The 7 Best Pubs with Rooms in the South West of England

The South West of England is one of the most stunning regions of the country. Packed with rugged coastlines, historic villages, rolling hills and fields, there are few better ways to explore it than with a boutique pub stay after a scenic drive or a long walk through the countryside.

From coastal Cornish stays to elegant Somerset retreats and thatched Dorset getaways, these are the best boutique pubs with rooms in South West England.

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1. The Queen’s Arms – Corton Denham, Somerset

Found in the picturesque village of Corton Denham, straddling the Somerset/Dorset border, The Queen’s Arms was once a former cider house.

Today, however, it combines a traditional West Country inn atmosphere with chic boutique style.

With 10 individually designed rooms, many of which offer sweeping views over the practically unspoiled countryside, The Queen’s Arms combines traditional with luxury seamlessly.

And as for the food, the menu primarily focuses on classic British flavours and ingredients, whether it’s their Severn & Wye smoked salmon and farm-fresh eggs served at breakfast time or their Somerset pork loin served as part of a Sunday roast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here: good, wholesome food. 

The location of The Queen’s Arms is also ideal for exploring the West Country either by car or on foot, and where better than their bar to put your feet up with a cold one at the end of a busy day?

2. The Fleur de Lys – Cranborne, Dorset

The Fleur de Lys is the type of country pub that makes you want to cancel your plans for the afternoon and book a room so that you can stay the night. 

This historic 17th-century inn – whose name means Flower of the Lily – also has a literary claim to fame, inspiring Thomas Hardy, who drew inspiration from the pub in his novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

The pub’s nine boutique rooms have been carefully designed so as to uphold the traditional interior and the building’s sense of belonging, while still offering guests the ultimate comfort for a night’s stay.

With plenty of outdoor places to explore on the pub’s doorstep in rural Dorset, a stay here is a must. The menu entices travellers from far and wide, and with a wide selection of ales, ciders and wines on offer in the cosy bar, there are few places better to visit and stay after a long walk in the Dorset countryside.  

3. Harbour Inn – Porthleven, Cornwall

Porthleven is one of Cornwall’s most characterful harbour towns, and is also home to Britain’s most southerly port.

The Harbour Inn places you right on the water’s edge, and this smart coastal pub has recently undergone a refurbishment, with 15 unique bolthole boutique rooms for guests to stay in, making it an excellent option for fitting in with the character not just of the pub, but of the town.

The Cornish coast is known for being one of the most visually stunning in the country, so whether you’re cycling the challenging hills, walking through the rugged coastal paths, or simply enjoying local beaches, the Harbour Inn is one of the best places where you can base yourself in Cornwall for sheer accessibility.

With a strong focus on local seafood, as well as other pub classics, you can expect a hearty meal, superb drinks, plenty of Cornish charm and one of the finest boutique hotel stays in the South West when you stay here.

4. The Grosvenor Arms – Shaftesbury, Dorset

The stunning Georgian exterior of The Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury invites guests into one of the region’s most beautiful boutique hotels.

The pub’s 17 stylish rooms mix classic aesthetics with contemporary luxury comforts, such as rainfall showers and roll-top baths, blending the two seamlessly.

There is a vibrant bar downstairs, with plenty of drinks available, while the restaurant and courtyard terrace are superb places to enjoy seasonal meals and, in the case of the latter, soak up the last of the summer sunshine.

Alongside an exciting menu featuring items such as dressed Devon crab and Baharat roasted aubergine, they also offer wood-fired pizzas from their on-site oven – perfect for enjoying as a takeaway if you want to explore the nearby countryside and have something to eat, or simply in the restaurant with good friends and good wine.

5. The King John Inn – Tollard Royal, Wiltshire

Found on the border between Wiltshire and Dorset, the King John Inn is a truly classic British pub and boutique hotel. 

The country pub atmosphere and charm are equally complemented by individually designed rooms and an award-winning restaurant, showcasing the very best of the British country pub and hotel in the South West.

The King John Inn is one of those pubs where a long lunch can easily turn into a night filled with laughter and memories, which makes it even more convenient when you book a room, and your bed is only a few steps away.

You can also make the most of the stunning countryside surrounding the pub, following many of the hiking trails or simply admiring quaint villages and towns while you enjoy a morning drive.

6. Brace of Pheasants – Plush Valley, Dorset

For a proper English countryside escape, it’s hard to beat the classic thatched roof pub surrounded by idyllic walking trails.

And that’s exactly what you get at the Brace of Pheasants in Plush Valley, Dorset. With eight stunning rooms divided between the first floor of the pub and what was once the old skittle alley, all of the rooms are en-suite and characterful, with stunning countryside views.

While the rooms have been designed with tradition in mind – some of them with ancient oak beams in the ceilings – the amenities are truly luxurious and modern, including Japanese-style soaking baths.

Naturally, the range of ales and ciders in the bar is enough to satisfy even the pickiest of drinkers, while the food menu sources local ingredients and operates a seasonal menu for the freshest produce possible.

7. The Pedn Olva – St Ives, Cornwall

Few boutique pub stays can compete with The Pedn Olva in St Ives, Cornwall.

Perched on a rocky outcrop between St Ives and Portminster Beach, The Pedn Olva commands incredible views over the Cornish coastline. 

Start your morning with a breath of fresh, salty air as you open the windows, and enjoy the sea views from your bed. The rooms are designed to make the most of the incredible scenery which surrounds the pub, and due to its location in one of Cornwall’s most exciting, vibrant coastal towns, there’s always lots to do in the local area, too.

The recently refurbished bar and restaurant serve award-winning beers to quench your thirst after a day at the beach or in the town, while the menu combines modern favourites with traditional pub and seafood classics for the ultimate comfort meal at the end of a classic St Ives busy day.