The 30 Best Beer Gardens in the UK

From country pubs to bustling city centre bars, the UK and pub culture go hand-in-hand, and there’s nothing we enjoy more than enjoying a nice cold pint in a beer garden when the sun shows its face. 

Whether you’re searching for somewhere after a long hike, or simply somewhere to meet with friends on a Friday afternoon after work, in the UK, we have a plethora of pubs and bars to choose from – and many of them with excellent beer gardens.

Once the weather starts to warm up and the nights get longer, a good beer garden is the place to be. Here are the 30 best beer gardens in the UK.

A pub-lover’s guide to the 30 best beer gardens in the UK

30. Mount Edgcumbe, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England

Found in the beautiful county of Kent, Mount Edgcumbe in Royal Tunbridge Wells is home to one of the country’s best beer gardens.

Only around 45km from London, this country pub is a world away from the bustling city, with its gorgeous, rich green beer garden, stunning flower beds and shaded nooks, offering a perfect country escape less than an hour from the capital.

Plus, the beer garden is also dog-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to pop in for a drink after taking the dog for a walk.

29. George III Hotel, Penmaenpool, Wales

Situated along the shorelines of the Mawddach Estuary, The George III Hotel in Penmaenpool is home to one of Wales’ most beautiful beer gardens.

A quintessential country pub, far away from the hustle and bustle of major cities, The George III Hotel beer garden has the advantage of both mountain views to the left and lakeside views to the right.

The perfect pub to stop in for a quick pint or two after hiking or cycling some of the National Park’s trails.

28. Fiddichside Inn, Craigellachie, Scotland

Right in the heart of Speyside whisky country, on the banks of the River Fiddich, is the Fiddichside Inn, which dates back to 1842.

The beer garden is nothing short of spectacular: it has recently undergone a renovation, elevating the decking so that guests can enjoy drinks in this sun trap on a sunny afternoon.

A visit here is a classic Highland pub experience, where the malt whisky is just as good as the beer, and with several distilleries nearby, there are few better places to enjoy a local wee dram on a sunny evening riverside.

27. The Plough, Harborne, England

Found in Harborne, Birmingham, The Plough is one of the Second City's best beer gardens.

While Birmingham is perhaps best known for its industrial past, The Plough is anything but industrial, with lush greenery and quirky plants and plant pots making up the majority of the beer garden's decor.

The beer garden is also a suntrap in the summer months, and with its heated and covered areas, it means that it can be used year-round, and is perfect for when the sun goes down on a summer's evening, as this is when the DJs come out to keep the party going into the night.

26. The George, Castleton, England

The Peak District is one of England's most picturesque regions, so where better to enjoy a pint in the sun after a challenging walk than at The George?

What sets The George apart from other similar pubs in the region is that it has two beer gardens with distinctly different views, thanks to its idyllic location in the Hope Valley.

The few tables at the front of the pub are overlooked by the 11th-century Peveril Castle, while at the back, guests are treated to unobstructed views of the 517-metre-high Mam Tor, one of the most iconic hills in the Peak District.

If you're brave enough to take on Mam Tor, or indeed any hilly walks around the region, then the best place to reward yourself with a drink and some hearty pub grub afterwards is at The George in Castleton.

25. The Fleet Inn, Twyning, England

Right on the banks of the River Avon, The Fleet Inn has one of the best beer gardens in the UK.

With a heated pergola terrace, a children’s play area and an outdoor kitchen, it’s the perfect family-friendly beer garden for a visit this summer. It even has its very own docking station, so if you’re on the river, you can arrive by boat and take advantage of their 48-hour free mooring rule!

Admire the wildlife and boats go past as you enjoy a bite to eat or a couple of beers in the afternoon. Plus, when the sun goes down, head under one of the heated pergolas to stay warm while enjoying the fresh air outside.

24. The Watering Hole, Perranporth, Cornwall, England

If you want tiki beach bar vibes but don’t want to travel halfway across the world to experience it, then we've got just the thing: The Watering Hole in Perranporth, Cornwall.

This unique bar is one of its kind in the UK – a beach bar which is literally on the beach – the tables are located right on the sands of the beach, making it the perfect beachside beer garden experience, ideal for the summer months.

