The White Lion Inn

Location: High Street, Gillingham, England, SP8 5AT, Gillingham, GB

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Inns

About this Property

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Smoke-free property
• Free self parking

Rooms Available

• Superior Double Room, Ensuite

  1 Double Bed

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Digital channels

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a hair dryer, and a shower

  Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, towels not available, bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Free WiFi
  • No housekeeping
  • Towels not available
  • Bed sheets not available

• Double Room, Ensuite

  1 Double Bed

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Digital channels

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a hair dryer, and a shower

  Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, towels not available, bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Free WiFi
  • No housekeeping
  • Towels not available
  • Bed sheets not available

Guest Reviews

• Dawn (8/5): One night stay - During a one-night stay, the staff provided friendly service, and the food quality was good. The establishment presented a charming, traditional ambiance. However, the guest room was compact with low-hanging beams, necessitating caution regarding head clearance. While adequate for a brief visit, a more spacious accommodation would be advisable for extended stays.
• Simon (10/5): - Beautiful old Inn
• Melanie (8/5): Wonderful Stay - We had a wonderful stay at The White Lion and the food was excellent. The Breakfast was fantastic and would give it a 11 out of 10. Would definitely stay again
• E (10/5): Wonderful Find - We found The White Lion 3 years ago and now stay there when travelling to and from Swanage and this time managed a 4 night stay as we were visiting relatives in the area. Fabulous location, all staff so welcoming and friendly and food menu is so varied we could eat any of the dishes and not be disappointed, we love it. Good hearty breakfast is included in the price. Can't wait to go back again. Thank you for making our stay so magical once again.
• Stuart (10/5): Spot on - Food, staff, accommodation were all amazing. Couldn't fault it. Great stay!
• JULIE (10/5): - So pleased we found this place. Staff were ever so friendly. Our room had a lovely old charm complete with squeaky floor boards. Clean room and comfy bed. Breakfast was enough to keep us full till dinner time
• Elizabeth (10/5): - The property was gorgeous with a onsite fabulous restaurant full of locals. You know its good when all the locals are there. Every person was warm and inviting. Every one we met made us feel like family.
• Lynne (10/5): Short enjoyable stay - Wonderful stay. Stuart and the team were all very helpful. Food was amazing. Would highly recommend
• Michelle (10/5): - Lovely stay, beautiful clean room with a
• Ian (10/5): - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but feel a stair rail should be provided for stair case access to the larger bedroom. This would avoid the possibility of any future injuries to visitors.
• Jennifer (10/5): - Great Tay, very comfortable and super breakfast
• Sarah (10/5): Wonderful stay - Fabulous place, one of the best I've ever stayed at! Gorgeous pub with beautiful beer garden, lovely cosy room, great amenities, delicious breakfast and beer friendly service. And the bonus of PC the cat!
• Carole (10/5): A gem of a find - The White Lion Inn is a gem of a find. Its olde worlde decor is apt for this beautiful building and its cottage garden. Situated in a peaceful setting. Restaurant excellent, had a lovely evening meal. Breakfast very good. Room clean and tidy, has all you need. Lovely old beams.
• Nichola (10/5): Lovely room in a lovely Inn - Lovely room in a lovely Inn
• Kristein (8/5): - Dinner was amazing. The service was awesome. Loved all the quirky things to look at throughout both the pub area and our bedroom. Wish we could stay longer to explore these more. Nice little touches like pot pouri in the bathroom. Comfortable bed for a good night sleep.
• Philip (10/5): - Owner and staff were incredibly accommodating! When we walked in, the bartender checked us in seamlessly, walked us to our room, helped us with our bags, and by the time we meandered back down to the bar, drinks were waiting for us. We opted for breakfast the next day and had the most delicious full English. The outdoor space is also incredibly comfortable and inviting. Would 100% both recommend this gem AND stay here again in a heartbeat.
• Darren (10/5): - A wonderful little pub set in a side road away from the main road. Room had been decorated too a high standard, nice bathroom with complimentary bath products. Great values for money. Nice walking in the area.
• Angela (8/5): - We spent one night there. The pub is a lovely old pub, slightly quirky. Our room was quite small but perfectly adequate for one night. My main concern being tall wad hitting my head on the beam. The food wad god, service very good and friendly. Lovely breakfast. The garden is lovely too with lots of areas in which to sit. For a Thursday night t was buzzing.
