Sunny spring breaks in glorious countryside locations

16 May 2025

Sunny spring breaks in glorious countryside locations

Make the most of the warm weather and treat yourself to a spring break with a stay in one of our unique pub locations in the Upham Inns collection – there’s 12 to choose from spread across the hills and vales of Southern England in some very special locations.

Upham Inns pub with rooms near the South Downs in Hampshire perfect for walking, cycling and exploring

No pooch left behind. Bring your four-legged companions and let them take you for a country walk. Our pubs are in great locations to get out and about into the countryside – for each pub we’ve created a series of walks from the door so you can explore our local areas. Looking for inspiration – check out the highlights below of some of our favourite locations.

DISCOVER OUR WALKING GUIDES

Dog friendly pubs with rooms at Upham Inns in Hampshire and South of England near the South Downs

Explore the South Downs

The South Downs Way National Trail follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Two of our favourite country inns with rooms, the White Hart at South Harting and the Thomas Lord at West Meon are located only 13 miles apart in the foothills of the Downs, both with easy walking access onto some of the best stretches of the Downs countryside.

Outside dining in the garden at the White Hart pub with rooms in South Harting near the South Downs

The White Hart, South Harting
The Grade II listed White Hart is a characterful village pub in the small South Downs village of South Harting, located between Petersfield and Midhurst and only 12 miles to the coastal scenes of Chichester. The pub has 7 boutique bedrooms, located above the pub and in the converted stables beside the large pub garden.

The village, which is beside the rolling hills of the South Downs, is also a picturesque walking route with the Harting Down route circling the village.

VIEW THE WHITE HART

Bedrooms at the White Hart pub in South Harting near the South Downs

The Thomas Lord
In the heart of the Meon Valley, this renowned countryside inn with rooms was this month runner up Destination Pub in the prestigious Muddy Stiletto awards for Hampshire.

The characterful pub also has a sunny pub garden with a pizza oven for summer evenings of al fresco dining.

Bedrooms at the Thomas Lord in West Meon near the South Downs

Five well equipped wooden cabin rooms are tucked away in a separated area to the side of the pub garden.

Nearby is the historic market town of Petersfield and the enchanting city of Winchester.

VIEW THE THOMAS LORD

Outside dining in the garden at the Thomas Lord in West Meon near the South Downs

Explore the Hamble Estuary

Harper’s Steakhouse, Swanwick Marina
Just a casual stroll from the calming waters of Swanwick Marina along the banks of the Hamble is the Harpers steakhouse and rooms. Harpers Steakhouse is a small family of laid-back steak houses, fired up by the big, juicy stateside flavours of American cuisine. We have 22 recently refurbished bedrooms above and beside the steakhouse.

Swanwick Marina near the Hamble Estuary near Harper's Steakhouse Southampton

Our location is a hotspot for those looking to explore the surrounding cities and towns of Southampton, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, New Forest and the Solent. Set against the backdrop of the charming waterside villages of the Hamble, Harper’s stands as a welcoming base for your adventures. From the door you can explore the woodland paths alongside the banks of the Hamble Estuary.

VIEW HARPER’S STEAKHOUSE

Book direct your stay in any Upham Inns pub with rooms