Expert Adrian Tierney-Jones, author of A Pub For All Seasons, has curated a list of the top 10 beer gardens across the UK, offering idyllic spots to enjoy a pint in the summer sun. From coastal terraces to hidden urban oases, these venues showcase the best of British pub culture.
Suffolk Coastal Retreat: The Anchor Inn
Located in Walberswick, Suffolk, The Anchor Inn sits right on the coast with comfortable terraces overlooking the North Sea. The garden includes a pizza oven and hosts regular BBQs, while inside, it offers a selection of beers, wines, and food. Recommended drink: Adnams Broadside, ABV 4.7%.
Devon's Hidden Haven: The Bay Horse
In Totnes, Devon, the Bay Horse boasts a compact beer garden divided into two parts: one with wooden shelters for rain and another grassed area with a small gazebo, creating a sense of escape. Drink: Pilsner Urquell, ABV 4.4%.
Cambridge's Real Ale Paradise: The Cambridge Blue
Off Mill Road in Cambridge, this pub offers up to 14 real ales, a dozen keg beers, and extensive whisky collections. The large back garden is a sun trap, with views of the Victorian Mill Road cemetery. Drink: Nene Valley Bitter, ABV 4.1%.
Oxfordshire's Historic Folly: The Castle Inn
At Edgehill, Oxfordshire, this 18th-century turreted folly overlooks the English Civil War battlefield. Its garden offers views of the battlefield and the Malvern Hills. Drink: Hook Norton Hooky Gold, ABV 4.1%.
London's Largest Beer Garden: The Drayton Court
In Ealing, London, this Victorian pub and hotel features what is claimed to be the largest beer garden in the city, serving Fuller's ales. Drink: Fuller's ESB, ABV 5.5%.
Cumbrian Mountain Views: Kirkstile Inn
At Loweswater, Cumbria, the Kirkstile Inn is surrounded by wild mountainous scenery. Its beer garden, though not large, offers stunning views that make it a fantastic pint spot. Drink: Loweswater Gold, ABV 4.3%.
Isle of Arran's Natural Escape: Ormidale Hotel
In Brodick, Isle of Arran, this Victorian building sits in seven acres of wooded grounds with views of Goatfell. The garden includes flowerbeds, shrubs, and a children's play area, with the beach nearby. Drink: Arran Blonde, ABV 5%.
Snowdonia's Climbing Heritage: Pen-y-Gwryd
In Nant Gwynant, North Wales, this 19th-century pub served as a training base for the 1953 Everest expedition. Its large beer garden has a private lake for hardy swimmers. Drink: Purple Moose Glaslyn Bitter, ABV 4.2%.
Gloucestershire's Countryside Gem: The Salutation
In Ham, Gloucestershire, this award-winning pub has a front garden with views of the Forest of Dean. Beers are brewed at the back of the pub. Drink: Tiley's Pale Ale, ABV 4.2%.
Dorset's Fossil-Filled Gem: Square and Compass
In Worth Maltravers, Dorset, this old pub inspires pilgrimages from beer lovers. The front lawn offers views over fields to the English Channel, and the pub houses a museum of fossils. Drink: Hop Back Brewery Summer Lightning, ABV 5%.