• Roger (10/5): - a wonderful beer garden
• Michael W (10/5): - Property is a pub with a limited number of rooms. Pubs can be noisy at times…. But quiet at night. Good restaurant….but very crowded on the Friday night we were there….service was slow. Great pub atmosphere Rooms older, but comfortable, pictures accurate ly describe the property. Staff friendly and helpful
• Max (10/5): - They have a beautiful garden to enjoy with a drink. The food is so delicious.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Lovely pub and rooms - Despite arriving late in the evening, I was made to feel welcome. The room was freshly redecorated, clean and comfortable and the breakfast was lovely too. Staff all very friendly. I was told by the taxi driver how amazing the food is, but didn't get a chance to stay for dinner, maybe next time!
• Colin (10/5): - A very pleasant stay. This is truly a country pub with a lovely atmosphere. A wholesome breakfast was supplied by Will. We ate in the Restaraunt on the first night which was superb. Would recommend 😀
• Angela (10/5): - Handsome old pub, lovely welcome feel.
• JOSEPH (10/5): - Wonderful country pub; ideal for visiting Stourhead.
• John (10/5): - Friendly and helpful service, great location and amazing breakfasts
• andrew (10/5): White Lion 10/10 - Great pub and location. Room was fab with good sized bathroom and comfortable bed. The Guinness was great and evening meal and breakfast fantastic. Great staff as well, 10/10 and will stay again
• Aleksandra (10/5): Highly recommend - The area is absolutely charming, surrounded by picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff here are exceptionally friendly and go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. I was particularly impressed by my room; it was not only cozy but also thoughtfully decorated, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that made my stay truly enjoyable. Each detail, from the plush bedding to the soft lighting, contributed to a sense of comfort that made it feel like a true home away from home.
• Marion (8/5): - A popular local pub that was lively when we arrived for check in; noise from the bar can be heard in the room but we were out during the afternoon and enjoyed the evening in the restaurant and bar until closing so it did not disturb us. Evening meal and breakfast excellent, staff and pub cat very friendly! Ideal location for visiting Stourhead.
• Judith (6/5): - Excellent meal but room was looking very tired and the toilet needed cleaning!
• Alison (8/5): A great old inn - This is an old building and so expectations must be managed. It has great character and it’s great to stay in the pub for food and drink. The superior room was lovely but very noisy as over the dining room.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Friendly old inn with quirky charm - A grade11 listed building with acres of old quirky charm. Staff were all very friendly and helpful at this very busy time of year (Christmas lunches and dinners) Many customers supported this inn which included a great local clientele. Log burners in bar area kept the place warm. Furnishings were all old and part of its charm is that nothing matches ! Dogs were welcome in the bar area and there is a friendly adopted cat ! Great breakfast with fresh ingredients. Landlord and staff made us very welcome Ideal location in village setting , close to Penselwood and Stourhead House and Gardens bordering Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Bedroom was also very old, quirky and comfortable.
• Ian (6/5): - Nice place but didn’t turn up to do breakfast and had to get room ready when got there
• Marco (10/5): - Thanks for the extended check-in service for me
• Patti (10/5): - We have stayed at The White Lion a few times now and have always found it homely and comfortable with friendly outgoing staff.
• Michelle (8/5): - It's a nice pleasant pub with a good pint of Guinness. The room was clean and comfortable, but upon entering the room initially, it was very cold as the windows had been left open.
• Joanna (10/5): - 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. The pub is a stunning example of a place run by people who truly love what they do. The warm, welcoming atmosphere made us feel at home instantly. Booking through Expedia was straightforward, and the room rate was very reasonable. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly. After enjoying a couple of drinks in the beautifully decorated bar, we were shown upstairs to Room 2. The room was an absolute delight – a blend of antiques and upcycled furniture, brought together with exceptional design. The newly refurbished bathroom had everything we needed for our stay. The welcome tray in the bedroom was generously stocked with tea, coffee, milk, bottled water, cans of Coke, and a jar of homemade biscuits. There was even a Nespresso machine for freshly brewed coffee. Roman blinds blocked out the streetlights, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep. The room was cosy and warm, and dinner was simply outstanding. Both our starters and main courses were cooked to perfection, clearly prepared with care and love. The staff were attentive, friendly, and highly professional throughout. Breakfast the next morning was another highlight – freshly cooked full English, with coffee brewed at our table. Every detail was thoughtfully considered to make sure we enjoyed our stay.
