Introduction
A good pub with rooms is the perfect base for a Northamptonshire weekend. You eat well, sleep above or beside the bar, walk out of the front door into the countryside in the morning, and return in the evening to do it all again. The county’s village pubs have been hosting travellers for centuries, and the best of them now combine that tradition with comfortable beds, proper bathrooms and food that goes well beyond the standard pub menu.
Details in this guide were accurate at the time of research in March 2026. Room rates, food menus and availability change regularly, so contact pubs directly before booking.
The Nene Valley and North Northamptonshire
The pubs of the Nene Valley and north Northamptonshire sit in some of the county’s most attractive villages, with walking routes from the door and a landscape that has barely changed in centuries.
The King’s Head, Wadenhoe
Pub with rooms
A 17th-century thatched inn in one of the most photographed villages in the Nene Valley
The pub offers accommodation in rooms above the bar, keeping the experience intimate and traditional
The bar serves real ales and a food menu built around seasonal ingredients
Riverside walking paths connect the village to Thrapston, Aldwincle and the wider Nene Valley network
The village contains 36 listed buildings, all within a Conservation Area
Dogs are welcome in the bar area
The thatched building and river setting create one of the most atmospheric stays in the county
Breakfast is served in the pub, using local suppliers where possible
The village church sits on a hill above the pub with views across the Nene Valley meadows
Midweek stays are quieter and easier to book than weekends
Address: The King’s Head, Church Street, Wadenhoe PE8 5ST
Website: Search “King’s Head Wadenhoe” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly by phone or via the website.
Staying at the King’s Head is staying in the Nene Valley rather than just visiting it. The 17th-century building, the thatched roof and the riverside setting create an experience that a chain hotel cannot replicate, and waking up in Wadenhoe with a walk along the river before breakfast is one of the simple pleasures of a Northamptonshire weekend. The pub’s food and ale complete the picture. Book ahead for weekends.
The Tollemache Arms, Harrington
Inn and restaurant
A village pub and dining room in Harrington with a strong reputation for seasonal cooking
Rooms are available above the pub, combining excellent food with overnight accommodation
The menu changes regularly to reflect local and seasonal availability
Located in a quiet village between Kettering and Market Harborough
The pub has built a dining reputation that draws visitors from well beyond its immediate area
Real ales and a carefully chosen wine list complement the food
The village setting is peaceful and walkable, with footpaths connecting to the surrounding countryside
Warner’s Distillery in Harrington is within walking distance for a combined visit
Breakfast uses local ingredients and is served in the pub
A strong option for a food-focused weekend in north Northamptonshire
Address: The Tollemache Arms, Harrington NN6 9NU
Website: Search “Tollemache Arms Harrington” for current details
How to book: Book by phone or via the website.
The Tollemache Arms is the pub to stay at when the food is the main event. The cooking has a seriousness that many standalone restaurants would envy, and the rooms above the bar mean you can enjoy the wine list without worrying about the drive home. The Harrington location puts you within reach of Warner’s Distillery and the north Northamptonshire countryside, making it a natural anchor for a food and drink weekend.
The Falcon, Fotheringhay
Pub with rooms
A stone-built pub in the historic village of Fotheringhay, close to the castle site and the magnificent church
Rooms are available with views over the village and surrounding countryside
The pub serves food with an emphasis on local sourcing and seasonal menus
Fotheringhay Church, with its famous Perpendicular lantern tower, is a two-minute walk
The castle earthworks where Mary, Queen of Scots was executed and Richard III was born are accessible from the village
Riverside walks along the Nene connect to Oundle and the wider valley
A quiet, unspoiled village with no through traffic
The pub garden overlooks open countryside
Dogs are welcome in designated areas
One of the most historically significant village locations in England
Address: The Falcon, Fotheringhay PE8 5HZ
Website: Search “Falcon Fotheringhay” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Falcon at Fotheringhay places you in a village where the weight of English history is tangible. The church, the castle earthworks and the quiet Nene Valley setting create an atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere, and staying overnight lets you experience the village after the day visitors have left. The pub itself is a comfortable base with good food, and the walking from the door is exceptional.
