Top 10 Pubs with Beer Gardens in the UK – Perfect for Sunny Pints

Few experiences are as quintessentially British as enjoying a crisp pint al fresco on a sunny day at the pub. Across the UK’s villages, towns and cities, pubs with beer gardens offer everything from coastal vistas to rolling countryside charm. In fact, Time Out notes that the UK “has tons of fabulous pubs, so it makes complete sense that plenty of ’em come with astounding views.”. From Cornwall’s coast to Edinburgh’s Old Town, these outdoor pub gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a sunny-pint session. Here are ten standout pubs with beer gardens across the UK, each offering a unique setting to unwind under the open sky.

1. The Watering Hole – Perranporth, Cornwall

Officially the UK’s only bar built right on a beach, The Watering Hole lives up to its coastal reputation. Perched on the golden sands of Perranporth Beach, this family-run, surf-themed pub (dating from 1978) has an open-plan front terrace where you can literally sip a pint with your toes in the sand. Inside you’ll find driftwood décor and tiki-style seating, but it’s the 100-seat beer garden that steals the show. Locals and holidaymakers flock here for hearty pub grub (fish-and-chips, burgers) and Cornish ales while facing west to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic. Small wonder it’s often lauded as one of England’s best beer gardens. The Watering Hole also hosts live music and beach festivals (“Tunes in the Dunes”), making it Cornwall’s ultimate pub-for-sunshine destination.

2. Fortune of War – Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton’s Fortune of War is a beloved seafront institution, “positioned right on the beach” under the Palace Pier. This historic 1882 pub is instantly recognisable with its curved façade facing the pebbly promenade. Its large patio runs almost to the water’s edge, giving punters panoramic views of the English Channel and the Pier. The vibe is friendly and laid-back – from surfers grabbing a post-surf pint to gig-goers finishing their set – with a good mix of British ales and cocktails on tap. Inside, quirky boat-shaped décor adds nautical charm. On sunny days, the beer garden buzzes as people indulge in its hearty menu (pizza, real-ale fish & chips, etc.) and watch street performers pass by. The Fortune’s mix of seaside scenery and solid pub fare makes it one of Brighton’s most popular beer gardens.

3. The Old Neptune – Whitstable, Kent

If nothing but a sea view will do, head to The Old Neptune. Known affectionately as the “Neppy”, this rustic pub stands right on the stones of Whitstable beach. The old wooden bar and warped floorboards (from centuries of storms) give it true character. Outside, picnic tables and bench seats sit on the shingle, looking out toward the sea and horizon. Patrons enjoy fresh-air dining here: you might spot raw oysters or seafood chowder arriving at nearby tables, complemented by local ales. According to Time Out, The Old Neptune offers “unobstructed views of the sand, the sea and the watery horizon” – the perfect setting for a pint of Whitstable Bay pale ale. It’s a no-frills, throwback spot: come for the scenery and stay for the authentic maritime atmosphere.

4. The Trout Inn – Oxford, Oxfordshire

A short trip from Oxford’s city centre brings you to this charming riverside pub. The Trout Inn sits beside the tranquil Thames at Port Meadow, with a spacious beer garden right on the riverbank. Time Out says it’s got “the kind of spacious beer garden dreams are made of, with views of the water and Godstow Bridge”. In summer the grassed terrace is dotted with wooden tables and parasols. Meandering punts and rowing boats drift by as customers sip ale or Pimms. The pub itself is a stone-built beauty with ivy on its walls and cosy nooks indoors, but most guests crowd outside under the chestnut trees. Locals often pop in for hearty pub food – think shepherd’s pie or ploughman’s lunch – to enjoy on the lawn. With Oxford’s spires visible in the distance, The Trout Inn’s beer garden feels like a peaceful country retreat just minutes from the city.

5. The Bell at Skenfrith – Monmouthshire (near Abergavenny)

Set on the banks of the River Monnow, The Bell at Skenfrith is a 17th-century coaching inn with a coveted riverside garden. As Time Out describes, it’s “perched on the banks of the Monnow near the border between England and Wales”. The outdoor terrace looks out over verdant Herefordshire hills and a gently flowing stream. An award-winning restaurant fills the old stone building, but the garden is where many linger; you can enjoy a pint of local Herefordshire ale and watch kayakers paddle by. Picnic benches and wildflower borders give it a bucolic feel. This historic pub also boasts a cosy interior with open fires, but on a sunny day the river-view terrace is a draw. The Bell’s combination of excellent food, fine ales and an idyllic setting make it a classic Welsh-English border beer garden.

