Why Pubcations Are Britain’s New Favourite Staycation

If you love the idea of relaxing with good food, a pint in hand, and a roaring fire crackling in the background, then a pubcation could be your perfect next break. But what exactly is a pubcation, and where should you go to experience one?

Clovelly Village Visit Clovelly Things to do in Clovelly

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Fancy swapping hotel lobbies for log fires and room service for roast dinners? Welcome to the cosy charm of the pubcation.

Why Your Next Break Should Be a Pubcation

Pubcations have been gaining significant popularity across the UK, where centuries-old pubs have been lovingly restored to offer boutique rooms, dog-friendly stays, hearty breakfasts, and even live music nights. It’s a trend redefining how we enjoy relaxed, foodie-focused getaways without the hassle of big hotels.

What is a Pubcation?

A pubcation is a mix of the words “pub” and “vacation”. Basically, it’s a holiday or staycation where visiting pubs is a key part of the experience.

It often means:

Staying in a pub (lots of pubs now offer cosy accommodation upstairs or on the grounds).
Going on a pub-focused trip, like a countryside break where you tour village pubs.
Choosing destinations (like towns or villages) known for great pubs, gastropubs, or historic inns.
Relaxing with good food, drink, and sometimes live music, often in scenic or rural locations.

It’s become especially popular in the UK, where many historic pubs also offer boutique rooms, dog-friendly stays, and hearty breakfasts, making them ideal for a relaxed, foodie-focused getaway.

Where Have I Been on a Pubcation?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I love a cheeky weekend getaway – with our dog, Ivan, in tow. So, here are some of our recent adventures.

Wilmslow near Manchester

Stannelyands is a pub and hotel in Wilmslow. It has modern decor, spacious bedrooms, free parking, free WiFi, and a great location. The generously spacious rooms are a dream for dogs that like to stretch their legs or even indulge in a little zoomie session before bedtime. Ivan loved exploring the room, giving the plush furniture and every corner a good sniff. He even picked where he wanted his bed for the night.

Ilminster, Somerset

The Bell at Broadway was a fantastic find! The countryside inn offers a handful of boutique-style bedrooms – all thoughtfully decorated and full of character. It is the oldest pub in the area, dating back to 1640. Renovated just before lockdown, it has been restored, capturing the character of the 17th Century Inn.

Our double room was immaculately clean and spacious, offering everything we needed for a comfortable stay: a plush king-size bed with Egyptian cotton bedding, a refreshing rainforest shower, fluffy towels, a convenient coffee station, a smart TV, and ample floor space for a dog bed.

Clovelly, Devon

Clovelly is utterly charming. It appears untouched by the modern world, with winding cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and captivating views. But what makes Clovelly different is that it is privately owned. The village clings to a 400-foot cliff. There’s plenty to do, and some fantastic places to eat.

The New Inn Hotel, situated midway down Clovelly’s iconic traffic-free street, offers en-suite rooms, some of which have facilities right outside the door. They blend historic character with modern comfort. There’s even a complimentary breakfast. Parking is free if you’re staying in the village, and dogs are welcome.

Polperro, Cornwall

I love Polperro! I don’t usually like to revisit areas over and over again when there are so many exciting places I’d like to go. However, this little village has stolen my heart. It’s also the perfect base for visiting Looe, the seaside town of Fowey. There’s also Lostwithiel and a little further, St Austell and Mevagissey.

The Crumplehorn Inn offers a charming and traditional Cornish pub experience with its historic setting and hearty meals. The inn provides a range of rooms, from compact double bedrooms to spacious family suites with kitchenettes and fridges. The breakfasts are absolutely top-notch! You order the night before, and meals are served promptly in the morning. One of the biggest perks is the free parking; of course, it’s dog-friendly!

Places to eat in Polperro — *Polperro Village*

Shipston on Stour, Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is packed with honey-coloured stone villages, each with a charming pub (or three). Stroll between villages, enjoy Sunday roasts and soak up the postcard-perfect scenery. Look for historic pubs like The Swan Hotel in Bibury or The King’s Head Inn in Bledington, both offering elegant rooms and award-winning food.

Not sure where to start? Check out Hidden Gems in the Cotswolds: Explore lesser-known villages and attractions.