The Queen’s Head, Bulwick
Pub with rooms
A traditional village pub in Bulwick, on the edge of Rockingham Forest
Accommodation is available in rooms at the pub
The pub serves real ales and home-cooked food
Rockingham Forest walks, including Fineshade Wood, are accessible from the village
Red kites are regularly seen overhead
The village is built from local ironstone with a warm, mellow character
A quieter, more rural base than the Nene Valley options
Nearby villages of King’s Cliffe and Deene provide additional walking and visiting options
The forest setting means walking starts at the pub door
A genuine country pub with a local atmosphere rather than a polished boutique experience
Address: The Queen’s Head, Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY
Website: Search “Queen’s Head Bulwick” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Queen’s Head at Bulwick is the base for visitors who want to be in Rockingham Forest rather than just near it. The village is small, the pub is traditional, and the forest walks from the door are among the best in the county. This is not a boutique stay; it is a proper village pub with rooms, and the simplicity is part of the appeal.
The Montagu Arms, Barnwell
Pub with rooms
A stone-built village pub in Barnwell, near Oundle, in the Nene Valley
Rooms are available for overnight stays
The pub serves food and real ales in a traditional village setting
Barnwell Country Park is adjacent, providing lakeside and riverside walking
Oundle is a short drive or a pleasant walk along the river
The village is quiet and attractive, with stone cottages and a medieval castle ruin
The nearby Barnwell Mill adds a picturesque element to the riverside walk
A practical base for exploring Oundle and the Nene Valley villages
Breakfast is included with room bookings
The pub has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Address: The Montagu Arms, Barnwell PE8 5PH
Website: Search “Montagu Arms Barnwell” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Montagu Arms puts you within easy reach of Oundle without the difficulty of parking in the town itself. The Barnwell Country Park next door provides a morning walk, and the river path to Oundle gives you a scenic route into town for shopping and lunch. The pub is unpretentious and welcoming, and the rooms are comfortable without being fussy.
The Red Lion, Cranford St Andrew
Pub with rooms
A traditional pub in the village of Cranford St Andrew near Kettering
Rooms are available for bed and breakfast stays
The pub serves real ales and home-cooked food
The village is quiet and unspoiled with an attractive stone character
Walking routes connect through the surrounding farmland
Located between Kettering and Thrapston with good access to the A14
A practical base for visitors exploring the Nene Valley or attending events at Wicksteed Park
The pub has a traditional character with beamed ceilings and open fires in winter
Breakfast is served in the pub
A straightforward pub with rooms that does the basics well
Address: The Red Lion, Cranford St Andrew, Kettering NN14 4AA
Website: Search “Red Lion Cranford” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Red Lion at Cranford is a pub with rooms in the most traditional sense. The accommodation is comfortable, the food is honest, and the village setting provides the kind of quiet that busy visitors travel to Northamptonshire to find. It does not try to be a boutique hotel, and that directness is its strength.
South Northamptonshire and the Border Country
The pubs of south Northamptonshire sit in Cotswold-fringe country, where the stone turns from ironstone to honey-coloured limestone and the villages feel like the most unspoilt corners of the English countryside.
The Cartwright Hotel, Aynho
Coaching inn
A coaching inn in the Cotswold-fringe village of Aynho, the southernmost village in Northamptonshire
Rooms combine period character with modern comfort
The restaurant serves food built around seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
Aynho is known as the “apricot village” for its tradition of growing apricot trees against cottage walls
Located close to the Oxfordshire border with easy access to Banbury and the M40
The village’s honey-coloured limestone cottages create a Cotswold atmosphere
Walking routes connect through the Cherwell Valley towards Banbury and into Oxfordshire
The pub has historical character with beamed ceilings and traditional features
A good base for exploring the county border and the villages of south Northamptonshire
The coaching inn heritage means the building was designed for travellers, and the tradition continues
Address: The Cartwright Hotel, Aynho, Banbury OX17 3BE
Website: Search “Cartwright Hotel Aynho” for current details
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Cartwright at Aynho is the pub with rooms for visitors who want a Cotswold experience without the Cotswold prices and traffic. The village is lovely, the building has the character of a proper coaching inn, and the food is a step above standard pub fare. The proximity to Banbury and the M40 makes it accessible, and the walking from the village is gentle and scenic.
