The Ebrington Arms, CotswoldsThere’s nothing like sitting back in a beautiful beer garden on a sunny day and enjoying delicious local food while you soak up the scenery. Here in the UK, we are very lucky to benefit from pubs in stunning inland locations like the Lake District and the Cotswolds, plus coastal delights such as Brighton.
While one of you heads inside and orders up some ice-cold refreshments, the others can pick their spot: in the sun or in the shade of some gently waving branches – the choice is yours! Maybe even slip off your flip flops and feel the cool grass between your toes as you give your four-pawed friend a well-deserved stroke. This is what weekends in the UK are all about.
Here are just ten of the prettiest beer gardens in the UK, handpicked by us. And click here if you want to find out where the ten best UK beer gardens are, according to reviews and ratings.
Cottages near a pub
The Ebrington Arms, Cotswolds
This traditional country pub is found in the Cotswold village of Ebrington, just a few miles from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. Sitting on the village’s green, it is well and truly at the heart of the local village. The pub’s award-winning chefs provide a range of delicious meals using ingredients from the local area, so whether you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, you’ll be sure to enjoy a fantastic meal. Not only that, but the pub serves bitter and ales brewed by its very own brewery, Yubberton Brewery, which takes its name from the original name of the village.
The beer garden at The Ebrington Arms is a real hidden gem, a large open space with views over the surrounding countryside and with dogs also allowed, it’s the place to stop for lunch while strolling along the Cotswold Way. It's no surprise that the pub also won the award of the UK's number 1 village pub, awarded by The Times in 2017.
All cottages in The Cotswolds
The Fox Goes Free, West Sussex
The Fox Goes Free has been widely recognised for its beautiful beer garden in the village of Charlton in West Sussex, near the Goodwood Estate. With views across Levin Down, a recognised wildlife trust site, and further across the South Downs, it’s not difficult to see why.
The pub’s garden is a focal point and it’s clear to see that a lot of time and effort has been put into making sure it’s as beautiful as it can be. Set within an old orchard, handmade benches are dotted between apple trees and during the cooler evenings, the patios are warmed with heated seating. It provides a peaceful setting for a lazy lunch, or a cool beer on a sunny evening.
All cottages in Sussex
The Stackpole Inn, Pembrokeshire
Tucked away in the village of Stackpole close to Pembroke, The Stackpole Inn is the Pembrokeshire winner of the National Pub & Bar Awards, and a wonderful place to enjoy a pub lunch. Close to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it's the perfect place to rest your legs for an hour or two with a well-deserved pint. The inn offers a varied menu, making the most of the seasonal produce and local fish caught nearby, with specials changing every week.
Sit back in the beer garden on a sunny day to admire the lovely surroundings - a lawn, climbing plants and trees and shrubs. On wetter and chillier days, the rustic interior offers the perfect respite from the weather.
All cottages in Pembrokeshire
The Mortal Man, The Lake District
It’s hard to beat the stunning scenery of the Lake District and The Mortal Man is in prime position for making the most of it. Located beneath the fells of Troutbeck Valley, just outside Windermere and Ambleside, this is an ideal location for a lunchtime stop or as the starting or end point of a long trek through the area.
On a sunny day, you can sit back in the garden, relax and soak up the beautiful Lake District scenery. The Mortal Man is a traditional English pub, serving delicious food, malt whiskies, cask ales and a great selection of wines.
All cottages in the Lake District
The Perch, Oxford
One of the oldest pubs in Oxford, The Perch is located a few minutes stroll from Oxford’s stretch of the River Thames, providing a setting to rival many. A favourite with walkers, explorers, families, students and dogs, in the summer the very popular beer garden comes to life.
The large area lies at the back of the 17th-century thatched pub and is dotted with picturesque weeping willows, picnic benches and charming features such as an old fishing boat planted with pretty flowers. You’ll also find lots of outdoor events taking place here in the summer including The Perch’s annual Beer and Cider Festival and a range of movie nights and music festivals.
