Best Beer Gardens with Views in the South West
While Away the Hours in a West Country Pub Garden
There’s no better end to an invigorating springtime walk than the welcome sight of a traditional West Country pub.
We’ve picked out a few of the region’s loveliest beer gardens, all with blissful views, the perfect place to while away the hours on a sunny afternoon.
Idyllic Cornish Beer Gardens…
The Heron Inn, Malpas
Set on the banks of the Tresillian river, the balcony at the The Heron Inn is the perfect place to sit and relax in the sunshine after a walk in the Cornish countryside. The valley is surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodland, a truly idyllic spot where the boats idle by and the wading birds fish. Egrets, curlews, ospreys and herons are all frequent visitors to the river.
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The Ship Inn, Pentewan
With its lovely harbour views and pretty hanging baskets and window boxes, this much-loved 16th century inn lies in the historic fishing village of Pentewan on the South Cornish coast. What better place to sit back and enjoy a pint of locally-brewed real ale and chew the fat ‘till the sun goes down. The Ship Inn also extends its warm and friendly welcome to your four-legged friends.
Fire Engine Inn, Marazion
On a sunny day there’s no finer place to be than sat in the beer garden at the Fire Engine Inn. With magnificent views of the sparkling waters of Mount’s Bay and St Michael’s Mount, this handsome old inn on the hill remains a popular staging post for hungry and thirsty walkers.
The Smugglers’ Den Inn, Trebellan
Tucked away on the North Cornish coast, in the pretty hamlet of Trebellan, is one of the region’s loveliest inns. With its thatched roof, Victorian terrace and blossoming beer garden, The Smugglers’ Den is a welcome sight for any rambler. Surrounded by beautiful Cornish countryside and with views of Holywell Bay and the St Agnes heritage coast, this charming old hostelry is the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon.
The Pandora Inn, near Falmouth
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With its beautiful setting on the edge of Restronguet Creek, it’s easy to see why The Pandora Inn attracts guests from far and wide. From the flagstone floors and low-beamed ceilings to the gorgeous thatched roof, hospitality at this 13th century inn also stretches all the way along its pontoon beer garden where you can enjoy one of the finest views in Cornwall.
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Delightful Pub Gardens in Devon…
The Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay
Nestled in the heart of the South Devon countryside on the banks of Bow Creek lies The Maltsters Arms, a lovely waterside pub with charming views. These quiet backwaters provide the perfect spot to relax under a cloudless sky with a pint of sweet cider gently fizzing while the birds sing in the trees and the sun slowly sets over the rolling Devonshire hills.
The Ferry Inn, Salcombe
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The Ferry Inn is an historic, harbourside tavern with majestic views of the Salcombe estuary from its patio garden. This well-loved yachtsman’s haunt on the ferryboat steps looks across the water towards the golden sands of Mill Bay and Sunny Cove, and the wooded hills beyond. It’s a blissful place to sit and watch the fishing boats gently chug by on a lazy afternoon in the South Hams.
The Tradesman’s Arms, Stokenham
It’s been described as one of the prettiest taverns in South Devon, a compliment that extends to its gorgeous pub garden which overlooks the village green. No more than a mile from Slapton Sands and the sparkling waters of Start Bay, The Tradesman’s Arms is a charming 14th century inn and a lovely place to sit back and watch the world go by.
The Elephant’s Nest Inn, Tavistock
During the vibrant spring and summer months, the beer garden at The Elephant’s Nest is as pretty as a picture with sweeping views across Dartmoor. The inn is surrounded by fabulous walks and offers a warm welcome to both ramblers and their four-legged friends. Pass under the rose arch and cross the bridge to take a seat in one of the loveliest pub gardens on the moors…you might even hear the sound of leather on willow as the inn also has its own cricket team.
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
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Not many pubs can boast an island for a garden! Riddled in smugglers’ history, this tiny watering hole boasts breathtaking views of Bigbury Bay and the surrounding South Devon coastline. If the tide is right, you can walk to The Pilchard Inn on foot across the sand bar, but don’t fret if you lose track of time and the waters are lapping on the rocks, as there’s a famous old sea-tractor ferry to return you back to Ol’ Blighty.
Make plans for a long weekend at one of our delightful holiday cottages in Devon.
Blissful Beer Gardens in Dorset…
The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers
Perched on Lychard bluff above the picturesque village of Worth Matravers is one of Purbeck’s most beguiling pubs. The Square & Compass beer garden commands magnificent ocean views past Seacombe Cliff, a place where you can bask on the grassy slope with a pint of Dorset ale and leave all your troubles behind. The pub is a hotbed for folk music, so don’t be surprised if you end up making an evening of it!
The Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills
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With its breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast and the Isle of Portland, there’s no finer place to be on a sparkling day than The Smugglers Inn beer garden. Another popular haunt and staging post for thirsty walkers, its beautiful garden even has its own stream running alongside, all adding to the charm of this lovely setting. Expect a warm welcome at this quintessential country pub.
The Scott Arms, Kingston
With its gorgeous views of the ruins of Corfe Castle and the dramatic Purbeck coastline, the beer garden at The Scott Arms is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular Dorset countryside. So spellbinding is the panorama here, that the garden also has a mounted telescope for you to gaze through. During the sunnier months, the garden’s griddle is fired up for some delicious Caribbean cuisine accompanied by some calypso musical flavour.
The Alice Lisle, Ringwood
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Don’t be put off by the rather gruesome history behind the pub’s name; Lady Alice Lisle, the last woman to be publicly beheaded in England. Surrounded by beautiful New Forest walks and roaming ponies, The Alice Lisle is adored for its stunning lakeside scenery and is a lovely place to lose yourself during a dreamy afternoon in this enchanting corner of the West Country.
The George, Fordingbridge
Set on the banks of the River Avon on the edge of the New Forest, The George remains one of the most admired waterside inns in Dorset. Sit back on the sun terrace and enjoy high tea while the swans glide downstream under the medieval arches of the town’s famous stone bridge.
Discover the enchanting county of Dorset and the magnificent New Forest when you book a stay with Toad Hall Cottages.
Whether you want to whisk the family away, book a romantic break for two, or reunite with old friends, Toad Hall Cottages can help find your perfect setting.