A real highlight of ours on a pleasant summer’s day is sitting in a beer garden sitting over a cold drink and simply relaxing and taking in your surroundings. There is nothing better than a good beer garden, especially if they are a sun trap. They are where most people want to be on a hot day.
Our spring, summers and autumns are so much better outdoors, they make the experience more enjoyable. There is nothing nicer than lounging in a beer garden, with the sun shining, a cold drink in hand, a leisurely bite to eat and an open space to soak up the sun and unique and welcoming atmosphere.
If the location is by the coast even better, especially if you have had an active day by the beach. If it has stunning water views, even better.
We do love an al fresco tipple or two with family or friends and thought it only fair to share our favourite spots with you.
Watering Hole – Perranporth
Enjoying a unique setting right on the beach, it is no wonder this iconic establishment tops many polls.
Strictly not a beer garden but a beer beach! It stills ticks all the boxes. The sea view terrace has the most incredible views of the sprawling beach and rolling waves.
It has an extremely cool, laid-back vibe. The food is excellent and served most of the day; they also serve an impressive range of beers, ales and cocktails, from the St Austell Brewery.
There is nowhere better to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand and the sand between your toes. It is the ultimate place to chill out.
There is live music all year round with some fantastic entertainers playing, you might even catch a well-known band/singer.
https://www.thewateringhole.co.uk
Old Coastguard – Mousehole
The sub-tropical palm-filled garden of the Old Coastguard has lush lawns that run gently down to the harbour wall. Sit on the terrace sipping your favourite tipple as you enjoy views of St Michael’s Mount, the Lizard and the tiny isle of St Clement’s.
The sea breeze, stunning views and exceptional food add to the overall laid-back vibe. You will feel thoroughly comfortable and relaxed sitting in the verdant gardens and listening to the sounds of the sea, you might even spot a dolphin or seal playing in the waves.
http://www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk/
Fort Inn – Newquay
You will discover this gem on the edge of Newquay Town here you can enjoy the stunning views along this lovely stretch of coast from inside and outside.
A welcoming pub with impressive views of the harbour and Newquay bay beaches. Extensive selection of drinks, creative cocktails and the broad menu features classic pub favourites with interesting specials.
The beer garden is on a large terrace and is a real sun trap. There is an outdoor playground to keep children entertained.
The perfect spot to relax on a sunny day.
Pandora Inn – Falmouth
This charming, thatched 13th century inn occupies an enviable location on the banks of the Restronguet Creek, a really special setting.
You have the options of arriving by car, bike, foot or boat! There is a pontoon, where boats can pull up and moor.
The incredible views are almost topped by the excellent food made using the freshest, local, seasonal produce.
There is plenty of space on the pontoon where you are literally overlooking the water, get comfortable and tuck into delicious food and a glass of wine from their extensive wine menu. Food is served daily and features a selection of seafood dishes, and fresh seafood is delivered daily.
A hidden gem here in Cornwall. On a sunny day there is nowhere nicer to sit and enjoy a leisurely drink, watching the boats go by or birds bobbing on the water. Plus, the children can go crabbing off the edge of the pontoon, you can pick up crabbing gear from the bar.
Dog friendly too.
The Golden Lion – St Ives
A classic 18th-century coaching inn nestled in the centre of the historic and picturesque town of St Ives. A warm welcome awaits visitors to this charming inn.
The menu features honest pub food. There is a broad range of wines, beers and local ales and ciders to choose from.
The beer garden at the rear of the property is not huge but is a real sun trap, bordered by flowers, and has a lively atmosphere. The courtyard garden is heated so even if it’s a cooler day you can still enjoy this outdoor space.
Regular live music and sports are a feature here at the weekends.
Dogs are allowed in the beer garden.
https://www.thegoldenlionhotel.co.uk/
The Oystercatcher Bar – Polzeath
This charming pub has an enviable location on a hill overlooking the glorious Polzeath beach and coastline. The Oystercatcher has a warm and cosy atmosphere and is very welcoming.
The menu features a selection of pub classics, and dishes are made using the freshest seasonal ingredients, you are in for a treat when dining here. Choose from a range of award-winning beers and ales from St Austell Brewery, wines and spirits. If coffee is your thing, they serve their own coffee blend, hand-roasted in Cornwall.
