Kings Arms Town & Country Pub

The Kings Arms in Newent, Gloucestershire, is a multi-award-winning, historic "Town and Country Pub" positioned beautifully on the rural outskirts of the town near the Forest of Dean. Having served patrons since at least 1822, this family-run free house is highly celebrated for its classic hospitality, even earning a spot in The Daily Telegraph's prestigious 500 Club as one of the very best pubs in the United Kingdom. 

Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Guide

The pub owners are enthusiastic motorhomers themselves and operate an incredibly welcoming, completely free overnight stopover scheme for self-contained vehicles. 

• Booking & Permits: While staying over is free of charge, the pub has a formal council permit for up to 5 designated motorhome spaces. You must phone ahead to book your space (+44 1531 820035) and secure a reservation to dine in the pub. 

• The Pitch: Vehicles park in a flat, spacious tarmac-and-gravel car park. To locate the camper slots, drive past the main parking spaces straight through into the lower car park section. 

• Security: For peace of mind, the main entrance gates to the pub car park are securely locked at night by the landlord. 

• Facilities: The site acts as an off-grid transit stop. While there are no electric hook-ups (EHU) and limited freshwater taps, the site provides basic rubbish bins for guest use. Access to black or grey wastewater drainage is available specifically upon request for patrons. 

• Pets: The pub and its parking grounds are exceptionally dog-friendly, making it a favorite destination for travelers with pets. 

Pub Atmosphere & Dining

The interior of The Kings Arms expertly blends the layout of a traditional village pub with the capabilities of a modern dining venue. 

• The Vibe: Warm, cozy, and family-friendly. The pub boasts multiple open log burners, exposed original features, a lively main bar area, and three dedicated private function rooms. In the warmer months, guests flock to the large, sunny beer garden at the rear.

• The Food: Head Chef Wayne Childs leads a kitchen famous for serving immense portion sizes of piping-hot, home-cooked comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. Landmark dishes include their award-winning local steaks, massive steak and ale pies, and highly-rated chicken katsu curries.

• Sunday Roasts: Their traditional Sunday lunches are an absolute staple in the area, drawing massive crowds for their giant Yorkshire puddings and rich gravies. Booking several days in advance is essential.

• Dietary Varieties: The chef is highly accommodating, offering a clear range of gluten-free options and a robust selection of creative vegan dishes upon request, including vegan wellingtons, curries, and gyros.

• Drink Selection: As a free house, the bar keeps a rotating, well-crafted lineup of real ales, regional ciders, and a massive, diverse shelf of premium gins. 

Local Information & Surrounding Area

The pub serves as an optimal springboard for exploring the rural borderlands of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. 

• Newent Town: A safe, level 4-to-10 minute walk from the pub car park brings you right into the heart of historic Newent. The market town is full of independent shops, tea rooms, and timber-framed buildings.

• The Lake & Walks: Directly down the road from the pub is Newent Lake, situated inside a picturesque public park surrounded by accessible woodland walkways—perfect for morning dog walks.

• The Daffodil Line Bus Kiosk: The pub is incredibly unique because it features its own request stop for the community-led Daffodil Line bus service right outside. For a cheap £2 fare, you can hop onto this dog-friendly line every two hours to seamlessly explore the beautiful nearby market towns of Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye without having to unpack or drive your motorhome.

• The Forest of Dean: A 15-to-20 minute drive south connects you directly to the ancient Forest of Dean National Trail networks, ideal for cycling, heavy hiking, and exploring historic castles.