A Pub Crawl Through the Charming Villages of the English Countryside
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the quaint, picturesque villages of the English countryside? I sure hope so, because I’m about to take you on the ultimate pub crawl that will have you feeling like a true local in no time.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – a pub crawl in the countryside? Isn’t that just a recipe for getting lost in the middle of nowhere, with no hope of finding your way back to civilization? Well, my friend, prepare to have your mind blown. These charming little villages are the perfect setting for an epic drinking tour, with cozy pubs, stunning scenery, and enough character to fill a dozen big-city bars.
Raising a Glass in the Midlands
Let’s start our journey in the heart of the Midlands, where the rolling hills and winding roads are practically begging to be explored. I’ve got the perfect route in mind, taking us from one delightful village to the next, with a few pints and a whole lot of adventure along the way.
First up, we’ve got to make a stop at the Red Lion in Avebury. This friendly little pub is nestled right in the middle of one of the largest stone circles in the world, making it the perfect spot to start your countryside odyssey. Grab a pint of the local ale, soak in the stunning views, and get ready to dive headfirst into the wonders of the English backcountry.
From there, we’ll hop in the car (or maybe just stumble a bit) and make our way to the village of Alfriston, where we’ll find the National Trust’s first property, the Alfriston Clergy House. This charming little building is the perfect spot to stretch our legs and explore the natural beauty of the Sussex Weald and Cuckmere Valley. Who knows, we might even catch a glimpse of those famous collapsing White Cliffs of Beachy Head while we’re at it.
Pub-Hopping Through the Chilterns
Now that we’ve gotten a taste of the Midlands, let’s head southeast to the Chilterns, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s practically overflowing with adorable villages and, of course, plenty of pubs to keep us entertained.
One of my personal favorites in this neck of the woods is the Firecrest near Wendover – they’ve got a killer Sunday roast and some of the best local ales you’ll find in these parts. And if you’re in the mood for a little history, be sure to stop by the Royal Standard in Forty Green, which has been a free house for over 900 years. That’s older than some of the pubs in Ireland, can you believe it?
As we make our way through the Chilterns, keep an eye out for those stunning views from the top of the hills – the Aston Rowant and Coombe Hill lookout points are particularly breathtaking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb up the bell tower of the church in West Wycombe for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside.
Discovering Hidden Gems in the Sussex Weald
Alright, let’s take a break from the Chilterns for a bit and head down to the Sussex Weald, where we’ll find a whole new set of charming villages and, of course, more pubs to explore.
One of the hidden gems in this region is the town of Rye, which sounds like it was practically made for us. This gorgeous old town is perched on a hill, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. And let’s not forget about the pubs – I’ve heard the ones in Rye are about as cozy and authentic as they come.
While we’re in the area, we simply can’t miss a visit to Sissinghurst Gardens, which should be in full bloom during our visit. And if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, you can even pop over to Bodiam Castle and Batemans, the former home of the Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling.
Embracing the Unpredictable English Weather
Now, I know what you’re thinking – with all this talk of beautiful scenery and charming villages, you’re probably wondering about the weather, right? Well, let me tell you, the English countryside can be a bit of a wild card when it comes to the climate.
As my friend Rick Steves so eloquently put it, “In England you can’t guarantee warm weather even in mid-summer. You may get a warm spell mid 20s, but you are more LIKELY to experience a cool spell mid teens.” So, be prepared for anything – from glorious sunshine to bone-chilling winds and everything in between.
But you know what they say, “the weather is what it is, and the pubs are always open.” So, let’s embrace the unpredictability of the English countryside and use it as an excuse to spend even more time in those cozy little pubs, sipping on locally brewed ales and swapping stories with the locals.
Wrapping Up Your Countryside Pub Crawl
As our epic pub crawl through the English countryside comes to an end, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. These charming villages, with their winding streets, historic pubs, and stunning natural landscapes, have captured my heart in a way I never could have imagined.
So, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the true spirit of the English countryside, then I highly recommend planning your very own pub crawl adventure. Who knows, you might just come across your new favorite hidden gem, or even make a few lifelong friends along the way.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for me to head back to the Up and Under Pub and plan my next countryside excursion. Cheers!
