When I go away, I love to be able to walk to a pub. Whether it’s a quick 5-minute stroll away, or one you need to weave into a long walk doesn’t matter; I just love having a relaxed afternoon pint, and a glimpse into the local fabric of wherever we are. Even better if you can get a slap-up meal! If this chimes with you, you’ll be happy to know that over half of our Hideaways are within walking distance of a pub or restaurant. Here are a few examples, to whet your whistle.

A beautiful riverside walk runs between the Ostrich Inn in Castle Acre (above) and this gorgeous little Norfolk house (below). A 16thC coaching inn, it’s all wooden beams and cosy corners, roaring fires in ancient fireplaces. Their award-winning menus are great value and sound delicious. Wood-roasted seabass and artichoke with edamame beans and sunblush tomatoes; rhubarb and strawberry cheesecake. Yes, please.

Also award-winning is The George pub in the pretty village of Alstonefield in the Peak District. With temptations like pink Derbyshire lamb and market vegetables, followed by white-chocolate mousse with a peach compote, you’d be forgiven for eating out every night of your stay. It’s a stroll from this chic little cottage or this contemporary barn conversion.


This romantic Somerset shepherd’s hut (below) is hard to tear yourself away from, as its setting on a countryside pub is idyllic; views stretch for miles. But the Candelight Inn is worth the effort; a 20-minute stroll down country lanes. We had an amazing meal there, including a sublime sticky toffee pudding with salted popcorn and hazelnut ice cream, then wandered home to the hut by moonlight.


And finally, we love this charming Suffolk shepherd’s hut, from which you can walk to 2 brilliant village pubs or borrow bikes to cycle there. The Queen at Brandeston is a classic English country pub, with locally reared meat and veg from their kitchen garden, while The Bell has a rose-filled garden, Adnams on draft and enormous Sunday roasts.


Want to see more? Just go to our Hideaways page and use the filter under ‘Essentials’. Cheers!
Liz x