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 streets of London, there are countless fantastic old pubs to explore and enjoy.

But have you ever wondered which pub takes the cake 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.

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. Each one with its own unique story to tell, a visit to these ancient inns is an unforgettable experience.

First up, we have The Ferry Boat. This pub, overlooking the Great Ouse river in the hamlet of Holywell, is reputed to be England’s oldest inn. 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.

Next, we have Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, a pub that dates back to the 8th century. The pub 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.

We also have The Porch House, 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. Take a step back in time and enjoy a pint in one of the oldest pubs in England.

The Mermaid Inn at Rye is another ancient inn that is steeped in history. With 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. It was originally constructed in 1156, rebuilt in 1420 and was a favourite haunt of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers in the 1730s.

The Bingley Arms, located in the picturesque village of Bardsey, West Yorkshire, is a true original English pub. This 1000 year-old stone pub is an experience not to be missed.

The Royal Standard of England is another truly historic 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.

For something truly unique, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an ancient pub built into stone caves with a charming, wonky interior and 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.

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

Finally, Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a public house on Churchgate in Bolton, England. 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.

With all these pubs claiming to be the oldest, it’s 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.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks dates back to the 8th Century. The pub you can see today was built in the 11th Century. St Albans Cathedral and grounds are just across the road and there are tunnels stretching from the beer cellar to the Cathedral, apparently used by Monks. Cock fighting took place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hence the name of the pub. With its long history ‘The Cocks’ could tell a few stories!

From the website

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!

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. (compiled by CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group)