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Great British beer gardens
  • The rose-filled garden at The Three Horseshoes tucked away in the village of Elsted, West Sussex is just delightful. The 16th century country pub looks out across the fields and woods to Harting Downs and the view from inside, where there's an open fireplace and beamed rooms, isn't too bad either! Arrive early in the summer to grab a good spot among the fragranced blooms in the garden. After having a beer - Ballards (brewed nearby), Bowman Wallops Wood and Flowerpots - go for a stroll along the paths surrounding the pub.

  • Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, you'll love the pretty beer garden at The Farmer's Arms in Combe Florey, Somerset. There's an abundance of colourful flowers in bloom filling the air with their perfume in the summer and when it snows, the garden couldn't look more picturesque. Inside the thatched cottage pub you can enjoy locally-brewed ale, fine food and a real country pub atmosphere. You can hear the steam trains of the West Somerset Railway passing nearby and there's a pebbly stream to explore on an afternoon walk. Visit farmersarmsatcombeflorey.co.uk

  • This dining pub with rooms set between the stunning Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons in the book town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales, is a countryside gem with beautiful landscapes on every side. When the weather permits, relaxing at the teak tables on the lawns outside is a must, beyond which there's the glorious kitchen garden, free-range hens and rough grassland running down to a small river. The organic Kitchen Garden provides much of the fruit and vegetables served in meals at the pub and in the summer there are planting days and Kitchen Garden tours followed by a barbeque in the garden. Visit eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk

  • Fancy a riverside drink? The brilliantly-located beer garden at the historic King's Head pub in Wadenhoe is situated along the picturesque River Nene so you can relax under willow trees and watch the colourful narrow boats making their way through the water. You can even arrive at the pub by boat if you want to make an entrance! Inside the 17th century thatched inn there's a games room, a roaring log fire, an attractive dining room and local beers from Digfield. Explore the surrounding countryside on the two long-distance footpaths - the Nene Way and the Lyveden Way - which pass the pub. Visit wadenhoekingshead.co.uk

  • Sitting on the edge of moorland overlooking the Atlantic on the West Cornwall coast is the cosy Gurnard's Head, which adheres to its owners' belief in 'the simplest things in life done well'. There's an array of beers, wines and spirits served in the pub, fresh and seasonal food and comfortable bedrooms with simple decor. The large garden is the perfect place to enjoy the surrounding scenery from the wooden chairs, whether on the patio or further down on the grass. Visit gurnardshead.co.uk

  • For breathtaking views across Scotland's Loch Fyne, head to The Oystercatcher in Otter Ferry, located on the East shore of the loch and part of Argyll's Secret Coast, which is ideally positioned on the beach and has a beer garden for you to make the most of the spectacular surroundings from outside. Fresh food, like Loch Fyne scallops and Isle of Bute steak is served, as well as real Fyne Ales brewed at the top of Loch Fyne. The pub offers free moorings for its customers so you can arrive by water before choosing the best garden spot for drinking and dining outdoors. Visit theoystercatcher.co.uk

  • This 18th century seafront pub and hotel in Broadstairs was a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens and we can see why as it offers lovely sea views from its unrivalled position in the middle of the town. The large terrace and garden overlooking Viking Bay is perfect for relaxing by the beach on a summer day while sipping Shepherd Neame ale and smelling the salty air. There's a pleasant conservatory-style area with wicker-backed dining chairs and glorious views of the sea too - just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. If you fancy spending the night, there are 21 bedrooms at the pub. Visit albionbroadstairs.co.uk

  • Sculptures, trailing ivy and magnificent herbaceous borders adorn the garden at The Sir Charles Napier pub on the edge of the Chilterns in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire. Drink on the pretty terrace under the vines during the summer in the pretty English garden with surrounding trees and colourful blooms all around you. If you fancy a walk after dining in the Michelin-starred restaurant, there are several beech woods walks nearby. Visit sircharlesnapier.co.uk

  • The garden at this Kensington pub used to be frequented by ostlers and coachmen who would grumble while the upper class drank their ale inside. Today, the secret pub garden is one of the most sought-after drinking spots in London, where you can enjoy your drink and food in an ivy-clad, characterful space. There are heated areas and an outside bar so you don't have to keep going inside to get the rounds in. Visit thewindsorcastlekensington.co.uk

  • A haven for food and flower aficionados, the extensive English country garden at this pub in Tavistock, Devon boasts marvellous views over Dartmoor in a peaceful and remote setting. Hanging baskets adorn the whitewashed walls and there's an annual border display of red geraniums and lavender. In the summer there's alfresco dining and the chance to catch a game of cricket on the pub's own cricket ground. There's an adult-only garden too and you can spend the night in one of the three en-suite guest rooms that come with a private patio for intimate dining under the stars. Visit elephantsnest.co.uk

  • The Pandora Inn is a popular tourist destination in Cornwall, England. The medieval pub overlooks Restronguet Creek. Sit on the patio outside or perch yourself further over the water on a floating pontoon and soak in the historic charm.  
  • The Bell is an unspoilt and simplistic family pub. Enjoy a quiet drink in the old-fashioned cottagey garden located beside the village cricket ground. The quaint garden is also home to a paddock of farm animals.  
  • Set in its own 40 acres, 16th century Tarr Farm Inn nestles just above Tarr Steps and the River Barle. Tarr Farm is the ideal location to take advantage of all that Exmoor National Park and North Devon has to offer. From wooded valleys to open moorland, the gardens of Tarr Farm offer idyllic views as far as the eye can see.  

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