Five excellent country pubs with campsites

If your criteria for a great campsite is that it’s within walking distance of a pub, why not take things a step closer? These country pubs all have campsites right in their gardens…

If your criteria for a great campsite is that it’s within walking distance of a pub, why not take things a step closer? There are plenty of pubs with campsites attached in the UK and, if you’re willing to take a short stroll there are lots of campsites very near pubs too which, though not on the premises are often just over the hedge or down the lane. Ploughmans, pies and pints are within easy reach of these pitches just beyond the pub garden and, to help you get started, we’ve picked out five top pub options, all with on-site camping…

The Royal Oak, Derbyshire

After a day exploring the Peak District National Park you can return to The Royal Oak to refuel with an award-winning pie before bedding down in one of the camping fields out back. There are two; one sloping, one flat, both with direct access to the Tissington and High Peak Trails making this a perfect pit stop for walkers and cyclists. It’s tents and small campervans only here with no electric hook-up. But there are flushing loos, hot showers and a good washing-up area which is shared with the on-site bunk barn. The pub also serves hearty breakfasts and can make packed lunches too – just right to set you up for another day’s adventure in the national park.

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The Sweffling White Horse, Suffolk

Tucked behind the charming Sweffling White Horse in Suffolk is the equally charming Alde Garden campsite. Two yurts, a bell tent, a gypsy caravan and The Hideout (a kind of low-level tree house) are tucked in a wildlife-rich garden along with five tent pitches. There’s a communal field kitchen which makes campsite life easy but if you don’t fancy cooking, you can pop in to the pub which opens four evenings a week. Run by campsite hosts, Mark and Marie, The Sweffling White Horse is an old-fashioned ale house which champions local producers through a frequently-rotating range of beers and simple pub food.

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The Green Man, Warwickshire

The Green Man in Long Itchington is a real ale-drinkers’ delight with back-to-basics camping out back. Pitch up here and not only are you in the backyard of a pub which features in The Good Beer Guide, but there are another five pubs to visit within the village. The camping meadow is simple (there are no electric hook ups and no showers) but pretty, with the River Itchen flowing by. And, while there’s no food served at The Green Man itself, you can pop in for a drink and knowledgeable landlord, Mark, will fill you in on where’s good to eat in the local area. Even better; on Fridays, you can let the dinner come to you as a fish and chip van parks up out front.

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The Bridge Inn, Herefordshire

The Bridge Inn has both its own little campsite and its own little brook too. It’s an idyllic spot on the edge of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park. As a result, it is, of course, a great place for walkers, cyclists, wildlife watchers and water lovers. And, as it’s not far from Hay-on-Wye it’s not a bad spot for bookworms either. The campsite has a handful of riverside hardstanding pitches for campervans and caravans as well as a grassy meadow for tent campers. Facilities include hot showers, flushing loos and an outside washing up area – along with a one-minute stroll through site to the inn doors. Take a break from campfire cooking to sample gin distilled by the landlord himself and feast from a seasonal menu of locally-sourced food.

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The Hare and Hounds, East Sussex

Once a pub, now a B&B and campsite, The Hare and Hounds has a history of providing a warm welcome. Although you can no longer pop inside for a pint, this former pub back garden is within easy reach of a licensed café, Carmen’s Kitchen, a 10-minute walk down the road. It’s a little further to Peasmarsh village where the Horse and Cart serves up a selection of ales and recommended Sunday roasts. It’s also a short drive to higgledy-piggledy Rye with its atmospheric smugglers’ inns. Back on site, it’s simple meadow camping with everything you need for a stay within reach of East Sussex countryside and coast. Turn up with your own tent or book a bell tent or shepherd’s hut to enjoy this handy location.

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