The Saracens Head, Towcester
Coaching inn
A historic coaching inn on the Watling Street (A5) in the centre of Towcester
Rooms are available in the main building, retaining period character
The inn features in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers, giving it literary as well as historical credentials
The bar and restaurant serve food and drink in an atmospheric setting
Towcester town centre, including Towcester Mill Brewery, is on the doorstep
The A5 location reflects the inn’s origins as a stop on the Roman road between London and the north
Silverstone Circuit is a short drive away, making the Saracens Head a practical race weekend base
The building has been serving travellers for over 400 years
A town centre location means shops, restaurants and other pubs are within walking distance
The Dickens connection adds a layer of character that modern hotels cannot offer
Address: The Saracens Head, Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6BX
Website: Search “Saracens Head Towcester” for current details
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Saracens Head is the coaching inn as it was meant to be: a comfortable stop on a long road, offering food, drink and a bed for the night. Dickens knew it, and the building has not lost the character that made it worth writing about. The Towcester location gives you access to the Mill Brewery, the high street shops and the south Northamptonshire countryside, and the proximity to Silverstone makes it a practical base for motorsport weekends.
The Falcon at Castle Ashby
Coaching inn
A coaching inn in the village of Castle Ashby, within walking distance of the gardens and Rural Shopping Yard
Rooms combine period features with updated comfort
The restaurant serves seasonal food using locally sourced ingredients
Castle Ashby Gardens, the tearoom and the Rural Shopping Yard are all within a few minutes’ walk
The village setting is quiet and attractive
Beamed ceilings and open fires give the building character
A natural base for a weekend combining garden visits, food shopping and countryside walks
Breakfast is served in the inn
Dogs are welcome in designated areas
The combined offer of pub, gardens and shopping makes Castle Ashby one of the best full-day village destinations in the county
Address: The Falcon, Castle Ashby NN7 1LF
Website: Search “Falcon Castle Ashby” for current details
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Falcon at Castle Ashby gives you a village weekend in miniature. The gardens, the shopping yard and the inn are all within a few minutes’ walk, and the surrounding parkland extends the walking options in every direction. Staying at the Falcon means you can take your time with the gardens, eat well in the evening, and wake up to a quiet village morning rather than rushing to fit everything into a day trip.
The Crewe Arms, Hinton-in-the-Hedges
Pub with rooms
A country pub in the tiny village of Hinton-in-the-Hedges near Brackley
Two en-suite rooms provide bed and breakfast accommodation
The pub serves cask ales and home-cooked food
The village is one of the smallest in south Northamptonshire, with a peaceful character
Walking routes connect through the surrounding farmland to Steane and beyond
Located close to the A43 between Brackley and Northampton
The pub’s small scale means the experience is personal and unhurried
A proper village pub with a local atmosphere
The surrounding countryside is quiet and undiscovered
An authentic rural stay rather than a styled boutique experience
Address: The Crewe Arms, Hinton-in-the-Hedges, Brackley NN13 5NF
Website: Search “Crewe Arms Hinton” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Crewe Arms is the pub with rooms for people who want to be somewhere genuinely quiet. Hinton-in-the-Hedges is tiny, the pub is traditional, and the two en-suite rooms give you a base from which to explore some of the least-visited countryside in the county. It is not glamorous, and that is exactly the point.