The venue also hosts a ‘Tunes in the Dunes’ festival in early June, where bands including Scouting for Girls, The Wombats and The Proclaimers are playing this year, making it a superb spot to watch some of your favourite bands and artists with your toes in the sand and stunning sea views.

23. Canalhouse, Nottingham, England

The phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ is often used loosely in most contexts, but not when it comes to the Canalhouse’s beer garden.

Found in the heart of Nottingham, the Canalhouse has both city views and canalside seating, offering a unique perspective that few other beer gardens can.

The Canalhouse is also home to a huge array of craft beers, including beers from local breweries and those from further afield, so it always has something new to try, even for the seasoned craft beer enthusiasts.

If you want great beer and greater views, head to the Canalhouse this summer.

22. People’s Park Tavern, Hackney, London, England

Another canalside pub, the People’s Park Tavern in Hackney Wick, London, is one of the area’s most popular gathering places, and it’s easy to see why.

People’s Park knows their audience – largely young professionals in the city – and what better way to help them wind down after work than by offering stonebaked pizzas and beer in their gorgeous beer garden?

Plus, they even serve the beer in jugs, so there’s no need to go back and forth to the bar every time you want another drink.

21. Hotel Victoria, Robin Hood’s Bay, England

The beer garden at Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay offers some of the best coastal views in the country.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a quaint North Yorkshire fishing village, but Hotel Victoria, situated on the cliffs at the top of the village, has commanding views over the Yorkshire coastline and the North Sea.

The beer garden also features a converted horsebox, which serves as an outdoor bar, and it is the perfect place to reward yourself with a pint after walking up the steep incline out of the village, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the North Yorkshire coastline.

20. The Ferry Inn, St Dogmaels, Wales

Frequently cited among the best pubs in Wales, The Ferry Inn in St Dogmaels is also home to one of the country’s best beer gardens.

With stunning views across the River Teifi Estuary and the surrounding Welsh countryside, visitors to the beer garden can enjoy views from more than one level.

Yes, that’s right: the beer garden has several tiered levels! With these terraces having their own heating areas, it means that they can be used year-round, while the pub also has its own private jetty, which allows people to arrive directly by boat, a truly unique touch.

19. The Stag on the River, Lower Eashing, England

Set on the banks of the River Wey in Surrey, the beer garden at The Stag on the River is an unforgettable one.

While some beer gardens thrive on the sheer number of activities that can take place there, this beer garden thrives due to its peace and tranquillity.

Enjoy a locally brewed beer on the riverside, under the shade of an overhanging tree or make the most of the sun in the middle of the beer garden, which is decked out with beautiful teak furniture.

18. The Anchor Inn, Seatown, England

The Anchor Inn in Seatown takes clifftop views to a whole new level: it is found literally atop a cliff along the South West Coast Path on England’s Jurassic Coast.

This not only makes it the perfect place to end a long walk, but also a great stop off if you’ve had a day at the beach below. 

And with sweeping views over Lyme Bay and the nearby Golden Cap, it’s easy to see why this beer garden is one of the best in southern England.

17. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich, London, England

Central London is home to some of the best pubs in the country, but few have beer gardens as good as the one found in the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich.

Set on the banks of the River Thames, the pub lives up to this seafaring theme with naval decor present throughout, and beautiful views across the river from the beer garden.

Whether you’re popping in as a tourist or as a local, you can expect a warm welcome, a cold beer and a great time.

16. The Bush Inn, St Hilary, Wales

The Vale of Glamorgan is one of Wales’ most beautiful regions, so where better to enjoy a pint and the scenery than in one of the region’s best pubs?

The Bush Inn is a traditional Welsh village pub: a good selection of drinks, a cosy atmosphere in the winter and a relaxed atmosphere in the summer.

The beer garden has only recently undergone a complete revamp, with a gorgeous pergola and additional seating, and surrounded by the views of the Vale of Glamorgan, there are few better pubs in the region where you could spend an afternoon in the sun.

15. The Maybush Inn, Waldringfield, England

If your idea of a good beer garden involves somewhere that you can enjoy a nice beer (or a few nice beers) over the course of a lazy afternoon, simply watching the world go by, then you’ve found the right place.

