The White Lion Inn

9.2
Exceptional
(485 reviews)

High St, Bourton, Gillingham SP8 5AT, United Kingdom

+44 1747 840866

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Hotel Description

The White Lion Inn, located at High St, Bourton, Gillingham SP8 5AT, United Kingdom, offers a charming and rustic retreat dating back to 1723. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Bourton, this relaxed pub with rooms combines timeless character with modern amenities. Just 2 miles from the stunning Stourhead mansion and gardens, and 7 miles from the thrilling Wincanton Racecourse, the Inn is perfectly situated for guests seeking both tranquility and adventure. With its inviting atmosphere and historic charm, the hotel is a perfect destination for anyone wishing to explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region. The design of The White Lion Inn retains a warm and cozy feel, complete with wooden furnishings, stone floors, and timber beams, all contributing to a truly authentic countryside experience.
The rooms at The White Lion Inn are equally charming and comfortable, offering a relaxing space to unwind after a day of sightseeing or exploration. Each of the three rooms features en suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, ensuring modern convenience while maintaining a traditional style. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available for guests' comfort, allowing them to enjoy a hot beverage at any time. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary full English breakfast each morning, served in the hotel’s delightful restaurant.
The Inn's restaurant offers a traditional pub menu, featuring hearty meals such as delicious roasts that have become a favorite among visitors. For those who enjoy a drink, the quirky bar serves a variety of real ales and local ciders, perfect for sampling regional flavors. The bar’s unique atmosphere, with its uneven walls, stone floors, and wood-burning fireplace, creates an unforgettable experience for every guest. Outside, a beer garden offers a peaceful setting for enjoying a drink or meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
For those traveling by car, free parking is available, adding to the convenience and accessibility of the location. While The White Lion Inn does not have a fitness center, spa, or air conditioning, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional location and inviting atmosphere. The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming families and their four-legged companions, and it is also a smoke-free property, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
The White Lion Inn is well-connected to various public transportation options, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. With Zeals Bus Shelter just a 15-minute walk away and several major airports within an hour's drive, guests have plenty of options for reaching the hotel and venturing out to nearby attractions. Whether traveling by taxi or walking, key sights like Stourhead, Longleat House, and King Alfred's Tower are all within easy reach. Guests can also take advantage of local attractions, including the National Trust sites and contemporary art galleries like Hauser & Wirth Somerset, all offering unique cultural and outdoor experiences.
In summary, The White Lion Inn provides a delightful and authentic English pub experience, combining rich history with modern comfort. Its proximity to popular sights, unique offerings, and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal choice for anyone visiting the Gillingham area. Whether you're here for the beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, or simply to relax, the Inn promises a warm and welcoming stay. We invite you to experience the charm and comfort of The White Lion Inn during your next visit to this beautiful part of the United Kingdom.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 5-minute drive to Stourhead mansion and gardens

2. Guests highly praised the traditional pub roast dishes

3. Warm and cozy atmosphere with wooden furnishings

4. Pet-friendly with a smoke-free environment

5. Complimentary full English breakfast included

6. Quirky bar with real ales and local ciders

7. Unique architecture with timber beams and wood-burning fireplace

8. Free parking for all guests

9. Close proximity to Wincanton Racecourse and other attractions

10. Located in a charming and historic village


7.0 Very Good

Location rating

Top sights

Stourhead
5 min
Longleat House
19 min
Longleat
20 min
National Trust - King Alfred's Tower
12 min
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
13 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in13:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating7.0
Nearest airportBristol Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 6 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sat, Dec 07
Check-out: Sun, Dec 08
    Official Hotel

    $137

    Bluepillow.com

    $128

    goseek.com

    $123

    Hotels.com

    $137

    Expedia.com.vn

    $137

    Reserving

    $137


Location

High St, Bourton, Gillingham SP8 5AT, United Kingdom

Airports:

