The 12 most beautiful UK beer gardens for pints with views

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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