The 30 Best Beer Gardens in the UK

Nothing sums up British culture in the summertime better than enjoying a nice cold pint in a beer garden while the sun is shining. Whether you’ve found a hidden gem in the city or something far out in the countryside with spectacular views, the beer garden is as much a UK institution as fish and chips or a cup of tea.

Throughout the UK, we’re blessed with some incredible scenery and vibrant pubs and bars, and as such, spending time in the beer garden, once the weather starts to warm up, is a favourite pastime of many Brits – and 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. The Nag’s Head, Malvern

For traditional country pub lovers, The Nag’s Head in the small town of Malvern in Worcestershire is a must-visit.

Tucked away in a small corner of the town, The Nag’s Head may look small, but don’t let that put you off. Think log burners and traditional decor that make you think you’ve stepped back in time to the turn of the century (and not the 21st one!)

Outside, guests are greeted with lush green hills behind the pub and can opt to admire them from the beer garden or visit the smaller, more hidden area of the beer garden with its old wooden benches, giving more of a homely garden atmosphere rather than a pub garden atmosphere.

If you want to escape to somewhere traditional and quiet for a drink, then pop to The Nag’s Head.

29. The Bush Inn, St Hilary

Found in the glorious Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales is the small village of St Hilary. And in St Hilary, you can find a wonderful pub: The Bush Inn.

This traditional village pub serves exactly what you’d expect: a wide array of local beers, a selection of wines, spirits and ciders, and good old-fashioned Welsh hospitality for good measure.

Their beer garden has recently had a revamp, adding a new pergola and more seating, and is an excellent place to while away a summer’s afternoon. The hardest decision you have to make here is “Who’s getting in the first round?”

28. Canalhouse, Nottingham

Sitting on the banks of the River Trent in the heart of Nottingham is the Canalhouse. And this offers a beer garden experience like no other – think city scenery and vibes, with a gentle river flowing past you, combining the best of the country and city pubs in one.

Not only that, but Canalhouse’s modern decor makes it a modern, trendy place to visit, and its wide selection of craft beer attracts thousands of beer enthusiasts through its doors every year.

If a summertime pint next to the river in the city sounds like your idea of heaven, then get yourself down to the Canalhouse.

27. Urban Garden, Bournemouth

The name of this pub says it all – it is, in fact, an urban garden found in the centre of Bournemouth, on the south coast of England.

The restaurant sits quietly in the centre of Bournemouth and is surrounded by lush foliage and greenery, which requires a dedicated team of gardeners and keen horticulturalists to look after.

Guests can also see the nearby Bournemouth Gardens from the pub itself, and it’s hard to believe that you’re at a popular seaside resort town when you’re surrounded by the peace and calm of this beautiful beer garden.

In fact, it’s only the odd squawk from a nearby seagull that reminds you that you’re only a short walk from the beachfront, too, so Urban Garden is in the perfect place whether you’re out in the town or coming back from a day at the beach.

26. The George & Dragon, Houghton

In the small village of Houghton, not far from Arundel in West Sussex, is the George & Dragon pub – and this is one of the oldest pubs not just in the county, but in the country, with parts of the pub dating back to the 13th century.

But there’s nothing medieval about this pub’s beer garden – because of its stunning location in the middle of the South Downs National Park, guests are surrounded by the rolling hills and endless green fields which stretch on for miles and miles down to the south coast of England.

A traditional country pub with a timeless view – the perfect place to stop after a walk through the National Park.

25. Cold Town House, Edinburgh

From the remote English countryside to the bustling capital of Scotland, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a beer garden in such a busy centre would be impossible. However, the views from the Cold Town House in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh’s Old Town are nothing short of breathtaking. 

Picture the scene: you’ve had a busy day exploring the city’s sights, find a beautiful pub in the historic Old Town, order your drinks, head out to the beer garden, and you’re not just greeted with a fantastic view of the Old Town, but Edinburgh Castle itself looming over you as you enjoy a drink. The stuff of dreams!

24. The Dove, Hammersmith

Hammersmith in London is perhaps best known for the Hammersmith Odeon, an iconic music venue where numerous rock bands have recorded live albums, including Dire Straits, Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and more – but it also hits all the right notes when it comes to beer gardens.