The Maybush Inn in Waldringfield is right on the banks of the River Deben, located right in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The beer garden is one of the most scenic in the UK, with sailing boats passing by, hikers, dog walkers and more, and because of this, it has seen a surge in popularity over recent years. As such, booking is recommended if you want a table on the weekend.

14. Fortune of War, Brighton, England

Brighton is a lively city on England’s southern coast, known for its vibrant culture as well as being one of the most LGBT+ friendly cities in the country.

Fortune of War is also home to one of the country’s best beer gardens, and despite feeling like one of the most modern pubs in the city, it originally opened all the way back in 1882.

Whether you want to enjoy a couple of afternoon drinks in the Brighton sunshine or head to one of their livelier jazz, reggae or DJ nights – where the dancing continues onto the beach after sundown – there’s something for everyone at Fortune of War.

13. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William, Scotland

Not only is the Ben Nevis Inn located close to the UK’s tallest mountain, but it’s located right at the foot of it!

Originally a stone-built barn built in 1806, which was used to house cattle, today, it’s one of the best pubs in the region, and one of the best beer gardens.

View up towards the snow-capped peaks of Ben Nevis is next level, but even the rolling green hills and dark green pine forest, which are next to the pub, are simply beautiful, making this one of the most picturesque beer gardens in the UK.

12. The Pump House, Liverpool, England

Liverpool is one of the best-known cities in the UK when it comes to excellent pubs, with many of them taking inspiration from Dublin pubs just a short distance across the Irish Sea.

However, The Pump House offers a nod to Liverpool’s industrial past, set on the historic docks with stunning waterfront views.

The pub was once a hydraulic pumping station (hence the name), and the huge brick tower is still a part of the pub today – and is admired best with a pint in hand, sitting in the beer garden.

11. The Killingworth Castle, Wootton, England

Almost any pub in the Cotswolds with a good beer garden could make this list, as it’s one of the most scenic parts of the UK, but The Killingworth Castle certainly deserves its place on this list.

Found next to Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill – The Killingworth Castle is surrounded by traditional Cotswold stone, offering a historic and authentic country pub charm, with modern amenities such as a gorgeous green terrace, perfect for enjoying a couple of drinks in the sun or a long lunch with good friends.

Because of its idyllic location, it’s the perfect place for a get-together with friends or family, or just to enjoy a swift half after you’ve been on a walk.

10. The Boathouse, Shrewsbury, England

A previous winner of Shropshire’s Pub of the Year, The Boathouse in Shrewsbury also holds claim to having one of the best beer gardens in the UK.

Set on the banks of the River Severn, The Boathouse’s beer garden is terraced in several different levels, meaning if you’re a sun lover, you’ll be able to find a seat in the sun trap, while if you prefer to keep cool in the shade, there’s also plenty of seating under cover.

With swans, ducks and other freshwater birds floating by on the river, as well as boats passing through, it’s a great place to sit back and relax with your favourite drink. There’s even an outdoor bar, so you don’t have to go far for a top-up, either!

9. The Old Neptune, Whitstable, England

Known locally as 'The Neppy' or even just as 'the pub on the beach' as its website claims, The Old Neptune in Whitstable, Kent, is home to one of the UK's best beer gardens.

Very few seaside pubs can claim that their beer garden extends onto the beach, but that is exactly the case at The Old Neptune. The outdoor seating area is also heated, which means guests can sit outdoors year-round - ideal for visiting after a walk along the Coastal Path come summer or winter.

It's the perfect spot to enjoy some of their fresh seafood dishes - including Guinness battered cod - or just a pint or two on the beach as the sun sets over the horizon.

8. Sinclair's Oyster Bar, Manchester, England

Known for its old-school pub characteristics, including being cash-only and a no-phones policy, this historic pub - whose origins date back to the early 18th-century - is well known for serving cheap and easy-drinking Sam Smith's beer, making it the perfect spot to socialise with friends in the city.

The beer garden is also a complete suntrap, so when the sun's shining in Manchester, there are few better places to spend an afternoon than Sinclair's.