The Olde Coach House Inn, Ashby St Ledgers
Inn and restaurant
A dining inn in the historic village of Ashby St Ledgers, associated with the Gunpowder Plot
The restaurant has built a reputation for quality cooking that draws diners from across the county
Rooms are available for overnight stays, combining excellent food with a historic village setting
The village contains Lutyens-designed thatched cottages and the manor house where the Gunpowder Plot was planned
Walking routes connect to Daventry and the surrounding countryside
The inn has an atmospheric interior with period features
A natural base for exploring the Daventry area and west Northamptonshire
The Gunpowder Plot history gives the village a unique character
Breakfast is included with overnight stays
One of the strongest food-and-stay combinations in the county
Address: The Olde Coach House Inn, Ashby St Ledgers, Daventry NN11 3RB
Website: Search “Olde Coach House Ashby St Ledgers” for current details
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Olde Coach House Inn offers the combination that pub-with-rooms enthusiasts dream about: excellent food, comfortable rooms and a village with a story that nobody forgets once they have heard it. The Gunpowder Plot connection gives Ashby St Ledgers a charge that few English villages can match, and the Lutyens cottages add architectural distinction. Staying overnight lets you explore the village after dark, when the atmosphere is at its most evocative.
The Coach and Horses, Brixworth
Pub with rooms
A country inn in the large village of Brixworth, close to Brixworth Country Park and Pitsford Water
Rooms are available for bed and breakfast stays
The pub serves food and real ales in a traditional setting
Brixworth is home to All Saints Church, the largest Saxon church in England
Brixworth Country Park and the Brampton Valley Way are within walking distance
Pitsford Water circular walk is accessible from the village
Located on the A508 between Northampton and Market Harborough
The village has shops, a cafe and local services
A practical base that combines a village pub stay with access to some of the county’s best walks
The Brixworth location puts you equidistant between Northampton and the Nene Valley
Address: The Coach and Horses, Harborough Road, Brixworth NN6 9BX
Website:www.coachandhorsesbrixworth.co.uk
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Coach and Horses at Brixworth earns its place through location as much as through character. The village gives you the Saxon church, the country park, the Brampton Valley Way and Pitsford Water all within walking or short driving distance, which is more attractions per square mile than almost anywhere else in the county. The pub itself is a comfortable traditional inn that does the fundamentals well.
The Star Inn, Geddington
Pub with rooms
A village pub in Geddington, beside the Eleanor Cross and medieval bridge
Rooms provide bed and breakfast accommodation in the village centre
The Eleanor Cross, one of only three surviving in England, stands outside the pub door
The medieval bridge over the River Ise is a few steps from the pub
Real ales and pub food in a traditional setting
Walking routes connect to Geddington Chase and the wider Rockingham Forest
Boughton House estate is nearby and opens on selected dates
The village’s compact stone centre is attractive and walkable
A practical base for exploring the Nene Valley and north Northamptonshire
The historical significance of the Eleanor Cross gives the location a weight that few village pubs can match
Address: The Star Inn, Bridge Street, Geddington NN14 1AD
Website: Search “Star Inn Geddington” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Star Inn at Geddington places you beside one of the most significant medieval monuments in England. Waking up and stepping outside to see the Eleanor Cross in morning light, before walking across the medieval bridge and along the River Ise, is an experience that no hotel can offer. The pub is straightforward and welcoming, and the village around it is one of the most attractive in the county.
West Northamptonshire and the Canal Country
The pubs of west Northamptonshire sit along or near the Grand Union Canal and in the rolling hills around Daventry. The canal heritage gives several of these pubs a distinctive character, with towpath walks from the door.
The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne
Pub with rooms
A canalside pub beside the locks at Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal
Accommodation is available for overnight stays
The pub overlooks the working locks and the canal museum
The canal towpath provides flat, traffic-free walking in both directions
The Blisworth Canal Tunnel, nearly two miles long, has its southern portal beside the village
Real ales and pub food with canalside views
Dogs are welcome in the bar and outdoor seating
Narrowboats pass regularly during the boating season
One of the most atmospheric pub locations in the county
A natural base for a canal-themed weekend
Address: The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SB
Website: Search “Boat Inn Stoke Bruerne” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne is the canalside stay. Watching the narrowboats navigate the locks from your table, walking the towpath to Blisworth and back, and sleeping within earshot of the water gives a canal weekend an authenticity that a nearby hotel cannot match. The museum next door and the tunnel portal add substance to the atmosphere.
