The UK's most picturesque pub gardens revealed
A boozer with Ben Nevis views, a quaint inn with seating in an orchard and a breathtaking beachside spot for a beer: The UK’s most picturesque pub gardens revealed
- At The Purefoy Arms, customers can bring blankets and set themselves up ‘picnic-style’ on the garden’s lawn
- Nestled next to the River Chew, the Rising Sun in Pensford, Somerset, is well known for its ‘idyllic garden’
- The Ship Inn has a beachside beer garden that has stunning views over Elie Bay in Fife
Beer we go!
Trips to the pub are now back on the agenda, with outdoor-only drinking at pubs allowed across England, and in Scotland and Wales from tomorrow.
To help make your next public-house expedition extra special MailOnline Travel here reveals some of the UK’s most picturesque pub gardens, from a boozer with a beautiful orchard in Worcestershire to a stunning beachside spot in Fife and an inn with views of Ben Nevis. Scroll down and decide where you’d like to enjoy an outdoor tipple or two…
The Purefoy Arms, Preston Candover, Hampshire
The stunning garden for al-fresco drinking and dining at The Purefoy Arms in the tiny village of Preston Candover
The Purefoy Arms serves food by chef Gordon Stott, who was named ‘Pub Chef of the Year’ at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards in 2017
The Purefoy Pod – the pub’s heated dining pod that can seat up to six people
This gastropub in the tiny village of Preston Candover has a stunning garden for al-fresco drinking and dining.
It has numerous benches, but the pub encourages customers to bring blankets so they can set themselves up ‘picnic-style’ on the lawn.
In addition, there’s also the Purefoy Pod – a heated dining pod that can seat up to six people.
The Purefoy Arms serves food by chef Gordon Stott, who was named ‘Pub Chef of the Year’ at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards in 2017. It was also awarded two AA rosettes in 2019.
The pub’s website says: ‘Our dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local and UK suppliers. You’ll also find English-grown wine, locally distilled gin and British craft beer too.’ Visit www.thepurefoyarms.co.uk or call 01256 389514. Open now.
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire
The beer garden at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton near Evesham. The pub is owned by the National Trust and was originally built in the 15th century
The garden at The Fleece Inn is also an orchard, with its apple trees currently covered in blossom
The beer garden at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton near Evesham is not just a beer garden – it’s also an orchard, with its apple trees currently covered in blossom.
The pub is owned by the National Trust and was originally built in the 15th century by a farmer named Byrd. It remained in his family’s ownership until 1977, when the last of his descendants bequeathed it to the organisation.
According to the Fleece Inn website, the pub remains ‘largely unchanged, although it now serves delicious pub grub and most famously pays homage to the locally grown vegetable asparagus during May and June’.
In 2019, the pub hit the headlines when its landlord, Nigel Smith, attempted to break the world record for the largest gathering of Nigels in one place – in a last-ditch bid to stop the name from dying out.
In response, a total of 432 Nigels from all over the world got together in the pub. Visit www.thefleeceinn.co.uk or call 01386 831173. Open now.
The Stackpole Inn, Pembrokeshire
The garden at The Stackpole Inn, which is located on the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate in Pembrokeshire
According to the Stackpole Inn, there are few better spots in summer where you can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine after a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path than its large garden.
The pub is located on the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate in Pembrokeshire and is popular with walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, fishermen and climbers. It was recently recognised with an award for the ‘Best Eating Out Experience in Pembrokeshire’ and offers daily specials of fresh, local fish.
The pub – which was also named the best pub in England and Wales by travel guide Sawday’s in its 2018/19 awards – also has several rooms. One happy customer wrote on Google: ‘Lovely little village pub. Great place to sit outside and relax with drink or meal.’ Visit www.stackpoleinn.co.uk or call 01646 672324. Open from tomorrow (April 26).
The Manor House of Whittington, Kinver, Staffordshire
The recently renovated outside terrace that has both heated and covered areas at The Manor House of Whittington in Kinver
The pub building dates back to 1310 and is a Grade I-listed property. It offers a menu of seasonal dishes
This historic country pub in the village of Kinver has a recently renovated outside terrace that has both heated and covered areas so customers can sit outside whatever the weather.
It offers a menu of seasonal dishes such as spiced roast duck breast with pickled watermelon as well as favourites including chargrilled steaks and sourdough pizza.
The pub building dates back to 1310 and is a Grade I-listed property. ‘Darkcrystal123’ wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘We love this place! Sat in the beautiful beer garden and enjoyed a delicious meal whilst trying many of their incredible cocktails.’ Visit www.themanorhouseofwhittington.com or call 01384 872 110. Open now.
