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13 Fabulous Country Pubs Near London For Pretty Views and Even Better Pints

13 Fabulous Country Pubs Near London For Pretty Views and Even Better Pints

Looking for country pubs near London? These are the most charming spots pulling the best pints, not far from the capital.

We love the business of London and all it has to offer, but we do need a break sometimes. Escape the concrete jungle to these idyllic country pubs near London.

Sometimes you just need to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy some good pub grub and your favourite pint. So, hop on the train and visit these fantastic country pubs near London. 

Best Country Pubs Near London 

The Black Rabbit

West Sussex

The sweet sounds of nature echo in the breeze and the birds are chirping – you’ve made it out of London and arrived in Arundel, West Sussex.

The Black Rabbit is an hour and a half outside of London and the best way to travel is via train from Victoria to Arundel followed by a scenic 20 minute walk. 

The Black Rabbit is over 200 years old and sits along the River Arun, boasting plenty of waterside seating for you to enjoy local ales and its famous Sunday Roast with 28-day West country beef with all the trimmings. 

The Anchor

Pyrford

Just over an hour from the capital, The Anchor is one of the best country pubs near London. 

Take the South Western Railway from Waterloo to Woking followed by a local train to Pyrford and you’ll find yourself a cosy British pub with a beautiful terrace that runs along the riverside for alfresco Aperol Spritzers.

The Anchor is dog-friendly, so you can also bring your furry friends along to enjoy some tasty pub food like Beer Battered Haddock or the Confit Duck Leg. Fancy making a day of it? The pub is a short walk from the Royal Hortical Society if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore.

Ye Olde Windsor Castle

Surrey

Ye Olde Windsor Castle pub is a traditional British style pub located in the charming Surrey countryside. This spot is located just an hour on the train from Waterloo followed by a short 15 minutes walk past the Polesden Lacey National Trust property that is also worth a visit. 

Try the traditional Sunday Roast with an oversized yorkshire and all the thick juicy unlimited gravy you can guzzle down. 

It’s one of the best country pubs around London if you’re in the mood for a bike ride or country walk before retiring to Ye Olde Windsor Castles pub garden for a well deserved pint or two. 

The Bell Inn Pub, Restaurant and Hotel

Essex

Nestled in the historic town of Horndon on the Hill, The Bell Inn is just an hour on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street to Stanley Hope. A breezy 30 minute countryside walk from the station past a golf course and Motts Farm.

The family run pub serves up the sumptuous Herb Roasted Duck Breast or you should try the juicy melt in the mouth 28-day Ribeye of Beef. 

Sit in its beautiful wisteria-covered garden in the summer, it’s one of the best country pubs outside London for escaping the busy city for the day.

Royal Standard of England

Beaconsfield

England’s oldest pub, Royal Standard of England is just an hour away from London Marylebone to Beaconsfield. From there it’s a half an hour stroll through Beaconsfield to the medieval style pub with wooden beams and real golden ales.

It’s almost as if you’ve stepped back in time, as soon as you enter Royal Standard’s doors you’re greeted with tudor-style decor, stained glass windows, and armour mounts the walls. 

From the menu, order traditional British fare, Fish & Chips, Sausage & Mash and Steak & Kidney Pie– no English pub would be complete without them, right?

Alford Arms 

Hertfordshire

Alford Arms is the best countryside pub outside London, nestled in a secluded wooded valley. Departing from London Euston to Berkhamsted, a very short bus ride and a 10 minute walk will take you just over an hour– it’s worth the journey we promise. 

Take a leisurely walk through Ashridge Forest before stumbling into this cosy foodie pub for Ashridge Venison Ragu or Gammon Steak with Rosti Potato– they all look seriously yummy. 

There’s a beer garden with beautiful blooms for warm summery days or head inside and enjoy its snug sofas. 

The Orange Tree

Hertfordshire

You should visit The Orange Tree in Hertfordshire if you don’t fancy travelling too far, as it’s just 40 minutes by train from London followed by a 20 minute walk. 

On the menu are English classics with a twist, combining the best of fine dining and British pub classics. Log burners are on hand to keep you toasty in the winter and there’s a beer garden to enjoy the sunny days too. 

Taste the countryside, well not literally, taste the local brews from McMullens brewery which is just around the corner– it doesn’t get fresher than that. This spot rivals the very best country pubs in London.

Plough Inn Eynsford

Dartford

The Plough Inn is pleasantly located in the picturesque town of Eynsford in Dartford. This pub is only 56 minutes from London Bridge including a 10 minute walk from the station. 

Its chic bar and spacious dining room are ideal for lazy Sunday roasts followed by a few drinks from the cocktail menu. While its lavish interior with low hanging lights and vibrant armchairs make it one of the coolest country pubs near London. 

There’s plenty of food options from vegan dishes, from the grill or an all day menu. If you’re lucky and it’s a warm day make sure you enjoy yours on the terrace– perfect for people-watching and sunbathing.

The George and Dragon

Sevenoaks

The George and Dragon is one of the best country pubs outside London for fresh food, from field to fork– quite literally. This 16th Century pub’s food uses local, organic farms in Kent, Sussex and Surrey to prepare steaks, pork belly and honey roast duck leg for all your meaty desires. 

Warm up by the open fire underneath exquisite oak beams surrounded by original period features or head out back and relax in the secluded tranquil garden enclosed by shrubbery and beautiful blooms with a cold one. 

The best part is this pub is just 49 minutes from London Bridge including a short 15 minute walk– we’re already boarding the train.

The Bottle & Glass Inn

Oxfordshire

Looking for a proper English pub with original beams? Get yourself to The Bottle & Glass Inn, it’s just one hour from London. 

Complete with a thatched roof and a modern finish, inside the bifolding doors flood the space with natural lighting and draw you outside to its cosy pub garden– great for sundowners. 

The Bottle & Glass Inn curates a menu using produce from the local area including all your favourite pub classics. 

To arrive at this pub, take the train from Paddington and it’s just a short 10 minute walk from the station.  

The Crown at Bray 

Berkshire

Thanks to the brand new Elizabeth line, The Crown at Bray is an easily accessible nice country pub near London– to be precise it’s just 49 minutes away from Paddington Station.

A charming courtyard, roaring log fires and a well-thought out garden with tree features and an outside bar for when the weather is kind to us awaits you at The Crown at Bray.

Enjoy some honest pub food like the Beer Battered Fish & Chips or the Irish Hereford Beef Burger washed down with a Berkshire Rhubarb & Raspberry Gin. 

The Horse Guards Inn

West Sussex

This pub has it all, whether you sit inside or outside in the garden you’ll be surrounded by antiques and quirky decor. The Horse Guards Inn sits in The South Downs National Parks with spectacular views of The Rother Valley that you could marvel at all day long.

Inside oak beams, stripped wooden floorboards, open log fires fill the space. The pub cooks up a seasonal menu that usually includes produce sourced locally and vegetables are dug out from the vegetable patch.  

From London Bridge it’s an hour and forty minutes to Upperton Road Station, and it’s super close to the station. 

The Olde Bell

Berkshire

900 year old The Olde Bell’s dining space is chic, luxurious but cosy. 

Tuck into your Ramp of English Lamb or Thyme Roasted Chicken Breast on its solid oak tables draped with Welsh woollen blankets. Fancy something a little lighter? Order Leek & Pork sausages from the bar menu. 

Enjoy a glass of wine in the spacious garden and take a wander through the estate– guests are free to explore as they please. 

56 minutes from Paddington Station, take the train to Maidenhead and then bus 239 which drops you just outside. 

Country Pubs Around London: Map