A place where the past meets great hospitality

Nestled on the edge of the tranquil village of Barton Mills, along the River Lark, The Bull Inn is more than a pub — it’s a living chapter of England’s coaching-inn heritage. A hostelry has occupied this site since at least the 16th century, and by 1680 it was a notable coaching inn on the main London–Norwich route, complete with a carriage archway welcoming weary travellers. In 1811 advertisements boasted service to “first families of distinction,” with mail and spirits running between Norwich, Lynn and beyond — testament to its importance in a pre-railway era. Inside today you can still see the 17th-century staircase and ancient oak beams that whisper of centuries past.

Legend holds that Queen Elizabeth I rested here in the company of the Earl of Leicester, and that Queen Victoria, both as a princess and later as monarch, paused in these rooms. Through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, extensions and alterations were made, each adding layer upon layer to its character. In the modern era it’s retained its quirky charm, earning accolades such as “Britain’s funkiest B&B” and continuing to welcome locals and visitors alike with hearty food, real ale and warm hospitality — a testament to the enduring spirit of England’s village inns.