The Porch House is thought to be Britain’s oldest pub, built in 947 AD with 16th century stone added to the original Saxon wood structure. Part of the building was once a hospice, and in the 18th century it was named The Eagle and Child when it was rumoured to be a cockfighting venue.
It became a hotel as well as a pub in the 1970s, and is now one of the finest inns in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Porch House menu is all about simple yet robust cooking, using the best locally sourced ingredients. You can dine in the bar, lounge or garden on a first come, first serve basis; or book a table in the dining room or conservatory. If you fancy something exclusive for your group, book the ‘secret’ private dining room for up to 12 people where you can tailor the menu to your own tastes. Listed on UK Condé Naste Traveller’s ‘Best Restaurants in the Cotswolds’, this is a must visit for foodies looking for a sumptuous Sunday Lunch and quality meat. Plus, with vegan options and a children’s menu means there really is something for everyone.
You can buy gift vouchers for the restaurant and bar here which make for a great gift!
The Porch House has 13 individually designed rooms to suit all budgets, two of which can be joined together to create a larger family room. There are four main types of room – standard, superior double, superior twin and feature – plus a suite located on the quieter side of the pub with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom if you fancy a bit of luxury.
There is even a dog friendly room, so you can even bring your four-legged friend along on your stay.
Part of the Stay In A Pub group.
A short drive from Durham’s dramatic heritage coastline and close to the harbour and marina town of Seaham, this newly refurbished inn with rooms is open all day, every day, offering laid back dining with delicious, homemade fare, a welcoming bar and comfortable boutique-style en-suite accommodation. The Seaton Lane Inn has serious food credentials and offers a superb selection of meals including the inn’s famous, award-winning Sunday lunches. Living up to its status as a quality food destination, The Seaton Lane Inn has recently been awarded a coveted AA Diners Award.
The nearby Durham Coastal Footpath is a stunning 11-mile walking route from Seaham in the north to Crimdon in the south, through rugged clifftop scenery with links into coastal villages. Fully accessible and family friendly with free on-site parking. Dogs are very welcome in designated areas within our bar and our pet-friendly rooms.
Mentioned by Wordsworth in his poem “The Waggoner”, The Swan is tucked beneath the dramatic fells surrounding timeless Grasmere village in the Lake District. Perfectly placed to welcome walkers, outdoor lovers or for catching up with friends and family, discover The Swan in one of the loveliest spots in the Lakes.
The Swan is perfectly placed for exploring all the fabulous attractions that the Lake District National Park has to offer, with hills, fells, mountains, lakes and picturesque towns and villages such as Hawkshead, Ambleside, Windermere, Grasmere and Keswick all within easy reach.
Based in the beautiful village of Brigsteer in the Lake District National Park, the multi award-winning Wheatsheaf Inn is perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and dog owners.
At the foot of the peak of Scout Scar and surrounded by beautiful views across the Lyth Valley, this historic inn (dating back to 1762) has six cosy bedrooms and serves real ale and home-cooked food.
Part of the Stay In A Pub group.
At Higher Wiscombe we make bringing your baby on holiday as easy as possible. Having had three of our own we can clearly remember the amount of baby kit that we needed to pack in the car.
We have set out to provide more than just the basics, if you like us to supply any of the following, free of charge, please let us know which you’ll need and they will be ready and waiting in the cottage for you.
Theakstons is our single bed room, located in the loft space on the second floor. En-Suite Room “Wet Room Style” with “Drench” Shower.
With a view of Castleberg Crag this comfortable room will ensure you have a relaxing nights stay. Rate includes Breakfast.
Within easy reach of:
Thornbridge Manor is a stunning country manor house beautifully presented in a prestigious position beside the popular Monsal Trail. With fabulous lawned gardens, children’s play area and tennis court this is a great luxury accommodation for 14 – 24 people.
If you have even more friends and family you can combine with Thornbridge Lodge to allow groups of up to 30 to enjoy exclusive use of this fabulous venue.
Top Shippon is a boutique, converted, country barn in a superb village location, near to Bakewell and Chatsworth in the Peak District National Park.
Top Shippon is perfect for walkers, cyclists, country lovers and families in the lovely village of Great Longstone and sleeps up to 6 guests.
Vale Cottage has real wow factor with double height lounge, huge windows and oak beams. Planned for people who have mobility problems and need a wheelchair some of the time. The space is generous, the doors wide and the floors level. There is a gentle slope from the car park and low threshold.
The large ground floor bedroom can be a super king or twin beds. There is a door through to the wet room which has room for a helper.
The lounge is spacious with an open plan staircase to the mezzanine with twin beds.
The kitchen is easily accessed through an archway.
Vale and Meadow cottages can be booked together.
We welcome groups looking to hire indoor or outdoor spaces for residential programmes, particularly where those groups support the principles of the Sharpham Trust.
Sharpham House offers a very different experience to staying in a hotel. You and your colleagues can stay in a beautiful Grade I-listed property, which also has the relaxing, informal atmosphere of a family home.
You can also hire The Coach House – a converted Georgian courtyard – with 18 single rooms and an exceptional glass and timber extension providing a wonderful, light-filled space.
Or hire Sharpham House and The Coach House together.
The Sharpham Estate – now certified organic – is set in a majestic location high above the River Dart. The house and gardens exude a sense of peace and tranquillity with exquisite views in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This spacious two-bedroomed stone built cottage offers delightful views over fields and the landscaped grounds.
It has a wonderfully cosy farmhouse feel, and its natural lighting gives it a real sense of peace.
We are confident that this cottage will meet your expectation of the ideal cottage in the country.
The light and airy master bedroom with its double bed has a full length window overlooking the garden.
If you can’t get to us, you can still access Sharpham teachings and mindfulness from your own home.
We offer online mindfulness courses, a weekly guided meditation and virtual retreats where you can connect with community and practice.
We’ve got downloadable meditations to take you away from the screen, videos that you can use and gentle mindful movement practices. Our experienced course/retreat leaders are there in real time to guide you.
Wales Walking Holidays have been operating since 2006, offering quality service to walkers on various walking trails in Wales. Walking is the best way to experience this wonderful country, full of myths and legends and stunning scenery. Our trails include: – Offa’s Dyke Path, Glyndwr’s Way and Pembrokeshire National Trails.
The 870 mile of the Wales Coast Path (North Wales Coast, Anglesey Coastal Path, Menai and Llyn, Meirionnydd, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Gower and the South Wales Coast).
Wye Valley Walk, North Wales Path, Snowdonia and Wicklow (Ireland).
All packages are self-guided to include accommodations, bed and breakfast, maps, guide books, luggage and people transfers.