The Chilterns have been drawing travellers, walkers, kings and storytellers for centuries — and some of the pubs tucked into these ancient hills have been there to welcome them all. If you fancy a weekend drink with a side of proper history, here are three pubs that have a story or two to tell.
Where do you even start with this one? The Royal Standard of England is reputedly the oldest freehouse in England, dating as far back as 1100, and was first recorded as an inn in 1213 under the name ‘The Ship.’ Tripadvisor It only got its current name after the English Civil War, when the restored King Charles II rewarded the pub for sheltering supporters of his father, Charles I — a gesture that also gave one of its rooms its name: the Lower King Charles Room. Tripadvisor
Step inside and the centuries close in around you. It’s a wonderful warren of a place, with drinking nooks behind stained glass screens, and a dining room festooned with candelabras, tapestries and suits of armour. Baby in Bucks The food is hearty and locally sourced, the ales range from small local breweries to Trappist and Abbey selections, and the whole place has a wonderfully atmospheric buzz.
And as if the history wasn’t enough, it’s also been a popular filming location — appearing in Ricky Gervais’s Afterlife, Hot Fuzz, and The Theory of Everything. Tripadvisor Booking ahead is strongly advised at weekends.
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📍 The Royal Standard of England, Forty Green Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1XT
This beautiful 15th-century coaching inn sits in the Misbourne Valley at the heart of Roald Dahl country — and that’s no coincidence. Roald Dahl was a regular here, which is why you’ll find many of his limited-edition prints in the dining room, and his award-winning museum is just up the road in the village. WhatPub The pub is also said to have inspired Fantastic Mr Fox — which gives it a rather magical air if you visit with little ones in tow.
Originally three late 15th-century cottages whose inhabitants were known as ‘bodgers’ — the Chilterns word for chairmakers in the surrounding beech woods — the properties became a popular coaching inn on the London road over time. WhatPub Over the years, many a prime minister has also called in here en route to Chequers, the premier’s official country retreat not far away. WhatPub
Inside you’ll find low oak beams, an inglenook fireplace, and an AA Rosette kitchen serving a creative British menu. The garden is lovely in warmer weather, and the village itself is well worth a wander.
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📍 The Nag’s Head, London Road, Great Missenden, HP16 0DG
Sitting right on the border of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire in the picture-perfect village of Chenies, The Bedford Arms is part of the village’s history, dating back to the 15th century. Thefullmoonpub The village itself has quite the pedigree — when the manor was inherited by the first Earl of Bedford, Sir John Russell, it became part of the Bedford estate, with Russell having served in the court of Henry VIII and fought in the war with France. Tripadvisor
The pub sits right next to Chenies Manor House, a stunning Tudor building that’s well worth a visit before or after your pint. The menu leans into the best of British seasonal ingredients, with hearty breakfasts, relaxed lunches and elegant evening suppers paired with carefully selected wines and local ales. Facebook There’s also a lovely garden for sunnier days and 15 cosy bedrooms if you fancy making a proper weekend of it.
A genuinely beautiful corner of the Chilterns — and one with centuries of stories to go with your Sunday roast.
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📍 The Bedford Arms, Chenies, Rickmansworth, WD3 6EQ
