Cast Away: The Best Pubs Near Fishing Spots for a Weekend Escape
Country Pubs | Posted 2025.09.25
The Best Pubs Near Fishing Spots
There’s something timeless about a weekend spent fishing: the quiet rhythm of casting, the anticipation of the catch, and the reward of hearty food and a cosy bed afterwards. Luckily, Britain offers some of the finest angling opportunities in the world, and many of the best fishing spots are just a stone’s throw from characterful pubs with rooms.
We’ve curated ten fishing-friendly pub stays, each paired with nearby rivers, lakes or coastline, and suggested weekend itineraries so you can relax, cast, and feast in true British style.
1. The Chequers Inn, Thornham (Norfolk Coast)
Fishing: Cast from the shore at Thornham Creek or charter a boat for sea bass.
Stay & Eat: The Chequers Inn serves up coastal classics—try the catch of the day with a pint of Adnams.
Itinerary Tip: Arrive Friday night, spend Saturday fishing on the tidal flats, and tuck into a seafood supper. On Sunday, stroll the saltmarshes before heading home.
Visit The Chequers.
2. The Market Tavern, Bampton (Oxfordshire)
Fishing: Close to the River Thames and River Windrush, two of Oxfordshire’s best fishing waters for barbel, chub, and perch. Local day-ticket stretches make it an easy choice for a weekend of coarse fishing.
Stay & Eat: A characterful inn in the heart of the Cotswolds, with comfortable rooms and a menu full of pub classics. It’s a great base for anglers who also want to explore one of England’s prettiest villages.
Itinerary Tip: Fish the Thames by day, enjoy a relaxed evening in Bampton, then explore the Windrush Valley on Sunday before heading home.
Visit The Market Tavern.
3. The Dolphin, Beer (Devon)
Fishing: Boat trips from Beer Beach land mackerel and pollock in summer.
Stay & Eat: The Dolphin sits in the village of Beer, facing Lyme Bay, on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. It is a short stroll from the beach, close to the South West Coast Path, and a five-minute drive from the seaside town of Seaton.
Itinerary Tip: Combine an early morning fishing trip with an afternoon fossil hunt along the Jurassic Coast.
Visit The Dolphin.
4. The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey (Herefordshire)
Fishing: The River Lugg offers brown trout and grayling.
Stay & Eat: This 16th-century inn is renowned for its local produce and riverside beer garden.
Itinerary Tip: Spend Saturday on the riverbank, then unwind with game dishes and local cider. On Sunday, explore Mortimer Forest.
Visit The Riverside Inn.
5. The Kings Head, Wellesbourne (Warwickshire)
Fishing: Right by the River Avon, a prime course fishing river with barbel, chub and roach.
Stay & Eat: A charming pub with rooms in Shakespeare country, offering hearty food and Cotswold stone charm.
Itinerary Tip: Perfect for a fishing weekend – morning on the riverbanks, afternoon exploring Stratford-upon-Avon, and evenings in a characterful pub with a pint of local ale.
Visit The Kings Head.
6. The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale (Cumbria)
Fishing: The River Eden and nearby stocked lakes offer trout and salmon.
Stay & Eat: Nestled in the Howgill Fells, this inn is a walker’s and angler’s paradise. Expect log fires and Cumbrian classics.
Itinerary Tip: Pack in a Saturday of fishing and a Sunday morning hike before a hearty pub roast.
Visit The Black Swan.
7. Haveners, Fowey (Cornwall)
Fishing: Charter a boat for sea fishing or try your luck for mullet in the estuary.
Stay & Eat: Right on the waterfront, Havener’s is a stylish pub with rooms offering locally sourced seafood and stunning harbour views.
Itinerary Tip: Fish by day, then watch the sun set over Fowey Harbour with a glass of Cornish cider.
Visit Haveners.
8. The King’s Head Inn, Newton under Roseberry (North Yorkshire)
Fishing: Cod and mackerel fishing along the nearby coast at Saltburn.
Stay & Eat: This inn sits beneath Roseberry Topping and is known for generous Yorkshire portions.
Itinerary Tip: Mix a morning fishing trip with an afternoon walk across the Cleveland Way.
Visit The King’s Head.
9. The White Hart, Overton (Hampshire)
Fishing: Nestled in the Test Valley, The White Hart is just minutes from the legendary River Test, a world-renowned chalk stream. Anglers travel from across the globe to fish here for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wild brown trout and grayling.
Stay & Eat: After a day on the river, settle in with a pint of cask ale and seasonal dishes that showcase the best of the region.
Itinerary Tip: Spend Saturday with a guided fly-fishing session on the Test, then return to The White Hart for dinner. On Sunday, take a riverside stroll or visit nearby Whitchurch Silk Mill before heading home.
Visit The White Hart
10. The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge (Cumbria – Lake District)
Fishing: Ullswater offers wild brown trout and perch, and the nearby River Eamont and River Eden are world-class for trout and salmon.
Stay & Eat: A welcoming inn with stylish rooms and a prime position overlooking the water. Expect hearty Lakeland dishes and a great range of local ales.
Itinerary Tip: Spend Saturday afloat on Ullswater, either bank fishing or hiring a boat for deeper waters. On Sunday, enjoy a shorter cast on the River Eamont before indulging in a classic pub lunch at The Crown.
Visit The Crown.
Making the Most of a Fishing Pub Weekend
Plan ahead: Many rivers require day permits or rod licences.
Travel light: Choose a couple of rods suited to local waters rather than bringing the lot.
Eat local: Many of our pubs pride themselves on serving regional produce—ask about seasonal specials.
Relax fully: Fishing is about patience. Savour the downtime in a pub garden or by the fire.
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Written by Melanie Phipps