The Dove is a prime example of this. Perched riverside, it is one of the most pristine spots for enjoying a beer in the sunshine in London, especially if there’s a nice cool breeze. Enjoying a cold one on the banks of the Thames under the late afternoon sun with good company. That’s a headline act in our books.

23. George III Hotel, Penmaenpool

Found on the shoreline of the Mawddach Estuary, the George III Hotel has one of the best beer gardens in Wales.

Ideal for escaping from the bustling city centres and into the country, this pub, on the border of Snowdonia National Park, offers the best of both worlds from its quiet beer garden: mountain views to your left and lakeside views to your right.

It's along the popular Mawddach Trail, which is a favourite of cyclists and walkers, so where better to stop for a well-earned pint and some food than at the George III Hotel?

22. The Kingfisher, Bedford

In the quiet county of Bedfordshire, you can find The Kingfisher pub, named after the local water bird that can often be seen on riverbanks near freshwater sources.

And this is precisely where this pub (and its adjoining wedding venue) got its name from – as many can be observed from the beer garden, diving in and out of the water.

A riverside beer garden, surrounded by drooping willow trees and the tweeting of local birds and gentle splashes of the river, makes this a peaceful haven and the perfect place for a quiet drink.

21. The Crown Inn, Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas in the country and is often recognised by being classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge showcases this to a whole new level.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Ullswater, the small town of Pooley Bridge is popular for holidaymakers, locals, walkers and day-trippers, so a pub on the banks of the river is the icing on the cake for many.

Enjoy a drink or two as the sun sets over Ullswater – and a drink feels one hundred times better when you’ve earned it after a long walk or car journey.

20. Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

Set aside the canals in Hackney Wick, Crate Brewery is one of the best bars in London as far as beer gardens go.

Not only are the views as good as the vibes, but they’re slinging out stone-baked pizzas – and what goes better together than beer and pizza?

Not only do they supply the classics, but they also have a range of creative toppings that you can’t knock until you’ve tried them, like sweet potato, stilton and walnut, or roasted beetroot, dill and feta.

And to save going up the bar every five minutes when you’ve had a drink, they serve jugs of beer – so why not treat yourself to a pizza and a jug of beer in their beautiful beer garden after a hard day at work?

19. Harry’s Shack, Portstewart

Despite its name, this isn’t just a shack, but a fully-fledged pub and restaurant overlooking the choppy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean from Portstewart, Northern Ireland.

In the summer months, this beer garden has wonderful beachside views over the Atlantic, and watching the sunset over the sea from here is the perfect Instagrammable opportunity!

Some fish and chips and a beer on the beach without all the sand getting in your shoes and clothes sounds like a win to us.

18. Dukes 92, Manchester

One of the most popular bars to visit in Manchester, Dukes 92, is right in the heart of the city and sits along its famous canal network.

Enjoy a few cold ones as you watch the boats gently glide past, and with such a wide selection of drinks and food on offer, it’s so easy to spend a whole day (and night!) here.

There are two levels to the beer garden here, so even if you don’t want to sit waterside, you can sit on the elevated balcony, which also offers excellent views over the canal network and the Castlefield area of the city.

17. The Dores Inn, Inverness

Right on the shores of Loch Ness, arguably Scotland’s most famous body of water, is The Dores Inn.

You can expect traditional Scottish food, warm and cold drinks (or warming cold drinks, like a double Scotch whisky – no rocks included), log burners inside and a fantastic beer garden outside.

Enjoy a couple of drinks overlooking the loch and its hilly surroundings in the summer sun – and keep an eye out for Nessie!

16. The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge

An iconic pub known by almost everyone who lives in North Yorkshire (it’s been there since the mid-sixteenth century, after all!), The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge has one of the best beer gardens in the UK.

This is partly because it is the fourth-highest pub in England, sitting at a remarkable 404 metres above sea level, and as such, it offers commanding views over the North Yorkshire moors.

Ideal for walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists and anybody who just fancies a cold one in the sun, The Lion Inn is also well known for its hearty homemade pub food and giant portions.

If you’re lucky, you can sometimes see military jets from nearby RAF Fylingdales practising low-level altitude training as they fly through the valley below (yes, below!) the pub. It is a perfect spot for plane spotters and those who simply appreciate a great view while being in the middle of nowhere.

