A man walking a dog in a field in winter.

Top five Chef & Brewer pubs near winter walking trails

Nestled in some of the UK’s most picturesque locations, Chef & Brewer pubs are a true celebration of the great British countryside. Surrounded by nature, our countryside pubs offer the perfect base for winter walks. 

Picture crisp, fresh air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, frost-kissed branches, and rolling hills draped in a thick blanket of snow. It’s a winter wonderland just waiting to be discovered. 

After a brisk winter walk, there’s no better place to retreat than one of our welcoming countryside pubs. Work up an appetite and settle in with our plentiful menu of comforting dishes, quench your thirst with a drink from the bar, and warm your hands by a roaring fire. 

Whether you’re embracing the seasonal chill or need shelter from the elements, our doors are open and our staff are ready to serve. 

 

A pair of muddy boots

Why Chef & Brewer is the perfect winter escape

At Chef & Brewer, we pride ourselves on being a tempting destination all year round, but there’s something truly magical about countryside pubs in winter. As the days grow shorter, our cosy inns become illuminated with the warm glow of roaring fires and twinkling lights. 

Our menus are thoughtfully crafted, serving up the familiar comfort of home-cooked classics. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, a long lunch or delicious dinner

They're the kind of dishes that warm you from the inside out. Whether you're after a small bite or a full-on feast, we've got plenty to choose from. We've got an array of vegetarian and vegan options too, so no one has to compromise, and our indulgent desserts are well worth saving room for. 

You can quench your thirst with a glass of something special from the bar. From craft ales and smooth spirits to full-bodied wines, fruity cocktails, and non-alcoholic favourites, we’re here to pour. 

Whether you're gathering with friends, enjoying a family meal, bringing the kids, or sharing a quiet date night, our warm and welcoming pubs provide the perfect setting. We’ve even got a generous range of countryside pubs with accommodation too if you need to extend your stay. And with many of our locations nestled in stunning countryside, we’re ideally placed for a winter walk. 

Indulge in our seasonal menu 

 

There's something so special about the pairing of wintry weather and seasonal dishes. As the days turn colder, there's a craving for those heartier dishes filled with nostalgic flavours. The sort of plates that feel like a celebration of the season. 

At Chef & Brewer, our Festive Menu is available between the 11th November 2025 until the 1st January 2026.  

Everything is crafted with care and perfectly priced, with two courses from £27 per person and an additional course for just £4. There are traditional crowd-pleasers, like our Hand-Carved Roast Turkey, as well as showstoppers like our Confit Duck Leg & Braised Red Cabbage and Festive Hand-Pressed Beef Burger. As for desserts, there's a sweet choice of temptations to tuck into.  

Chocolate fans can indulge in the Melting Chocolate Fondant, while the Pear & Pistachio Frangipane and Apple & Blackberry Crumble offer fresh and fruity flavours. Go classic with the Christmas Pudding or try the Salted Caramel Choux Bun for a dish of decadence. 

Our seasonal menu offers the perfect fuel for brisk winter walks or a well-earned reward after working up an appetite. 

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Winter walks you’ll love

Exploring the British countryside is best done on foot, and the winter makes it the perfect landscape for breathtaking beauty.  

We know that winter walks followed by a cosy pub makes a perfect pairing, which is why we've teamed up with AllTrails to help you discover some of the best winter walking routes near our pubs. 

Wherever you are, there's a trail to suit, from gentle strolls to more adventurous hikes. You’ll find options for every ability and interest, including routes that are dog-friendly, suitable for children, and accessible for wheelchair users. So lace up your boots, pick a path near our countryside pubs, and enjoy the fresh air. 

Our top five Chef & Brewer pubs for winter walks 

Our pubs are perfectly positioned for winter walks, but these are our top picks for routes that combine stunning scenery with a welcoming pub at the finish line. Here are our top five Chef & Brewer pubs near winter walking trails:  

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The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Virginia Water

This 18th century country Wheatsheaf Hotel is nestled on the banks of Virginia Water, and has a generously-sized beer garden with heaters for al fresco festivities. The hotel features 18 bedrooms beautifully decorated and brimming with stylish features, plus en-suite bathrooms. The Windsor Great Park is also just a short drive away, which is a royal landscape with over a thousand years of history. You can discover ancient woodlands and calming lakes, as well as beautiful gardens, and at Christmas, the festive illuminations are truly a sight to behold. 

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The Kings Head, Masham 

The Kings Head is an 18th century Georgian inn that can be found in Masham, which is often considered the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. It sits on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty reserve, which borders the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The pub itself overlooks a historic market square that has held market since 1250, so there’s plenty to explore right from the doorstep. Not to mention a plentiful menu, full bar, and 27 en-suite bedrooms that are dog-friendly. 

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The White Rabbit, Lyndhurst

The pretty village of Lyndhurst is home to the charming White Rabbit pub and hotel, inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and featuring 15 en-suite rooms are bursting with character. Just a short drive from Southampton and to the Isle of Wight via the ferry at Lymington, there’s plenty to see and do in the area, including a winter walk to Whitefield Moor, Denny Wood or the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. Take in the scenery with a circular walk around Emery Down, and marvel at the tall trees in the New Forest National Park.  

The exterior of the Ravensworth Arms.

Ravensworth Arms, Lamesley

The charming village of Lamesley can be found in Gateshead, just a short drive from the River Tyne. Visitors can enjoy an expanse of rolling hills and trails, as well as beauty spots like Lamesley Pastures. Lamesley is also close to the Northumberland Coast, which is regarded as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Ravensworth Arms is a country pub and hotel perched on the River Team. Expect delicious dishes on the menu, drinks flowing from the bar, and the warmest of welcomes from locals. 

De Trafford Arms (Alderley Edge) Exterior

De Trafford Arms in Alderley Edge

The village of Alderley Edge is a unique destination that blends scenic beauty with a luxury flair. A property hotspot for the rich and famous, including David and Victoria Beckham as former residents, it’s surrounded by countryside and rolling hills. It’s also rich in folklore, as King Arthur and the wizard Merlin are said to rest somewhere beneath the sandstone cliffs. The Wizard Walk trail is perfect for winter walks, offering outstanding views at every turn. 

The De Trafford Arms pub and hotel is a popular choice for a restful stay nearby. It was a former country house that was converted into an inn in the 19th century. Now it boasts 34 en-suite bedrooms, yet the exposed wood beams and mosaic tiled walls feel like a nod to its rich past.  

Looking for a pub for winter walks?  

Be it a restful retreat after a day on foot or a place to fuel up before a cold-weather stomp, Chef & Brewer pubs are always happy to host. Finding countryside pubs for your next winter walk is simple. Just type your postcode or location into our handy pub tool finder, and discover what adventure lies ahead.