Later this year, we’ve booked The White Bear Inn in Shipston on Stour – which we’re looking forward to. Overlooking the market square, it is a traditional 18th-century coaching inn offering pub accommodation, pub food and two bars in this picturesque Cotswolds market town. Breakfast is included in the room rate, too. There is free parking at the rear of the pub, and well-behaved dogs are allowed to stay at no extra charge.

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

The Kings Head Hotel is in a fantastic position in Abergavenny town centre. Although clean, the room was relatively compact, but it had everything you needed. The bed was comfy. Breakfast was lovely – hot, plentiful, and served at the table. There’s no parking included, but plenty of pay and display nearby. Ideal for a night away! (Not dog-friendly). I’d highly recommend Eating at The Victoria Abergavenny!

Conwy, North Wales

The Castle Hotel in North Wales is full of character with period features and antique furnishings. It is in the centre of Conwy, making walking to local attractions like Conwy Castle, the harbour and The Smallest House easy. My only negative is that the church bells ring pretty early – perfect if you’re an early riser. Dogs are more welcome, apart from in the Shakespeare Dining Room. There’s a small car park, too!

If you’re in the area, I’d recommend a visit to Colwyn Bay. Here are The Best Things To Do in Colwyn Bay and The Best Dog Friendly Places to Eat in Colwyn Bay.

Cardiff, South Wales

Ok, I haven’t actually stayed at this one, but I visit it regularly – as it’s my local. The Gwaelod y Garth Inn is a fantastic community-focused pub with regular events, live music, and one of the best beer gardens and incredible food.

Sunday Lunch at Gwaelod y Garth Cardiff — *Sunday Lunch at Gwaelod y Garth*

The immaculate rooms have spacious layouts, comfortable beds, and thoughtful touches, such as a fridge stocked with fresh milk. In a quiet village on the outskirts of Cardiff, it’s in a brilliant location for exploring South Wales – or climbing the infamous Garth Mountain. Rooms have all the modern conveniences, including flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. There’s also free parking, and the pub is dog-friendly.

Walk-Inn Breaks with The Inn Collection

The two-night bed and breakfast break includes dinner on the first night and a complimentary walking pack. It has a range of classic walks at various lengths and for different abilities. Plus, dogs stay free. Inn Collection is in Yorkshire, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, the Lake District, Lancashire and North Wales.

Where to Go for a Pubcation

Here are some top ideas for your next pubcation:

Yorkshire Dales

Rolling hills, dry stone walls, and friendly village pubs make the Yorkshire Dales an ideal pubcation spot.

Where to Stay: Try The Woolly Sheep Inn in Skipton or The Buck Inn in Malham for dog-friendly rooms and local ales.

What to Do: Go hiking, visit waterfalls like Aysgarth Falls, and reward yourself with a pint afterwards.

Cornwall

Cornwall’s cosy coastal inns offer the perfect base for a relaxed seaside pubcation.

Where to Stay: The Plume of Feathers in Newquay and the infamous Jamaica Inn in Bodmin, which is supposedly haunted.

What to Do: Walk the South West Coast Path, sample Cornish pasties, and enjoy seafood feasts at the local pub.

Get 50% Off Food

If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:

The Lake District

Beautiful landscapes, traditional pubs, and hearty food make the Lake District a natural choice.

Where to Stay: Check out The Britannia Inn in Elterwater or The Black Bull Inn in Coniston for a true pubcation.

What to Do: Walk the fells, take a boat trip on Windermere, and cosy up by the fire afterwards. Check out Five Things To Do When Visiting the Lake District for further ideas.

Norfolk Broads

For a slightly different style of pubcation, explore the riverside pubs of the Norfolk Broads.

Where to Stay: Marsham Arms Inn in Hevingham or The Rising Sun in Coltishall for a riverside location.

What to Do: Rent a boat for the day, stop at pubs along the river, and enjoy leisurely days on the water.

Don’t Forget Your National Trust Membership

Wherever you visit, you’re bound to be near a National Trust Estate. And, National Trust Members get FREE entry. With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plus, free parking at the majority of car parks, and at National Trust beaches and countryside walks.

Brecon, Mid Wales

Beautiful rolling hills, historic towns, and a warm pub culture make Brecon an inviting retreat.

Where to Stay: The Dragon Inn in Crickhowell, where traditional charm meets modern comfort in a relaxed countryside setting.

