The oldest pubs in England

A cosy, quintessentially Cotswolds pub in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Porch House purports to be England’s oldest inn. Parts of the building, namely wooden beams which were recently carbon-dated, hail from around 1000 BC, though the majority of what you see today dates back from the 16th and 17th centuries. Look out for witch marks above the fireplace, put there to ward off evil spirits. And for those low door frames, if you don’t want to bump your head.

 The Royal Standard has been welcoming visitors for over 900 years, and calls itself the oldest free house in England. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by dark wooden beams, well-worn medieval floors and the lingering smell of wood smoke. It really feels like you leave the modern world outside the front door, and that’s even before you hear rumours of the many ghosts that allegedly haunt the boozer. The traditional pub atmosphere extends to the menu, which is populated with fancy takes on hearty English comfort food like Scotch eggs, sausages and mash, handmade pies and Sunday roasts. Leave room for apple pie, spotted dick or a steamed sponge pudding with warm custard for dessert.

A white, thatched inn overlooking the River Ouse, Old Ferry Boat is another boozer that lays claim to being the oldest pub in England. Records show drinks being sold here in 560 AD. Things have changed a fair bit over the years – it’s now run by brewery Greene King and has been modernised inside – but a seat beside the fire here remains an appealing spot in which to sip a pint.