The Greyhound Inn and Hotel, Usk, Monmouthshire
The stunning flower-filled beer garden at The Greyhound Inn and Hotel, which has twice been named the winner of the Best Pub Garden in the Usk in Bloom contest
The Greyhound Inn and Hotel, pictured, describes itself as a ‘traditional, 18th-century stone-built village pub
The Greyhound Inn and Hotel is a traditional pub with rooms and has a stunning flower-filled beer garden that’s twice been named the winner of Best Pub Garden in the Usk in Bloom contest.
Its website says: ‘The Greyhound Inn and Hotel offers everything you would expect from the best of country inns. We are a traditional, 18th-century stone-built village pub with comfortable accommodation situated within the beautiful Usk Valley in the heart of rural Monmouthshire, South Wales. Whether you come to stay, to eat a meal or a bar snack, or just pop in for a drink, you are always assured of the warmest of welcomes.’
On Google reviews, Barb Saunders wrote: ‘Great local country pub with good food and excellent service. Always a friendly welcome and a pretty garden to sit in when the sun shines. Highly recommended.’ Visit www.greyhound-inn.com or call 01291 672505. Open from tomorrow (April 26).
The Ship Inn, Elie, Fife
The Ship Inn has a beachside beer garden, pictured, that has stunning views over Elie Bay in Fife
The Ship Inn describes itself as having ‘one of Scotland’s most beautiful settings for a casual drink with friends’
This pub’s beachside garden has stunning views over Fife’s Elie Bay.
Not only that, it is the only inn in Britain with a cricket team that has a pitch on the beach.
The pub, which also has rooms, says: ‘The Ship Inn is one of Scotland’s most beautiful settings for a casual drink with friends in the pub or beachside garden or a delicious sit-down meal.’ Visit www.shipinn.scot or call 01333 330246. Open from tomorrow (April 26).
The Ship, Wandsworth, London
The Ship in Wandsworth, which is perched right on the banks of the River Thames and has a large outdoor terrace
The Ship is perched right on the banks of the River Thames and has a large outdoor terrace that goes right up to the water’s edge.
The pub says: ‘Sit on deck with friends on long communal tables to the backdrop of the Thames, and grab a bite to eat from the pub’s classic British dishes, as well as from the burger menu from the pub’s outdoor Burger Shack.’
On Google Reviews, Justus Delp wrote: ‘Awesome pub for a sunny day at the river!’ Visit www.theship.co.uk or call 020 8870 9667. Open now.
Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse, Fort William
The beer garden at the Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse. The pub is a converted 200-year-old barn that also provides accommodation
The beer garden at the Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse is located right at the beginning (or end) of the tourist path for Ben Nevis – and has mesmerising views of Glen Nevis and Britain’s highest mountain.
The pub itself is a converted 200-year-old barn and there is also a bunkhouse that ‘provides essential accommodation’ for walkers ‘after a long day on the hills’.
Its website says: ‘Walkers and visitors to the area know us as a welcome sight at the end of their adventure up the Ben, and we are proud that our locals know they can rely on us for a good meal in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.’
One previous visitor, Gersende Pommery, said: ‘Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse is an enchanting pub, a paradise with great food, great beer, a superb selection of whisky – and an amazing view of Ben Nevis.’ Visit www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk or call 01397 701227. Open from tomorrow (April 26).
The Rising Sun, Pensford, Somerset
The ‘idyllic’ beer garden at The Rising Sun in Pensford, Somerset. The pub is nestled at the foot of a viaduct by the River Chew
Nestled at the foot of a viaduct by the River Chew, the Rising Sun in Pensford, Somerset, is well known for its ‘idyllic garden’.
In fact, in 2020, it was named as having the best beer garden in Britain by radio station Union Jack.
The pub says: ‘We pride ourselves on serving fresh home-cooked food as well as local cask ales and ciders. The pub is well known for its idyllic setting with its award-winning riverside garden.’ Visit its Facebook page for more information or call 01761 490006. Open now.
The Griffins Head, Chillenden, Kent
The Griffins Head has a ‘lush green garden, pretty views and a tranquil pond to complete the picture-perfect country pub scene’
The pub was originally built as a farmhouse in 1286. It offers ‘classic Kentish ales, wines, spirits and more’
This traditional hostelry has a ‘lush green garden, pretty views and a tranquil pond to complete the picture-perfect country pub scene’.
The building was originally built as a farmhouse in 1286, but now offers an ‘a la carte dining experience’ as well as ‘classic Kentish ales, wines, spirits and more’.
Its owner, brewer Shepherd Neame, says: ‘With its original oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and sprawling wild roses in the garden, the Griffin’s Head in Chillenden is the quintessential Kentish country pub.’ Visit www.thegriffinshead.com or call 01304 840 325. Open now.
