The Anchor Inn, Beer, Devon
This small clifftop garden is wedged between the village’s allotments and the idyllic bay below, with its pebble beach, chalk cliffs, deck chairs and huts. It’s a lovely place to while away an afternoon in the sun, with the sea breeze on your face and a pint in your hand. greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/devon/anchor-inn/
Reviewed by Joe Pontin
The Royal Oak, Fritham, New Forest
Wild ponies graze the pasture around this part-thatched pub in a sleepy village on the edge of ancient woodland. Enjoy cask ale and simple ploughman’s lunches in a lawned garden encircled by a picket fence. Country Pub of the year in the Good Pub Guide 2021. rroyaloakfritham.co.uk
Reviewed by Joe Pontin
Chequers, South Gloucestershire
Ah, the sound of flowing water as you sit back and relax with a delicious local ale or craft G&T – what could be better? Overlooking Hanham Lock on the River Avon between Bristol and Keynsham in South Gloucestershire, Chequers has it all when it comes to alfresco dining – classic pub food, a selection of cold drinks and that all-important river view. Walk off your meal with a riverside stroll.
No room at the inn? Fear not, right next door is the Lock and Weir, another fantastic pub with equally delightful river views.
Chosen by Daniel Graham
Port William, Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall
After a day on the coast path or playing in the sea, re-energise with food and refreshments at the Port William pub, a four-star boutique hotel with a large beer garden overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Time your visit with sunset and watch day turn to night. *link to Trebarwith Strand walk.
Reviewed by Daniel Graham
Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha, Stirlingshire
An impressive menu to match an equally impressive view across the sparking waters of Loch Lomond. The Oak Tree Inn is a popular stop-off for West Highland Way walkers, so be sure to book ahead. If the weather is bad, there is a happy compromise between inside and out; a marvellous conservatory and huge windows looking out over the water. *link to Conic Hill walk
Reviewed by Daniel Graham
The Mortal Man, Troutbeck Cumbria
Just outside Windemere, The Mortal Man reopened last year with new owners and boasts a large beer garden looking out over the panoramic views of the Lakeland Mountains. Perfect for a lazy evening after a long walk in the Lake District. The walk to the pub from Ambleside through Skelghyll woods is particularly pretty when the blubells are out in spring.
Rashleigh Inn, Polkerris, Cornwall
Ok so this pub doesn’t exactly have a garden but a beach is arguably better. Situated in Cornwall between the towns Par and Fowey and 3 miles from the Eden Project, The Rashleigh Inn is the perfect place to while away a sunny evening on the Cornish coast.
The Three Horseshoes, Elsted, Midhurst West Sussex
Tucked away in the village of Elsted this pub has a garden full of neatly trimmed roses and a spectacular view of the downs. It’s off the beaten track but is well worth taking the time to find and offers plenty of walks in the area.
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset
Perching on a hill above the Seacombe Cliff The Square and Compass takes its name from the quarrying history of the area. With its own little fossil museum this pub has an eccentric little garden with a view over the village rooftops and down to the sea. For those who have taken the scenic walks there are plenty of Perbeck stone benches on which to sit and take in the view.
The Britannia Inn, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Situated in Llanmadoc on the Gower Peninsula (Britain’s first area of Designated Natural Beauty) The Britannia Inn has picturesque views across the Loughor Estuary. There is even an aviary with budgies and Parakeets to keep you company whilst you soak up the summer sun.
