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Everyone has an idea of what makes the perfect motorhome holiday. When planning your next trip, you’ll be thinking about where to go and what to do when you’re there.

For one person, the perfect motorhome holiday might involve kayaking and mountain climbing. For another it could be whale watching and stargazing. Or for someone else, their holiday could be all about visiting museums and historical landmarks.

Whatever your idea of the perfect motorhome holiday, you’re likely to want to include a visit to a pub while you’re away for a well-earned tipple after a day on the road.

Motorhome + pub = happy holiday

More of us Brits are opting for staycations each year. That’s partly because we’re a nation of motorhomers and caravanners. But we’re also a nation of pub lovers.

Data from the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) reveals that 39% of UK adults have taken a camping or caravanning holiday since 2016.

While a study from 2017 revealed that drinking beer and sitting in the pub is scientifically proven to put a smile on any Brit’s face. It’s the perfect combination.

But with so many UK destinations and pubs to choose from, where do you start?

Thankfully, this year’s Sawday’s The Great British Pub Guide has just been released. As well as featuring winners from their annual pub awards, the book also includes more than 500 of the UK’s all-time pub hotspots.

Here are the seven winners from this year’s best pub awards to get you on the road to motorhome holiday perfection.

 

The Fleece Inn, Worcestershire

If you like your pubs steeped in history, The Fleece Inn won’t disappoint. With its roaring fires, dimly lit rooms and orchard, it’s earned the accolade of Pub of the Year.

Built in the 15^th century by a farmer named Byrd and bequeathed to the National Trust in 1977, it remains largely unchanged (apart from its menu, which attracts punters from near and far).

It’s also located near the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills, so there are walking opportunities aplenty – perfect for a pre-pint stroll.

Things to do nearby: Worcester Cathedral (see the royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur); West Midland Safari Park (safari drive through and theme park); and lots of other National Trust properties.

Where to stay: Weir Meadow Holiday and Touring Park

 

Eagle & Child, Lancashire

This community pub was set up as a way to tackle youth unemployment, with disadvantaged young people working in the kitchen and front of house.

Serving locally-sourced and home-grown food, the seasonal menu is everything you want from Lancashire pub grub.

Nab yourself a table in the Orangery and you’ll be treated to views across to Holcombe Moor and the iconic Peel Tower.

Things to do nearby: Bury Transport Museum (restored vehicles and original artefacts from the area’s industrial heritage); Turton Tower (stone tower house dating back to the 1400s); and Ramsbottom (lively market town and home to the legendary black pudding throwing competition).

Where to stay: Burrs Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

 

The Culm Valley Inn, Devon

Scooping the Best Newcomer award, this charming pub is all about its microbrew beers, rare spirits and specialist French wines.

Oozing rural charm and rustic character, the pub is a key part of community life and its riverside beer garden is great in the summer.

Built on the site of a former railway station, this former railway hotel has a lot to offer – not least the food. Its locally-sourced menu will delight visitors, so why not give it a go?

Things to do nearby: Culmstock Beacon (one of a series of stone beacons used to warn of advancing enemies); Cothay Manor and Gardens (medieval manor house); Grand Western Canal Country Park (perfect for boating, walking, cycling and fishing).

Where to stay: Cadeside Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

The Griffin, Pembrokeshire

The Griffin is the last of 15 pubs that used to be in Dale. It sits in front of the sea wall (aka ‘the longest bar in Pembrokeshire’).

Thanks to its harbourside location, fresh fish, lobster and shellfish are always on the menu – and hugely popular.

Alongside the traditional bar, fire and rustic interiors, an additional restaurant and roof terrace make the most of the views across the bay. Plus the coastal walks nearby are excellent.

Things to do nearby: Dale Peninsular circular walk (a six-mile walk which takes you away from and back to the pub!); West Wales Water Sports centre (to get the adrenaline pumping); and boat trips to Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm islands (full of spectacular scenery and birdlife).

Where to stay: Creampots Touring Caravan and Camping Park

 

The Lister Arms, Yorkshire

If you’re looking for a central point from which to explore Yorkshire, The Lister Arms in the Yorkshire Dales National Park could be the answer.

With a village green, stone bridge and stream outside, inside you’ll find flagged floors, wood-burning stoves and a fabulous range of local ales.

Chosen for its family-friendly vibes, this pub won’t disappoint.

Things to do nearby: Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss waterfall and Gordale Scar (all within walking distance); Malham Tarn (England’s highest lake, great for bird-watching); and loads of caving and mountain biking opportunities.

Where to stay: Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

 

The Wellington Arms, Hampshire

A visit to The Wellington Arms may leave you wondering why more pubs don’t come with their own beehives, hens, pigs and sheep.

This pub – affectionately known as the ‘Welly’ – has become a mecca for foodies, thanks to its array of home-grown, locally-sourced, organic produce.

Named the best pub for food in the Sawday’s awards, expect the freshest of fresh menus and wonderfully modern cooking.

Things to do nearby: Silchester Roman Wall and amphitheatre, Highclere Castle (aka the setting of Downton Abbey), and the Bombay Sapphire distillery (where you can book a mixology masterclass).

Where to stay: Bishops Green Farm Campsite

 

Find motorhome insurance today

Wherever you end up booking your next motorhome holiday, make buying motorhome insurance part of the planning process.

Passionate explorers can get the motorhome insurance cover they need from Lancaster.

Get a quote today.