The Stables, Whitby
The beer garden at The Stables in Whitby, which is a former 17th-century farmhouse and stables turned pub with rooms
The garden has sweeping views across the Esk Valley in the North York Moors as well as a pond
A former 17th-century farmhouse and stables turned pub with rooms, The Stables in Whitby has sweeping views across the Esk Valley in the North York Moors from its beer garden.
The pub says: ‘On balmier nights take a stroll beneath the stars around the garden to the island over the pond. Little ones will love playing in our garden or watching the antics of animals in the fields surrounding The Stables.’
One reviewer wrote on Google Reviews: ‘What a fab quirky place to eat and stay… set in beautiful gardens and farmland.’ Visit www.inncollectiongroup.com/the-stables-whitby or call 0191 5803610. Open from May 17.
The Angel Inn, Bowness-in-Windermere
The Angel Inn in Bowness-in-Windermere has ‘sweeping views above the jolly bustle of the village below’
The pub with rooms serves up ‘wholesome pub food all day, every day’ that includes ‘crowd-pleasing favourites that sit alongside Cumbrian classics’
A short walk from Windermere, this ‘classic inn has sweeping views above the jolly bustle of the village below’.
The pub with rooms adds: ‘Take a seat in our large pub garden and drink in the sights over the lake and Claife Heights to the Langdale Pikes beyond.’
It serves up ‘wholesome pub food all day, every day’ that includes ‘crowd-pleasing favourites that sit alongside Cumbrian classics’. Visit www.inncollectiongroup.com/angel-inn or call 0191 5803610. Open from May 17.
The Mortal Man, Troutbeck, Cumbria
The Mortal Man pub in Troutbeck, Cumbria, describes sitting in its garden on a warm, sunny day as ‘heavenly’
The Mortal Man, set in the heart of the Lake District, has a ‘stunning beer garden’ that the pub claims is ‘one of the best in the whole country’.
The garden has views of the surrounding rolling green hills and the pub writes on its website: ‘Sitting out on a warm, sunny day, soaking in the surrounding scenery, can only be described as heavenly.’
As well as serving a selection of hand cask ales and ‘lovingly prepared’ food, the pub also has 12 rooms that enjoy ‘wonderful views’. Visit www.themortalman.co.uk or call 015394 33193. Open now.
The Original Oak, Leeds
Supersized: The Original Oak in Leeds has a vast beer garden able to accommodate 350 drinkers
This Leeds pub boasts a huge beer garden that can seat up to 350 people as well as a large outdoor screen that shows live sport.
It’s popular with students and is described as a place where ‘the banter flows as freely as the drinks’.
The pub website adds: ‘You’ll always find a warm welcome at The Original Oak in Leeds. It’s a place where you can enjoy the day, whether you fancy a few rounds, a spot of lunch or a cosy meal.’ Visit www.theoriginaloakleeds.co.uk or call 0113 275 1322. Open now.
Brel, Glasgow
Brel describes itself as having ‘Glasgow’s most magical beer garden’ thanks to its ‘cosy’ firepits and fairy-lit trees
This pub describes its outdoor space as ‘Glasgow’s most magical beer garden’.
It boasts ‘cosy firepits’ for toasting marshmallows and smores, a covered patio for al-fresco dining and fairy-lit trees to ‘make those summer nights even more magical’.
The pub will be open from tomorrow (Monday, April 26). Visit brelbar.com or call 0141 739 4830.
The Drift Inn, Isle of Arran
The beer garden at The Drift Inn on the Isle of Arran has views out to Lamlash Bay, Holy Island and the Firth of Clyde
It’s easy to see why The Drift Inn in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran has a popular beer garden – the views from it are spectacular.
The garden looks out on to Lamlash Bay, Holy Island and the Firth of Clyde, with one reviewer on Tripadvisor describing it as a ‘wonderful setting’.
The pub’s food menu, meanwhile, changes daily depending on ‘what our local suppliers have for us that day’. Visit www.driftinnarran.com or call 01770 600608. Open from tomorrow (April 26).
Pandora Inn, Falmouth
The pontoon belonging to the Pandora Inn in Falmouth, which extends out over the tidal waters of Restronguet Creek
The pub’s website says: ‘When you visit the Pandora, it’s easy to forget you’re in the 21st century’
The outdoor space at this historic Cornish pub extends out on to a pontoon that sits above the tidal waters of Restronguet Creek.
So yes, strictly speaking not quite a ‘garden’, but it was too enticing not to include.
Parts of the inn itself date back to the 13th century and it boasts flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and a thatched roof. The pub’s website says: ‘When you visit the Pandora, it’s easy to forget you’re in the 21st century. Its spectacular setting on the edge of Restronguet Creek is timeless.’ Visit www.pandorainn.com or call 01326 372678. Open now.
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