There’s something special about an autumn day in the Gloucestershire countryside. Colourful leaves, quiet walking trails and picturesque villages make it a lovely time to get outdoors, while the promise of a hearty pub lunch and a warm fire gives you an extra reason to wrap up and head out.
Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, meeting friends for a leisurely lunch or simply looking for an excuse to explore somewhere new, Gloucestershire has plenty of traditional pubs to discover.
Here are eight cosy pubs to add to your plans.
1. The Royal Exchange, Hartpury
For a traditional country pub with countryside views, The Royal Exchange in Hartpury is a lovely option. Situated between Gloucester and Ledbury, this welcoming pub combines a relaxed atmosphere with a rural setting.
The pub is known for its log burner, generous pub meals and views across the surrounding countryside. Its terrace and garden are particularly appealing in warmer weather, but the welcoming interior makes it a good choice when temperatures drop.
The menu includes traditional British pub favourites alongside seasonal specials, with locally sourced ingredients featuring in its offering.
2. The Black Horse Inn, North Nibley
Nestled in the Gloucestershire village of North Nibley, The Black Horse Inn is a characterful pub surrounded by countryside popular with walkers.
The historic inn is a convenient stop for anyone exploring the area around the Tyndale Monument and the Cotswold Way. Its traditional setting makes it a tempting place to warm up after spending time outdoors.
One thing that makes this pub stand out is its Indian-inspired food offering, providing an alternative to the usual pub classics. There is also accommodation available for visitors who want to turn a day out into a countryside break.
3. The Colesbourne Inn, near Cheltenham
If you're looking for a traditional Cotswolds inn with a cosy atmosphere, The Colesbourne Inn is well worth considering.
This historic coaching inn dates back to 1827 and sits in the Gloucestershire countryside between Cheltenham and Cirencester. Inside, its traditional bar and open fires provide a welcoming place.
The pub serves seasonal food, including Sunday roasts, and has en-suite bedrooms if you'd like to turn your visit into a longer countryside break.
Its rural setting also makes it a useful stop for anyone exploring the surrounding Cotswold villages or heading out for a countryside walk.
4. The Old Fox, Coaley
For a village pub with plenty of traditional character, head to The Old Fox in Coaley.
This stone-built pub has a history spanning around 300 years and sits close to the Cotswold Way, making it a natural stop for walkers exploring the area.
Inside, a wood-burning stove helps create a cosy atmosphere on colder days. Separate drinking and dining areas mean you can settle in for a meal or simply enjoy a drink after spending time outdoors.
The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities to explore, with footpaths around Coaley and the wider Dursley area providing options for a winter walk.
5. The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney
For a Cotswolds pub that combines rustic charm with a picturesque rural setting, consider The Bathurst Arms in North Cerney, just north of Cirencester.
Set alongside the River Churn, this traditional pub offers a relaxed setting for a meal. Its rustic interiors and cosy corners make it a welcoming place to spend time when the weather outside is less inviting.
The Bathurst Arms serves seasonal dishes and is particularly suited to a leisurely lunch or Sunday roast. There are also en-suite bedrooms if you fancy extending your visit into a countryside getaway.
If the weather is dry, explore some of the surrounding countryside before heading inside to warm up.
6. The Red Lion Inn, Huntley
If your ideal winter pub involves a wood-burning fire, traditional interiors and a hearty meal, The Red Lion Inn in Huntley deserves a place on your list.
This village inn, north-west of Gloucester, embraces the traditional country pub experience, with low beams, warm brickwork and a wood-burning fire during the colder months. It's the sort of setting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy a long lunch rather than rushing straight home.
The pub serves food from its own kitchen and also offers accommodation, making it an option for visitors exploring the surrounding countryside.
There are also regular community activities, giving the inn a distinctly local feel beyond its appeal as a place to eat and drink.
7. The Bell Inn, Selsley
For far-reaching countryside views and a traditional pub atmosphere, head to The Bell Inn in Selsley, close to Stroud.
This historic Cotswold stone inn dates back to the 16th century and is known for its characterful interior, welcoming bar and views across the surrounding valley. Its log burners provide an appealing place to settle down when the temperature drops.
The Bell also has a food-focused offering, with seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients featuring on its menus. Its position close to the Cotswold Way makes it a useful stop for walkers exploring the hills and footpaths around Selsley Common.
If you're planning a longer visit, the inn also offers accommodation, so you can make a weekend of exploring the Stroud valleys.
8. The Bull Hotel, Fairford
For a cosy pub visit in the eastern Cotswolds, The Bull Hotel in Fairford is another option worth considering.
This historic hotel and pub combines traditional character with a relaxed atmosphere. Its pub bar has an open fire, offering a comfortable place to enjoy a drink or unwind after exploring the nearby countryside.
The restaurant serves rustic dishes, while the individually styled bedrooms make it possible to extend your visit into an overnight stay.
Fairford itself is worth exploring, with its historic town centre and impressive St Mary's Church providing reasons to spend a little longer in the area. You could combine a wander around the town with lunch at the pub before heading home.