The outdoor terrace makes the most of the commanding coastal views, with panoramic views of the beach. There is plenty of seating and covered tables are available. It is the perfect spot for al fresco dining. Somewhere to sit back and relax with a cold glass of your preferred tipple, listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze.
The sunsets are fabulous and worth hanging around for.
There is live music most Saturday nights.
Dog friendly too.
https://oystercatcherpolzeath.co.uk/
The First and Last Inn- Sennen
A lovely traditional country inn, dating back to the 17th century with exposed smuggler’s tunnel. It is one of the most famous Inns in Cornwall with a fascinating history and notorious reputation in olden days. Today the smugglers are well gone, and a friendly atmosphere awaits visitors.
The garden is sheltered and a lovely retreat during the warm weather.
Food is served daily, you can expect excellent home-cooked classic pub favourites made using fresh, local ingredients. There is a good selection of drinks along with a couple of guest ales.
There is usually a band playing on a Saturday night.
A new children’s play area will entertain young visitors whilst you enjoy a drink in the peace and quiet.
http://www.firstandlastinn.co.uk/
Bird in Hand Pub & Brewery – Hayle
This gem is located just outside of Paradise Park and is the perfect stop off. The Victorian building was formerly a stable and coach house but was converted into a pub in 1976 and adapted to its new purpose perfectly.
A genuine old-fashioned pub, with a good selection of drinks, including their own blend, Paradise Bitter.
The large beer garden is a lovely spot when the sun shines. In addition they do regular barbeques during the summer. The ideal spot to sit back and relax with your choice of drink. Children will be entertained by the go karts.
The menu features traditional favourites, light bites, veggie and daily specials; the food tastes amazing and is excellent value for money. On a Sunday they serve a fantastic Sunday roast.
Dog friendly too.
https://birdinhandhayle.co.uk/
The Bowgie Inn- West Pentire
Located between two super beaches, Crantock and Polly Joke, its location perched on the West Pentire headland is enviable and boasts incredible unspoilt panoramic sea views, sure to put a smile on your face. It is unquestionably a picturesque spot.
There is a plenty of outdoor seating, including a glass screened deck and covered tables, all with fabulous views. It is such a relaxing spot just sitting there, listening to the waves, soaking up the sun’s rays and absorbing the lovely atmosphere. Stay to catch a sunset, simply stunning.
If you can drag your eyes from the glorious views, the menu features rustic pub grub with traditional favourites and uses Cornish ingredients where possible. Enjoy a pint from St Austell Brewery’s range or a cold glass of something delicious. Food is served daily and all day during the school holidays.
Pet-friendly too.
https://www.bowgie.com/cornwalls-best-beer-garden
The Working Boat Inn – Falmouth
This is a lovely traditional pub with a fantastic location on the waterfront overlooking the Fal River and has its own private quay; so if you have your own boat, you can sail up. It is a unique spot.
The beer garden really comes alive in the spring/summer months with a vibrant and casual vibe. It enjoys a buzzing pub atmosphere. During the summer months there is a marque, or mar-quay as it is affectionally known, that provides covered outdoor entertaining. In cooler weather the patio heaters keep you nice and toasty.
There are stunning views of the Falmouth estuary and across to Flushing. The staff are friendly, and you can look forward to great pub grub, as well as a good selection of drinks or try their own brew, the Working Boat.
You can get a water taxi at the end of the jetty, no designated driver needed!
Shipwrights Arms – Helford
A hidden retreat nestled on the banks of the beautiful River Helford, this delightful Cornish pub has stunning views of the river and surrounding rolling countryside. A lovely small traditional pub with a thatched roof and is full of charm.
Their outdoor terrace overlooks the water, a very relaxing setting. Whilst chilling outside with a glass of something cold, you can watch the boats go by or observe the birds.
On dry days during the summer the outside pizza kitchen is open and serves up delicious stone baked pizzas. The creative menu features tasty wholesome dishes and specials; seafood dishes are dependent on what the local fishermen catch that day.
Live music nights are popular.
You can moor at their pontoon or get a foot-ferry from the Helford Passage.
Children will enjoy jumping off the quay into the water.
An idyllic and tranquil setting with a friendly atmosphere.
Dog friendly too.
http://www.shipwrightshelford.co.uk/
If like us you are a beer garden fan, we hope you enjoyed our suggestions.