The oldest Greene King pubs in the UK
If you’re searching for old pubs near you, consider this your sign to take a step back in time – pint in hand. Dotted across the country, you’ll find Greene King pubs that don’t just serve delicious drinks and sumptuous roasts, but stories too.
These aren’t dusty relics – they’re the real deal: vibrant, well-loved spaces that have welcomed drinkers and merrymakers for centuries. Some have beams older than Buckingham Palace. Others are carved into cliffs.
Each one is packed to the brim with charm, history and a genuine warmth. Let’s celebrate some of the oldest Greene King pubs that are still standing strong to this day.
Ten historic Greene King pubs worth discovering
1. The Old Ferry Boat Inn – Holywell, St Ives, Cambridgeshire
As far as historic pubs near you go, this one is hard to beat. The Old Ferry Boat Inn sits peacefully on the banks of the River Great Ouse. It’s claimed to date back to 560 AD – that’s around 1,465 years old.
Widely claimed to be England’s oldest inn, it’s not just historic – it’s haunted. Look for the stone slab inside marking Juliet Tewsley’s grave, whose tragic tale is said to still echo through the pub.
Despite the ghostly goings-on, it’s a cosy, welcoming spot, complete with a riverside beer garden, real ales and tasty, home-cooked food. You can even stay overnight in the inn – that is, if you dare.
2. The Royal Oak – Winchester, Hampshire
Tucked away down a side street in Winchester’s ancient heart, the Royal Oak is one of the country’s oldest boozers. Parts of this building date back to 1002 AD, making them over 1,020 years old.
With Saxon foundations and links to royal history, it boasts a labyrinth of wooden beams, low ceilings and centuries upon centuries of character. Whether you’re a local or exploring the city’s cathedral and castle, this pub is the perfect pit stop for a fantastic meal and a pint to match.
3. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – Nottingham
Nestled beneath Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a one-of-a-kind pub carved into sandstone rock. Legend says it was founded the same year that Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades – 1189 AD. If true, that would make it 836 years old.
Expect winding passageways, ancient artefacts and spectral sightings galore. It’s moody, magical and undeniably the most historical pub near you if you’re in the Midlands.
4. The Pickerel Inn – Cambridge
h-century riverside favourite near Magdalene College, the Pickerel is thought to be the oldest surviving pub in Cambridge. Inside, it’s all timber frames, leaded windows and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay for “just one more”. It’s very popular with students, locals and tourists alike, and perfect if you’re looking for old pubs near you with a little bit of brainy history baked in.
5. The Prospect of Whitby – Wapping, London
Since 1520, this gem has been sitting right on the Thames, quietly watching as London grew up around it. The Prospect of Whitby has seen it all. Pirates, poets and even a few judges have propped up its bar over the centuries – five and counting.
Inside, it’s a snug maze of flagstones and timber, but the real showstopper is the riverside terrace – ideal for watching the world float by. London’s oldest riverside pub still pulls a good pint with waterside views that continue to stand the test of time.
6. Ye Olde Cock Tavern – Fleet Street, London
A former favourite of Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys, Ye Olde Cock Tavern is pure period charm. Rebuilt in the late 1800s but dating back to Tudor times, it’s all carved wood, stained glass and incredible stories.
Right in the thick of Fleet Street, this is the place to frequent if you’re a fan of quiet pints amid the bustle of central London – and it’s a must-see for you literature lovers.
7. The Anchor – Bankside, London
Established in 1616, with a beautiful view of the river and a foot in Shakespearian London, the Anchor is a capital classic.
It’s rumoured that Samuel Pepys watched The Great Fire of London from this very place – and today, it’s still an excellent spot to watch the city go by (thankfully with fewer flames and a lot more lager).
Cosy corners, delicious food and a wonderful beer garden that buzzes in summer make this a popular choice for history buffs and beer fans alike.
8. Ye Olde Starre Inne, York
Built in 1644, the Ye Olde Starre Inne is York's oldest licensed pub and has seen its fair share of drama. It doubled as a makeshift hospital during the English Civil War and still plays host to a few ghosts, if local legends are to be believed.
It’s got it all – classic pub food, a huge drinks selection and no fewer than three beer gardens with views of the spectacular Gothic York Minster Cathedral. Furry friend in tow? It’s both dog-friendly and family-friendly – a real all-rounder.
9. The Eagle – Cambridge
Much more than a pub, the Eagle is a slice of scientific history. RAF pilots left messages on its ceiling during WWII, and it was here that Crick and Watson first announced their DNA discovery.
It’s a fascinating mix of academic and military heritage, established in 1667, still serving up classic dishes and a cracking beer list.
10. The Saracen’s Head – Bath
The Saracens Head has Georgian charm in spades – and a long list of famous guests over the centuries.
Located in the heart of Bath, it still feels like an old coaching inn, with wooden beams, stone floors and a bar that’s always humming with activity.
This is the pub to head for if you’re in the mood for a Sunday Roast or a post-shopping pint.
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