Why Pub Stays Are the UK’s Top Travel Trend in 2025

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If 2025 has a travel trend written in bold, golden letters, it’s this: pub stays in the UK. Equal parts charming, authentic, and refreshingly local, they’re redefining the Great British staycation as we know it. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter hotel chains—today’s travellers want crackling fires, friendly chats with locals, artisan food, and rooms with centuries of stories etched into the walls.

As confirmed by fresh research from Stay in a Pub – the UK’s leading platform for pub accommodation – and supported by Visit England and Visit Britain, the 2025 Pub Accommodation Report proves that the classic pub is having a seriously stylish comeback.


Pub Stays: The Heart of Britain’s 2025 Staycation Boom

“The great British pub has always been a place for real people, real food and real stories,” shares Sophie Braybrooke, CEO of Stay in a Pub. And in 2025, that sentiment has evolved into a full-blown travel movement.

According to their latest report:

  • 67% of travellers say pubs offer the best range of food and drink vs. other accommodations.
  • 53% are drawn to pubs for their relaxed and informal atmosphere.
  • 50% appreciate the friendlier environment.
  • 78% of pub-goers actively seek local tips from pub staff during their stay.

With more than 1,600 UK pubs with rooms available to book via StayinaPub.co.uk, from rustic coaching inns to chic boutique taverns, this trend is making serious waves across the UK travel scene.


Why Brits Are Falling Back in Love with Pub Stays

What makes a pub stay so magical in 2025?

  • Authenticity: Every pub has a story. Whether it’s a centuries-old inn or a modern gastro hub, it feels real.
  • Incredible local food: Think Sunday roasts, seasonal menus, and locally-brewed ales.
  • Cultural immersion: Pubs aren’t just places to sleep—they’re living, breathing community hubs.
  • Better value: Many include breakfast, parking, and that unbeatable personal touch.

For travellers who crave meaningful, memory-rich breaks, pub staycations in the UK deliver a deeper experience that goes far beyond clean sheets and convenience.


Barriers to Booking—And the Big Digital Opportunity

Despite the momentum, not everyone knows how to access these hidden gems:

  • 38% of 18–34 year olds say they don’t know how to book a pub stay
  • 53% admit a confusing booking process would put them off entirely

That’s a missed opportunity for the pub sector, but a massive digital opportunity for growth. Platforms like Stay in a Pub are making booking intuitive, mobile-friendly, and SEO-savvy—but there’s space for even more pubs to catch up with streamlined booking and visibility through travel blogs and influencer content (yes, hi!).


From Pints to Pillows: The Best Types of Pub Stays to Book in 2025

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a foodie getaway, or a countryside escape with your dog, pub stays cover every base:

  • Luxury boutique pubs: Stylish interiors, upscale food, curated wine lists
  • Historic inns: Beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, rich heritage
  • Affordable countryside hideaways: Budget-friendly but full of charm
  • Coastal pub stays: Sea views with salt-and-vinegar chips and locally-caught fish

These aren’t just rooms above a bar. They’re experiences wrapped in authenticity.


How to Book a Pub Stay in 2025 (And Why You Should)

Looking for where to book pub accommodation in the UK? Here’s how:

  • Visit StayinaPub.co.uk
  • Search by location, vibe, dog-friendliness, cuisine, and more
  • Read verified reviews and insider tips from real guests

Bonus: Some also appear on Airbnb and Booking.com, but booking direct often means better perks (and supports the local industry more directly).


2025 UK Travel Trends: Why Pubcations Are Topping the List

As part of the broader UK staycation trend 2025, pub stays are leading the way for several key reasons:

  • Travelers want experiences, not just accommodation: With an emphasis on slow travel and local culture, pubcations deliver the immersive touch that hotels lack.
  • Influencers and travel blogs are spotlighting hidden gems: More creators are sharing their favourite countryside pubs, foodie inns, and boutique pub accommodation finds, boosting online interest.
  • Eco-conscious travel is rising: Pubs often use local produce, reduce transport emissions (because you’re eating and sleeping in one place), and support local economies.

And with the boom in searches for terms like “book a pub stay,” “boutique pub accommodation UK,” and “best countryside pub stays 2025,” this trend is firmly rooted in how Brits are choosing to travel now.


Pub Stays vs Hotels: Why People Are Choosing Character Over Chains

More and more people are swapping sterile hotel lobbies for the welcoming buzz of a Great British pub. Here’s why:

  • Character-filled spaces: Every room is different, not mass-produced.
  • Friendly, local service: Staff actually live in and know the area.
  • Award-winning menus: Pub food has levelled up with Michelin mentions and seasonal menus.
  • Pet-friendly vibes: Many pubs welcome dogs, perfect for walkers and country-lovers.

Plus, you’ll find that most pubs with rooms in the UK are located right in the heart of the action – from seaside villages to national parks.


Who Are Pub Stays Perfect For?

Thinking a pub stay might be your next move? You’re probably right if you are:

  • A digital nomad looking for a scenic workspace
  • A couple wanting a romantic countryside break
  • A foodie chasing seasonal British cuisine
  • A walker or cyclist needing a cosy overnight base
  • A dog owner seeking a pet-friendly pub staycation

These stays offer variety, warmth, and connection—qualities we’re all craving in 2025.


Final Thoughts: Pubcations Are the Future of British Travel

From artisan cheese boards and local ales to warm welcomes and roaring fires, UK pub stays are winning hearts and topping travel lists in 2025. They bring together everything the modern traveller is craving:

  • Personal service
  • Local flavour
  • Unforgettable storytelling

Whether you’re a digital nomad, a slow traveller, a foodie adventurer, or a weekend wanderer—there’s a pub stay out there calling your name. So skip the bland hotel and say yes to something real.

This is your sign to start your next British countryside pub staycation.


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Stephi LaReine
Stephi LaReine

Stephi LaReine is a multi-award-winning Liverpool UK based content creator, journalist and influencer and digital storyteller. Since launching stephilareine.com in 2014, she has written over a thousand articles spanning fashion, beauty, health, lifestyle, and conscious travel. With a background in trend forecasting, neurodivergent advocacy, and longevity research, Stephi brings a unique lens to every post—blending scientific insight with a soulful, poetic voice.

She’s collaborated with leading global brands and has been featured across fashion week panels, travel campaigns, and health optimization forums.

Her content is rooted in lived experience, personal curiosity, and a relentless drive to empower women to take up space, explore the world boldly, and live longer, more radiant lives. Every article is a step toward building a kinder, smarter, more colourful world.

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