English inns: Six of the best from Warwickshire to Yorkshire
From the Fuzzy Duck and the Red Lion to the Craven Heifer
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An orchard once stood on the site of this East Sussex pub, which might explain the silver birch trees sprouting from the floorboards of the bedrooms. The Bell opened four large lodges in October in addition to its seven double rooms; couples should check into the Love Nest lodge for a romantic night in a round bed, while music lovers should opt for Between the Lines, which comes complete with a turntable and classic vinyl records.
High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7AS (01580 200234; thebellinticehurst.co.uk). Doubles from £90, B&B.
The Gunton Arms Norfolk
Soak up the history in this remote inn, situated in the 1,000-acre deer park which surrounds Gunton Hall, near Cromer in north Norfolk. Stuart Tattersall, former head chef at Mark Hix, heads up the kitchen, incorporating venison from the surrounding park into the menu. The inn also has a snooker table for guests who fancy a different sort of game. Bedrooms are traditionally floral and there's also a private living room for guests, complete with a log fire.
Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, Norfolk NR11 8TZ (01263 832010; theguntonarms.co.uk). Doubles from £95, B&B.
The Fuzzy Duck Warwickshire
This quintessentially English country pub, just a few miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, was renovated in 2013 and reborn as a boutique bed and breakfast. The building retains many of its distinctive coaching inn features, including exposed beams and flagstone floors. The bedrooms are light and bright with neutral furnishings. Hunter wellies can be borrowed for muddy walks, while top-quality comfort food and real ales await after a long, bracing walk.
Ilmington Road, Armscote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8DD (01608 682635; fuzzyduckarmscote.com). B&B from £110.
The Punch Bowl Cumbria
This posh gastro pub with bedrooms and a bar has been named Cumbria Dining Pub of the Year in The Good Pub Guide 2015. Situated in the heart of the Lyth Valley in Crosthwaite, The Punch Bowl combines traditional pub food – served at the bar – with more formal restaurant dining. Rooms are individually furnished with hand-picked throws and flat screen televisions. The spacious bathrooms come with Bath House toiletries. Rates include complimentary afternoon tea.
Crosthwaite, Kendal LA8 8HR (01539 568237; the-punchbowl.co.uk). Doubles from £105, B&B.
The Craven Heifer Yorkshire
This family-run establishment in the Yorkshire Dales has seven themed bedrooms, all designed around famous Yorkshire men and women, including Dame Judi Dench, Henry Moore and David Hockney. Cabaret, named after Dench's first stage play, includes a feature wall with a timeline of the actress's career, red velvet curtains and a dressing-room mirror. The restaurant has a "Yorkshire Favourites" menu, as well as afternoon tea for hungry hikers.
Main Street, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0PL (01943 830106; thecravenheifer.com). Doubles from £75, B&B.
The Red Lion Somerset
Located in the pretty West Country village of Babcary, this thatched inn has six en-suite rooms, a beamed, flagstoned bar and an award-winning restaurant. The menu features local ingredients and changes daily. Bedrooms are equipped with Egyptian cotton bed linen and two rooms also come with sofa beds, ideal for families. The pub can also be booked as a wedding reception venue with its own marquee available to hire.
Main Street, Babcary, Somerton TA11 7ED (01458 223230; redlionbabcary.co.uk). Doubles from £110, B&B.
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