Oldest Pubs in Britain

Certified by the Guinness Book of Records as England's oldest inn, with carbon dating of timbers to 947 AD. Formerly the Royalist Hotel. 16th-century stone fireplace with "witch marks" to ward off evil. Former coaching inn on the Fosse Way, now a luxury hotel and restaurant. The claim is stronger than most because it has scientific backing — but it's still carbon dating of a building, not a continuous licence record.

According to legend, alcohol has been served here since 560 AD. Mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). The current building is 17th century with an earlier cross-wing. Grade II listed, owned by Greene King. Haunted by Juliet Tewsley, who drowned herself in the river after being jilted on Good Friday. A ghost story is almost mandatory for the oldest-pub claim. The 560 AD claim is pure legend — but it's served ale for over a millennium, which is something.

Once one of the most famous "oldest pub" claims in Britain, citing 793 AD. The building was a timber-framed structure that had been rebuilt many times. The pub burned down in February 2022. As of 2026, it has not reopened. The site is still empty. It claims to be the oldest licence holder, but historians say the building was only from the 11th century at earliest. Listed on official documents, not currently operating.

Claims to be "the oldest surviving pub in the United Kingdom," dating back to before England had its first King (Athelstan). According to legend, ale was served here to Catholic priests hiding from persecution from 905 AD to 953 AD. The current building is 18th-century. It's a lovely country pub with a very good claim — but the pre-1000 date relies on legend, not documentation. The site has certainly hosted ale-selling for a very long time.

The most famous "oldest pub" in Britain — and Nottingham has three pubs with competing claims (the Trip, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, and The Bell Inn). The Trip claims 1189, the year Richard the Lionheart became king and called for the Third Crusade — hence the name. Caves carved into the sandstone beneath Nottingham Castle were reputedly used as a medieval brewhouse from 1067. However: the name "Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem" first appears in 1799. Before that it was called The Pilgrim (1751). The current building dates from 1650-1660. John Speed's 1610 map shows a structure on the site. It probably sold ale in medieval times — but not under this name.

Claims to be "the oldest Free House in England" with origins in the 900s. Mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) as "The Ship." The name "Royal Standard" dates from the English Civil War when Charles II allegedly sheltered here. Legend says there's a secret tunnel to the church for smuggling Catholic priests. It is genuinely very old — but the specific dates are disputed. Grade II listed, independently owned.

The epitome of a smugglers' inn. Cellars built in Norman times with secret passageways. Originally constructed in 1156, rebuilt in 1420. The Hawkhurst Gang used the inn in the 1730s. Five half-timbered buildings connected by a central corridor, giving it enormous atmosphere. It's now a hotel. The building itself genuinely dates from 1156, one of the oldest verifiable pub structures in England.

Dated to the 12th century, standing next to the Norman church of St Mary's. Secret passage, gargoyles, a cryptic cellar, and a huge original fireplace. Ecclesiastical links with local monastic orders. The well still exists. Very atmospheric and genuinely old.

One of England's oldest inns on the Great North Road — the main coaching route from London to York. Welcoming travellers since 1203. King Edward VI stayed here in 1552. The Royal part of the name was added in 1866, after a visit from the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Originally a medieval inn for pilgrims and merchants. Still operating as a hotel and restaurant today.

England's oldest purpose-built hotel — not just a pub that acquired rooms, but built as a guest house for visiting monks of Malmesbury Abbey (founded in the 7th century). Next to a magnificent 12th-century abbey. Reputed to be haunted by the Grey Lady. Part of the hotel may have been built on the abbey churchyard. Now a 4-star boutique hotel and restaurant. An exceptional claim backed by strong architectural evidence.

On the site of a medieval inn for at least a thousand years. Owned by the Abbots of Croyland. Original gateways, ancient passageways, and the remains of an old chapel. An important coaching stop on the London to York route. One of the finest medieval towns in England, Stamford has many incredible buildings.

Nottingham's other "oldest pub" contender. The building claims 13th-century origins. The name "Ye Olde Salutation" does appear in very old records (though not as far back as 1189). It's carved into the rock under Nottingham Castle like the Trip. The three competing Nottingham pubs argue endlessly about which claims the crown. This one is a genuinely ancient building and very atmospheric.

Built as a resting place on the pilgrimage trail from Winchester to Canterbury. King Edward VI stayed here in 1552. Wealden crown post roof, stained-glass windows, and cozy fireplaces. Still a village pub after more than 640 years.

Claims to have had a licence to serve ale from 1397 and calls itself "Britain's oldest tavern." Its history is extensively documented: Samuel Pepys passed through in 1668. In 1685, the Duke of Monmouth used it as headquarters during his rebellion. Afterwards, Judge Jeffreys used the inn as a courtroom during the Bloody Assizes — twelve people were taken from the inn and executed in the village. Now a Grade I listed building and a hotel.

Claimed to be the oldest pub in Wales, dating from the 11th century. The name comes from the nearby Welsh mountain Ysgyryd Fawr. Reputedly used as a courtroom by Judge Jeffreys during the Bloody Assizes — the oak beam from which people were hanged is still visible inside. The building genuinely has medieval origins and is now a pub-restaurant.

Oxford's oldest pub, founded in 1242. Still a student and dons' pub. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are said to have drunk here. Low-beamed, intimate, unpretentious. In the centre of Oxford. A proper old pub, not a museum.