6. Cutters Wharf – Belfast, Northern Ireland

Cutters Wharf brings beer garden vibes to Belfast’s city centre. This modern pub spans multiple outdoor terraces along the River Lagan, overlooking the water and city skyline. In fact, Time Out calls it a “buzzy bar on the banks of the River Lagan” with live music and “views of the river and the setting sun”. Think of it as a string of river decks furnished with heaters and umbrellas, where friends gather with craft beers (and the occasional seafood chowder) in hand. The waterside location means you’ll see boats drifting and glancing sunrays on the river. Inside is equally relaxed, but many prefer to spill out outside in decent weather. Cutters Wharf proves you don’t need the countryside for a great beer garden – this urban pub delivers a scenic outdoor vibe right in the heart of Belfast.

7. Cold Town House – Edinburgh, Scotland

In Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket area, Cold Town House is a trendy brewpub with one of the city’s best elevated terraces. Known for its in-house craft beers and stone-baked pizzas, its upstairs garden comes with an unbeatable bonus: a direct line of sight to Edinburgh Castle. Time Out notes this spot offers “arguably the best views you’ll find of Edinburgh Castle,” which looms dramatically just a few hundred metres away. The terrace is clothed in wisteria and ambient lights, creating a snug al fresco experience in warmer months. On cooler days, glass partitions and heaters extend the season. Below the terrace, the pub also has outdoor seating at street level. The combination of warming ales, gourmet pub dishes and panoramic castle views makes Cold Town House a top choice for a stylish beer garden in Edinburgh.

8. The Wharf – Manchester, Greater Manchester

Castlefield’s The Wharf is a Manchester pub that feels more like a country tavern beside a canal – and it has one of the city’s largest beer gardens. Despite being right under modern office blocks, The Wharf’s courtyard is leafy and spacious. As one travel guide remarks, “The Wharf… shows that despite its city centre location, a beer garden can still be the selling point”. Multiple terraces and even a boules court extend out toward the canal basin. In summer you’ll often see live acoustic music and pub picnics beside the water. The atmosphere is laid-back: groups of friends sipping beers, families with kids, all enjoying a touch of green in the city. This pub’s blend of rustic charm and urban convenience – plus hearty dishes like fish pie or bangers & mash – makes its outdoor space a true Manchester favourite.

9. The Ship – Wandsworth, London

On the south bank of the Thames in west London, The Ship (a Young’s pub) has one of the Capital’s most popular riverside gardens. This 18th-century pub’s large timber terrace sits right under Wandsworth Bridge, offering framed views upriver. Time Out highlights it as “renowned for its hugely popular riverside beer garden” and notes it serves “some of the best sunset views in London”. Under a marquee of lights, patrons can enjoy cask ales or refreshing gin & tonics with burgers and fish & chips. The scene attracts local office workers and yacht spotters alike. With London’s skyline on the horizon and the Thames flowing gently past, The Ship proves that even in a sprawling city you can have a proper beer-garden experience.

10. The Drunken Duck Inn – Ambleside, Cumbria (Lake District)

Tucked on a rural junction above Ambleside, the Drunken Duck Inn is a famous Lakeland pub with truly expansive views. Cross the road to its grassy beer garden and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic scene of valleys and fells. In Time Out’s words, the pub’s setting lets “fields tumble down into a valley backdropped by purple peaks”. Guests here enjoy seeing sheep and even planes flying low overhead while relaxing on wooden benches. The traditional stone pub itself is cosy and warm inside, but on sunny days everyone heads outside. The Duck is also known for its menu of local produce (think Cumberland sausage, Lake District ales) and friendly staff. For hikers and travellers seeking a picnic-table vista, few Lake District pubs match the Drunken Duck’s combination of hearty fare and epic outdoor views.

These ten beer gardens showcase some of the finest outdoor pub experiences in the UK. Each pub makes the most of its setting – be it a beach, riverbank or city canal – providing a space to soak up sunshine and scenery with a pint in hand. Visitors and locals alike praise their views and relaxed vibes, from the Camel in Cornwall to the mountains of Cumbria. So whenever the weather’s on your side, follow our guide to find a grassy corner or riverside table. You’ll quickly see why al fresco drinking is such a cherished British tradition.