The exterior beer garden seating area at The Crown & Horseshoes.

The best pub beer gardens in the UK right now

No matter if it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, the pub beer garden is more than just a place to enjoy great food and drink – it’s a British tradition. Dating back to the 1800s, the beer garden has been a place for families and friends to kick back and enjoy the comfort of the pub experience out in the open air.

But with so many options across the country, finding the best beer gardens in the UK can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favourites across all nine regions, north to south, east to west. Ready to find your new favourite spot?

Best pub beer gardens in the North East

The North East is home to beautiful coastlines, storied history and, of course, brilliant pubs and pub beer gardens. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Sunderland, Durham or Newcastle, you’ll find great views, friendly locals and top of the range food and drink. Here’s our list of the best spots for an outdoor beer:

exterior of the veune

The Rosedene, Sunderland

Just a short walk from Seaburn Beach, the Rosedene has a spacious and picturesque beer garden, perfect for when the sun’s shining (and when it’s not.) This pub has a mix of open-air and shaded tables, making it a great choice all year round. And with such a short distance from the beach and Herrington Country Park, it’s one of the best in the North East.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the North East include:

  • The Pack Horse, Burnopfield — Known best for scenic countryside views, hearty pub classics and a cosy garden atmosphere.
  • The Market Tavern, Durham — Known best for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of food and drink, all in a traditional pub setting.
  • The Ravensworth Arms, Lamesley — Known best for its historic charm, family atmosphere and indulgent Sunday roasts.

Best pub beer gardens in the North West

From the bustling city settings of Manchester and Liverpool to the rolling countryside of Cheshire and beyond, the North West is home to all sorts of restaurants, pubs and accompanying beer gardens. Here’s a few of our best picks:

The beer garden of The De Trafford Arms.

The De Trafford Arms, Alderley Edge

Set in the heart of Alderley Edge, Cheshire, the De Trafford Arms is the perfect retreat after a shopping trip, coffee with friends or walk among the village’s many trails. And with a beer garden that matches the historic charm of the pub itself, you can enjoy a drink, snack or main meal with a view.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the North West include:

  • The Bull’s Head, Wilmslow – Known best for its elegant garden setting and impressive gin selection.
  • The Bromfield Arms, Chester — Known best for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious pub classics and proximity to Chester Zoo.
  • The Pump House, Liverpool — Known best for its iconic waterfront location, local history and lively Liverpool atmosphere.

Best pub beer gardens in Yorkshire and the Humber

North of Manchester, you’ll find the stunning rural region of Yorkshire and the Humber. It’s the perfect setting for a humble beer garden, whether it’s a pub in the city centre or a countryside spot. Join us for a drink or delicious pub classic. Here are the best pubs with beer gardens in the region:
Beer garden outside of a pub

The Golden Lion, York

A short stroll from the heart of York, the Golden Lion is just the place to kick back, relax with a beer or catch up with friends. What’s more, it’s just down the road from the famous Shambles and York Minster. Fancy a cask ale in a medieval setting? There’s nowhere better.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in Yorkshire and the Humber include:

  • The Windmill Inn, York — Known best for its cosy countryside charm, great food and a spacious beer garden.
  • The Singing Chocker, Glasshoughton — Known best for its family atmosphere and close distance to Xscape Yorkshire.
  • The Quakerwood, Acomb — Known best for its large outdoor setting, local ales and sports showings.

Best pub beer gardens in the East Midlands

From Nottinghamshire’s vibrant pub scene to hidden gems dotted across quiet market towns, the East Midlands is home to some fantastic pubs and beer gardens. Here’s some of our favourites:

Exterior beer garden of a pub with a seating area.

The Harrington Arms, Long Eaton

The Harrington Arms is the ideal spot for a laid-back afternoon in the East Midlands. Located just near the Erewash Canal, it’s a great place to relax after a scenic riverside walk. Enjoy a refreshing pint in the sunshine and make the most of the seasonal food menu.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the East Midlands include:

  • The Corn Mill, Beeston — Best known for its Riverside views, craft beers and a relaxed ambiance.
  • The Blue Bell, Attenborough — Best known for its setting in nature, dog-friendly beer garden and traditional pub grub.
  • The Nottingham Knight, Ruddington — Known best for its easy access from Nottingham city, wide selection of ales and live sports screenings.

