Discover the oldest pubs in London

The title of the oldest pub in London is a hotly contested accolade. The city is home to hundreds of historic water wells, but many have been rebuilt, restored, and renamed over the years, making it difficult to keep track of exact dates and times spanning several centuries. And while some consider the age of the building to be a factor, others consider the pub’s license date to be more important. So, if you want to visit London’s oldest boozer, head to a pub crawl and take on a group of contenders in one trip. Cheers to that!

The Dove: Hammersmith

Charles II fell in love with his mistress, Nell Gwynne, at this historic riverside pub in Hammersmith. There has been a pub on the site since the 17th century and it has attracted a stream of writers over the years, including Ernest Hemingway and Dylan Thomas. Order a seasonal beer and some classic British sandwiches and choose a cozy spot in one of the squeaky rooms under the building’s original ceiling beams or bundle up and head out to the riverside deck. The front bar of the pub is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest public bar in the UK.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: Fleet Street

Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson, and Charles Dickens were said to be regulars at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. It is one of the most famous pubs in London and records show that there has been a pub on this site since 1538. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, but the vaulted cellars are believed to belong to a 13th century monastery. The small entrance is tucked away in a narrow alley, but once inside, the dimly lit wood-paneled rooms cover a large space and are heated by blazing fires for much of the year.

The Spanish Inn: Hampstead

On the edge of Hampstead Heath, the Spanish Inn dates back to 1585 and is a literary landmark, as well as being one of the oldest pubs in the city. Charles Dickens tells The Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula and is said to be where Keats wrote Ode to a Nightingale . With its wood paneling, fireplaces, nooks, crevices, and a pet-friendly garden equipped with a dog washing machine, it feels more like a country retreat than a London pub.

Lamb and Flag: Covent Garden

In the heart of Covent Garden, the Lamb & Flag is a street boozer that has functioned as a pub since 1772 (it originally opened as The Coopers Arms before changing its name in 1833). Charles Dickens was a regular customer and

Playa Ocata

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Some of the best beaches in Barcelona are even further off the beaten path. Just a half hour train ride north of the city, Ocata is the definition of a hidden gem. Quiet, pristine, and flat, the spacious beach features fine, golden sand and sparkling clean water.

When you’ve finished swimming, join in on one of the rugby or volleyball games, or head to one of the dozens of nearby beach bars to refuel with delicious tapas and fresh seafood. All in all, Ocata is home to everything you could ask for on a beach.

Caldetes beach

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Do you want to have an entire beach practically just for you? Hop on the train at Plaça Catalunya in the city center and head to the undiscovered coastal paradise that is Caldes d’Estrac, more commonly known as Caldetes. Few tourists know that this beautiful beach gem exists, so you can relax and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Located in a quiet and picturesque seaside town, Caldetes offers quaint charm and a fraction of the crowds compared to central Barcelona beaches. The beach itself is definitely straightforward, but you will find that you don’t need all the extras on such a beautiful and peaceful beach.

St Pol de Mar beach

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St Pol de Mar, a small town steeped in history on the north coast of Barcelona, ​​and its namesake beach, is a great place for a day trip. With clean, clear water and stunning natural landscapes, the small but charming beach is a favorite with the locals.

The defining feature of the beach is its charming cove, which has been turned into a kind of nudist area, next to the rain tunnel. It seems like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, but you can get there from the city in about an hour on the train.

Castelldefels beach

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Let’s go down a bit towards the south coast of Barcelona. Just 15 minutes south of the city center, Castelldefels offers a tempting five-kilometer stretch of sun and sand.

Castelldefels has captured the attention of tourists in recent years, which is why it is on the crowded side compared to some of the quieter beaches near the city. However, that just means that something is always happening, so you will never get bored. Plus, the nearby reasonably priced restaurants and shops make it a great budget destination that won’t break the bank.

Playa Garraf

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The best thing about Barcelona’s beaches is that you can have a completely new experience just a few kilometers from the coast. Five minutes by train from Castelldefels, you will find Garraf, which is relatively quieter and more relaxing. The beach itself is just a few steps from the station and offers many useful facilities despite its small size.

The small town of Garraf, along with its eponymous beach, are still not on most tourists’ radar. The warm water and views straight out of a postcard make it a favorite with Barcelona locals looking to escape the city.

Sitges beach

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The city of Sitges actually has 17 beaches, but the popular destination half an hour away from Barcelona deserves a mention. Known as one of the region’s most gay-friendly cities with an unbeatable nightlife, its central beaches are the ideal place if you are looking for a fun crowd and plenty to do.

Just want to relax away from the crowds? Head to the area north of the oceanfront church. The beaches on this stretch are better protected from the wind, and much quieter, but you’re still close to the action.

Further in Catalonia

Other more remote beaches in Catalonia include:

Calella de Palafrugell

Hidden between steep cliffs and a charming fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most attractive coastal settings in Catalonia. Considered one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the Mediterranean, its beaches can get a bit crowded during the summer, but the beautiful area still enjoys a laid-back, laid-back vibe and serves as a beautiful escape from busy Barcelona. The city itself has several beaches, most of which are connected by a picturesque promenade.

Altafulla Beach

The ancient Roman city of Tarragona has been hailed as one of the best day trips from Barcelona. Transform your Tarragona getaway into a complete weekend getaway with a day at the beach in nearby Altafulla.

Just ten minutes away by train, Altafulla is one of the Costa Daurada’s highlights. It offers miles of stunning white sand and a beautiful secluded cove beneath a ruined Roman fort. And if you want to get up and move, there are plenty of water sports available during the summer.

Cala Llevadó

The Costa Brava is internationally famous for its rugged natural landscapes and stunning beaches, and nowhere is the essence of the region better captured than in Cala Llevadó. Located between the cities of Tossa and Lloret de Mar, the steep golden cliffs and the wonderful crystal clear waters make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers. The city is also home to one of the best campsites in Catalonia, which is easily accessible from the beach.

Tossa de Mar.

Tossa could have a reputation for a cheap and cheerful vacation package, and as a result, its beaches are packed with more tourists than locals. However, don’t rule it out just yet: its beaches are as good as any other in Catalonia.

A medieval castle looms over the city and coastline from the southern cliffs, and the beautiful natural rock formations that surround the beach are the perfect backdrop. The picturesque city offers a great getaway from Barcelona with a fun international vibe.

Cala de Sant Francesc

Tucked away in the pine forests north of the popular seaside town of Blanes, Cala de San Francesc is unlike any other beach you’ve seen before. The lush green forest stretches over a pristine white sand beach that could be the best kept secret on the Costa Brava.

Despite its tranquil natural setting, the beach is still close to the action, with exclusive private villas and a small but lively town a stone’s throw away.

Sant Lluís

Perhaps the most unique of the countless beaches in Catalonia, Sant Lluís offers a unique getaway for nature lovers. The pebble beach, located in the other volcanic world of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, is a short walk from the charming Cadaquès.

You will have to do a short walk to get to the beach through a stony pilgrimage through the olive grove. However, the walk is quite pleasant, and upon arrival, you will be rewarded with a stunning unspoiled beach and unforgettable views.