7. The Black Bull, Yarm, England

The market town of Yarm, in Teesside, is home to many brilliant pubs, but few of them have a beer garden to rival that of The Black Bull.

The beer garden stretches from the back doors of the high street pub right to the banks of the River Tees, and offers a range of seating, from picnic benches to covered (and heated) booths, making it possible to sit in this beer garden year-round.

The Black Bull also serves homemade food daily, alongside a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and more, making it the ultimate place to enjoy a drink outside.

With sports shown on big screens outside (just in time for the 2026 World Cup) and live music (also outside, weather permitting) on an evening, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon, evening or night out.

6. The Ship Inn, Tresaith, Wales

According to a recent study, approximately 240 pubs in the UK are called ‘The Ship’, but there is only one which makes this list due to its fantastic beer garden.

Found on the west Welsh coast overlooking Tresaith Bay and the River Saith waterfall, there are few beer gardens in the region which can compete with these stunning views.

Because it is located along the Wales Coast Path, it is a popular stop-off for hikers, cyclists, dog walkers and families, and as such, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you wish to eat there.

The views are some of the best the UK has to offer, and set right along the sands of Wales’ western coastline, it’s an incredible beer garden to enjoy some drinks in on a summer’s day.

5. Daft Eddys, Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland

Found on Sketrick Island, Daft Eddys is home to arguably Northern Ireland’s best beer garden.

The pub itself is found on an island in the middle of a marine reserve, so seeing all sorts of wildlife while you enjoy a pint or two is a unique and charming experience.

With ample seating outside, views of the nearby 12th-century Sketrick Castle, locally-sourced food on the menu, and even ‘Little Eddys Cafe’ as an extension of the pub (also with outdoor seating), this is a fantastic place for families to visit and enjoy the scenery.

The outdoor area is also sheltered from the elements, meaning you can sit here year-round, so whether you’re visiting in January or July, it’s a great beer garden to enjoy a drink while surrounded by the best of both worlds: history and nature.

4. Cold Town House, Edinburgh, Scotland

If you’re a lover of a beer garden with exceptional views, then you need to visit Cold Town House in Edinburgh.

Found in the Grassmarket area of the Scottish capital’s Old Town, the views from Cold Town House mean that you’re steeped in history everywhere you look.

And to top it all off, Edinburgh Castle itself intimidatingly looms over the scene, offering the perfect backdrop to an incredibly historic pub.

3. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District, England

Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in the Lake District, is the aptly named Lake View Garden Bar.

In the small town of Bowness-on-Windermere, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is one of the UK’s most scenic beer gardens.

Whether you want a hearty pub meal, or a few drinks to unwind after a day of hiking in the Lake District, or even just to sit down and enjoy the stunning lakeside views, where plenty of wildlife including birds of prey and fish leaping out the water can be seen, an afternoon or an evening spent in the Lake View Garden Bar is one of the best places to do so. 

2. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry, Scotland

The small town of Pitlochry in Perthshire, Scotland, is home to one of the UK’s best beer gardens.

The Old Mill Inn, which was originally a mill built in the 18th century, now operates as a pub and restaurant, and still has a working waterwheel.

The beer garden is tucked away to the back and side of the pub, offering a quiet retreat away from the town’s main high street.

The gentle splashes of the stream and the light rustling of the leaves on a summer’s day make this one of the most relaxing and peaceful beer gardens in the country.

1. The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, Scotland

Glencoe is often regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland, so it’s little surprise that a pub in this part of the UK has made the top of this list.

The Clachaig Inn is everything you want in a traditional Highland pub – a cosy setting, incredible views and a rich history, with the pub’s origins dating as far back as the 16th century.

Set in the heart of the glen and surrounded by mountains on all sides, with some of the best views of Aonach Dubh specifically, there are few pub beer gardens which can rival the views of The Clachaig Inn.

Plus, alongside a local menu of dishes like Scottish salmon and haggis, there are also – in classic Highland fashion – over 400 malt whiskies to choose from, perfect for warming up in the beer garden when the sun sinks below the mountain peaks on a summer’s evening.

Rankings were based on scenery, atmosphere, customer reviews and popularity with visitors.