placed for a weekend pit-stop while exploring the South Devon coast.
6. The Cotley Inn, Wambrook, Somerset
Tucked into the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, The Cotley Inn is the epitome of a modern country pub with its rustic charm and seasonal food. Family-run, it’s earned accolades for both its service and food, with menus rooted in the region’s best produce, much of it sourced from nearby farms and coastlines. It’s earned a rating of 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor.
Behind the bar, you’ll find carefully chosen local ales, crisp ciders, and a thoughtfully crafted wine list. The food is refined but unpretentious: Sunday roasts are a favourite, and the seasonal specials are always worth exploring.
The garden contains views over rolling fields – a dream in the sun – while the log fires inside make it just as inviting in winter. Dog and walker-friendly, it’s a lovely pub to stop at for either lunch or until last orders, and there are plenty of cottages close by to head to after it closes, with the town of Chard just 2 miles away.
7. The Chemist Inn, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
Perched above the beach with stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast, The Chemist Inn is a hidden gem that blends coastal charm with fantastic pub fare. Boasting a score of 3.75 on Untappd, the second highest of all pubs ranked, it’s a favourite among beer lovers. Recently renovated, this dog-friendly pub boasts a spacious beer garden where you can enjoy a refreshing pint while taking in panoramic views of Saundersfoot Bay.
The food is a standout, offering a great mix of traditional pub classics and fresh seafood. The coastal path is right on its doorstep and the town centre is just a few minutes’ walk away, while Tenby is just 3 miles away. It’s a great spot to visit if you base your holiday in any of these areas.
8. The Thatch, Croyde, Devon
Situated in the picturesque village of Croyde, The Thatch is true to its name, with its quaint thatched roof and warm, welcoming village-pub feel, capturing the essence of coastal living. Just a short walk from the bay, this pub is a favourite with surfers, walkers, and holidaymakers.
The menu offers generous portions of hearty pub food, from locally caught seafood to classic burgers and vegetarian options. With a sun-soaked beer garden in summer and cosy log fires to huddle round on winter evenings, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the South West Coast Path or catching waves at Croyde Bay and to enjoy the live music.
9. The Commercial Inn, Glossop, Derbyshire
Earning 4.8/5 stars on TripAdvisor, the joint-third highest rated in the dataset, this traditional community pub cements its place as a British favourite. The pub is situated near the bottom of Snake Pass, a picturesque backdrop if you choose to enjoy a pint from the outdoor seats.
Visitors rate the pub’s beer and ale selection highly, with it earning 3.62/5 stars according to Untappd, ranking joint-fifth across all the pubs surveyed. Food is home-cooked by Sarah’s Kitchen and served in a separate dining area 5 days a week (Wednesday–Friday). Guests can also enjoy a games room, live music on Saturday nights and enjoy the company of their furry friends inside if they wish!
10. Queen’s Head, Bramfield, Suffolk
This cosy gastropub dates back to the 1540s and preserves its original features, such as its wooden beamed ceiling, exposed fireplace, traditional serving hatch and pine tables, as well as boasting a large walled garden that’s perfect for summer. Rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, it’s a solid choice for enjoying a pint if you find yourself in the Suffolk countryside, and it’s dog-friendly, too.
The pub is renowned for its locally sourced, freshly prepared food, featuring a regularly changing menu and daily specials. It also offers a rotating selection of cask ales and craft beers sourced from local breweries, as well as an impressive cocktail menu. Winner of many pub and food accolades, it’s well worth a visit.
From the sun-drenched beer gardens of Cornwall to the cosy, fire-lit nooks of Cumbria, these top-rated pubs show off the very best of Britain’s pub culture. Whether you’re planning a coastal escape, a countryside ramble, or simply a weekend away with friends, adding one of these standout spots to your itinerary promises a proper taste of local life.
Each pub on this list has earned its place thanks to glowing reviews, great food and drink, and their unforgettable settings, so next time you find yourself Googling “best pub near me,” why not make it a little adventure instead?