Best pub beer gardens in the West Midlands

The West Midlands is an area rich in art, history and even brewing – and its beer gardens are just as impressive. Whether in Birmingham’s lively cityscape or the quieter outskirts in the countryside, here are some must-visit beer garden spots in the region:

Exterior Beer Garden Seating Area

The Bear Tavern, Smethwick

The Bear Tavern is a pub that personifies the West Midlands — classy, lively and equipped with a spacious beer garden perfect for soaking up the sun. Enjoy a selection of Greene King ales, delicious pub favourites and regular live music nights. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after exploring Birmingham’s history and heritage.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the West Midlands include:

  • The Old House at Home, Harbourne — Best known for its cosy ambiance, great food, and a relaxed beer garden setting.
  • The Malt House, Birmingham — Best known for its location on the side of a canal, its historic charm and Brummy atmosphere.
  • The Lutely Oak, Halesowen — Best known for its family friendly vibe, spacious beer garden and delicious hearty meals.

Best pub beer gardens in the East of England

Known for its stunning countryside and historic cities, the East of England should be on anyone’s list to visit. It’s a place that families and friends can feel comfortable to enjoy food, drink and good times within. This region’s beer gardens are just the icing on the cake:

exterior beer garden

The Woolpack, Norwich

Perched on the banks of the winding River Wensum, The Woolpack hosts a beautiful outdoor beer garden space that is great for enjoying craft ales and classic pub favourites. It’s also just a short walk from Norwich Cathedral, making it a perfect pit-stop after a day of sightseeing.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the East of England include:

  • The Red Lion, Drayton — Best known for its traditional charm, cosy atmosphere, and great local ales.
  • The Waterfront Inn, Diss — Best known for its scenic riverside seating and relaxed countryside feel.
  • The Compleat Angler, Norwich — Best known for its stunning river views and lively pub atmosphere.

Best pub beer gardens in London

England’s capital city is chock-full of history, culture and pubs, both famous and secret — and so many of them come with their own special outdoor space. If you’re looking for the best beer gardens London has to offer, look no further:

Outdoor seating area with umbrellas for shade outside the Round Table

The Round Table, Covent Garden

In the middle of iconic Covent Garden, the Round Table is a historic pub with a secluded beer garden that can act as a peaceful oasis amid the hustle and bustle of central London. It’s the perfect retreat after a theatre show or a day of shopping.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in London include:

  • The Brewmaster, St James’s — Known best for its vibrant atmosphere, great selection of craft beers and central London location.
  • The Shakespeares Head, Soho — Known best for its historic charm, lively Soho locale and great pub food.
  • The Swan, Holborn — Known best as a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the city, providing great food, drink and beer garden experience.

Best pub beer gardens in the South East

From countryside retreats to lively town spots, the South East has all sorts of picturesque and metropolitan beer gardens to explore and enjoy. Here's a few of our favourites of the region:

The exterior of the venue with beer garden seating area at Heathy Farm.

The Heathy Farm, Crawley

A historic pub with a spacious beer garden, the Heathy Farm is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Crawley. Visit this pub to enjoy a selection of cask ales, delicious Sunday roasts and a family-friendly atmosphere with every visit.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the South East include:

  • The Snooty Fox, Three Bridges — Known for its relaxed garden seating and great gin selection.
  • The Old Punch Bowl, Crawley — Known for its historic setting, great for shopping and charming beer garden.
  • The Dorset Arms, East Grinstead — Known best for its cosy atmosphere, live music and quizzes every week.

Best pub beer gardens in the South West

Britain’s South West is known for its stunning coastal views, charming countryside and historic cities. Whether you're exploring Bristol, Exeter or Dorset, there's a Greene King pub and beer garden waiting for you to relax with a cold drink. These are our favourites:

The exterior of the Shakespeare pub

The Shakespeare, Bristol

The Shakespeare is a local favourite in the heart of Bristol. Just down the road from the Hippodrome and the bustling Harbourside, this traditional pub has a spacious beer garden that’s perfect for enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere. With a fantastic selection of cask ales and a menu full of favourites, it’s the ideal spot for a post-theatre pint or a lazy summer afternoon.

Some of our other favourite beer gardens in the South West include:

The Black Horse, Exeter — Known best for its location near Exeter Cathedral and its cosy and luscious beer garden. 
The White Hart, Weymouth — Known best for its coastal views and short distance from Weymouth Harbour.
The White Lion, Frenchay — Known best for its riverside vibe, offering stunning views and family atmosphere.

Greene King beer gardens: what sets us apart?

Outdoor beer gardens should be a welcoming, cosy and entertaining space, no matter when or where you visit us. That’s exactly what we’ve created, in every region of the UK. We take pride in our beer gardens, where you can tuck into a menu of classics, enjoy a bar full of drinks and an unbeatable atmosphere.

Find the best beer gardens near you

When looking for the best beer garden, look no further than Greene King pubs. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local, you’re visiting or you’re just passing through, enjoy and indulge in one of the best beer gardens today.