Britain's oldest pubs

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks claims to date back to the end of the 8th Century, making it the oldest pub in England, though many historians challenge this. The Fighting Cocks is recognised as the oldest by the Guinness Book of Records, but it only moved to its present location, a pigeon coop, in 1485. Cock fighting took place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hence the name of the pub.

Dating back to 1734, the Clachan Inn is the oldest registered licensed pub in Scotland. The first licensee of the pub was Mistress Gow, one of the sisters of legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy.

This characterful watering hole in the Duddingston area of Edinburgh lays claim to the title of Scotland’s oldest tavern, established in 1360 - though this is disputed by many. The earliest confirmed record for the pub is 1710. Both Mary Queen of Scots and James IV are said to have enjoyed a tipple or two here while on their travels, with the latter said to have given the landlord a “richly embellished ram’s head snuff box” as a thank-you for his great hospitality.

According to local folklore, alcohol was first sold at this location way back in 560AD - which, if true, would make it Britain’s oldest pub. That said, the first record of the pub’s existence dates to around the start of the 12th Century. Either way, it’s still very, very old.

Though it is uncertain exactly when Ye Olde Man and Scythe first opened its doors, records show that it dates back to at least 1251. In 1651, the Earl of Derby was executed just outside for his role in a Civil War massacre, and in recent years this charming tavern has taken on the title of ‘Britain’s most haunted pub’ after tourists claimed to have spotted a mysterious figure lurking at an upstairs window.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to date back as far as 1189, but the building is thought to be 17th century. The pub is built into the same rocks that Nottingham Castle sits on, and beneath the building are an amazing network of caves, which is claimed to have been where the beer was brewed.

This historic pub, which sits at the foot of the Skirrid Mountains, first appears in records in the 1100s, and it’s generally considered to be the oldest boozer in Wales - although the current building was constructed in the 17th Century. The pub is said to be haunted and, according to legend, was used as a courtroom, with many criminals hanged from an oak beam inside.

This 700-odd-year-old pub is certainly one of the oldest in England. Past visitors have included Samuel Pepys and the Duke of Monmouth. A license to sell alcohol is claimed at The George Inn from 1397, and the building has been used as the setting for many films, including The Remains Of The Day, Tom Jones and The Canterbury Tales.