The Watership Down Inn has stood in Freefolk since 1840 but changed its name to honour Richard Adams’ famous rabbit-based book Watership Down in more recent years. Just down the road from the Inn – the only pub within walking distance – the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke provide the pub with a range of gin tipples for visiting guests. The magnificent Highclere Castle is also just a 10 minute drive away.

The heart and soul of the Watership Down novel is very much part of the pub, with rabbit pictures and nick-nacks dotted around the building. As well as a well-stocked bar and snuggly sheepskins tucked over the chairs of the pub, visitors to the Watership Down Inn can also check into the seven rooms within the pub itself, complete with breathtaking views and their own sitting room to unwind in.

An additional annex of external, en-suite garden rooms (including a family room) was added in 2019 in  purpose-built lodgings on the grounds. With panoramic views of the nearby Test Valley and a lovely self-contained vibe, they are the ideal lodgings to get away from it all in this rural spot. So it’s probably no surprise the Watership Down Inn was our Muddy Award winner two years running for Destination Pub and named Best Boutique Stay in the 2021 and 2022 Awards.

Outside, the newly-expanded outdoor area with stretch marquee is a perfect spot to dine alfresco. With a pre-dinner Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic, naturally…

Stop in for lunch or enjoy supper from a well-thought-out menu, including plenty of local produce, vegetarian options and slick gastropub presentation. In the 2021 and 2022 Good Food Awards, the fantastic food earned the Watership Down Inn a coveted gong and Blue Ribbon rating in the gastropubs category, based in part on rave feedback from customers.

Food service is food 12pm – 2.30pm for lunch and 6.30pm – 9pm for dinner, Monday – Saturday. On Sunday, it’s 12pm – 3pm.

Fancy a discount? To celebrate the Watership Down winning Best Boutique Stay in the latest Muddy Awards, enter WIN22 to save 10% on stays between 1 November and 14 December 2022 when you book online*. (*terms and conditions apply).

Hop to it – we’ll see you in the garden.