CAMRA Good Beer Guide: 15 of the best Wiltshire pubs

In total 63 of the county’s most loved venues have been included in the 51st edition of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide.

The 2024 guide surveyed 4,500 of the best pubs in the UK with a selection of the best pint servers in the country making the cut.

CAMRA chair Nik Antona has urged readers to use the guide as a starting point for supporting high quality pubs across the country.

He said: “I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”

The full list of pubs included in the Good Beer Guide can only be read by purchasing the latest edition from the organisation’s website.

But CAMRA has allowed us to list 15 of the best Wiltshire pubs found in the collection.

The Flying Monk

The Flying Monk, Chippenham (Image: Google Maps)Found in Chippenham’s historic Market Place, the pub offers a selection of Belgian and craft beers, as well as three draught ciders and cask ale.

Old Road Tavern

The second Chippenham location on the list offers “well-kept ales” from a 140-year-old Grade II listed community pub.

The British Lion

Mike Dearing at The British Lion (Image: Google Maps)The British Lion in Estcourt Street, Devizes, has been an ever-present in CAMRA’s guides for 28 years under the leadership of landlord Mike Dearing, and is described as an “essential” destination.

Snuffbox

Another Devizes pub, Snuffbox makes it into the guide for the first time thanks to the popularity of its real ciders and nine keg and membrane keg beers.

White Bear

One of Devizes’ most recognisable venues, the Monday Market Street pub dates back to the 1500s and was recently refurbished throughout.

King’s Arms

The Kings Arms Located on Castle Street in the centre of Trowbridge, the pub makes it onto the list for the first time after an extensive refurbishment and reopening in 2010.

Stallards

Originally built in 1857, the pub is a recognisable feature of Stallard Street and guests are often welcomed by the landlady’s two friendly dogs.

Five Bells

Staff at Five Bells earlier this year (Image: CAMRA)An ever-present in the guide since 2002, the pub has been on Wood Street since before 1841 and has regularly won awards during the 25-year stewardship of Simon and Becci Cole.

Hiding Place Micropub

Found on Melksham High Street, the two-storey micropub is described as “bright and welcoming” and is run in conjunction with the nearby Stealth Brewery.

Market Tavern

One of the most popular pubs in the area, the Melksham Market Place venue reopened in 2021 following an ownership change and won MP Michelle Donelan’s Pub of the Year competition.

Bath Arms

The Bath Arms Warminster (Image: Google Maps)Another CAMRA newcomer, the pub is one of three 18th century coaching inns remaining in Warminster and was reopened by Wetherspoon in 2014.

Flemish Weaver

The popular Corsham High Street venue dating back to the 17th century is another new entry after being refurbished in 2022 and prides itself on quality food and beer.

Three Brewers

On Priory Street, just minutes away from the previous entry, the welcoming community pub is known for its high quality hot food, cold snacks and real ale.

Whole Hog

Located in Market Cross, Malmesbury, the wood panelled bar and dining establishment boasts locally sourced food and is described as a pub “central to the community.”

Castle Inn

Rounding out the list is one of Bradford on Avon’s most popular pubs and a multiple CAMRA award winner, which closed during the pandemic before reopening in 2021.