Groups of people sat at long wooden benches in a beer garden, with trees on the left, rows of lightbulbs overhea, a large sign saying 'The Ship Pub and Dining' and a pink sunset over the river Thames in the background
Photograph: The Ship
Photograph: The Ship

The 12 most beautiful UK beer gardens for pints with views

From riverside pubs to beers on the beach, here’s our pick of the best beer gardens in the UK, all blessed with incredible views

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A beer garden and a great view – it’s a simple combo, but it’s a glorious one. Perched before a blissful vista, cold pint in hand and (hopefully) soaking in some sweet, sweet rays... there are very few places we’d rather be. And now Spring has finally sprung, it’s the ideal time to throw yourself back into outdoor boozing.

The UK has tons of fabulous pubs, so it makes complete sense that plenty of ‘em come with astounding views. If you’d never realised that pebble beaches, grassy plains, city skylines, vast rivers and much more could all be enjoyed from the comfort of a boozer, you’re in for a heck of a ride. Here’s our roundup of the best pub gardens with views in the UK.

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Best UK beer gardens with a view

1. The Watering Hole, Perranporth

For people who grew up in Cornwall, the Watering Hole holds a special place in our hearts. Not only was it the site of many coming-of-age nights out (I bizarrely saw Grandmaster Flash play there circa 2014), it also has one of the best pub views in the whole country. 

While plenty of beer gardens across the UK can claim gorgeous beachside vistas, The Watering Hole is one of very few that are literally on the beach. Plonked right on the Perranporth coast, the CAMRA-recognised boozer serves local Cornish ales to sip while being unusually close to the ocean from its 100-seater alfresco space.

📍Discover the best things to do in Cornwall

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India Lawrence
Contributing writer

2. Fortune of War, Brighton

Brighton’s seafront is a peculiar mish-mash of tacky old fairground rides and classy oyster bars, but there are few places I’d rather be on a sunny day than lazing with a pint, watching this chaotic little world walk by. And the Fortune of War’s seafront beer garden is my favourite spot to do so. They’ve got a solid beer selection and some tasty menu offerings from PizzaFaced, but it’s the sea view that really tops it all off.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Brighton

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Liv Kelly
Contributing Writer
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3. The Old Neptune, Whitstable

If only views of the crashing waves will do, head to The Old Neptune. This much-loved pub stands right on the stones of Whitstable beach. Sit outside with salty shingle underfoot for unobstructed views of the sand, the sea and the watery horizon.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Whitstable

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Ella Doyle
Guides Editor

4. The Trout, Oxford

Perched right on the edge of the River Thames as it runs alongside Port Meadow, this historic Oxford watering hole has the kind of spacious beer garden dreams are made of, with views of the water and Godstow Bridge.

📍Discover the best things to do in Oxford

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5. The Bell at Skenfrith, Abergavenny

Perched on the banks of the Monnow near the border between England and Wales, this seventeenth-century coaching inn has an award-winning restaurant and a selection of Herefordshire brews on its roster. Enjoy idyllic views over the valleys and watch kayakers paddle by from its riverside garden.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Abergavenny

6. Cutters Wharf Bar, Belfast

This buzzy bar on the banks of the River Lagan has three different terraces from which to enjoy live music from Belfast’s best traditional Irish bands, as well as views of the river and the setting sun.

📍Discover the best things to do in Belfast

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7. Cold Town House, Edinburgh

Serving up stone-baked pizzas and beers brewed in-house, this trendy boozer in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket offers arguably the best views you’ll find of Edinburgh Castle. The historic fortress looms right over its picturesque après ski-themed terrace, which is also covered in pretty wisteria buds in early summer.

📍Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

8. By the River Brew Co, Gateshead

No prizes for guessing the whereabouts of this microbrewery and taproom in a complex of renovated shipping containers. Nestled on the banks of the Tyne, this ultra-cool venue is also home to a bicycle repair shop and a Michelin-starred open-fire restaurant, Träkol. There are magnificent views of the Tyne Bridge and the Newcastle quayside from its riverside courtyard.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Newcastle

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9. The Ypres Castle Inn, Rye

This atmospheric, seventeenth-century pub is surrounded by nice things to look at. The beer garden is right in the shadow of Rye Castle’s ancient ramparts, while drinkers facing the other way get views of boats, marshland and the River Rother towards Camber Sands and the coast.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Rye

10. The Ship, Wandsworth

This Young’s-owned pub on the banks of the Thames dates back to 1786. It’s renowned for its hugely popular riverside beer garden, right next to Wandsworth Bridge, and serves up burgers and cocktails alongside some of the best sunset views in London

📍 Discover the best things to do in London

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11. The Drunken Duck, Ambleside

You find this charming boozer on a rural crossroads in the middle of the Lake District. For the best vistas to accompany your pint of Barngates Brewery’s Cat Nap (it’s brewed behind the pub, fyi), cross over the road and bag one of the handful of benches on the grassy verge. In front of you, fields tumble down into a valley backdropped by purple peaks in the distance.

📍 Discover the best things to do in the Lake District

12. The Mayfly, Stockbridge

The pretty Mayfly looks out over the rushing River Test in Stockbridge, in a secluded corner of Hampshire. Its garden stretches along the river’s edge and is pretty sizeable, so a picnic bench with a view is as good as guaranteed. Watch out for trout splashing about in the Test’s clear waters.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Stockbridge

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