Bournemouth International

Taxi: 1 hr 7 min

Transit: 4 hr 25 min

Exeter Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 27 min

Transit: 2 hr 19 min

Bristol Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 6 min

Southampton Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 26 min

Cardiff Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 13 min

Transit:

Zeals Bus Shelter

Walking: 15 min

St Georges School

Walking: 17 min

Village Shop

Walking: 15 min

White Lion Cross

Walking: 1 min

Breach Close

Walking: 8 min


Nearby locations

7.0

Very Good Location

Dating back to 1723, this relaxed pub with rooms is 2 miles from Stourhead mansion and gardens, and 7 miles from Wincanton Racecourse.

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

Pet-friendly

Parking & transportation

Parking

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

8.6

10 reviews

Wonderful
7
Excellent
0
Good
2
Below Average
1
Not Good
0
BD

Bridgit D

5/5
Best pub for miles around. We keep trying other places but always come back to the white Lion. You can’t beat it for the food, atmosphere and surroundings. We feel very lucky to live so close. …

JM

JOanna M

5/5
My husband and I stayed at the White Lion Inn for one night while en route to visit friends, and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Despite seeing some negative reviews prior to our stay, we found them completely unfounded. …

P

Pietea

5/5
This might be the best pub garden I’ve ever been to.||We had food outside, as it was a cracker of the day, surrounded by roses. The foot was great, we all had a burger, two pulled pork and one beef. …

Cover Image for Lianda Banks

Lianda Banks

5/5
Visited for lunch with a Friend. Everything was excellent, setting, staff & service and the food. Inside looked really cozy and comfortable, as we visited on a rare sunny day we sat in the beautiful garden. I had the Sunday roast, beef was some of the best I've had and the whole roast was delicious. Staff were all really attentive and you can tell they have lots of regulars (not surprising, slightly jealous it's not closer to me).

Cover Image for Chelsea Adomaitis

Chelsea Adomaitis

5/5
We booked and arrived last minute after a mishap elsewhere, and all of the staff could not have been more welcoming and lovely! They took us right in and saved the day! The rooms were comfortable and beautifully decorated, and the breakfast was wonderful. Overall a wonderful experience and excellent service!! Also an adorable cat. Can’t wait to stay there again.

Cover Image for Christopher Whalen

Christopher Whalen

3/5
The bed was comfortable and I slept really well. It was also nice to have a quiet breakfast the next morning. However, the low beams in bedroom 1 were a real problem. I'm 181cm (5'11") and I had to stoop the whole time I was in the room. When hanging up my shirt and trousers, I momentarily forgot about the beam and banged the top of my head really painfully! I understand it's an old pub and some people like exposed beams for character, but this wasn't funny and really spoiled my stay. I felt really cramped and wouldn't have wanted to spend an extended stay here.

Cover Image for Chris Worby

Chris Worby

5/5
Fantastic pub that we came upon by accident whilst searching for a dog friendly restaurant nearby. The food was some of the best food I've had in a pub, and i thoroughly recommend it. Place is very dog friendly. They have a great outdoors space too.

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Hayley WF

Hayley WF

2/5
The roast was tasty but this isn’t a particularly family-friendly establishment. When I asked where the baby changing facilities were, I was told to use the floor of the disabled toilets. In this day and age, that’s absolutely shocking. We were shocked again when the drinks bill arrived - £20 for four pints of coke. Extortionate.

Cover Image for Louise Chapman

Louise Chapman

5/5
Came today after being recommended by the owner of the b&b we are staying in, in Riding Gate. We sat in the very pretty spacious garden, all enjoyed our food very much. The service was great too. The young waitress was brilliant, very attentive!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

JH

Joy H

3/5
Landlord needs people skills, ask politely if we could be seated in a less noisy part of pub, was told “. No “. Landlord then proceeded to tell other customers, that I had complained about their noise, making a most uncomfortable meal.|Food very good, Karen waitress, was excellent.