The Grove Ferry

Ah, the countryside. Is there anything better?

Nestling on the bank of the Great Stour River is the Grove Ferry Pub. Here, you can ignore the rest of the world and just relax - whatever the season, there's so much to explore you're bound to forget your worries.

Start by saying hi to the house animals; Sam, Bilbo and Pickle the pig or Pedro the golden pheasant - you can even join in on the morning routine of collecting fresh eggs from the 'chicks'. There's a HUUUUUUUGE garden where they regularly soak up the sun, we suggest you join in!

Inside is a haven of food and drink; the grub is fresh, locally sourced and delicious - perfected British classics with a quirky twist or two. The Sunday roast is a speciality, so make sure you ring up and book before you pop in or you might miss out! And the drink? Well, how does lavender-infused cocktails (Grove Ferry used to be a lavender farm!), a cask ale room and delicious vino sound? 

The pub is the epitome of cosy country style and there's plenty more: a boathouse (wedding parties, birthdays, anniversaries or just a big 'ole bash...if these walls could speak!), a terrace overlooking the river, an outside bar, a BnB with six boutique bedrooms upstairs, fireplaces, cosy sofas, lots of dining space and a friendly team. If you're staying for the weekend, you can also go kayaking, hiking on the Nature Reserve across the road or visit the nearby villages.

Like we said, is there anything better than the countryside? Ssssh, don't tell the city folk, they'll all come running (it's just an hour from King's Cross!).