With summer nearly in sight, all our thoughts are towards finally being able to enjoy a G&T or an icy cold pint in a pub garden. No matter what your tipple of choice, there are so many beautiful pub gardens in the Cotswolds to enjoy, from Worcestershire to Oxfordshire and everywhere in between. Imagine the feeling of the sun’s rays on your skin while you enjoy some pretty scenery in the heart of the Cotswolds. See the following list for an idea also of the Cotswold pubs with the best grub, from pub snacks to delicious meals. Without further ado, here’s my guide to the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds.
The Bell, Langford
A beautiful inn near the pretty village of Burford, The Bell at Langford offers one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. The large beer garden overlooks the glorious Oxfordshire countryside, and is the perfect little space for enjoying a drink and some delicious food in the English sunshine. Offering a modern country pub vibe, the menu at The Bell in Langford must be sampled. Feast on its hearty British menu with dishes like beer battered fish and fries, and Chicken Milanese with green beans and parmesan. Their pub garden’s pizza oven serves up the perfect accompaniment to their straightforward wine, beer, and spirits selection.
Looking for somewhere to stay in the Cotswolds? Check out my guide to the best hotels in the Cotswolds.
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach
A beautiful pub clad with Virginia Creeper, The Wheatsheaf is nestled in the heart of the Gloucestershire market town of Northleach. A seventeenth century coaching inn, The Wheatsheaf Inn has one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. It has the most beautiful pub garden for the summer months, with a tiered cottage garden designed by Max Asknew. It’s the perfect place for enjoying some delicious cold drinks and a seasonal food menu while enjoying the views of the British countryside. Feast on tasty dishes like a traditional Sunday roast, grilled lemon sole, or the daily pie with creamed potato, green beans, and a red wine jus.
The Maytime Inn, Asthall
When it comes to the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, it doesn’t get much better than The Maytime Inn near Burford. Set in the rolling Oxfordshire countryside, The Maytime Inn’s award-winning pub garden has its very own outdoor gin bar and boules pitch. Enjoy this Cotswold pub set off the beaten track in the pretty village of Asthall and settle in for the pretty views over the countryside. It’s a great spot for al fresco dining, live music, a gin menu featuring over a hundred gins, and delicious menus. Feast on tasty dishes like fish pie, burgers, and steaks served with hand cut chips.
The Mill Inn, Withington
For a quintessentially British pub, head to The Mill Inn in Withington. Situated a little outside of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, it’s a beautiful old Cotswold pub with a mossy stone roof and plenty of character. One of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, it has a large, idyllic pub garden with a stream that runs through it. Enjoy a walk through the countryside before settling at a table, ordering your drinks and enjoying one of their famed basket meals including chicken and scampi. Children and dogs are welcome, making it the perfect place to stop by at the weekend.
The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden
Located in the beautiful Gloucestershire village of Chipping Campden, The Ebrington Arms is one of the most celebrated pubs in the region, and undoubtedly has one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. In fact, it has recently picked up a multitude of awards, including ‘the UK’s Most Instagrammable Country Pub’. They’ve also picked up two AA rosettes, and won the CAMRA North Cotswolds ‘Pub of the Year’. It’s a wonderful stop off when out exploring the Cotswold countryside, and has a gorgeous open garden for the summer months. The range of beers is excellent, as are the food menus. Sample dishes like crispy hake Kiev and shorthorn beef sirloin and cheek and see for yourself.
The Angel, Burford
The Angel is set just off the beautiful High Street in the pretty town of Burford in Oxfordshire. Offering a wonderful pub garden to enjoy the sunshine of England’s summer months, it’s a great place to settle in for the afternoon. Boasting Cotswold charm, its stunning walled garden has a sun terrace which was completely landscaped, offering the perfect sun trap for enjoying a few drinks. Despite having one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, it also offers a friendly welcome and delicious food and drinks. Check out the pub menu, which features favourites like sirloin steak, the Angel burger, and Hooky beer battered fish.
The Old Swan and Minster Mill, Minster Lovell
Located across 65 acres of beautiful Cotswolds grounds in the stunning Oxfordshire village of Minster Lovell, the bar of Minster Mill sits next to its sister pub, the Old Swan. One of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, the grounds combine meadows with wild flowers, woodland, gardens, and an old mill. It’s the most idyllic spot for enjoying a few al fresco drinks in the summer. In the upmarket three AA rosette restaurant, you’ll discover traditional British cuisine which you can enjoy outside alongside fine wines and champagnes. In the more low key pub at the Old Swan, you can enjoy the outdoor terrace and pretty gardens while enjoying food from their classic Pie and Brew menu.
The Trout Inn, Tadpole Bridge
Located on the River Thames in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, The Trout Inn has one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. Perfect on an English summer day, The Trout is actually one of the few pubs you can visit by boat. Situated on the historic Tadpole Bridge in the Cotswolds, The Trout has a fascinating history thanks to its roots in the seventeenth century. It’s the most beautiful little spot for escaping reality in the peaceful countryside, and enjoying food and drink al fresco. Feast on dishes like creamy chicken and leek pie, British brisket burger, or an excellent Sunday roast in the picturesque Cotswold pub garden.
