Things can get a little gloomy during winter in the UK - but at least we can rely on a good ol' country pub with low beams, real ales and roaring fires to lift our spirits. So if you want to beat the winter blues, head to the country, go for a festive walk and finish up with a pint of fruity ale next to a roaring open fire at one of these top country pubs with fireplaces:
The Wheatsheaf Inn - The Cotswolds
A fabulously stylish, buzzy, relaxing inn with handy accommodation and fantastic food and service. In the winter, when the fire is roaring, there's no cosier place to be.
The Plough & Harrow - Vale of Glamorgan
Renowned in south Wales as one of the most characterful local pubs around, the 14th-century Plough's showstoppingly huge open fire might be tricky to get a spot next to.
Clachaig Inn - Scottish Highlands
Unlike the surrounding icy, snow-covered mountains of the Scottish Highlands, the Clachaig Inn with its open fires and award-winning ales couldn't be more inviting and warm after a day's hike.
The Old Bookbinders Arms - Oxford
One of Oxford's best loved pubs and during the winter there'll always be a fire going, quiz nights, special food & drink deals and a minimum of six guest ales on tap.
The Basketmakers Arms - Brighton
A real local favourite with infamous bitter on tap, an open fire, plus hundreds of novel tinboxes hung on the wall with secret messages from guests.
Dog & Gun - Lake District
A dog-friendly, real-ale with no frills kind of place, with ancient wooden benches, roaring fires and a changing selection of beers.
Haunch of Venison - Salisbury
Salisbury's most celebrated trad boozer, dating way back to the 12th-century. Just picturing its shoebox-sized rooms, wonky wooden panelling and crackling open fire will have you fighting off the cold.
Cove House Inn - Dorset
The Dorset coast during winter can be a cold experience indeed, but not if you're right by the Cove House Inn. The views are spectacular and the open fire will keep you toasty.
Ypres Castle Inn - Rye
A traditional old Rye pub which is just as popular in winter as it is in summer and Higgeldy Piggeldy inside just like the streets of Rye itself. It serves real-ale and very decent top-end pub grub.
The Royal Standard of England - Buckinghamshire
Wonky of beam and weathered of pew, this country pub claims to be England's oldest freehouse, and certainly looks the part when the fire's going and the ales are being pumped.
Woolly Sheep Inn - Yorkshire Dales
The tardis-like Woolly Sheep comes with a very cosy snug with fireplace and is just the place to enjoy a warming plate of pork belly and mash – with a pint of course!
**See all UK pubs with open fires here. Image of dogs by fire copyright Dave Morris.