The Windmill, Badby
Pub with rooms
A village pub in Badby with rooms available for overnight stays
Badby Woods, famous for bluebells in late April, are a short walk from the pub
The Knightley Way long-distance path passes through the village
Ironstone cottages, thatched roofs and a village green surround the pub
Real ales and a food menu in a warm, traditional setting
Dogs are welcome in the bar
The village has been described as one of the prettiest in the county
A natural base for walking in the Daventry area
The bluebell season makes spring the most popular time to stay
Book well ahead for April and May weekends
Address: The Windmill Inn, Main Street, Badby, Daventry NN11 3AN
Website: Search “Windmill Badby” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Windmill at Badby is the pub to book for bluebell season. The woods are a fifteen-minute walk from the door, and returning to a warm pub with a real ale after a woodland circuit is one of the defining Northamptonshire experiences. Outside bluebell season, the village and the Knightley Way provide year-round walking, and the pub’s ironstone village setting is attractive in every month.
The Althorp Coaching Inn
Coaching inn
A historic coaching inn near Althorp House, the Spencer family estate
Rooms provide bed and breakfast accommodation in a traditional coaching inn setting
Located on the road between Northampton and Rugby
The proximity to Althorp House gives it a connection to one of England’s great estates
The inn has served travellers on this route for centuries
Food and drink in a traditional bar and dining room
Good access to the M1 (junction 18) and the A428
A practical base for visitors to Althorp and the surrounding countryside
The coaching inn heritage is reflected in the building’s proportions and layout
A straightforward stay with historical character
Address: Near Althorp, Northampton NN7
Website: Search for current details
How to book: Contact directly.
The Althorp Coaching Inn sits on one of the county’s historic routes and has been welcoming travellers for centuries. The proximity to Althorp House gives it a connection to one of England’s great estates, and the coaching inn character provides atmosphere that modern builds cannot replicate.
The Royal Oak, Eydon
Pub with rooms
A 17th-century pub in the hilltop village of Eydon in south Northamptonshire
Rooms are available for bed and breakfast
The village is isolated on its own hill with country lanes as the only access
Stone buildings, tree-lined streets and a peaceful atmosphere characterise the village
Walking routes radiate from the village to Culworth, Canons Ashby and Badby
Real ales and home-cooked food
The hilltop location gives views across the surrounding countryside
Crockwell Farm wedding venue is nearby
A genuinely quiet, off-the-beaten-track stay
The isolation means no through traffic and very little noise
Address: The Royal Oak, Lime Avenue, Eydon, Daventry NN11 3PG
Website: Search “Royal Oak Eydon” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Royal Oak at Eydon is the stay for visitors who want genuine quiet. The hilltop village is reached only by narrow lanes, and the isolation that keeps it off most visitors’ radar is precisely what makes staying here so appealing. The walking from the village is excellent, the pub is welcoming, and the morning views from the hilltop are worth getting up early for.
The Hopping Hare, Northampton
Boutique stay
A boutique hotel and restaurant on the edge of Northampton, two to three miles from the town centre
King-sized beds and contemporary interiors blend period features with modern comfort
The restaurant has built a strong reputation for seasonal British cooking
A more accessible price point than the grand country house hotels
The bar serves cocktails alongside a good wine list
Convenient for the Royal & Derngate theatre, 78 Derngate and Northampton town centre
Parking on site
Popular with couples looking for a weekend away without excessive formality
The informal atmosphere distinguishes it from traditional country house hotels
Breakfast is served in the restaurant
Address: 18 Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton NN5 6PF
Website:www.hoppinghare.com
Phone: 01604 580090
How to book: Book via the website or by phone.
The Hopping Hare is technically a boutique hotel rather than a pub with rooms, but the bar, the restaurant and the relaxed atmosphere give it the character of a really good pub that happens to have excellent bedrooms upstairs. For visitors whose weekend includes the theatre, the Mackintosh house or the town centre, the Northampton location is more practical than a rural village, and the quality of the rooms and food make it a destination in its own right.