What to Do: Explore the nearby Brecon Beacons, hike ancient trails, and wind down with a locally brewed pint in a cosy, historic pub ambience. You could also visit Ystradfellte – known as Waterfall Country – and the famous Elan Valley near Rhayader.

things to do in Rhayader — *Elan Valley*

Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons — *Elan Valley*

Loch Lomond

Breathtaking loch vistas, scenic trails, and cosy Scottish pubs make Loch Lomond a perfect escape.

Where to Stay: The Inn on Loch Lomond, offering characterful rooms with striking views of the loch and an authentic local experience. There’s even traditional folk music throughout on Friday and Saturday evenings.

What to Do: Enjoy serene boat trips, take lakeside walks, and savour traditional Scottish fare by a warming fire after a day exploring the natural beauty.

Don’t Forget a Drink!

Water-to-Go bottles are a game-changer for travellers, hikers, and dog owners who love the great outdoors. These reusable bottles come with advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology, removing up to 99.9999% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source. That means whether you’re exploring Ilminster’s countryside or simply out on a long dog walk, you’ll always have access to clean, safe drinking water.

Isle of Skye

Rugged coastlines, dramatic landscapes, and ancient inns define the enchanting Isle of Skye.

Where to Stay: The Skye Inn captures the island’s historic charm alongside modern comforts, making it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Skye’s unique atmosphere.

What to Do: Discover Skye’s breathtaking coastal cliffs, hike scenic trails, and treat yourself to fresh seafood and local delicacies in a welcoming pub setting.

Northumberland

Rolling countryside, coastal vistas, and storied pubs create a captivating backdrop in Northumberland.

Where to Stay: The Joiners Arms, near Newton-by-the-Sea, provides elegant pub accommodation with sweeping sea views and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

What to Do: Stroll along tranquil beaches, visit ancient castles steeped in history, and sample locally brewed ales while enjoying the charm of traditional English hospitality.

Don’t Forget Your English Heritage Membership

English Heritage Members get FREE entry. You get unlimited free entry to all English Heritage historic sites, free parking and access to a members’ rewards scheme. Now that I’m in my second year of membership, I get free access to CADW sites in Wales, too! Our joint membership is £12 per month (2025) and individual memberships start from £5.75 per month.

Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.

English Heritage Discount Code

English Heritage Deals: Get 20% off memberships purchased by direct debit by using the promo code PV20OFF at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2025. Making a single membership £57.60 per year and a couple’s membership £100.20. Get yours here.

Devon

Idyllic coastal views, age-old inns, and delectable local produce make Devon a delightful destination for pubcations. We love visiting Devon! Some of our favourite places have been Ilfracombe and Bideford. There’s also Plymouth in South Devon, known as Britain’s Ocean City, as well as Tavistock.

Where to Stay: The Masons Arms in Branscombe offers an atmospheric blend of historic features and modern amenities, perfect for a restful retreat.

What to Do: Explore dramatic coastal paths, wander through picturesque villages, and indulge in farm-to-table dining paired with a hearty pint of local ale.

Enjoy the Best of Devon Wherever You Are

Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.

Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.

Peak District

Stunning moorlands, quaint villages, and a vibrant pub scene make the Peak District a quintessential countryside escape.

Where to Stay: The Devonshire Arms at Beeley, set within the Chatsworth Estate, delivers a luxurious yet authentically rustic pub experience.

What to Do: Trek scenic trails, soak in panoramic views, and finish your day with a comforting meal in a traditional setting that highlights the region’s heritage.

Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans

Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Pubcation

Book early: Popular inns and pubs with rooms often get snapped up quickly, especially in summer and over weekends. You can also get early booking deals.
Go dog-friendly: Many pubs now welcome four-legged friends, perfect if you want a dog-friendly break.
Plan your pub stops: If you’re touring between villages, map out some top-rated pubs or foodie hotspots along your route.
Mix it up: Combine long walks, historic sights, and pub lunches for a truly relaxed experience.
Check events: Some pubs offer live music, quiz nights, or seasonal festivals, which can be a real highlight.

Whether you’re looking for a countryside escape, a coastal wander, or simply a chance to sample the best of Britain’s pubs, a pubcation is a wonderfully cosy, slow-paced way to travel.

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Why Pubcations Are Britain’s New Favourite Staycation