Less than a three hour drive from London, this idyllic countryside escape offers a much-needed city break.
Few things are more restorative than a few days away from the big smoke - just one night away at The Three Daggers is proof of that sentiment. Built in the mid 18th-century, the inn is a beloved institution in its local area. And, despite the passing of time and a major refurbishment in 2016, it has faithfully retained the old world feel which people know and love.
With an onsite spa, microbrewery, farm shop and pub, the outpost houses all the makings of a perfect weekend. In the last few years, the five-star inn has scooped up a slew of awards, including AA’s Pub of the Year in 2019 and Open Table UK’s Diners’ Choice Award in 2024. As its star continues to rise, paying a weekend visit felt necessary...
The location
Nestled in the quaint village of Edington, the local area surrounding The Three Daggers is filled with small town charm — picture a scene of rolling green hills, thatched cottages and a 14th-century priory church.
Westbury town is 15 minutes away and conveniently offers direct trains to London, Bath and Bristol which is perfect for anyone not looking to drive. For those who are travelling by car, a range of historic sites are just a short drive away including Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill and Old Sarum. While they're certainly responsible for generating a bit of buzz, The Three Daggers really feels like the village’s beating heart. It’s a place where locals and visitors can come together and enjoy delicious food, fresh air and some wholesome R&R.
The accommodation
The Three Daggers is a pub with rooms with guests having the choice of three - Coulston, Priory and Tinhead. Each of the bedrooms feature modern touches with an overall homey feel. Steeped in character, the rustic aesthetic comes courtesy of exposed beams, country style curtains and minimal, tasteful decor. Of course, the creature comforts are still there, albeit discreet (think heated towel rails in the bathroom and a flat-screen television contained within a wooden cabinet). These rooms have shared use of a private living room and kitchen where guests can lounge in front of the open stone fireplace, enjoy a glass of wine or play a game of Scrabble. Hunter wellies are free to use throughout each stay as well, encouraging exploration of the local countryside.
The property also offers three self-catering cottages with varying capacity sizes. These offer a greater sense of privacy and seclusion for larger groups.
The amenities
The main attraction, (read: the pub) is bustling in the best way. During our visit, we enjoyed the buzz of a large table with four cocker spaniels in tow, tuckered out from a day spent shooting. Their owners donned tweed flat caps as they enjoyed a few pints of Three Daggers Ale - it all felt very quintessentially British. Everyone inside is friendly and eager to chat; the kind of genuine bonhomie you only get in the countryside. It’s one of those places that feels incredibly cosy, with one little nook in particular offering the perfect spot for a few afternoon tipples.
Over the road is the Wellness Barn which comes equipped with three treatment rooms. Walking up the driveway, the crisp air mingled perfectly with the smell of burning firewood. It’s the smell that signals holiday for many, and it certainly sets the ambience for a relaxing experience. Inside, the spa is reminiscent of someone's home, with Aztec rugs and comfy furniture sprawled throughout. The most pleasing thing you'll notice, however, is the complete absence of noise...bliss! The treatment list is thoughtful and relies on a range of aromatherapy oils. Choose from hot stone or deep tissue, or even a 45-minute Indian head massage. Each is designed to reduce stress and prioritise overall wellbeing, with therapists making light work of melting away any stresses. The Barn also hosts a range of wellness activities from guided walks to pilates and stretching sessions.
Before heading off, be sure to pop into the farm shop. Housed in a beautiful, oak-framed building, visitors can explore a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and artisanal gifts. It’s the perfect place to grab a few things to commemorate your time in the countryside.
The dining
Specialising in farm-to-fork cuisine, The Three Daggers’ onsite restaurant is renowned for its curated balance of pub classics and sophisticated dishes. A lot of produce is grown in the local village farm (Edington Priory), with a focus on seasonal British ingredients that really shines through in the flavours.
Special mentions must be paid to the spicy gochujang squid with its punchy combination of crunch and zest. The venison loin with celeriac purèe, venison haunch croquette and bitter chocolate jus is a real flex of culinary talent. The croquette is crispy, gamey and perfectly battered, while the cut of meat melts in the mouth. For those with an soft spot for the greatest hits, the ale battered haddock is beyond generous in size and the mushy peas are the perfect sidekick.
You’d be well-advised to save room for dessert, solely to enjoy the magic of the sticky toffee choux bun. A lighter twist on the classic pud, this recreation has all the same flavours which come together in a sweet symphony of toffee and dates.
Come morning, breakfast is free of charge to guests of the inn. Pancakes and continental delicacies are certainly enticing, but the full Wiltshire breakfast isn’t one to be missed. Feast on eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes, with sausage and bacon proudly sourced from local suppliers. It’s yet another nod to the community farmers who make the kitchen come to life.
The verdict
Selfishly, The Three Daggers is one of those places you’d like to keep a secret, but it’s impossible not to shout about it. The property is a true countryside treasure and has nailed the formula of the perfect weekend getaway. So, the next time you find yourself needing to breathe a different kind of air, you know exactly where to go!
The Three Daggers
Address: 47 Westbury Rd, Edington, Westbury BA13 4PG
Bookings: https://www.threedaggers.co.uk/