The Watts Arms, Hanslope
Pub with rooms
A village pub in Hanslope on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border
Rooms are available for bed and breakfast stays
The pub serves real ales and food in a traditional setting
Hanslope is a quiet village with a medieval church tower that is one of the tallest in the county
Walking routes connect through the surrounding farmland
Located near the M1 (junction 14 and 15) with good road access
The village retains a rural character despite the proximity of Milton Keynes
A practical overnight stop for travellers on the M1 corridor
The church tower is visible from the surrounding countryside and worth a visit
A straightforward pub stay with no pretensions
Address: The Watts Arms, High Street, Hanslope MK19 7LJ
Website: Search “Watts Arms Hanslope” for current details
How to book: Contact the pub directly.
The Watts Arms at Hanslope is the practical choice for visitors who need a comfortable overnight stop near the M1 without resorting to a motorway service hotel. The village pub setting, the good food and the quiet village morning are all upgrades on the chain hotel experience, and the medieval church tower makes the short walk from the pub to the churchyard worth taking.
The George at Kilsby
Coaching inn
A coaching inn on the old London to Holyhead road near the Northamptonshire and Warwickshire border
Rooms are available in the main building
The inn has served travellers on this historic route for centuries
Food and drink in a traditional coaching inn setting
Located near the M1 (junction 18) and the A5
The village of Kilsby is quiet and attractive
Good access to Daventry and the west Northamptonshire countryside
The coaching inn proportions and layout reflect its heritage as a travellers’ stop
A convenient overnight base for visitors arriving from the M1 or M6
The historical character of the building adds atmosphere to a practical stay
Address: The George, Main Road, Kilsby, Rugby CV23 8YE
Website: Search “George Kilsby” for current details
How to book: Contact the inn directly.
The George at Kilsby has been doing the same job for centuries: feeding, watering and bedding travellers on the road between London and the north. The coaching inn heritage gives the building a scale and character that was designed for exactly this purpose, and the location near the M1 means it continues to serve the same function on a more modern road. It is a practical stay with historical atmosphere.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Bluebell season at Badby Woods (late April) makes the Windmill the most sought-after stay in the county. Spring walks along the Nene Valley are at their best. Pub gardens open up and evening light extends into the early evening.
Summer: Long evenings mean canalside and riverside pubs come into their own. Book well ahead for weekend stays in July and August. Beer gardens at the Boat Inn and King’s Head are at their best. Walking from pub to pub is the perfect summer weekend structure.
Autumn: The ironstone villages take on their warmest tones. Log fires return to pub bars. Quieter weekdays offer the best value and the most relaxed atmosphere. Walking conditions are ideal with cooler temperatures.
Winter: Coaching inns with real fires are at their most appealing. Midweek rates drop at many pubs. Christmas and New Year stays should be booked well in advance. Winter walks from the pub door are shorter but no less rewarding.
A Note From NorthantsLife
Northamptonshire’s pubs with rooms represent the best of English village hospitality. They are run by people who care about food, about ale and about making guests feel welcome, and they sit in villages that have been hosting travellers for centuries. Supporting these businesses by staying, eating and drinking is the simplest way to ensure they are still here for the next generation.
If any details in this guide have changed, or if there is a pub with rooms we should know about, please get in touch.
Before You Go
Book ahead for weekend stays, particularly in spring (bluebell season) and summer
Check whether the pub serves food on the evening you plan to stay, as some have restricted kitchen hours midweek
Ask about dog policies when booking if you plan to bring a pet
Village pubs often have limited parking, so check arrangements before arriving
Breakfast is usually included but confirm when booking
Some pubs have only two or three rooms, so flexibility on dates improves your chances of availability
Check-in times at pubs with rooms are often more flexible than hotels, but confirm in advance
Walking routes from most pubs in this guide are well established, but an OS map or walking app is recommended
Combine a pub stay with visits to nearby attractions: several entries in this guide are close to churches, gardens and heritage sites featured in our other guides
Real ales vary by season and availability: ask at the bar for what is on and take the landlord’s recommendation