• Julia (8/5): Overall Enjoyable Stay - Lovely pub and staff. Food great. Lovely atmosphere. Room needs major refurbishment and cleaning. Shower broken, door won't close, bathroom door doesn't close, window needs major attention and some of the pub needed cleaning. Enjoyed our stay despite the negative comments
• Chelsea (10/5): - The staff were so welcoming and helpful, and we had a last minute booking and late arrival. Excellent service all around with a great breakfast as well! Beautiful setting in the countryside and great ambiance within. Would absolutely stay there again.
• Susan (6/5): - A quirky property which was very interesting. The room was beautiful and again, quirky. However, the walls were very thin and the noise from below the eating area was significant. There was also a barking dog that disturbed our sleep when we stayed. It was unclear whether that was the owners dog or another residents. Shame.
• Mark (6/5): - Nice English pub , but needs a little redecoration. Pub noise below bedroom until after closing time. Cat observed on table licking the butter.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great service and delicious breakfast! - Check in was easy, our room was quaint and cosy. We loved the beams and authentic inn-feel! Breakfast was delicious and we ate there the first night which was very tasty. Service was superb, we felt very well looked after. Would highly recommend if looking to stay in the area.
• Richard (10/5): Fab Stay in a lovely inn - Lovly country inn very friendly and food was amazing as well as the breakfast in the morning
• Malcolm (8/5): Lovely pub - This is a lovely old pub in a nice location. We only stayed one night but the food was very good, the staff friendly and everything was very clean. There were also nice touches with complementary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bottled water and cola all provided in the room. The bathroom was also very nice with really nice shampoo, shower gel etc provided. The only negative bit for us was the noise in our room (number 2). It did feel as if we were actually in the bar though in fairness it was quiet from around 11 o clock. It would have been 5 stars but for that..
• NAOKO (8/5): - It was a very nice location and easy parking. Staff is nice & helpful. However, poor internet connection made me difficult to stay for business purpose.
• Margaret (8/5): - A lovely Historic, Quirky place to stay
• Lydia (10/5): - Had a brief but lovely stay as a solo female, was safe and quiet. Excellent breakfast and cosy room. Thank you!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - very quaint place and very charming, but you must be able to navigate tight stairs.
• W (10/5): Perfect in every way! - Wonderful dinner, perfect breakfast, friendly greeting, gorgeous gardens, super comfy bed and lovely room. Spot on in every way. We'll be back x
• alan (10/5): - Very good
• Louise (10/5): Great stay - Great stay as a pitstop on the way back from Cornwall. Lovely cosy pub and really good food
• Lucy (10/5): - all excellent
• Kate (10/5): - Atmosphere, quiet, friendly, excellent food
• Verified traveler (4/5): Go for the food not the room - From other reviews we booked a room here. Our room was ok but the bed was very uncomfortable. The shower leaked and the shower head holder was broken. Shower was like a drip. Radiator in the bathroom also didn't work. No menu at breakfast, being asked what we wanted without one was a bit odd. Had great meal there in the evening, food was perfect. We booked about 5 days before and when we arrived we had been put on a table in the bar which was freezing and close to a door which had people walking in and out the whole time. We asked to move as my family were about to arrive and a few of the older ones really feel the cold. The waitress said that we were sitting there because we booked late and said we could move to the table in the restaurant area but we would have to take our own cutlery with us. I feel this is a bit odd and not what I would expect from other places, service wise. Overall go there for the room but I would no recommend staying.
• Jacqueline (10/5): - Really enjoyed our stay, rooms lovely. Food amazing, especially breakfast. Staff friendly and accommodating, felt very welcome. Will certainly be returning sometime in the new year.
• Kerry (10/5): - The property is lovely and the interior is amazing and old. It was tastefully decorated and all the amenities were top notch. Everything in the room was perfect and well thought of. The staff were very friendly, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and happy. The price point is excellent too. My only concern was the wifi in room 1. There wasn’t any service but it didn’t take away from the entire experience. It’s a lovely place and I highly recommend it!
