Autumn Pub Walks: A Few Ideas for Your Next Sunday Out

An autumn walk, a good pub lunch and time to catch up. Here are a few places to put on your weekend list across Surrey and Sussex.

At this time of year, the combination of fresh air and a welcoming pub takes some beating. A woodland wander, a good catch-up and something delicious waiting at the end: that sounds like a Sunday well spent to us.

Perhaps you’re organising a family get-together, meeting friends or simply getting out of the house before another week begins. You don’t need an ambitious route. Sometimes a gentle stroll and a table booked for lunch are quite enough.

We’ve brought together a few ideas across the places we call home, from Reigate Heath and Coulsdon Common to the countryside around Ashdown Forest. Pull on your boots, bring someone whose company you enjoy and leave a little room for pudding.

The Gallipot Inn, Hartfield

For an Ashdown Forest afternoon

If you’re around East Grinstead and fancy heading a little further into the Sussex countryside, put The Gallipot Inn on your list.

This family-run, 16th-century pub sits on the edge of Ashdown Forest in Hartfield. Think traditional character, seasonal food and somewhere to settle after spending time outdoors. It also welcomes dogs, making it a useful suggestion when the whole household is coming along.

We’d make a day of this one: choose an Ashdown Forest walk, enjoy being away from the usual routine, then head to the pub for lunch. Plan the walk and pub visit as separate stops, so you can choose a route that suits everyone.

Take a look at The Gallipot Inn and book a table.

The Grumpy Mole, Oxted

For a woodland walk and a leisurely lunch

The Grumpy Mole in Oxted absolutely deserves a place on this list. Its countryside setting and fires in the colder months make it an appealing place to finish an autumn outing. There’s Sunday lunch, afternoon tea and lighter lunch options, depending on the kind of afternoon you have in mind.

Nearby Staffhurst Wood gives you somewhere to stretch your legs first. Explore the woodland paths, enjoy the autumn air and save the catching up over lunch for afterwards.

Our suggestion? Walk first, lunch afterwards. It’s much easier to agree to another helping when the boots are already back in the car.

Plan a visit to The Grumpy Mole and find out more about Staffhurst Wood.

The Pheasant at Buckland, near Reigate

For a proper Reigate Heath walk

A walk over Reigate Heath followed by a pub lunch feels like a Sunday well spent, and The Pheasant makes a particularly useful starting point.

The pub shares a circular walking route taking in Reigate Heath on its website, so you can plan the walking part before deciding what time to book your table. Its menu combines familiar British dishes with other seasonal choices.

This is one to suggest when friends ask, “Where can we go for a walk and lunch?” Have a look at the route together, choose a pace that suits everyone and give yourselves time to enjoy both.

Another Reigate option: The Black Horse on West Street is close to Reigate Heath and handy if you want to combine lunch with a visit to town. Its seasonal menu gives you another reason to linger afterwards.

Explore The Pheasant and its walking route or take a look at The Black Horse.

The Fox, Caterham

For fresh air on Coulsdon Common

For Caterham, we’d add The Fox on Coulsdon Common. It’s a straightforward pairing: time outside on the common, followed by somewhere nearby to sit down together.

Coulsdon Common has woodland, chalk grassland and a network of paths and bridleways to explore. You can shape the outing around your group, whether everyone wants a longer wander or just a little fresh air before lunch.

The Fox is on the common itself, so this keeps the walking and pub parts of the day conveniently close together. A good option when you’d rather spend the afternoon enjoying yourselves than driving between stops.

Find out more about The Fox and plan your visit to Coulsdon Common.

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly

For a village wander and somewhere cosy

West Hoathly is a lovely setting for the sort of afternoon when you want to slow down rather than cover miles.

The Cat Inn’s oak beams, two inglenook fireplaces and 16th-century character make it an inviting autumn stop. Set in a hilltop village within reach of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath, it’s well placed for exploring this part of Sussex.

Pair lunch with a wander around the village, or choose a countryside footpath route if you’re feeling more energetic. Either way, leave enough time to enjoy the pub rather than squeezing it in before heading home.

Explore The Cat Inn and book a table.

The Gardeners Arms, Ardingly

For a day out at Wakehurst

For anyone around Haywards Heath or Lindfield, an autumn visit to Wakehurst followed by lunch at The Gardeners Arms makes a lovely weekend plan.

The traditional pub has oak beams and plenty of character, with Wakehurst nearby for the exploring part of your day.

At Wakehurst, you can enjoy the changing woodland colour and take your time around places such as Bethlehem Wood and Westwood Lake. There’s plenty to make you pause along the way, so allow more time than you think you’ll need.

Treat these as two separate stops, checking garden admission and closing times before booking lunch.

Explore The Gardeners Arms and plan your autumn visit to Wakehurst.

Before You Head Out

Book ahead for lunch, check the walking route and take footwear that can cope with a little mud. If a dog is joining you, mention it when booking so the pub can confirm suitable seating.

These are ideas for pairing a pub visit with time outdoors, rather than detailed walking directions. Check access, distances and conditions when planning your day.

With shorter afternoons, we’d usually get the walk in first. Then you can settle into lunch knowing there’s nowhere else you need to be.

It’s All Part of Feeling at Home

These are the things we love talking about alongside property: where to spend a Sunday, where to take visiting family and which places might become part of your own weekend routine.

If you’re thinking about moving within Surrey or Sussex, we’d love to help you get to know the area as well as the homes.

Explore our current properties or get in touch with the Move Revolution team.