15. The Potting Shed, Crudwell

The idyllic image of a Cotswolds pub, The Potting Shed in the small village of Crudwell, has a beautiful beer garden, perfect in the spring and summer months.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and with the occasional car humming past, the beer garden at The Potting Shed makes for an excellent escape for those wanting to enjoy an ice-cold G&T in the sun after work on a Friday afternoon.

Not only that, but the pub serves excellent homemade food, and who doesn’t enjoy nibbling on some seasonal appetisers while enjoying a drink in the sunshine?

14. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

As far as Central London pubs go, few are better than this – and that’s before we’ve even discussed the beer garden.

Decorated with a naval theme throughout, it makes so much sense that this pub sits on the banks of the Thames – and its beer garden offers commanding views across the river. 

Picture a modern beer garden in a traditional pub – the best of both worlds. Perfect in the summer sun or on a winter’s afternoon, a visit to the Trafalgar Tavern is a must the next time you’re in London and fancy a pint with a view.

13. Cutter’s Wharf, Belfast

From the capital of England to the capital of Northern Ireland, Cutter’s Wharf in Belfast is a perfect example of how a beer garden can work in a city centre.

Regardless of whether you want a quick coffee to take out or would prefer a cold pint and a pub lunch in the sun, Cutter’s Wharf in the city centre offers the best of both worlds.

It’s also situated on the River Lagan Towpath, which connects Belfast to Lisburn, and makes for a popular pit-stop for walkers along the route, too. Riverbank drinks in the city centre – an absolute Instagrammable dream!

12. Sailors' Safety, Newport

A recall to salty, seafaring days on the windswept Dinas Island peninsula, this Welsh pub is a humble piece of history. The name is a nod to when the pub would keep a light burning to guide ships in the night, and it's stood on this craggy shoreline since 1593. We love the maritime paraphernalia here; it's a far cry from modern gastropubs. But that doesn't mean there isn't great food – the Sailors' slings out the best, freshest seafood in the area, from moules and frites to wild seabass with vermouth velouté. They do a fantastic roast dinner, too. 

The history and the food are all great, but the real calling card here is the view. Pub benches dot the beer garden with a front-row seat to the gorgeous Pwllgwaelod Beach. Sunsets here are pretty spectacular, and the pub dials up the cosy-ometer with twinkling fairy lights when it gets dark.

11. The Oast House, Manchester

From the countryside to the city centre, The Oast House in Manchester is one of the most stunning beer gardens right in the heart of the city.

Enjoyed during the day but especially at night when thousands of fairy lights light up the garden, this city centre pub really knows how to stand out from the crowd: an old country-style tavern placed right in the heart of Manchester’s business district, with its sleek, modern glass buildings, this pub offers an excellent sense of escapism while still being in the convenient location of the city centre.

Whether you’re visiting as part of a pub crawl or planning on spending a night here, you simply can’t miss The Oast House when you’re next in Manchester.

10. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William

When a pub is named after Scotland’s highest mountain, you know that the views are going to be immense – and where better to experience them than from the beer garden?

Set at the foot of Ben Nevis, this pub was originally a stone-built barn to house cattle built in 1806, and if walls could tell stories, the walls of this pub would be award-winning novelists!

Views up towards the snow-capped peak of Ben Nevis are hard to beat, but even the lush green fields and wild hills surrounding the pub make this not just one of the best beer gardens in the UK, but arguably one of the best beer gardens in the world.

9. People’s Park Tavern, Hackney

Just next to London’s famous Victoria Park is the People’s Park Tavern – one of the biggest and best beer gardens in the English capital.

There are few better ways to end a walk in the park than with a nice cold pint, and why not take advantage of this natural setting that the garden is constructed in, with its leafy green beer garden surrounded by all sorts of trees, making it one of the most scenic beer gardens in the country?

In fact, it’s hard to believe that you’re just a stone’s throw from such busy tourist sites as London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament when you’re surrounded by the peaceful serenity of the People’s Park Tavern beer garden.

8. The Pump House, Liverpool

A nod to Liverpool’s industrial past, the Pump House is located on the city’s world-famous docks and offers stunning waterfront views.

The Pump House is also in a convenient location, just a short walk from both the Tate Liverpool and the Maritime Museum, and is popular with both locals and tourists.