The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Located in arguably the Cotswolds’ most beautiful villages of Lower Slaughter, The Slaughters Country Inn has one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. You’ll discover the prettiest pub garden and terrace for the summer months, situated on the banks of the River Eye. Here, you can enjoy a wide selection of local ales in the sun while watching the world go by from the huge garden and patio. Enjoy a country walk around the Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-Water before settling down with a cold drink. The menu is locally sourced where possible and delicious. Discover dishes like vintage cheddar mac and cheese, Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages and mash, and shiitake and black garlic risotto.
The Swan Inn, Ascott-Under-Wychwood
The Swan Inn in Ascott-under-Wychwood is beautifully decorated throughout, as well as having one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. It boasts a gorgeous courtyard garden with picnic benches that are perfect for lounging on in the summer months and enjoying drinks with friends. They even have Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis on tap. Located near the pretty Oxfordshire town of Chipping Norton, it’s a cosy English pub that also has an al fresco dining area. Within this Cotswolds pub garden, enjoy delicious dishes from their contemporary British menu. Try delicious dishes like pork belly with black pudding, poached turbot and truffle gnocchi, and bavette steak with peppercorn sauce.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
One of the most iconic venues in the beautiful Worcestershire town of Broadway, The Lygon Arms has undoubtedly one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. Arrive into Broadway on a sunny day and settle into their courtyard for a spot of al fresco dining and drinking. They have an extensive wine list for sampling – all while you enjoy the incredible history of this legendary hotel. Enjoy a delicious meal while you sit in their Cotswold pub garden – there’s a real focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss the incredible Beef Wellington, venison loin, or the north Cotswold ale battered cod and chips.
The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold
Located in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds town of Stow-on-the-Wold, you’ll discover The Old Stocks Inn. Dating back to the seventeenth century, it’s a coaching inn that has bags of character, as well as one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. Arguably one of the Cotswolds’ best kept secrets, The Old Stocks Inn’s private pub garden dates back to over two hundred years ago. It’s the perfect spot for some al fresco drinks and dinner. Sip on a refreshing drink in the pub garden from the extensive wine and cocktail menus. Dishes from the kitchen include a delicious pan fried fish fillet in a caper and shrimp butter sauce, seared sirloin with potato terrine, and roast squash arancini.
The Hollybush, Witney
The Hollybush is a wonderful pub serving excellent British cuisine in the heart of the pretty little market town of Witney in Oxfordshire. As well as offering delicious modern classics made with locally sourced ingredients, The Hollybush has one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. It has a lovely terrace that’s perfect for the summer months – ideally particularly for enjoying a few glasses of fizz and a Sunday roast outside. They also have a variety of bookable garden dining houses – each can fit up to 6 people. They’re a perfect choice for cosy dining in the pub garden, especially for private celebrations and birthdays. Enjoy a tipple while soaking in the scenery, all while surrounded by fairy lights. Don’t miss their delicious pub menu – the pie of the week with clotted cream mash and greens is to die for.
The Mount Inn, Stanton
Nestled in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, The Mount Inn is a short journey away from the gorgeous Cotswold town of Broadway. A traditional village pub, it is set in beautiful grounds in which to enjoy a local beer or two. As the pub’s name suggests, it is set on a mount in the idyllic village of Stanton. From one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, you can enjoy incredible views across the Vale of Evesham, the Malvern Hills, and the Black Welsh mountains. It really is a beautiful place to enjoy dinner and drinks with a view of the Cotswolds countryside. The Mount Inn’s food menu included delicious locally sourced dishes like scampi and chips, roasted partridge, and Cajun salmon salad. A stone’s throw from the Cotswold Way trail, the pub garden is perfect for a spot of al fresco dining while the sun sets.
The Feathered Nest Inn, Nether Westcote
The star attraction of The Feathered Nest Inn is undoubtedly its grounds – one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. Set on a hill near the village of Nether Westcote, The Feathered Nest boasts unrivalled views across the Cotswolds, overlooking the Evenlode Valley and beyond. It’s the most spectacular spot for enjoying al fresco drinks and dinner after a walk through the Cotswolds. The pub offers a delicious British menu, crafted using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Choose dishes from their incredible selection, like whole roasted native lobster with hollandaise sauce, and Chateaubriand with wild mushrooms, fries, and roasted broccoli. To wash it all down, there’s an excellent choice of real ales, wines, champagnes, and gin to choose from while you enjoy the views of the Cotswold countryside.
The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell
The Crown Inn is set in the beautiful Cotswold village of Frampton Mansell, in between Stroud and Cirencester. Dating back to the seventeenth century, it’s steeped in local history having begun as a cider house. An idyllic village pub, it also boasts one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds. Its garden is the perfect sun trap for enjoying an al fresco pint or two. The home-cooked food menu should also not be missed. Main dishes include Gloucester Old Spot sausage with mash and gravy, brioche beef burger, and rump steak with thick cut chips and salad. The Crown Inn also offers an excellent menu of locally brewed real ales to enjoy. In the summer months, head here for a cold drink and panoramic vistas across the valley.
That’s my guide to the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds! Are there any pub gardens I’ve missed from my list? Let me know in the comments below if there are any I should add.
