UK's 30 Best Beer Gardens Revealed for Bank Holiday Heatwave

As Britain enjoys a scorching bank holiday weekend heatwave, there is only one place most of us want to be: stretched out in a sunny beer garden with a pint in hand. Temperatures are expected to soar into the high 20s and could even hit 33°C in parts of the UK, as the Met Office forecasts an ‘exceptional spell of warmth’ lasting right through until Wednesday.

Just in time for the sunny spell, Big 7 Travel has revealed a ranking of the UK’s best beer gardens, spotlighting outdoor drinking spots where you can really make the most of the sunshine. Looking at scenery, atmosphere, customer reviews and popularity with visitors, it showcases everything from waterfront terraces to hidden city courtyards. So, if you are looking to sip, snack and soak up some rays this weekend, these are the perfect pubs to visit.

The Top Beer Gardens in the UK

In at number one, The Clachaig Inn, located in the Glencoe area of the Scottish Highlands. ‘The Clachaig Inn is everything you want in a traditional Highland pub – a cosy setting, incredible views and a rich history, with the pub’s origins dating as far back as the 16th century,’ said researchers. Alongside this, they highlight its menu of local dishes like haggis and over 400 malt whiskies, adding: ‘Set in the heart of the glen and surrounded by mountains on all sides, with some of the best views of Aonach Dubh specifically, there are few pub beer gardens which can rival the views of The Clachaig Inn.’

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Also north of the border, in the Perth and Kinross tourist hotspot of Pitlochry, The Old Mill Inn came second thanks to its adjacent stream and working 18th century waterwheel, while Edinburgh’s Cold Town House followed shortly behind in fourth position. This pub, in the Grassmarket area of the Scottish capital’s Old Town, offers spectacular views from its rooftop, which sits directly below the looming Edinburgh Castle, as well as home-brewed beer and Neapolitan pizzas — everything you need for an afternoon in the sun. The Ben Nevis Inn rounded off the Scottish contingent at 13th. Nestled at the foot of the 4,413ft mountain, the Fort William watering hole was used to house cattle when built in 1806, but nowadays largely caters to hikers.

Only two London spots made the top 30, with Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich crowned the capital’s best but finishing in 18th place overall. Located on the banks of the Thames, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College, punters here can enjoy impressive views and history galore. People’s Park Tavern in Hackney, meanwhile, earned points for size and offering jugs of beer to save on bar trips — but despite being described as ‘marvellous’ by online reviewers, it placed just 22nd in the ranking, which features a number of the country’s most picturesque beer gardens.

Coastal and Countryside Gems

For example, Lake View Garden Bar (third place) is perched just beside Lake Windermere in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while The Ship Inn on the Wales Coast Path (sixth place) overlooks stunning spots like Tresaith Bay and the River Saith waterfall. Coastal locations feature heavily on the list too; in fact, the beer gardens at The Anchor Inn, Seatown, and the Old Neptune in Whitstable — known locally as ‘The Neppy’ — are quite literally on the beach. There were a couple of other urban locations in the winning 30, though, including Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Manchester, beloved for its sun trap location and 1700s Tudor architecture.

Basically, whether you are after sea views, inner-city rooftop drinks or a classic countryside pub, you are spoilt for choice.