The Cotswolds is a dream come true for lovers of quaint villages, honey-coloured stone cottages, and long countryside walks that just so happen to end at a brilliant pub. Tucked between Burford and Lechlade, you'll find a treasure trove of historic inns, cosy watering holes, and local favourites where the fires are warm, the ale is cold, and the welcome is always friendly.
Whether you’re after a hearty Sunday roast, a quiet pint in a sun-drenched garden, or a place to swap stories with locals, here are some of our favourite pubs to check out in this charming corner of the Cotswolds.
 
The Angel at Burford
Where: Witney Street, Burford
Vibe: Cosy and characterful
Try: The steak and ale pie + a local Hook Norton ale
Right in the heart of Burford, The Angel feels like a home away from home. It’s small, snug, and brimming with personality—think low beamed ceilings, roaring fires in winter, and friendly staff who know their stuff. The food is a notch above standard pub fare, and they’re proud supporters of local brewers and producers. A proper Cotswold gem.
 
The Five Alls, Filkins
Where: A short drive from Lechlade
Vibe: Country chic with a foodie flair
Try: Their seasonal specials and an English sparkling wine
This stylish 18th-century coaching inn has become something of a destination for foodies. The Five Alls blends rustic charm with modern flair—expect flagstone floors and an open kitchen. Their menus change with the seasons, and their outdoor garden is an idyllic spot in the summer. Book ahead on weekends—it’s popular for a reason.
 
The Swan at Southrop
Where: Just outside Lechlade
Vibe: Idyllic and Instagram-worthy
Try: A craft G&T in the garden
If you want a pub that feels like it stepped out of a fairytale, The Swan at Southrop is it. Set in a postcard-perfect village, this pub is part of the Thyme estate, and it has a refined but relaxed feel. Their menu leans seasonal and sophisticated, with herbs and veg often picked straight from their gardens. It’s pricier than your average pint, but oh-so worth it.
 
The Bell Inn, Langford
Where: Between Burford and Lechlade
Vibe: Laid-back and loved by locals
Try: The wood-fired sourdough pizzas or a local cider
The Bell is one of those pubs that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you find it, you’ll want to come back again and again. It’s run by a team passionate about good food and even better beer. The menu is delightfully unpretentious, with everything from burgers to baked Camembert. In the summer, the garden’s a hit; in the winter, the log burner’s always going.
 
The Trout Inn, Lechlade
Where: Riverside, Lechlade
Vibe: Historic and full of character
Try: Fish & chips with a riverside view
Dating back to the 15th century, The Trout Inn sits right on the River Thames. It's packed with old-world charm—think creaky floors, timber beams, and nooks made for whiling away an afternoon. They host regular live music and even canal boat moorings, so it’s not unusual to see boaters pop in for a pint. On a sunny day, the riverside garden is unbeatable.
 
Bring Your Walking Boots
Many of these pubs are linked by some of the prettiest walking routes in the Cotswolds. Whether you're meandering along the Windrush or exploring the fields between Filkins and Southrop, a good walk followed by a pint makes for the perfect Cotswold day.