Pull up a stool.

High Street (Market Place), Highworth SN6 7AG · 01793 762284 · saracenshead.co.uk · Map

A former coaching inn and one of Highworth's oldest and grandest buildings — it was already trading as an inn in 1825, and Arkell's of Swindon have owned it since the 1880s. There's a snug bar that's popular with locals, a lounge bar set up for eating, and comfortable seating outside. Expect Arkell's 3B and Wiltshire Gold on the handpumps plus a seasonal ale, with sports TV, darts and board games in the bar. Dogs are welcome in the bar and outside, and there are 12 en-suite rooms if you want to stay over.

Open daily 11am–11pm. Food served lunchtimes and evenings (around noon–2pm and 5–8pm on weekdays, longer at weekends). Parking at the rear via Brewery Street. Cask Marque accredited.

19 The Green, Highworth SN6 7DB · 01793 764699 · Map

One of the oldest pubs in town, with property deeds going back to 1768, wooden beams hung with vintage advertising signs and even a penny-farthing on the wall. It's been a free house since 2014 and keeps five handpumps going: Sharp's Sea Fury and Doom Bar as regulars plus three changing guest ales. There's a real fire in winter, a large garden with a boules pitch out the back, occasional folk music sessions, and a proper cooked breakfast on weekday mornings. Dogs are welcome, and children until 7pm.

Opens 9:30am Tuesday–Friday for breakfast (food until 2pm), from noon other days. Folk sessions roughly monthly.

15 High Street, Highworth SN6 7AG · Map

A large, rambling pub on the High Street — there's even a public right of way running through it. A central bar serves several separate rooms, with Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharp's Doom Bar as the regular ales. It's the place for live sport on TV, live music at weekends, and a game of pool or darts, with a garden for sunnier days. Family-friendly until 8pm and dogs are welcome too.

Run by Craft Union Pub Co. Tea and coffee also available.

Newburgh Place, Highworth SN6 7DN · 01793 765447 · Map

A busy, friendly estate pub that opened in 1971, named in honour of the James Bond villain — fitting, since Bond's creator Ian Fleming lived at nearby Sevenhampton and is buried there. It's known for its very large garden with a children's play area, which even catches views of the air displays from RAF Fairford's International Air Tattoo. Inside there's sport on the big screens, darts, and weekly bingo and quiz nights. Families and dogs are both welcome, and there's a quieter dining area away from the bar.

Open daily from noon. Sunday lunches served noon–4pm.

12 High Street, Highworth SN6 7AG · 01793 764500 · Map

Easy to walk straight past: the entrance is a doorway to the left of the Old Bakery café, leading down to a small historic cellar bar below street level. Don't be fooled by the name — the owners are real ale and cider enthusiasts, and you'll find three changing cask ales alongside the wine and prosecco. There's live music on Saturday evenings, jazz on the second Monday of the month, a little courtyard garden, and dogs are welcome on a lead.

Open Monday–Thursday 4–10:30pm, Friday–Saturday 4–11:30pm, Sunday noon–10pm. Free cheese and crackers on Sundays.

1 Westrop, Highworth SN6 7HJ · 01793 762364 · thehighworth.com · Map

A fine Grade II* listed building at Westrop with a smart, contemporary feel inside — part boutique hotel, part restaurant, with a proper bar. Otter Ale is the regular beer, joined by guests that often come from local breweries such as Hop Kettle, plus real cider. There's a garden, a real fire, monthly live music and ten en-suite rooms. Dogs are welcome outside the restaurant area.

Generally closed Monday–Tuesday; open Wednesday from 5pm, Thursday–Saturday from noon, Sunday noon–6pm — call to confirm.

Queens Road, Hannington, Swindon SN6 7RP · 01793 762245 · thejollytarinn.co.uk · Map

A proper village inn in Hannington, about two miles from Highworth, serving drinkers since 1855. It's an Arkell's pub with 3B and Wiltshire Gold on the bar, a cosy lounge with a large open fire, and a conservatory restaurant looking out over the sun terrace and lawn. Children are welcome in the dining area and dogs in the public bar. If you fancy making a night of it, the four en-suite bedrooms hold an AA Red Diamond award — given only to the top 10% of guest accommodation.

Closed Mondays (except bank holidays). Lunch and evening service Tuesday–Saturday; Sunday lunch only.

The Street, Castle Eaton, Swindon SN6 6JZ · 01285 706533 · theredlioncastleeaton.co.uk · Map

Proudly billed as the first pub on the River Thames, with a big garden running down to the water and lovely sunset views. It's a family-run pub owned by Donnington Brewery of the Cotswolds, known for seasonal menus, log fires in the snug, regular live music and a conservatory restaurant overlooking the river. Dogs are welcome, there's plenty of parking, and shepherd's huts in the grounds if you'd like to stay over.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open Wednesday evenings and Thursday–Sunday for lunch and evenings.

Swanborough, near Highworth, Swindon SN6 7RN · 01793 762297 · frekearms.co.uk · Map

A traditional country pub on the hill between Highworth and Blunsdon, built in the early 1800s and an Arkell's house since 1892, with fine views from the garden and caravan pitches in the paddock. At the time of writing its own website says it is temporarily closed and "re-opening soon" — so do check before setting out. When trading it's known for grilled steaks and pub classics, Sunday lunches and a warm welcome for dogs.

Temporarily closed as of June 2026 — phone ahead or check the website for reopening news.