Summer drinks? Bath’s best beer gardens

There are few things more delightful than sipping on an ice cold pint while soaking up the sunshine in one of Bath’s best beer gardens.

No-one wants to be huddled up inside a dark oak paneled bar while the sun is shining – that’s what winter is for.

Summer is the time for al fresco drinking and sundowners but it’s not always easy to find pubs and bars with great outdoor space.

So, to help out, we’ve listed the pubs that boast Bath’s best beer gardens.

Most of these pubs are within a short walk of Panda Sanctuaries’ Bath holiday homes while a couple are a longer stroll out of the city centre – but all are worth the effort.

Bath’s best beer gardens for 2019:

The White Hart

Probably our favourite in Bath, the White Hart in Widcombe has a gorgeous walled garden which is so sheltered it acts as a perfect sun trap, even on slightly colder days. The Mediterranean style garden terraces are adorned with colourful creepers, roses, shrubs and herbs which fill the garden with their sweet scents. The fact the pub offers great food, real ales and an extensive wine list is an added bonus.

The Hop Pole

This lovely pub on the edge of Victoria Park labels itself as a ‘country pub in the heart of the city’ and its courtyard garden is one of its biggest selling points. Sheltered behind the pub, away from the road, facing south to catch the sun, this is a perfect place to enjoy one of their selection of Bath Ales on tap.

The Locksbrook Inn

Run by the Bath Pub Company, the Locksbrook Inn benefits from its magical location overlooking the River Avon. It is a half hour walk out of the centre of Bath, along the river on the Bath to Bristol cycle path making it a perfect summer outing. The pub has an extensive south facing riverside terrace, sheltered on three sides which is beautiful spot for some outdoor bevvies or a bite to eat while watching the boaters, cyclists, runners and walkers passing in each direction.

The Hare and Hounds

Another Bath Pub Company outfit, the Hare and Hounds boasts by far the best views of any pub in and around the city. Sitting at the top of Lansdown Hill, overlooking a picture-perfect Cotswold valley with rolling green hills fading into the distance, the pub is surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden. Visitors can choose between the large terrace or take one of the tables dotted across the luscious green lawns. Wherever you settle, the view will not disappoint.

The Boater

This city centre pub is something of a Bath institution, whose riverside beer garden is one of the largest – and the liveliest – in the city. With views across the River Avon towards Bath Abbey and Parade Gardens, it is a lovely spot for some daytime refreshment and at the weekend, as afternoon filters into evening, crowds fill the garden creating a party atmosphere.

Sub 13

It’s not a pub, but this swanky cocktail bar’s garden – or rather ‘champagne terrace’ – deserves a mention. Adorned with fairy lights and comfortable lounge seating, this courtyard garden has enough outdoor heaters to keep it toasty winter and summer alike but is best enjoyed in warm weather with an ice cold mojito.

*If cocktail bars are more your thing, then have a read of our guide to Bath’s best cocktail bars.

The Cork

A lively pub in the heart of the Bath’s historic centre, the Cork has a large patio at the back of the building with plenty of seats. Well placed to catch the afternoon sun, this terrace is which pretty much guaranteed to be a lively spot on a Friday and a Saturday in summer.

So, raise your glasses and let’s a toast a wonderful warm and sunny summer in Bath for 2019.

For other ideas for lovely things to see, do and explore in and around Bath during the summer months, have a look at our top outdoor tips for a minibreak in Bath.