4 min readWhether you’re staying on the outskirts of Bristol or in the city centre, you're never far from a traditional country pub that serves a great selection of food and drink. They provide a relaxing spot for Sunday lunch or a pitstop on a long country walk.
Avon Valley
Between Bristol and Bath, you'll find riverside pub the Chequers Inn in Hanham Mills, which boasts a huge beer garden overlooking the River Avon. You can reach the pub by walking along the Avon river path from Conham or Keynsham, or there is a large car park if you decide to cycle or drive. In the summer months this section of the river is popular with paddleboarders and kayakers, so you'll have plenty to watch from your seat. The Old Lock & Weir is next door in case you can't find a table, although that's unlikely given the size of the garden!
Image - Chequers Inn
Just a short walk along the river, the Lock Keeper in Keynsham also has a large beer garden and a menu of classic pub favourites. It's easily accessible from Keynsham train station around five minutes walk away, and is also well situated if you're doing a local walk along the river.
Image - Lock Keeper
The Upton is tucked away down a winding country lane in the village of Upton Cheyney, close to some beautiful walking areas including Golden Valley Nature Reserve and Kelston Roundhill. The pub has several outdoor areas to enjoy the sunshine and nature, as well as a maze of cosy corners inside. Their menu is a mix of homemade pub classics and lighter lunchtime options.
Image - The Upton
Chew Valley
A short drive south of Bristol and you will arrive in the scenic Chew Valley, where you can stop off for a hearty lunch or pub garden drinks at The Pelican or The Queens in Chew Magna, each a popular choice with locals and visitors alike.
The Queens also has accommodation you can book above the pub if you want to stay in the area for a day or two - their stylish B&B rooms include a dog-friendly duplex with its own private entrance.
Image - The Queens Chew Magna
In nearby Compton Martin, Ring o' Bells serves up a delicious menu of pub favourites, including Sunday lunch and fish & chips. Their garden and playground make it a popular choice for families, and the pub also hosts regular outdoor events and barbecues in the summer months.
Image - Ring o' Bells
The Mendips
Heading further south into the picturesque Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Langford is a charming village pub dating from the 17th Century, with a large garden and dining area as well as several boutique bedrooms.
Image - Sharing board at The Langford
The Rising Sun in nearby Backwell also has some carefully refurbished bedrooms if you want to stay in a pub. It's just a short drive from Bristol Airport if you wanted a quiet place to stay before or after your flight.
Image - The Rising Sun
The Swan Inn in Roeberrow is a Grade II-listed inn serving a range of pub favourites and real ales, and close to popular local attractions including Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves.
Image - The Swan Inn
If you want to try some locally-made cider, The Railway Inn in Sandford village is run by Thatchers Cider, and is handily located next to their cider orchards and shop. One of the nicest ways to get to the pub and cider farm is by cycling along the Strawberry Line, a former railway line now used as a popular cycling route through North Somerset and the Mendips. You can book a day out along the Strawberry Line, including bike hire and lunch, via Yuup.
Image - The Railway Inn
South Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
To the north of the city, The White Hart is based in a former farmhouse in the pretty village of Littleton-upon-Severn, with garden views of the River Severn & Wales. The menu is a comforting selection of pub grub, and they even have their own traditional cider brewed only a stone's throw away in their orchard.
Image - The White Hart
Just a short drive away, you'll find historic pub The Bowl Inn in Almondsbury nestled away at the bottom of the village, packed with original features and character. There are 12 rooms available to book above the pub, and it's a great location to visit local attractions including The Wave, Bristol Zoo Project, and The Mall Cribbs Causeway.
The Crown in Tolldown is a 16th-century traditional inn, located a stone’s throw from the beautiful National Trust property Dyrham Park and in easy reach of Bath and the M4.
Image - The Crown Inn
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