England’s oldest pubs

Fancy a Pint? Somewhere with a bit of history?

The charming and beloved pubs of England! They serve as the beating heart of villages and communities all across the country. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling city streets, there are countless fantastic old pubs to explore and enjoy.

But have you ever wondered which pub takes the top prize as the oldest in all of England? Well, wonder no more! We’ve scoured the land and rounded up a selection of pubs that are considered by many to be among the oldest in the country.

(When it comes to the title of “England’s Oldest Pub,” several establishments vie for the honor. The debate is as lively as a Friday night at the local.)

So grab a pint, pull up a chair, and join us as we delve into the rich history of England’s most ancient drinking establishments.

Read on for England’s Oldest pubs, that are still serving happy customers today.

Step back in time as we introduce you to some of the oldest and most historic pubs in England. These pubs are not just preserving history – they’re keeping it alive. As you sit by an inglenook fireplace or lean against a polished mahogany bar, you’re not just a customer, but a participant in a centuries-old tradition. You’re part of the ongoing story of the English pub, a story written in wood and stone, in brick and glass, in the very fabric of these extraordinary buildings.

Each one with its own unique story to tell, a visit to these ancient inns is an unforgettable experience. Not only can you go for a beer, but there are mouthwatering menus full of local produce and rooms for overnight stays.

The Old Ferry Boat

First up, we have The Old Ferry Boat in Cambridgeshire. This pub, overlooking the Great Ouse river in the hamlet of Holywell, is reputed to be England’s oldest inn. (although there is some dispute)

According to the pub’s website, there are records of drinks being sold here as early as 560 AD! Just imagine, sitting on the banks of the Great Ouse, pint in hand, taking in the beautiful views, and knowing you’re in one of the oldest pubs in the land.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

Next, we have Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire, a pub that dates back to the 8th century. The building you can see today was built in the 11th century and is located across the road from St Albans Cathedral and its grounds.

The pub has tunnels stretching from the beer cellar to the Cathedral, allegedly used by Monks. Cock fighting took place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thus the name of the pub. It’s hard to imagine the tales that the walls of this ancient pub could tell.

The Porch House

We also have The Porch House in Gloucestershire, originally built in 10th century, This is also reputed to be England’s oldest inn, many of the original features can be seen today in the beautifully presented public areas.

Step into The Porch House, and you’re walking beneath beams that have stood for over a generations of pubgoers. The pub’s structure includes elements from the Anglo-Saxon period, making it a true architectural time capsule. It even has a 16th-century stone fireplace with carved symbols known as “witch marks,” believed to ward off evil spirits.

Take a step back in time and enjoy a pint in one of the oldest pubs in England.

Mermaid Inn at Rye

In the South East on the East Sussex coast, The Mermaid Inn at Rye is another ancient inn that is steeped in history- and ghost stories.

This Grade II* listed building was originally constructed in 1156, rebuilt in 1420 and was a favourite haunt of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers in the 1730s.

With its half-timbered facade and period features, The Mermaid Inn in Rye is a stunning example of Tudor architecture. Its giant fireplaces and wood-paneled rooms transport visitors back to the 15th century. The cellars built in Norman times and secret passageways in some of its rooms, it’s hard not to be in awe of this ancient establishment.

You can book a room and stay the night at the Mermaid Inn.

The Bingley Arms

The Bingley Arms, located in the picturesque village of Bardsey, West Yorkshire, is a true original English pub. The current stone building structure dates from the 18th century, not the 10th century, however the pub claims to be the oldest surviving pub in the United Kingdom, with a history dating back to between 905 AD and 953 AD. Despite the disputed age claim, the pub remains an important part of local culture and history.

The Royal Standard of England

The Royal Standard of England in Buckinghamshire is another truly historic country pub with a rich history spanning over 800 years. It’s the perfect place for a pint with plenty of nooks and crannies, gnarled timbers, worn flagstones and carved oak panels.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

For something truly unique, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottinghamshire. This ancient pub built into stone caves of castle rock, home to Nottingham Castle and Robin Hood. With a charming interior and even resident ghosts! The pub claims to have been established in 1189, and you can even take a cellar tour to learn more about the history of Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. From a Sunday Roast to a wide selection of premium beers, there are lots of good reasons to visit.

Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve in Norwich is another legendary public house, it’s a former monastery brewhouse set in a seasonal garden, believed to be at least 750 years old.

Ye Olde Man & Scythe

Finally on our list, Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a public house on Churchgate in Bolton, in Greater Manchester. The earliest recorded mention of its name is in a charter from 1251, making it one of the oldest public houses in Britain and the oldest in Bolton.

The Prospect of Whitby

The Prospect of Whitby is a historic pub in London with a rich history dating back to the early 16th century. The pub claims to be on the site of the oldest riverside tavern, dating from around 1520. This makes it nearly 500 years old. Views from this pub were sketched by both famous artists Turner and Whistler and it has been featured in various films, TV shows, and novels.

There are alot of very old pubs!

There are aproximately 40,000 pubs in England, so there are quite a few pubs claiming to be Britain’s oldest watering hole. It is safe to say that there are a lot of very old pubs across the country! Each one with its own unique history, and stories to tell, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the ancient inns of England. Even though the debate over oldest actual building and longest serving will always come into play. There are lovely old pubs, full of character and unique stories and legends ready to serve you a pint.

Cheers to England’s oldest pubs – may they stand for another thousand years!

From riverside inns to smugglers’ haunts, England’s oldest pubs offer more than just a good pint. They’re portals to the past, where every creaky floorboard and ancient beam tells a story. So next time you’re off for a pint, skip the modern bars and seek out these historic gems. When you are there, take a moment to look around. Notice the worn flagstones underfoot, the ancient beams overhead, the etched glass in the windows. Each element has a story to tell, a glimpse into the past. After all, where else can you enjoy a drink in the same spot where medieval monks, Tudor monarchs, and Georgian smugglers once raised their glasses.

For more information on Historic Pubs take a look at the Real Heritage Pub Guide the definitive guide to the nation’s most important historic pub interiors.