Britain’s 8 best pub walks to discover this winter
Nothing quite beats a well-earned pint after a long walk.
The UK is teeming with picturesque walking routes waiting to be explored – from the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the boundless lakes of northwest England. And with over 25,000 pubs across the UK, you’re never too far from a cosy, British tavern.
Whether you’re tackling rural hikes or relaxed city strolls, discover our top picks for the best pub walks in Britain below.
With over 2000 acres of flourishing parkland, the Blenheim Palace estate is an Oxfordshire gem. As a gorgeous world heritage site, Blenheim Palace’s expansive parkland features plenty of hidden sculptures, gardens and scenic treasures – perfect for getting you in the mood for a cheeky pub trip!
And to top it all off, the charming town of Woodstock is home to plenty of pretty pubs to enjoy a pint at. Our top pick for great pub grub: The Woodstock Arms.
Renowned for its stunning canals and unique sights, Regent’s Canal connects Camden Lock to Little Venice with a picturesque escape from London’s tourist hotspots.
Walkers can expect to see endless colourful boats, plenty of greenery and lots of nature along this 2-mile walk. If you’re walking from Camden Lock to Little Venice, be sure to pop into The Warwick Castle for a cheeky pint, cocktail or mocktail.
With panoramic views of the city and Scottish mountains, Calton Hill is a go-to Edinburgh walking spot. While most tourists flood to Arthur’s Seat for a good hike and splendid views, at Calton Hill you catch plenty of great landmarks in this Scottish capital while never leaving the city centre.
Calton Hill is perfect for a morning or dusk winter walk while also being close to the cosy, Victorian pub, The Theatre Royal Bar. Serving great drinks and classic pub grub, The Theatre Royal Bar is a great choice for a post-walk pub trip.
The Castle Combe Circular in the heart of the Cotswolds is a gorgeous dog walking route. As one of the Cotswold’s most picturesque and charming villages, Castle Combe’s 3.5 mile walking route is a brilliant choice for a winter pub walk.
Starting and ending at the village’s free car park, this circular pub walk offers plenty of places to eat and drink after completing the route. We’d recommend checking out the dog-friendly pub, The White Hart.
Victoria Park, or ‘Vicky Park’, in northeast London, is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital. Full of life and built specifically for the people of East London, this park even has its own Sunday food market selling local produce and unique street bites.
Finish your park walk with a trip to the aptly named People’s Park Tavern. Described as a ‘true Hackney pub through and through’, The People’s Park Tavern is a classic pub serving hearty food and locally brewed ‘People’s Pints’.
Looking for a challenging walking route? The summit of Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, is an exciting undertaking for any keen walkers or hikers. And best of all, on the Rhyd Ddu path, you can end your tiresome 12km climb with a pint at the Cwellyn Arms.
While a decent level of fitness is needed to tackle this route and navigation skills are essential, the Rhyd Ddu path is also a scenic route for those just looking to take in the Welsh countryside.
This exciting circular walking route of both Grasmere and Rydal Water is the perfect way to experience the English Lake District. While being two of the smaller lakes in the area, Grasmere and Rydal Water are spectacular natural beauties.
Starting and ending in Grasmere village, this varied walk will have you craving an ice-cold drink from The Good Sport taproom. Here you can admire riverside views alongside tasty homemade food and locally sourced beer.
Taking a trip down to the extraordinary East Sussex coast? This pub walk is for you! The Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular is a breathtaking walking route with stunning coastline views, local woodland and pretty hamlets.
As you pass through the Exceat area of Seaford, be sure to pop into the traditional pub, The Cuckmere Inn. While a tranquil spot for a pint, the nearby Cuckmere Haven is also a popular Hollywood filming location – Harry Potter, Luther and Atonement were all filmed here!