• Paul (10/5): Beautiful Country Pub - Great village pub with friendly staff and excellent service. Room was very comfortable with some very nice additions such as bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee and chocolate drink making facilities along with complimentary home made biscuits. Bathroom spacious with complimentary toiletries. Breakfast was included and of excellent quality. Stayed with our dog who was made welcome throughout our stay.
• Stuart (10/5): Another Night Stay- Fantastic - We have stayed here before and a good reason for return is this is a popular pub, staff are friendly, William is always social, the rooms are great, the pub atmosphere terrific and the food is also great.
• Peter (10/5): - A gem
• Gerard (10/5): Holiday Stopover - Lovely pub. Great setting. Will be back
• Jeffrey (10/5): - This property was one of the most quaint places I have ever stayed?!!
• Verified traveler (8/5): Comfortable but somewhat noisy pub with rooms - This is not a dedicated hotel, but rather a lively pub with rooms. While the room we stayed in was spacious and comfortable, with a good-sized bathroom (with electric shower and tub), the sound insulation was poor, with a lot of noise coming up from the dining room immediately below. This wasn't a major problem the first two nights, as 11:00 closing time meant that things quietened down quickly. On our final night, however, something that sounded like a dog fight broke out immediately below us at nearly midnight and things weren't quiet until half past at the earliest. The food was good, all home made and freshly prepared, although the selection for breakfast was a little limited. Services was extremely friendly and accommodating at a very busy time.
• Robert (10/5): Great place to visit. - Great stay, food was top notch
• Graeme (8/5): - Lovely period pub. Great room. Great food. Shame about yappy dog at night time.
• Linda (10/5): - We enjoyed every aspect of our stay, from the quirkiness of the decor and furnishings to the excellent food wines and beers. It was lovely to sit in the beautiful garden too. We look forward to returning!
• Paloma (10/5): - Lovely place. Very close to National Trust Stourhead
• Jane (10/5): - Very friendly and helpful staff. Food was delicious. Room was clean and well stocked with teas, coffee and soft drinks. The bathroom was well stocked with all necessities.
• Will (8/5): - Lovely stay in a beautiful room with great facilities - including nespresso machine and water in room. Shower was unpredictable in terms of temperature. We were asked to pick a time for breakfast for any time up until 09:30 and chose this time. On arriving at breakfast I was essentially made to feel like I was late, which wasn't great. Equally, no one was present for check out so I was forced to leave my keys at the bar (despite calling out for someone!).
• Verified traveler (6/5): Rustic inn... could use some TLC. - The White Lion Inn was described as rustic and even though it was indeed rustic, it was not what we expected. There was no reception at check-in. The room was dusty and the stairway to the room was steep, the walls were dirty, and the ceiling low. The room shared stairs with a room where there were several dogs. There was noise from the animals at night (well after 11pm). The grounds were beautiful with a gazebo, other seating, and lots of beautiful, fragrant flowers. The dining room needed airing out and a good clean. Will made us a delicious full English breakfast daily (thank you Will).
• Fiona (10/5): - The pub is refreshingly unique and quirky but still feeling traditional. The gardens are glorious and i had the best nights sleep! Wish i could have come to your opera event Keep up the great work guys x
• Liz (10/5): - Lovely hotel and excellent food. Really nice cozy pub feel with amazing dining options. Only downside was the tiny tv and not many channel options. Breakfast was great quality and staff very helpful. Would recommend to anyone
• Julie (10/5): Wow - What an amazing place. The gardens are beautiful. The staff were all really friendly and very helpful and knowledgable about the pub history, food and drink. We will definately be going back there
• Peter (10/5): - An old fashioned inn with friendly staff
• Christopher (10/5): Little Gem - Really nice country pub and nice rooms, with very pleasant staff.
• martyn (10/5): - Really impressed with the White Lion. It's so well run - garden is amazing, range of ales impressive & rooms superb & quirky. We've been twice & very much intend to return.
• Joy (10/5): - Parking was so easy and the room was clean. It was very quiet.
• Dylan (10/5): - There already a number of reviews of the White Lion here on expedia from me because I keep staying there !! Usually for a week at a time. The building and every room in it just oozes charm and character, the decor and atmosphere is wonderful. The owners, Will and Stuart, never stop going above and beyond to be helpful and are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Will even went out and bought gluten free sausages just for me !! Where else could you expect such wonderful treatment ?? Overall, I don't think there is a better pub that you could stay at anywhere in Britain - TOTALLY RECOMMENDED