The beer garden also offers wonderful views of the building itself, with its tall brick tower, as it was formerly a hydraulic pumping station, hence the name. If you’re looking to experience Liverpool culture away from the football grounds and the bustling Mathew Street, a visit to the quiet beer garden at the Pump House is a must.

7. The Black Bull, Yarm

Found in the heart of the market town of Yarm in North Yorkshire, approximately 13km from Middlesbrough, is The Black Bull.

Regularly considered not just the best beer garden in the town, but in Teesside in general, The Black Bull’s beer garden is huge.

It stretches from the back of the high street pub to the banks of the River Tees and includes a range of seating from classic picnic-style benches to more upmarket covered booths.

The pub serves homemade food every day, as well as a range of cocktails, beers, wines, spirits and more. The beer garden sometimes hosts live music outdoors in the summer months, while outdoor heaters and lighting ensure that it can stay open year-round.

6. The Victoria Arms, Old Marston

Found on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, Oxfordshire, The Victoria Arms is one of the most scenic pubs in the county.

Dating back to the sixteenth century, and once housing the infamous English ruler Oliver Cromwell, the Victoria Arms fortunately isn’t puritan in its offerings – instead encouraging good food, good drink and better times with even better people.

As well as its vast beer garden overlooking the river, the pub is also home to a heated pergola, meaning that you can sit outside and stay warm all year round. Whether you want a locally-brewed craft ale or a cooling cider made from apples grown in the Cotswolds, you’re truly spoiled for choice when visiting The Victoria Arms.

5. The Wharf, Manchester

Another example of how beer gardens don’t have to be confined to rural country pubs, The Wharf in Manchester shows that despite its city centre location, a beer garden can still be the selling point of the pub for numerous guests.

In fact, while the inside of the pub with its cosy alcoves and small rooms is excellent, it’s the outdoor parts which really make this worth visiting. From its bustling outdoor terrace, vibrant outdoor areas which sometimes feature live music performances in the summer, right down to its own boules court, this pub in the Castlefield area of Manchester is a must-visit when you next find yourself in the city centre.

4. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry

Found in the small town of Pitlochry, Perthshire, is The Old Mill Inn. Originally built in the eighteenth century, it (unsurprisingly) functioned as a mill, and it still has a working waterwheel today.

The beer garden is tucked away to the side and back of the pub, offering a secretive recluse away from the town’s main street, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink.

Furthermore, the gentle splashes from the nearby stream add a relaxing feel to the atmosphere, and the bridge that connects the pub to the beer garden adds an extra layer of privacy and serenity.

3. Fortune of War, Brighton

This iconic beachfront pub has been the setting of many good nights. Reggae nights, jazz sessions, and DJ events make the Fortune of War the best place to be in Brighton. It feels thoroughly modern now; it's hard to imagine pub dwellers at this watering hole when it opened in 1882.

Enjoy long sunny hours on the buzzing seafront promenade and wile away the hours until sunset for the perfect Brightonian day. At nightfall, the fun spreads out onto the pebbly beach for late-night dancing. The good times are fuelled by excellent pizza and a great selection of beers. 

2. The Treehouse, Alnwick

If dining in a fairytale-style treehouse is your idea of heaven, then you simply must visit the Treehouse in the town of Alnwick, Northumberland.

Situated between the magnificent Alnwick Castle (which was used to film scenes in the Harry Potter films) and equally beautiful Alnwick Gardens, the Treehouse Restaurant offers a dining and beer garden experience like no other.

Guests walk up into the treetops and dine under the canopy. The outer section of the restaurant is lit up with fairy lights in the evening, while guests can see both the castle and the gardens from the garden outside.

This is a truly magical experience, and definitely one of the best beer gardens in the UK.

1. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District

Topping this list is a pub that does what it says on the tin – Lake View Garden Bar, found in Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.

On the shores of the Lake District’s largest lake is the elevated beer garden found at Lake View Garden Bar – and because it is situated right in the heart of an internationally-recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s easy to see why this beer garden tops the list of the best beer gardens in the UK.

Whether you want a hearty meal or just a couple of drinks, there are few better places to enjoy the stunning views than from Lake View Garden Bar. Expect to see lots of wildlife, including a range of birds of prey, the odd fish leaping from the river and simply enjoy watching life go by as you sit and admire the view all day – and probably all night, too.