By Parkdean Resorts on 06/04/2021
After what feels like a long, cold winter, the sun is finally shining! If there’s one thing us Brits love to do in the summer sun (or cloud), it’s flock to a beer garden and enjoy a refreshing cold drink in the great outdoors. From idyllic village pubs to epic beachside festivals, there’s a beer garden for everyone in the UK.
Pub gardens are opening up from April 12th in England, so grab your sunscreen and see where you could be sipping a cool pint from this spring.
The Historic One
Location: The White Horse Inn - Dover
The first stop on our beer garden journey across the UK is in Dover. One of the town’s oldest pubs, The White Horse Inn is perfect for history enthusiasts. Dating back to 1365, the residence was built under Edward III as a home for the Churchwarden of next door’s St James Church. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, the church gave up the property and it became a public house.
The White Horse Inn’s Beer Garden is Steeped in History - Image Courtesy of The White Horse Inn
Following a renovation in late 2013, the White Horse Inn re-opened its doors as the pub we know it now in early 2014, complete with a sun trap beer garden overlooked by grade II-listed Georgian townhouses, this is the perfect spot to lay your hat (and pick up a glass) after a long day exploring the nearby Pencester Gardens, or a long walk along the beautiful Dover coastline.
Visitors to St Margaret’s Bay Holiday Park will be delighted to hear that the White Horse Inn is just a 10-minute drive away, or a couple of hours’ ramble along the famous White Cliffs. The pub promises a great range of craft beers and draught ales, as well as an extensive seasonal menu with weeknight deals.
The One with the View
Location: The Drift Inn - Isle of Arran
For our next stop, we’re heading to the stunning Isle of Arran for one of the most incredible views you’ll probably ever see from a beer garden. If you’re heading to Sandylands Holiday Park, then be sure to dedicate a day to a trip across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.
Not only is this the perfect way to explore the wonders of Scotland’s seventh largest island, including stunning mountains and awe-inspiring glens, but the isle is also home to The Drift Inn, which boasts one of the most incredible views.
View of The Holy Isle from The Drift Inn, Isle of Arran – Image Courtesy of The Drift Inn
Promising a view of the Holy Isle on a clear day, The Drift Inn is an ideal spot for a bit of lunch and a refresher after a day exploring this iconic Scottish island. The pub also plays host to live music, steak nights and even the traditional pub quiz. We doubt you’ll find anywhere more iconic to sip of an ice cold drink this summer.
To find out more about the ferry trips to the Isle of Arran, including ticket prices and timetables, visit the Caledonian MacBrayne website.
The Beach Lover’s one
Location: The Watering Hole - Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
For our next stop, we’re travelling nearly 600 miles south to the seaside resort of Perranporth in Cornwall. Home to stunning white sand beaches and jagged cliff edges, Perranporth is a popular surfing location and it’s no wonder when you see the next beer garden in our list.
We’re stretching the definition of ‘beer garden’ here, but you’ll let us off when you see The Watering Hole. The incredible venue is not only an awesome beach bar and restaurant, but it also plays host to some fantastic events including Tunes in the Dunes Festival, as well as live music from the likes of British drum ‘n’ bass duo Sigma, national treasure Jools Holland and hip-hop legends The Sugarhill Gang & the Furious Five – and that’s just a snippet this summer’s line-up!
Visitors to Holywell Bay and Crantock Beach Holiday Parks will be pleased to hear The Watering Hole can be reached within 20 minutes by car, and is the perfect spot for all the family to enjoy refreshments after a day on the beach.
Video courtesy of Joshua Timmins
The One for Seafood Lovers
Location: The Jolly Fisherman - Craster, Northumberland
Home of the smoked kipper, cliff-edge coastal walks and stunning views, the small Northumberland village of Craster is our next stop on our tour of UK beer gardens. Known for its famous ‘Craster crabs’, the Jolly Fisherman has a perfectly curated menu filled with delicious local seafood served alongside home-baked breads and wholesome soups.
View from the beer garden at The Jolly Fisherman - Photo © Bill Boaden (cc-by-sa/2.0)
As for the menu, The Jolly Fisherboard comes highly recommended, as the perfect way to taste everything the North Sea has to offer – all on one plate. What better way to spend a day on the award-winning Northumberland coast than to enjoy crab pot, tasty kippers, smoked salmon, amongst other delicious seafood treats, while overlooking the choppy North Sea? Don’t forget your coat and walking boots, as there’s no better way to work off a fishy feast than with a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, a 14th-century landmark that juts out from the North East coastline.
Regardless of the weather, there’s always a welcoming atmosphere at the Jolly Fisherman, which has been recently refurbished and boasts a wood-burning fire in the winter months. Even dogs are welcome at the Jolly Fisherman, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at your caravan if you’re staying at Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, which is just a half an hour drive away.
The Lakeside One
Location: The Angel Inn - Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
It’s hard to miss the crowds that flock to our next beer garden each summer. As one of the most famous pubs in the Lake District, The Angel Inn in Bowness-on-Windermere does not disappoint. Walking distance from Fallbarrow Holiday Park, and just a ten minute drive from Limefitt and White Cross Bay, The Angel Inn is a great place to visit on a sunny day while visiting England’s largest natural lake.
The Angel Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere – Image Courtesy of The Angel Inn
The Cosy One
Location: Cosy Corner Lounge - Porthcawl
Our next pick sits in the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl, which has been a popular family holiday destination for generations. Home to Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl boasts everything you could ever want from a beach break in the UK. From the bustling promenade to fish ‘n’ chips, and ice cream parlours to The Grand Pavilion, you’ll never be short of ways to fill the sunny days.
Cosy Corner Lounge, Porthcawl
Nestled in the heart of Porthcawl, you’ll find this hidden gem. With a stunning view across the seafront, Cosy Corner Lounge has a fantastic beer garden where you can enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast, a slap-up Sunday dinner or just a refreshing drink after a long day enjoying the Welsh seaside.
There you have it! These are our top beer gardens to visit in the UK. We’d love to hear about your favourite alfresco spots on our Facebook page.