All cottages in Oxford
The Lister Arms, Yorkshire Dales
Another country pub with a choice of outdoor seating, the 17th-century Lister Arms is a traditional coaching inn set in the beautiful Dales village of Malham. Inside you’ll receive a warm welcome from not only the crackling fires but also from the team who’ve collected four AA Gold Stars. Outside, there’s an expansive grassy area to the front with benches and picnic tables – perfect for the kids to let off some steam whilst you sip an award-winning ale by the ivy-strewn walls.
Out the back is another enticing space with more tables and umbrellas, providing a spot of shade for when you tuck into some hearty pub food, such as the renowned Lister Pie. Dogs are allowed inside and out, so bring the whole family and make sure you stop here for some proper Yorkshire Dales hospitality.
All cottages in the Yorkshire Dales
The Horseshoes, Derbyshire
The Horseshoes in Derbyshire is a pub lover's paradise in more ways than one. Firstly, if you like gin then you’re in heaven. The bar is stacked with over 100 varieties of the short drink from small craft companies to global brands, along with some specialist tonic waters too. Fear not, if you don’t have a thing for gin, there’s plenty of fine wine and tasty beer on offer too.
Secondly, the outdoor spaces are simply divine. There’s a flower-hemmed patio area with plenty of seating, or, if you can get one, there’s the purpose-built ‘Garden Rooms’ which allow for the ultimate al fresco dining experience. There are four rooms in total, two of which can accommodate ten guests, the other two seating up to six. They are free to use, however you need to book, and they each come with heating, Wi-Fi and sound systems.
All cottages in Derbyshire
Nag’s Head Inn, Buckinghamshire
A pristine outdoor space with perfectly cut grass and sociable picnic tables is what you’ll find at the Nag’s Head Inn in Buckinghamshire. If you want to add a little pizzazz to your day, head over to the wisteria-clad decking to drink beneath the beautiful purple hanging flowers. Or, if you’re feeling the chills as the sun goes down and the evening draws in, venture into the recently erected teepee for a bit of shelter and warmth from the wood-burning stove, whilst still experiencing an outdoorsy feel.
Roald Dahl once lived in the area, and it is said that this inn was a favourite of his. If you and the kids want to learn more about Charlie, Matilda or George, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is a short walk from the pub.
All cottages in Buckinghamshire
The Tempest Inn, East Sussex
Swapping the grass for sand is the Tempest Inn in Brighton, an eclectic bar with a beer garden like no other. The sociable terrace flows out on the beach, and you can taste the sea air and almost feel the sand beneath your toes. There’s quite often live music on offer and although the clientele may be on the trendy side, all are welcomed with a friendly smile.
Inside is worth a wander too, as a warren of caves much like a smuggler’s hideout provides an interesting detour. If you’re feeling hungry, try the bottomless brunch or indeed anything from their Korean-inspired menu, including a dedicated vegan menu with appealing dishes such as Crispy Shroom Katsu or Cauli Wings.
All cottages in Brighton
The Roebuck Inn, Cheshire
Sitting at the back of The Roebuck Inn, which dates back to 1708, are the tiered gardens and terraces that keep the clientele coming back again and again. Merging the styles of the classic English inn and a certain je ne sais quoi, the Grade II-listed building is the oldest inn in the village and is a multi-award winner for good reason. The suntrap terrace is split over two levels and has vibrant plants hanging and growing wherever you turn.
The French influence is apparent inside and out, with classic French cuisine on the menu and exquisite aperitifs that can be enjoyed either out the back or even out the front at the quaint table sets. Whether you’re coming with friends or your someone special, this is a Cheshire beer garden you’ll want to come back to.
All cottages in Cheshire
Stay in a cottage near the pub
Here in the UK, our local pubs are hugely important and this is just a very small handful of those that benefit from beautiful outside spaces. If being within walking distance of a pub is important to your holiday, you can search for cottages near a pub here!
Cottages near a pub