The Best Pub Gardens for Summer
As the long, hot days of summer approach, there's one quintessentially British way to savour every sun-drenched moment: lounging in a picturesque pub garden. With a cool drink in hand, the gentle hum of conversation around you, and the beauty of the countryside or cityscape unfurling before your eyes, it's easy to see why pub gardens are a beloved summer destination.
Whether you're in Scotland, Wales, the North of England, the Midlands, the South East, or the South West, we've scoured the UK to bring you the finest pub gardens that promise unforgettable alfresco experiences. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
Scotland: A Summer Highland Fling
There’s countless glorious pubs and restaurants with stunning gardens and outdoor dining spaces in Scotland – and while critics might say there’s never enough reliable sunshine north of the border, we know there’s plenty of sunny days waiting to be enjoyed in Scotland. We love the charm of The Melville Inn near Edinburgh, which is a great country pub located really nearby the historic Melville Castle.
As you sit in the pub garden, you can happily soak up the ancient history of the surrounding area, or explore the ancient fortification mounds of Sheriff's Hall (where George Buchanan is said to have penned the "History of Scotland", no less) – but wherever you are in Scotland, tap the link below, pop in your postcode and we’ll serve up the best Scottish pubs near you.
Wales: Celtic Charm
There’s something about the hills and valleys of Wales: they effortlessly make any pub or restaurant garden all the more enjoyable with their stunning views and centuries of history. So, if you’re out and about in Wales this Summer, there’s plenty of great places to eat and drink while you enjoy the sunshine.
One perfect example is The Traveller's Rest, which is a fantastic (and deeply historic) country pub that dates back to the 1800s. Just south of Caerphilly, and not far from Parc Cefn Onn and Forest Farm Country Park, the Travellers Rest boasts a lovely garden of its own, so you’re sure to find a suitably sunny spot to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy a meal or drink this summer. To see other carefully picked pubs and gardens in Wales, tap on the link below, enter your location and let us serve up some of the best pub garden and outdoor dining spots in Wales. You can almost hear the Welsh Male Voice Choir Calling you if you listen closely enough…
The North of England: Northern Delights
Wherever you are in the North of England, there’s no shortage of great pubs and restaurants with gorgeous outdoor dining spaces or pub gardens waiting for you to enjoy this summer.
We’ve got a real soft spot for the Falcon’s Next in Gosforth Park. It’s easily reachable from Newcastle upon Tyne, but is far enough from busy city life to provide the perfect summer day trip destination. It’s a truly charming country pub contained in a historic farmhouse-style building. Don’t be surprised if you see plenty of golfers choosing this pub as their 19th hole – it’s nestled between no less than four nearby golf clubs.
The Midlands & East of England: Heartland Havens
Draw a line from the Welsh border and head due east across England, and you’ll find you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great pubs and restaurants with gardens and green spaces to enjoy. Whether you’re in Shropshire, in or around Birmingham, over in the East Mids or over on the Norfolk Coast, we’ve got you covered.
Using our handy search tool, we’re sure you’ll find your new favourite venue on your own, but we’d still love to give a shout out to The Trent Lock in Long Eaton. It’s another lovely country pub that really does have it all. Tucked away in a picturesque location where the River Trent and River Soar meet with the beginning of the Erewash Canal, it’s the perfect example of a gorgeous hidden gem of a pub that offers a unique dining experience. Let us know what you think!
The South East: True Countryside Retreats
Boasting not one but two national parks (the New Forest and South Downs), you can understand why the South East means we’re spoiled for choice when selecting just one pub or restaurant to pop into the spotlight. So much so, we thought of simply providing the link below and encouraging you to go explore.
However, that’d be a great disservice to all the awesome pubs in contention, so we’ll share some love for The White Hart, Brasted. It’s a very dog-friendly country pub with a suitably spacious garden. You’ll find The White Hart is also close to the Westerham Golf Club, as well as two National Trust sites that you could easily explore: Emmetts Garden and Toys Hill. Come to think of it, why not visit both with a stop at The White Hart in between?
The South West: Rustic Escapes
Sure, a Wikipedia entry might tell you that the South West of England is famous for cheddar cheese, Devon cream teas, crabs, Cornish pasties, and cider. While all of those things are true, there’s a whole lot more to discover about this part of the UK – like, for example, all the wonderful pubs and restaurants that really take advantage of what this corner of England offers.
We’ve got to give a special mention to The Coombe Cellars. It’s another dog-friendly country pub, but this one sits happily on the banks of the River Teign, and boasts a stunning waterside beer garden, nestled into Combeinteignhead, Newton Abbot. If you’re visiting any of the nearby places of interest, like the high-energy iBounce Trampoline Park, the more sedate greens of Shaldon Approach Golf Course, or the hiking trails of Red Rock on the other side of the river, then The Coombe Cellars offers a perfect place to stop, rest and appreciate the stunning views the South West has to offer.
Why We Love Pub Gardens in Summer
Spending a long hot summer in a pub beer garden is an experience that tantalizes all the senses. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the vibrant colours of blooming flowers, and the refreshing taste of a chilled drink all come together to create a spellbinding escape from everyday life.
Pub gardens offer a sense of community and belonging, where friends and families gather to share stories and laughter. The open air fosters an atmosphere of relaxation and freedom, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of summer. Each pub garden has its personality, reflecting the local culture and landscape, making every visit a unique adventure.
Whether you're soaking up the historic charm of a Scottish inn, revelling in the Celtic allure of a Welsh pub, or enjoying the coastal beauty of the South West, pub gardens provide an idyllic setting to create lasting memories. So, raise your glass to the joys of summer, and let the best pub gardens in the UK become your go-to destinations for sunshine and bliss.