Winter in Britain offers the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the countryside at its most atmospheric.
In this article, we explore some of the best winter walks paired with traditional country pubs, from gentle village routes to scenic national parks, ideal for crisp weekends filled with fresh air, good food, and welcoming firesides.
Top 5 Winter Walks & Country Pubs for a Crisp British Weekend
1. Cotswolds Walks & Traditional Village Pubs
For those who love tradition, Cotswolds Walks and Traditional Village Pubs undoubtedly come out on top. The Cotswolds walks are made up of multiple trails that pass through villages such as Chipping Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water.
You can explore a village properly in a single day and round off the outing with traditional food and good ales at a local pub. Most offer a solid range of non-alcoholic drinks too, which is ideal if you are heading back out on the road rather than staying overnight.
Many pubs also have rooms available if you wish to stay, but we recommend booking in advance, as even in winter they tend to fill up quickly.
2. Lake District Trails & Cosy Inn Stops
The Lake District trails are set within a national park in Cumbria, in the north-west of England. If you are craving nature rather than history and traditional architecture, this trail is an ideal choice. Make sure you have proper footwear, ideally boots designed for this kind of terrain, as you can expect plenty of mud, uneven ground, and slippery sections.
West Windermere Way accessible route. Photo Credit: Lake District Park, originally published in https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/routes-and-maps/miles-without-stiles-51-west-windermere-way
These walks are worthy of an entire holiday in their own right. While there are specific, guided day trips available, it is generally recommended to allow around five days to explore and enjoy the trail at a relaxed pace. Towns such as Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick offer a wide range of inns, cabins, and hostels where you can stay overnight, warm up, and set off again the next day to continue your Lake District adventure.
3. Peak District Routes
It is estimated that more than 10 million tourists visit the Peak District each year, both from other parts of the UK and from around the world. Do not let that number put you off. Winter, from December to February, is the low season, and particularly after the Christmas period, you will find a calm landscape that feels far from overcrowded.
If you enjoy snow-covered scenery, a winter break in the Peak District is not to be missed. Its routes include trails with varying levels of difficulty, and during winter, it is advisable to stay informed with the help of a local guide, as the terrain can change after heavy rain or snowfall and become hazardous.
Ladybower Reservoir and the Thornhill trail are generally among the most accessible routes throughout the year, so there is usually a safe option available regardless of the weather, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the countryside.
4. South Downs Rural Gastropubs
The South Downs offer some of the finest natural landscapes in the UK, but here the focus is on its gastropubs. What sets them apart from other countryside pubs is a slightly broader and more varied food offering, without losing their traditional character. Most specialise in beers and wines, so do not expect sophisticated London-style cocktails, but what they do serve comes with a reliable mark of quality.
The traditional Duke of Cumberland Arms features a garden area with an outdoor fireplace, blending nature with comfort. Meanwhile, the well-known The Fox Goes Free embraces its 400-year history, offering a thoroughly traditional atmosphere and hearty, homemade food that will warm you through and through.
Duke of Cumberland Exterior. Photo Credit: The Duke of Cumberland Arms Gallery, originally published in https://dukeofcumberland.com/gallery/
5. Yorkshire Dales Footpaths & Fireside Pubs
The Yorkshire Dales footpaths form a network of public trails covering more than 2,600 kilometres. Some routes are suitable for beginners, while others require a higher level of preparation, so it is always best to check in with a local guide or park representatives. The Malham Landscape Trail is around 8 kilometres long and can easily be completed in a single day, although certain sights, such as Janet’s Foss, may be frozen in winter.
Malham Tarn during the winter. Photo credit: Yorkshire Dales National Park, originally published in https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/malham_tarn/
This outing is best planned as a full weekend, as after so much walking, it is worth staying overnight to rest before getting back on the road. Well-known inns in Malham, Grassington, and Hawes are popular choices thanks to their direct access to the trails, and staff are usually familiar with the routes and happy to offer practical advice. In the evening, you can enjoy good pub food and warm up by the fireside.
What to Wear for Winter Walks & Country Pub Stops
When planning a winter trip into nature, staying warm without losing mobility are the two key priorities to keep in mind, and they matter more than fashion. That said, there are lighter walks along less demanding trails that allow you to balance all three elements, keeping warm while still maintaining a sense of style.
Layered Country Walk Outfit
For lighter walks in nature, layering is key. Leggings work well as a base layer, paired with gaiters and leather boots to help keep you warm and protected. You can also wear leggings underneath a pair of joggers, which adds extra warmth without restricting movement.
On top, a thermal base layer is essential, along with wool jumpers and jackets to adapt to changing conditions. If the walk is relaxed and allows for a more fashionable approach, we recommend reading our year-round knitwear guide, where you will find pieces that combine comfort, warmth, and style.
Relaxed Pub Lunch Look
If you have been out for a morning walk, or you are enjoying a lighter day that allows you to head back for lunch at the pub, this is the perfect moment to wear an outfit that stands out without overdoing it. Our POPPY Jacket and AVA Pure Wool Gilet, in olive and brown tones, pair beautifully with the textures and colours of the countryside clothing.
Underneath, the LAYLA Orange Pheasants Shirt works particularly well. Its clean white base, combined with the pheasant detailing, adds brightness to the outfit without clashing with the rest of the look. To finish it off, the ROSIE – Luxury Velvet Jeans in brown bring the whole outfit together.
Footwear for Walking Trails to Pub Floors
For winter outings that combine the countryside with pub stops, staying safe and comfortable is key. A good pair of leather boots will help keep your feet warm during the walk, and they are easy to clean with a quick wipe before heading into the pub. In fact, many of the pubs mentioned here provide brushes for this purpose. It is not mandatory, of course, as they are well used to a bit of mud being brought inside.
When choosing winter footwear, boots with a firm sole and good grip are always the best option. They should support you across muddy paths, unstable ground, and even snow. Pair them with wool socks for an extra layer of cold protection — if your feet are cold, the rest of your body soon follows. We also recommend carrying an extra pair in your rucksack, just in case.
Enjoy Your Winter British Countryside Escapes
From rolling hills and frost-covered paths to fireside lunches and cosy inns, winter walks paired with country pubs showcase the very best of the British countryside. Whether you prefer historic villages, wide-open landscapes, or relaxed gastropub stops, there is a route to suit every pace and preference.
With the right layers, sturdy footwear, and a flexible plan, these crisp weekend escapes prove that winter is one of the most rewarding times to explore Britain beyond the cities.