• Michael (4/5): A mini disaster - Bit disappointing on the first night restricted menu due to non arrival of delivery van . Then the calor gas ran out so no hot water or heating , left the second night as gas not arrived and bedroom freezing .
• Janet (10/5): - The property was quirky and old fashioned with great beer. Be careful if you are tall though!
• Donna (10/5): - A fabulous find. It had a great atmosphere, great food, easy to get to, dog friendly
• Kathryn (10/5): - There was a cosy, cottage-beamed room, thoughtful extras and a delicious dinner menu. Warm, friendly staff, well-decorated, with creative art styles. Recommend it!
• Mark (10/5): - Beautiful old pub and we loved the homely decor. Food (breakfast and evening meal) was delicious. This really felt like a break from the mad rush.
• Esther (10/5): - Lovely stay, lots of attention to detail and a delicious breakfast. Very enjoyable experience.
• earle (10/5): Top hotel - Had an excellent stay will be returning there again
• Kim (10/5): - Wonderful service,great food and very friendly
• Ruben (8/5): - Its a beutiful old Inn with very good staff. The full english breakfast was delicious. The gardens are vast and full of colour. The only slight issue I had was that the lovely smell in the room was too intense.
• Mark (10/5): Nice stop during a bike tour. - We had an overnight stay here for a two day bike tour, and needed charging for our ebike. They were really helpful in sorting it out for us.
• ann (10/5): - Loved the garden and relaxed friendly atmosphere
• Stephen (10/5): A highly unusual inn - A quirky traditional English inn with a mature and attentive staff. Exceptionally pretty garden and fascinating artefacts throughout the inn and it’s rooms. There’s more than a suggestion of Lion, Witch and Wardrobe, or perhaps Lewis Carroll’s ‘Wonderland’ about The White Lion. With such artefacts one must expect a little dust here and there and that’s part of the character. If you are looking for a short stay in a very special country inn, you will probably love The White Lion Inn… we certainly did.
• Margaret (10/5): - Great food and hosts
• Kat (4/5): Overpriced - I would expect more for 75£ for a stay in the pub in the middle of nowhere. I tried to sleep on the most uncomfortable bed, it was hard to find a position when the springs were not digging into my body. Also, if you stay for business bear in mind that breakfast starts at 8. But if you for some reason want to stay there for pleasure you will be waken up at 7:30 by some delivery track. On the good side, a man who showed me a room was really nice and helpful and my small portion of scrumble eggs was really tasty.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Really nice place with great service.
• Sarah (8/5): - The room had no soap and the stairs could of done with a bannister. Breakfast was cooked to perfection and staff including the dogs were delightful and friendly.
• Charlie (2/5): - My two workers were refused entry at the door and unallowed to stay apparently because it was a double room and not a twin room. however that didnt matter he would not let them in. i had paid the money and sent the hotel an email but they never did reply, so they have our money for nothing.
• Alfred (10/5): - Loved it. Great value.
• ali (10/5): what a fantastic find. Highly recommended - a real treat. Friendly service, great food in the bar and just a lovely homely feel. Really comfortable bedrooms, great breakfast and lovely beer garden. Highly recommended
• Victoria (10/5): Lovely country pub with rooms - Lovely pub with with rooms, very friendly staff and fabulous food. The room was very comfortable and the decor throughout was quirky and cute.
• Andrew (8/5): Injured chef - Excellent value for money (£65 per night). Its not actually in Gillingham though - its off A303 at Zeals/ Bourton (about 6 miles away). Excellent breakfast at 8 am. Only a couple of queries: room was a tad cold in winter (heaters would not turn on manually at thermostat) but luckily I had thermals ! Also some confusion about evening meals. First night (Monday) was valentines and no issues. Tuesday night I was told meals are not served mid week and had to drive into Mere and yet another resident was told that the chef had hurt himself and was unavailble to cook. Which is it?
• Mrs Elizabeth (10/5): - This was a lovely old inn in a very quiet location. Very easy going atmosphere, but with great food and service,lovely warm log fires and very cosy.just simple good hospitality. We very much enjoyed it and hope to return to enjoy their ‘Opera’ evenings one day. Thankyou
• Ian (10/5): - A beautiful old fashioned pub. Very well run, clean and oozing old world charm. Ate there at lunchtime and the food was excellent and a very friendly atmosphere.

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