10 oldest pubs in England and what to order at each

A trip to England isn’t complete without going to the pub. Short for “public house,” the pub is a traditional part of English life. In the United Kingdom, pubs aren’t just a place to have a pint; they’re also local watering holes and community centers to gather with friends or meet someone new. Most pubs offer a range of local and imported beers, and you’ll also find pub grub like fish and chips, sandwiches, or stews.

While modern pubs spring up every day, there’s nothing like enjoying a drink at an old pub in England while surrounded by centuries of history. Many old English pubs come with accommodation, so you can even stay the night. Here are 10 of the oldest pubs in England and the stories behind them.

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Located in Cambridgeshire, The Old Ferry Boat Inn is said to be the oldest pub in England. The outdoor beer garden overlooks the banks of the River Great Ouse, and there are records of drinks being sold here as early as the year 560. Swing by to enjoy British pub classics made with quality seasonal ingredients; we recommend trying one of The Old Ferry Boat’s signature pies.

The Old Ferry Boat Inn is reportedly one of the most haunted pubs in England. As you enter the pub, you’ll spot a stone slab dedicated to Juliet Tewsley, a local girl buried near the inn. According to legend, Juliet’s ghost still haunts the inn, and her presence is said to be strongest on her death anniversary, March 17.

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The Highway Inn is a traditional English pub that has welcomed guests for over 500 years. Located in the Cotswolds, the inn feels like a quirky country house. The Highway Inn’s stone walls and wooden beams date from 1450, and the pub features a medieval courtyard, underground cellar, and roaring fireplace. Enjoy beers from nearby breweries like the Cotswold Brewing Company, as well as seasonal dishes like rabbit terrine, fennel chutney, and venison pie.

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Although it’s not known when Ye Olde Man & Scythe was first built, the earliest recorded mention of its original name, the Man and Scythe Inn, is in a charter from 1251. This makes Ye Olde Man & Scythe the fourth oldest pub in England and the oldest in Bolton. According to the datestone located inside the pub, it was rebuilt in 1636, while the shopfront of the two-story building appears to date from the early 19th century.

In 1651, the 7th Earl of Derby was executed right outside Ye Olde Man & Scythe for his role in the Bolton Massacre, and it’s rumored that his ghost still visits the pub. Apart from its spooky reputation, the pub is also known for its live music, strong cider, and freshly-baked pasties.

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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, affectionately known as “the Trip,” claims to have been established in 1189. According to legend, the pub was christened when King Richard the Lionheart and his men stopped by on their way to Jerusalem. Resting against Castle Rock, the Trip is attached to several sandstone caves, which were used as a brewhouse for Nottingham Castle.

Soak up some sunshine in the outdoor beer garden, cozy up next to the fire in the lounge, or explore the pub’s nooks and crannies. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem offers the usual pub fare, great beer, and even merchandise.

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Dating back to 1249, Adam and Eve is a small, quiet pub located next to Norwich Cathedral. The brewhouse was owned by Benedictine monks, and was the last pub in Norwich to serve ale from the barrel—in fact, the bar you see was only installed in 1971. We recommend you try the “ploughman” here; Adam and Eve serves this classic British lunch with a baguette, pickle, and a range of locally-sourced cheeses and meats.

Adam and Eve also has a chilling history. Notorious murderer James Rush frequented the inn, and the ghost of Lord Sheffield, who died during Kett’s Rebellion in 1549, is rumored to tap people on the shoulder and ring a bell in the pub.

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The Royal Standard of England’s history dates back to the Saxon times. Thanks to its secluded location, the alehouse survived the raids of the Dark Ages and was named “Se Scip” (The Ship). According to legend, the pub was renamed by King Charles II to express his gratitude after hiding from danger in its roof space. In the 20th century, the Royal Standard of England became renowned for illegally selling ale to railwaymen.

Today, this historical watering hole remains popular among locals, tourists, and even Hollywood. Numerous films and TV programs have been filmed here, including The Theory of Everything and After Life.

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Claiming to have been in business in St. Albans since A.D. 793, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks was formerly recognized as the oldest pub in England by the Guinness World Records. This title was later revoked, as the Guinness World Records were unable to verify the claim. As its name suggests, the pub was used to host cock fighting matches during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, located just outside of Verulamium Park, shut down in early 2022 due to financial issues from the pandemic, but reopened in April under new ownership. The pub serves a sumptuous Sunday roast with vegan options, and its chicken wings are a crowd favorite.

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Formerly an alehouse known as The Archangel Gabriel Salutes the Virgin Mary, Ye Olde Salutation Inn was built in 1240. Below the inn is a series of man-made caves that were part of a Saxon farm, and later served as a hiding place for lepers and people escaping persecution. During the late 17th century, the Sal was a hangout spot for notorious highwaymen, including Dick Turpin and John Nevison. Multiple landlords have claimed to experience ghostly encounters here, where the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk makes its final stop.

Today, the pub is renowned for its live rock music, so you can listen to heavy metal while enjoying beer sourced from local breweries like The Swan. The Sal also serves a range of dishes made with seasonal produce, from classic British favorites to Indian curries.

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Built in 1420 as part of a refectory, The Bell Inn became a secular alehouse in 1539. The pub has witnessed many historical events over the centuries; its windows were smashed by rioters in 1831, and Tory politician John Walters established his campaign headquarters here during the 1841 British general election.

Today, the inn still retains traces of England’s history, such as the leprosy windows where customers had their fingers counted before being allowed to enter. Currently operated by Greene King, the Bell Inn airs live sports and offers local beer as well as traditional pub grub.

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Located on the picturesque Mermaid Street, The Mermaid Inn is home to one of the most famous pubs in England. Although its cellars date from 1156, the inn was rebuilt in 1420 after the town of Rye was burnt to the ground by French raiders. During the 1730s and 1740s, the notorious Hawkhurst Gang gathered at Giants Fireplace Bar, using a series of secret tunnels running under the Mermaid Inn to smuggle cargo.

Cozy up to a historic inglewood fireplace, or wander out to the outdoor patio to enjoy burgers, sandwiches, and the pub’s own Mermaid Ale. Those hoping to encounter the supernatural can stay the night—you might come face to face with one of the Hawkhurst smugglers.

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